Friday Poem

Environmental & Science Education, STEM, Art and Environment, Poetry

Ed Hessler

Good morning from Saint Paul, MN. August 21st is the 234th day of the--63.93% of the year has passed. Sunrise is at 6:22 am and sunset is at 8:05 pm giving us 13 h 45 m 53 s of daylength. Twelve days from today Meteorological Fall begins (9-1) and in 33 days it is the Autumnal Equinox (9-22). One sure thing is ahead--the continued loss of light. In his weather column on August 18 in the Star Tribune, meteorologist Paul Douglas noted that between August 31 and October 18, 3-plus minutes will be lost daily.

Today's quote. "Dear Son: Hurrah and vote for Suffrage and don’t keep them in doubt. I noticed Chandlers' speech, it was very bitter. I’ve been watching to see how you stood but have not seen anything yet ... Don't forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Thomas Catt’ with her "Rats." Is she the one that put rat in ratification, Ha! No more from mama this time.--On August 18, 1920, Republican Harry Burn, the youngest member of the Tennessee legislature, had this note in his coat pocket when he voted--the deciding vote:49 to 48--in favor of ratification of the 19th Amendment.  He had been expected to vote against it. By the way, he handily won re-election and went on to hold many public offices during his life. 

Today's poem by Marilyn Chin  marks the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution 100 years ago on August 18. It states that "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."