4th of July – Birth of a Nation: 1st & 14th, Consent Required from Women — Citizens and Future Presidents

Step through the gates of history — and into the heart of a promise.

Like Alice chasing wonder, we follow fireworks into a dream born on July 4, 1776 — a Thursday when the world changed forever. Today, 248 years later, over 51.6 million immigrants have made this once-foreign land their home. What began as a fragile declaration has become a vast, restless nation — still seeking, still growing, still defining what freedom really means.

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson famously wrote, “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

The term "consent of the governed" refers to popular sovereignty. This principle holds that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people through their elected representatives. It's a core concept in democratic societies, emphasizing that governments derive their legitimacy from the will of the governed.

In the U.S., women gained the right to vote nationwide in August 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Georgia was the first state to reject the 19th Amendment, followed by Alabama, with other Southern states like South Carolina, Virginia, and Mississippi also initially voting against it.

As women today, it's important we remember these states when choosing where to establish women-operated businesses. After all, North Carolina — the 12th state — has the most beautiful trees in the United States, not South Carolina, the 8th state. Twelve is my favorite number, as in the 12 days before Christmas. Both states were among the 13 original colonies, alongside Georgia, the 4th state, and Virginia, the 10th. Others became states afterward, including Mississippi (20th) and Alabama (22nd).

"It's not just what we bring to the table, but how we bring it."

1979: The San Francisco Rent Ordinance was enacted, limiting rent increases and reasons for eviction for covered units.

June 13, 1979: This date is crucial as it determines the units covered under the original ordinance.

1994: San Francisco voters expanded rent control to include units in buildings with one to four units.

The Rent Board was established alongside the ordinance to administer and oversee its implementation.

Governors, as heads of the executive branch, are tasked with enforcing laws, proposing budgets, and responding to emergencies. Their duty is to enforce existing laws — not to create them — according to the 14th Amendment. Each governor serves as the chief executive of their state, overseeing state-level enforcement, proposing state budgets, and leading local government during emergencies. They are responsible for upholding laws passed by the legislative branch, not writing or imposing new laws on their own.

Miami, Florida — Homelessness is an emergency, especially with the deadly hurricane season from June 1 to the end of November. In fact, every January tends to be even colder and more dangerous. Instead of enforcing laws about what HUD is meant for — to support the poor — Florida’s governor created a bill, voted on only by politicians, that declared homelessness illegal.

This violates the 14th Amendment: "No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property." Florida enforced a law prohibiting tents, despite being a Castle Doctrine state. Tents — soft castles — are protected under this doctrine. Florida also has Stand Your Ground laws, allowing citizens to defend themselves with approved concealed weapons if age 21 and without a felony. Yet, those in tents are fined for their shelter, even though tents were originally a U.S. military patent.

Instead of creating spaces where tents are allowed or providing public toilet and shower facilities, the governor focused on criminalizing poverty. Law enforcement carried out this policy — even though it’s not their role to create laws. Many homeless individuals were fined or had property taken, violating their constitutional rights.

Meanwhile, Florida rent prices in places like Downtown Miami, Little Havana, and Brickell are thousands of dollars — far beyond what minimum wage earners can afford. Instead of raising minimum wages to match the cost of living, the government shifted blame, calling the homeless mentally ill and requiring all to take psychiatric medications such as Depakote, paid for through Medicaid.

The Florida governor refuses to acknowledge the homeless as residents. He deprived them of liberty and property, violating the Constitution. Residents who stole or disposed of homeless people's belongings further violated the 14th Amendment.

The Constitution was based on biblical values. As 1 Corinthians 11:21–22 (NIV) says:

"21 For when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. 22 Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!"

The U.S. is a representative democracy, meaning citizens elect officials to represent them in government — including presidents, governors, members of Congress, and others.

The U.S. Constitution outlines the structure of government and protects the rights of citizens through its amendments.

