#Point2Ponder: Learning From Our Mothers
My favorite founding mother: Mercy Otis Warren. Why don’t we know her? She gave so much so we could be free!
Mercy was the first American Woman playwright. She wrote Shakespearian style plays in the form of satire to poke fun at the British politicians and encourage the Liberty movement. If you are interested in this style of writing may I suggest Mercy’s play “The Ladies of Castile” it is brilliantly written.
In the preface of this play she included a letter she wrote:
“The nations have now resheathed the sword; the European world is hushed in peace; America stands alone: — May she long stand, independent of every foreign power; superior to the spirit of intrigue, or the corrupt principles of usurpation that may spring from the successful exertions of her own sons: — May their conduct never contradict the professions of the patriots who have asserted the right so human nature; nor cause a blush to pervade the cheek of the children of the martyrs who have fallen in defence of the liberties of their country.” Mercy Otis Warren A letter to a young gentleman in Europe, February 20, 1784
Mercy was very concerned about the role of women in politics. In both plays she placed women at the center of political upheavals. Although she did not believe that women should divorce themselves from politics. Through her characters Mercy suggests that a healthy republic required politically conscious women who were willing to make sacrifices for the public good.
Mercy was the first American woman historian. She wrote the most brilliant history of our War for Independence ever written! It is a three volume set titled “The Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution.” It is a must read for anyone interested in an original source history.
Mercy was such a strong leader and patriot. She a valued confidant to Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and many of the men and women who were our Liberty fighters. Abigail Adams said that Mercy was “a sincere lover of [her] country” and that Mercy was so grieved by Great Britain’s actions that she felt her nation to be “oppressed and insulted”.
Mercy is still a great source of strength and comfort for me today. It is inspirational to know that what her words and actions are available today to encourage a new movement of Liberty, built of the courageous women she hoped for and the resolved men she would love.
“I have my fears. Yet, notwithstanding the complicated difficulties that rise before us, there is no receding; and I should blush if in any instance the weak passions of my sex should damp the fortitude, the patriotism, and the manly resolution of yours. May nothing ever check that glorious spirit of freedom which inspires the patriot in the cabinet, and the hero in the field, with courage to maintain their righteous cause, and to endeavor to transmit the claim to posterity, even if they must seal the rich conveyance to their children with their own blood.”
Mercy is just one of the heroines that our sons and daughters are denied through this modern, progressive education system. We should be ashamed that someone like Mercy is ignored. But I do believe it shows the hypocrisy of the “women’s right’s movement.” If they really wanted to teach about brilliant, powerful, and independent women, Mercy would be on the top of their list!
Learn more about Mercy and other founding mothers here: http://goo.gl/uiJA0w
A book to TEACH our Youth about these forgotten founders: http://goo.gl/6LYfCT
#MothersDay #Moms #ThanksMom #womensrights #WomenWhoInspire