John,

Today we celebrate release of a commemorative stamp by the US Postal Service honoring First Lady Betty Ford.

With the MAGA Republican’s War on Women it’s both frightening and sad to see how much the GOP has been taken over by extremists.

Looking back, I’ll never forget the day in 1981 when I approached Mrs. Ford to become an honorary co-chair, alongside Alan Alda, for the Equal Rights Amendment Countdown Campaign. Expecting a lengthy deliberation, I was instead met with her immediate and enthusiastic agreement.

That campaign, spearheaded by the National Organization for Women (NOW) and launched in Los Angeles, inspired 172 rallies across 42 states. Thousands of dedicated women and men – including Betty Ford and her husband President Gerald Ford, worked  tirelessly for passage of the ERA.

A memorable moment was her keynote speech at the National NOW Conference in October 1981, in Washington, D.C. Following the speech, she stood with Lady Bird Johnson and thousands of others at a massive ERA rally at the Lincoln Memorial.

Betty Ford's voice reached millions through television ads, alongside a roster of celebrities like George Burns, Esther Rolle, Rita Moreno, Marlo Thomas, and Linda Lavin. In one impactful ERA ad, she boldly declared her dedication to the fight for equal rights, urging citizens to contact their legislators in support of the ERA, highlighting what was then widespread support across party lines.

Today, as we honor Betty Ford's legacy, we must all renew our commitment to her cause—our cause. The ERA has been a long-fought battle, one that Mrs. Ford championed with fervor and grace. In her memory, and in celebration of her tireless activism, I urge you to share this message with your friends.

Just forward this email and encourage them to visit Sign4ERA.org and add their names to the National Petition for the ERA.

The placement of  of the Equal Rights Amendment into the Constitution as the 28^th Amendment  is closer today than ever.  Support for the ERA is, buoyed by the understanding that the only permanent protection for abortion and reproductive health care, for IVF, contraception, the abortion pill and most of our personal freedoms.

That’s right.  The ERA offers permanent constitution protrection, free from the whims of right-wing extremist politicians and a reactionary Supreme Court.

The great news is that the call for the ERA is universal.   According to the most recent Lake Research poll, conducted for the Feminist Majority Foundation and Ms. magazine, an overwhelming majority of voters—74%—support a person's right to make their own reproductive decisions. This includes 91% of Democrats, 81% of Independents, and even half of Republicans. This consensus is not just a statistic; it's a mandate for change.

Moreover, the same poll indicates that 70% of voters endorse the incorporation of the Equal Rights Amendment into the Constitution. With abortion rights and the ERA identified as pivotal issues, it is clear that they are not just critical to voter turnout, but when united, they form an even more potent force for progress.

The march towards equality has been long, but today, we are witnessing a surge towards the finish line. This is not just a reflection of our campaign's efforts, but a testament to the enduring spirit of leaders like Betty Ford, who envisioned a world of equal rights for all.

Together, we can honor Betty Ford's legacy by continuing the fight to enshrine the ERA in the Constitution. Please forward this email to your friends and ask them to click on Sign4ERA.org and help us make history.

With gratitude and determination,

Eleanor Smeal, President

The Feminist Majority