Margaret Chase Smith was the 1st woman elected to the United States Senate in 1948 and served as senator representing Maine from 1948 until 1972 in 1964 shè ran for the republican party nomination for president and got 27 delegate votes at the republican convention which nominated Barry Goldwater in San Francisco
Terrific story, but the music is boring and a better final comment could have been found than a statement to Thatcher. Being from Maine, I have long known anout Margaret Chase Smith, but was pleased to learn more about her life and important work. Thank you.
"Those of us who shout the loudest about Americanism, are all too frequently those who... ignore some of the basic principles of Americanism - the right to criticize, the right to hold unpopular beliefs, the right to protest, the right of independent thought. The exercise of these rights should not cost one single American citizen his reputation or his right to a livelihood nor should he be in danger of losing his reputation or livelihood merely because he happens to know someone who holds unpopular beliefs." - Senator Margaret Chase Smith, June 1, 1950 "Voices stilled because of fear of criticism of what we might say … is moral cowardice. And moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character." - Senator Margaret Chase Smith, Republican from Maine, 1952
