Humpday History Highlight
By Wyatt Earp | October 28, 2009
This is yet another excerpt from . It is fast becoming one of my favorite books. I figured it was apropos considering the date of the story. Enjoy!
October 1919 – The Woman Who Became President
First Lady Edith Wilson was a vigorous opponent of the women’s suffrage movement. She called suffragettes agitating for the right to vote “detestable” and “disgusting.” But while she didn’t seem to think women should have the vote, she didn’t have any problem with one running the White House – as long as it was she!
In October of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson had a stroke. He suffered major memory loss and could speak only with difficulty. Edith acted quickly to hide his condition from just about everyone. No one but the doctors could get in to see him. Even the vice president and secretary of state were turned away.
Then Mrs. Wilson took control.
During the five months the president was incapacitated, his wife screened everything he saw. She would meet with him in private, then come out and issue orders. She penned directives to government officials that began, “The President says . . .” She even co-wrote an inaugural message that went to Congress in his name.
She claimed she was just carrying out the president’s wishes, but the truth is that he was nearly comatose much of the time.
Let that be a lesson to you, guys. If something happens to you, don’t be surprised if the wife jumps in and takes control of your life. *ducks*
Topics: HHH | 3 Comments »
October 28th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
And this is news to some people. *also ducks*
October 29th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
You know what they say, “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.”
October 29th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Ingineer66 – Nice weather down here.
Mrs. Crankipants – My wife is good. She never lets me see her do that.