To the editor:
I am writing in response to Stuart Diamond's letter (the Times, Saturday, April 21.
Mr. Diamond jokes and fails to understand the impact upon women that Selectman Sandy Jacques' disparaging remark has made as Jacques attempts to lead his town in a supposedly responsible way.
Jacques' remark to Sarah Wilkinson — for whatever reason, in my opinion — was uncalled for and irresponsible. He will not get my vote and, as I go about town, I know of no women who will give him a pass.
To add his insult to injury, Stuart Diamond's remarks in the paper are a total put-down to all women.
Does Jacques not know (especially as he is in administration for our town) that women have fought since 1846 in a public way to become equal citizens under the law? Is he not to represent both genders? Are women just not equal enough yet?
Are we to be put in our place ... perhaps in the "kitchen?"
In the past, women were regarded as chattel. At most, they were considered to be second-class citizens and seemed to not deserve mention for any accomplishment in any history book in the 19th century. Women's suffrage and its demand for equality began to take shape with the realization that women of the past drowned in smothering restrictions and women knew that more appreciation for their contributions to society needed to surface.
In reality, they thought, it would behoove society in general to realize that women, in reality, are anything but second class.
It was not until 1981 that our U.S. Congress passed a resolution declaring such daring circumstance as the formulation of Women's History Month!
That month, March, has just passed and there is much written now concerning the contributions that women have made forever. History books and Internet documents abound with information about the women's movement.
I would suggest that Mr. Jacques and Mr. Diamond acquaint themselves with women's history and I suggest, also, that they read something concerning social graces.
I was appalled that Mr. Diamond let people verbally abuse him throughout his life and, as he writes, he never took anyone to task. My goodness!
Pleased be advised that since we women now have the vote, we can decide who we want as selectmen.
Isn't that wonderful?
MARY JANE LANE
Rockport
