There can be no compromise with war; it cannot be reformed or controlled; cannot be disciplined into decency or codified into common sense.
Jeannette RankinRead
The most important accomplishment, I believe, was my voting against the First World War.
Interpretation
Jeannette Rankin emphasizes the significance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of widespread opposition.
In this quote, Jeannette Rankin reflects on the courage required to vote against the First World War when such a decision was unpopular. It highlights the importance of personal conviction and moral integrity in the face of societal pressures, suggesting that true accomplishment lies not in conforming to the majority, but in adhering to oneβs principles.
In practice
During a speech on the importance of civic duty, I referenced Rankin's quote to inspire others to participate in voting.
There can be no compromise with war; it cannot be reformed or controlled; cannot be disciplined into decency or codified into common sense.
As a woman I can't go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else.
I worked for suffrage for years, and got it. I've worked for peace for 55 years and haven't come close.
Small use it will be to save democracy for the race if we cannot save the race for democracy.
I want to stand by my country, but I cannot vote for war.
It will be hard to convince people that their welfare is safe in the hands of a federal government when they feel themselves the victims of unjust sectional discrimination.
What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.
You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.
And whatever our faith - whatever our faith, one belief should bind us all: The measure of our character is our willingness to give of ourselves for others and for our country.
Don't be afraid of new arenas.
At the women's march, we held signs that said, 'Today we march, tomorrow we run.' They didn't believe us, but it's coming to pass.
For every woman and girl violently attacked, we reduce our humanity. For every woman forced into unprotected sex because men demand this, we destroy dignity and pride. Every woman who has to sell her life for sex we condemn to a lifetime in prison. For every moment we remain silent, we conspire against our women. For every woman infected by HIV, we destroy a generation.
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