In our previous episode, it was my distinct pleasure to interview William R. "Bill" Baird. For those who have, in any time since 1963, been involved in the Women's Movement in the United States of America, you will be familiar with the name.
Beginning in 1963, and still going strong, Bill Baird has shared with us some of his life story. This week, he has a message for all women in America; in fact, his message is critically important to all Americans.
As important as his five Supreme Court Case wins have been for the privacy rights of all citizens, Women's Rights, and Gay Rights, Mr. Baird, now in his 80th year, is embarking upon his most important battle yet.
Follow me just below the squggledoodlethingey fold, and find out why.
The second part of this interview was, if possible, more exciting than the first part. It was a leap from historical perspective to an engaging, impassioned message to all those who would write our future history.
For such a personal topic such as women's reproductive rights, reproductive medical rights, and rights of privacy, Baird transformed a fifty-year history into a personal call to action, and a challenge of citizens going into the future.
There is no doubt that there is presently in this country a War On Women. With more than 1000 current attempts to either restrain, restrict or remove womens equality rights, reproductive, medical and personal rights, it is painfully obvious to any citizen who would but observe.
Mr. Baird fully utilized his opportunity to speak to not only women, but girls, seniors, the elderly, men, boys, and every citizen of America. His words were not merely reflections of an activist with more than fifty years of personal activism history, which should well inform anyone that one person can make a difference. His four Supreme Court victories should speak clearly to that.
But, through the experiences of his life, Baird shares the costs of activism in a society opposed to change, a government unconcerned about the need for change, and advocates of the change he seeks betraying and turning their backs on him. He is male. His cause is "irrelevant". "He is a CIA agent. We have nothing to do with him." "He is a child murderer!"
From a seminal moment in the life of a young chemical researcher who runs into a hallway in Harlem Hospital in 1963, Baird knew something was terribly wrong. For more than fifty years, he has fought, often alone, to right that wrong. His journey has not been cheap or easy. His is an important study in activism because he is very blunt about his journey.
But, his utmost desire is to challenge the activists of today--and tomorrow. The issues which have filled Baird's life are under direct attack and assault at every turn. More than 50% of American citizens stand to lose the rights which, to a very large degree, this man alone has helped provide. As he clearly speaks to the writers of our future history, he leaves the interview with but one urgent plea:
"What are YOU going to do about it?"
It was a difficult interview to do, but not because of our Special Guest. The topic, even in the confines of a 1:1 interview became inflammatory, urgent, and quite vocal at times, but not from anger or fear. Passion was in top position during this interview. Much of what Baird offered was uncomfortable for me to hear. Yet, the information was and is so very important that I am not only enlightened, but grateful and thankful for having it submitted to our show, and our listeners.
I hope you will listen to this two part interview, and allow it to inform, engage, and motivate you to activism. While we just simply MUST turn back this assault on women in America in November, we must also understand that when you find a wrong that bothers, agitates, or motivates you to action; if that determination to be the change you seek suddenly becomes more than the air you breathe, then you have safely navigated the first, and most important obstacles to active citizenship.
Bill Baird is, to me, an American Hero; and American icon. We were uniquely privileged to share this time with him. While he challenges us all, right now, he asks us for only one simple thing. I am privileged to respond to his request. I hope you will be, too.
1. Go to his website. Learn. Engage. Act.
Donate a few bucks to his continuing work. It takes a lot of shoe leather to walk fifty years.
2. Speak to those females you know, and remind them of the victories won, the battle to be engaged, and the need for their help to secure rights that are specifically for them.
3. Determine for yourself, and dedicate yourself that you will be an activist with, or even FOR Bill Baird. You can do it. He deserves it. Work to turn back this insideous war on women. Engage those actively fighting the war FOR women. Write a letter to your editor. Contact your representative at the State and Federal levels, and speak your mind regarding these important issues. Find a candidate who is a defender of women's rights, and help them. Now.
I have said, for more than three years now, that this election is about democracy. From what we have recently learned, nothing could possibly be more true. Make it personal. It is. It's not just about, or for women, either. But, I'm sure you already know that. Mr. Baird asked us all the very same question I ask every week on our show. PLEASE answer that question, now:
"What are YOU going to do about it?"