“Jeannette Rankin” the chambers echoed her name Jeanette stayed silent. She has spent the entire time in this chamber fighting to say something, but right now all she wanted to be is ignored, not noticed. She had about 2 minutes before she must tell her answer to the Congress. The answer that everyone was fighting to convince her to change. Constantly telling her, “It will be better for your career,” “Just say Yes, you don’t want the whole country against you,” how can she say yes when the entire time she was running her campaign, she was focused on bringing men back from the war, not to it. The country was watching her. Wellington advised her to say “yes”, the person she has turned to every time she needed help, was telling her to turn her …show more content…
Jeannette began immediately, traveling the state, talking on street corners, rallying up people to vote for her. Although Jeannette was shy her entire life, she soon moved out of her shyness, and into a confident outspoken woman. The night the votes were counted, radio stations claimedJeannette was far behind her opponents, she went to be believing she lost. When she woke up the votes were completely counted, and America was informed Montana just elected their first female congress member (Bold Women in Montana History, Judy). Her first day in Congress was celebrated with a parade in her honor, and a standing ovation when she entered the chamber. First order of business, however, was something Jeanette dreaded. Having a strong anti-war opinion, Jeanette knew she would never vote for war, but the first thing she had to do was vote if she wanted to have America enter World War 1. She already had her mind made up, but with Wellington, and the rest of the country telling her a vote no would end her career, she was put into a crossroads. Even though she was told not to vote “no”, she stood before the Chambers, standing tall and saying, “I want it to stand by my country, I cannot vote for war. I vote no,” (Bright Star in the Big Sky, O'Brien). Rankin’s choice to go against her countries wishes to stick with her beliefs, shows a great deal of courage. Many would …show more content…
Although the odds weren’t in her favor, Jeanette at 60 years old ran again for Congress. World War 2 was fast approaching, and she needed to attempt to keep the country out of it. She ran again, traveling the state giving speeches, and promising mothers that their sons will return from battle. Montana gave Jeanette a second chance and allowed her to be a congresswoman again. In Congress, once again Jeanette sat in the Chamber, having a battle in her mind (Page 68, Judy). Jeanette stood above the chambers, finally having an answer for the war. Taking a deep breath she echoed her voice in the room. “No” she announced. The Chambers were silenced, as this was the one and only “no” to be said in this matter. Jeanette casted an alone vote, and America didn’t like