Years past, when men ruled the household, (or so they thought) ladies called for equal rights in America such as voting for President of the United States, being identified with their birth name after marriage, joining historically male-only exclusive clubs, serving on a board of directors and years later even wearing an “itsy-bitsy yellow polka dot bikini” in public if they darn well please.

Watching this years 4th of July “Fireworks over Des Moines” reminds me of exciting the history of freedom and changing times my generation has known. There was a time women cooked on a wood-burning kitchen stove or stood over an ironing board of newly starched laundry including sheets.

After Pearl Harbor was devastated by the surprise attack of enemy bombs World War Two started and men were sent overseas while women were building airplanes, guns, bullets, tanks, trucks jeeps and joining the military, too.

It was a life-changing time with leaps into freedom. Women stepped out of their kitchen into manufacturing factories while their men were overseas fighting World War Two.

I grew up in it, although too young to grasp the real meaning of war, other than knowing meat was rationed, gas and rubber tires were hard to come by, brand-new cars were a memory and ladies silk stockings were scarce.

One place that was always popular was Seattle’s 3rd & Wall Street Trianon Ballroom. Big band music filled the hall, dancers of all ages crowded onto the floor to jitterbug, foxtrot or waltz. Even today, those are memories of happy times.

Freedom in America, decades ago, was a godsend for many people from England’s rule and taxation without representation. America offered independence and new beginnings, except all ladies were not allowed to vote or as a rule speak at public forum.

With all due respect to past President Thomas Jefferson, it seems he forgot to include the word, “women” in his letter recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, saying; “That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are open or opening to the rights of man…”

Also consider the political freedom and justice at the heart of the Declaration of Independence; “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

They did it again. What? No equal women?

We know “man” means girls too. Still, ladies fought for their independence long after the Declaration of Independence made July 4, 1776 the birthday of the United States of America.

August 20, 1920, Elizabeth Caddie Stanton and Lucite Moot were instrumental in winning women’s right to vote. Yet, it was 22 years later and World War Two when ladies were recognized with equitable job and social opportunities.

Society has historically set strict rules for women’s clothes and married women were barred from being teachers or flight attendants into the 1970s.

Amelia Bloomer, who in 1851 fought for sensible fashion would applaud today’s independence of women’s clothing and surely cheer for the demise of steel-belted corsets and cotton bloomers. Public display nowadays can be a bit too realistic with thongs, bikini bottoms, a push-up bra -- or none at all.

Women’s significant achievement over years of negotiations is to choose if and where they want to work, excel in business opportunities and buy a car with or without out hubby’s signature.

Personal privileges in America that are often taken for granted are coveted worldwide. Our ancestors arrived as immigrants and thousands more now cross USA borders regularly. Forecasters note a new Hispanic contingent that could conceivably elect America’s next president.

America is about freedom of the press, expression, faith, love, communication and giving back to America’s future. It’s unsettling to hear some people allegedly abuse America’s generous financial and medical assistance.

Politicians today seem far too fast-paced and campaign too closely to the “Money Rules All Theme.”

Informed decision makers with clean hands must always protect America’s future -– not who has the most campaign money. Yet, unless there are voting changes …money talks loudly in politics.

Meantime, take a grain of salt, celebrate Freedom, be humble for the gift of Life, and enjoy every day.

Today’s Thought: “You cannot lead anyone further than you have gone.”