Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Sunday, July 05, 2015

Thruppence: Which woman should grace the $10 bill?

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew says a newly redesigned $10 bill will feature a “woman who has contributed to and represents the values of American democracy” starting in 2020, marking the centennial of women gaining the right to vote. We asked Breakingviews columnists to name their favorite candidates, living or deceased (the latter Lew’s preference), to share space on the $10 bill with founding father Alexander Hamilton, and explain why.

Victoria Woodhull

She embodies all the aspects of America to be worthy of appearing on its money. Politics: She was the first female candidate for president, in 1872, long before women even had the right to vote, and later became the first woman to address a congressional committee. Government: Woodhull fought in the 19th century to get Uncle Sam out of decisions of marriage and bearing children, in a movement then known as free love. Capitalism: With her sister, she was the first woman to run a Wall Street brokerage, and, oh by the way, made a fortune. Entrepreneurship: Woodhull was one of the first female newspaper owners, and even went to jail for her bold publishing decisions. She deserves another first: woman on U.S. paper currency in a century. -Jeff Goldfarb

Rachel Carson

She was the ecologist and scientific writer whose work exposed the consequences of irresponsible industrialism. Her book “Silent Spring,” on the poisonous effect of pesticides, is credited with igniting the modern environmental movement. Carson’s citizen science was done in the public interest and will remain useful until the end of time – literally. No better likeness to render in green. -Kate Duguid

Amelia Earhart

The pioneering aviator who disappeared on an attempted around-the-world flight in 1937 was a model of American risk-taking entrepreneurialism. After breaking several air-speed and distance records, she parlayed her growing celebrity into a successful writing and lecturing career supporting progressive women’s causes. In a letter left before the start of her fateful journey, to be opened in the event of her death, she wrote: “Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge for others.” -Kevin Allison

Beyoncé

The singer symbolizes a host of good things – she’s a survivor, independent woman, champion of single ladies. But she’s also rather symbolic of the American stand-on-your-own-two-feet/small-state ethos. That house she lives in and the car she’s driving: she bought them herself. -George Hay


28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Who really gives a rat's arse? Other, more important things need to bedone.

Anonymous said...

This is absurd!
Rachel Carlson is responsible for millions of people in third world countries dying from malaria.
Her book was based on lies and false science.
DDT was banned because of her book and is the safest most effective way to control mosquitos

Anonymous said...

Bouncy???? Really?

I'd consider Betsy Ross.

Anonymous said...

Betsy Ross !

Anonymous said...

Beyonce????? you gotto be kidding me. Put her face on food stamps and save the nation some trouble.

Anonymous said...

Leave it as is.

Anonymous said...

Marilyn Monroe

Anonymous said...

Kristy Hickman.

Anonymous said...

Betty white

Anonymous said...

Dolly Parton

Anonymous said...

The woman who has had the most impact and influence in the United States Hillary Clinton.

Anonymous said...

No one. Money should stay AS IS!!!!!!! So much more things to worry about in this world. Why is American so HELL bent on changing tradition!!!

Anonymous said...

Janet Jameson has helped more people in hard times then anyone.

Anonymous said...

Not gonna matter when the currency crashes due to our debt
might as well put BOZO on there.
Tired of political correctness.

Anonymous said...

None! Move on to more pressing matters.

Anonymous said...

If this also pertained to women everywhere,Angela Merkel would be my choice.

Anonymous said...

Don't make a bit of difference , the ten dollar bill will be worth zero in another year.

Anonymous said...

Elanor Roosevelt.

Anonymous said...

I like the Beyonce on food stamps comment 7:34....she's not worthy enough for the almighty dollar!!

Anonymous said...

Hellen Keller or Betsey Ross

Anonymous said...

kate upton...

Anonymous said...

Linda Lovelace

Anonymous said...

No women has ever done anything for america

Anonymous said...

Minnie Mouse.

Anonymous said...

"The woman who has had the most impact and influence in the United States Hillary Clinton."

To be accurate, that should read 'NEGATIVE impact and CORRUPT influence in the United States'.

Anonymous said...

We are talking real money. Not gag money.

Anonymous said...

Jenna. Dude its Jenna. Slow down. Read the box. No rush.

Anonymous said...

Until one is a dead President., none.