VA will change its motto because…well, you know

Since 1959 VA had used a quote from President Lincoln’s second inaugural address: "To care for those 'who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.’”

But, that statement says “his” and “widow.” Sexist and non-inclusive, say those who demand change.

The motto “is displayed at most VA facilities, including offices, hospitals and cemeteries…” But, opponents say, it “is androcentric; makes female, gay and transgender veterans feel unwelcome; and could serve as a barrier to health care and services.”

Really? Unwelcome? And how exactly do those words “serve as a barrier” to health care?

Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY): "In keeping with Lincoln's focus on equality for all, I'm sure if he were alive today he would say women should be acknowledged as well," and shouldn't be left off the motto "just because they didn't serve back then." Ah, Lincoln’s well-known “equality for all.” Yes, we remember Lincoln’s speeches on the equality of women with men, of his arguments that women should have the right to vote and hold elective office. Rep. Rice, then, wishes to ignore Lincoln’s 1858 speech in which he said that “he had never been in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races.”

The VA now will go searching for a Lincoln quote that includes war, women and minorities.

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/09/08/va-weighs-ditching-lincoln-quote-motto-thats-inclusive-of-women-and-minorities.html?ESRC=army-a_220914.nl