“Women are the real architects of society.”
— Cher
Yes, I know. The current list of women to replace or join Alexander Hamilton on the 2020 $10 dollar bill is longer than the 2016 Republican candidate lineup. So far, it includes Harriet Tubman, Margaret Sanger, Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosa Parks — Mainers are even advocating for former Sen. Margaret Chase Smith — and it’s still growing.
These are heroic, admirable women, each one deserving of becoming an icon in your wallet.
The smart set is suggesting dropping the silly $10 bill idea. It’s not only demeaning to women, but really, 10 bucks? What woman would go shopping with less than $20? You give a 10-buck tip to the valet parking guy in any big city, and you’d get a used Vespa back instead of your Mercedes. Nowadays, kids get more than that for a loose tooth.
The aforementioned women are great. But can’t we color, just a bit, outside of the lines and brighten up the filthy lucre for the next generation? Most of your grandkids won’t even be using paper cash anyway, and paper money will be in the museum alongside the Confederate battle flag.
So, for humor’s sake, I’ve prepared a list of my suggestions for your viewing pleasure.
HILLARY CLINTON
I know, I know, but even one or two prominent Republicans think she stands a very good chance of being the first woman president of the United States. Should it happen, I would think that that alone, even without her long and splendid career, would make her deserving of a space on the cash.
SUSAN COLLINS
Actually, my favorite Republican. She’s been a good sport and rather well balanced. She voted yes on expanding hate crimes to sexual orientation, and voted yes on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. I must add that she is a snappy dresser, plays well with others, and looks fabulous in blue.
RUTH BADER GINSBURG
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. In addition to all we do know about this tiny, iconic legal hammer in black, she has spent a considerable portion of her legal career as an advocate for the advancement of women’s rights. She’s fabulous; she’s Ruth. Go Ruthie.
MERYL STREEP
Mary Louise (Meryl) Streep epitomizes the role of powerful independent women in film, is regarded as one of the greatest film actors of all time, and has more Oscar nominations than any actor or actress in history. Meryl also wears the 2010 National Medal of Arts and the 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
CARLI LLOYD
The dazzling, fleet-footed, female soccer player of the century whose whirlwind footwork in the first 16 minutes of the most watched sporting event in history ran the score against Japan up to 4-0. We can’t get the entire super team on one bill, so Carli is my choice.
ROSIE THE RIVETER, 1943
Rosie embodied not only the can-do spirit of wartime America, but she became the symbol of women’s rights in the workplace that still grows today. Let’s face it: World War II put American women on the assembly lines in American industry, and they’re still there.
MOTHER JONES, 1837-1930
The 5-foot-tall woman in a black dress and lace collar, a fearless fighter for worker’s rights. She was once called “the most dangerous woman in America” by a U.S. attorney. She famously said, “I have been in jail more than once, and I expect to go again. If you are too cowardly to fight, I will fight for you.”
ELLEN DEGENERES
Yes, she’s our Ellen, a major spokeswoman for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. She’s funny, smart, a good writer and producer, but most importantly, a special envoy to Global AIDS Awareness. Boy, wouldn’t she brighten up that dull green bill?
HARPER LEE
The Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who gave us “To Kill a Mockingbird” and spoke out about race issues during the black days of the ’60s.
HATTIE McDANIEL
One of the memorable character actresses in movie history. African-American Hattie McDaniel was awarded the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress 75 years ago for her great role as “Mammy” in “Gone With the Wind.” That night she had to get permission to even enter the hotel where the ceremony was being held. To make matters worse, she was not allowed to sit at the table with the stars and was relegated to a table at the back of the room. In addition, she was banned from the movie’s premiere in Atlanta, Georgia.
THE AMERICAN SINGLE PARENT
A woman working two or three jobs at minimum wage. Look around you from Portland to Bangor and across the nation and just pick one. I know you know one.
There’s my list. What’s yours?
J.P. Devine is a Waterville writer.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
