"A remarkable woman"

John J. Miller has a review of Donald T. Critchlow's Phyllis Schlafly and Grassroots Conservatism.

Out of nothing, she rallied countless numbers of conservative activists — most of them women, and many of them stay-at-home mothers — to oppose what was well on its way to becoming a new constitutional amendment. By the time she launched her insurgency, in fact, 30 states had endorsed the ERA, just shy of the 38 needed for ratification. All of the momentum was on the side of feminists. Despite the long odds against a fourth-quarter comeback, Schlafly dived into the fray — and provided vivid proof that no game is over until the final buzzer sounds. Her blend of persuasive argument, personal charisma and organizational know-how delivered a clear victory. By 1980, the ERA was dead.

Schlafly's movement, which gave voice to what was then called the Silent Majority, was a forerunner to the pro-family groups that defend traditional values today. "We saw an attack on marriage, the family, the homemaker, the role of motherhood, the whole concept of different roles for men and women," said Schlafly, reflecting on her crusade. "What we did was take these cultural issues and bring into the conservative movement people who had been stuck in the pews. We taught 'em politics."

Great gifts, great personal response, great results. She did what she was called to do. Bless her.

Comments

[Mary]

Actually, the original Equal Rights Amendment was authored by Alice Paul, a very pro-life feminist. She called abortion "the ultimate exploitation of women."