So why did Florida's Republican governor — and Democrats who remained silent — allow a law to pass that violates the 14th Amendment? Why did Miami police enforce it instead of arresting the governor for creating illegal legislation?

Naturalized citizens are governed, but cannot become President. Born citizens can — yet women, even as citizens, were governed without consent for over a century. Consent of the governed means voting — and women were denied that right, despite being citizens.

This country was founded on the idea that government must have the consent of those it governs. But women were born citizens and governed without their consent. Voting is the expression of that consent — and they were denied it for generations.

For those who want freedom, there may be better options. Countries older than the U.S., such as France, offer security, housing, employment rights, and dignity for women. France is a Socialist Catholic Republic where no one can be fired. They can be transferred to better jobs and housing. Women have more worth in France than anywhere else, from my observation.

The U.S. feels more suited to those who want to be governed, who delegate responsibility, and can afford rising rents and constant taxation. It's not for everyone.

Before the stars were stitched into one flag, they were whispered into the world one by one — each state a promise, a hope, a home. Some joined in spring, others in storm — and two, like swans intertwined, a love set on Valentine’s Day. 💌

Timeline of U.S. Statehood:

🪶 18th Century – The Original Free & Independent States

🌺The first to dream, the first to rise — the Union’s glowing dawn.

First 3 States – 1787:

Delaware – 1st – 07 Dec (Friday)

Pennsylvania – 2nd – 12 Dec (Wednesday)

New Jersey – 3rd – 18 Dec (Tuesday)

Next 8 States – 1788:

Georgia – 4th – 02 Jan (Wednesday)

Connecticut – 5th – 09 Jan (Wednesday)

Massachusetts – 6th – 06 Feb (Wednesday)

Maryland – 7th – 28 Apr (Monday)

South Carolina – 8th – 23 May (Friday)

New Hampshire – 9th – 21 Jun (Saturday)

Virginia – 10th – 25 Jun (Wednesday)

New York – 11th – 26 Jul (Saturday)

North Carolina – 12th – 21 Nov 1789 (Saturday)

Rhode Island – 13th – 29 May 1790 (Saturday) – Smallest state, 1st colony to declare independence from the British Crown

Vermont – 14th – 04 Mar 1791 (Friday)

Kentucky – 15th – 01 Jun 1792 (Friday)

Tennessee – 16th – 01 Jun 1796 (Wednesday) – (4 years later – last one of the 18th Century) (6th on a Wednesday) (Memphis – World's 1st grocery – The Piggly Wiggly – Wed – 06 Sept 1916 – self-service)

🌿 19th Century – Free and Independent States

🌺 The birth of the Union’s heart — one star at a time.

Ohio – 17th – 01 Mar 1803 (Tuesday) – (7 years later – first of the 19th Century)

Louisiana – 18th – 30 Apr 1812 (Thursday) – (9 years later)

Indiana – 19th – 11 Dec 1816 (Wednesday) – (4 years later)

Mississippi – 20th – 10 Dec 1817 (Wednesday)

Illinois – 21st – 03 Dec 1818 (Thursday)

Alabama – 22nd – 14 Dec 1819 (Tuesday)

Maine – 23rd – 15 Mar 1820 (Wednesday)

Missouri – 24th – 10 Aug 1821 (Friday)

Arkansas – 25th – 15 Jun 1836 (Wednesday) – (15 years later)

Michigan – 26th – 26 Jan 1837 (Thursday) – (26th state on 26 January)

Florida – 27th – 03 Mar 1845 (Monday) – (8 years later)

Texas – 28th – 29 Dec 1845 (Monday) – (same year - both - Mondays)

Iowa – 29th – 28 Dec 1846 (Monday)

Wisconsin – 30th – 29 May 1848 (Monday) – (2 years later)

California – 31st – 09 Sept 1850 (Monday) – (2 yrs later) (5th on a Monday – 1 of 9)

Minnesota – 32nd – 11 May 1858 (Tuesday) – (8 years later)

Oregon – 33rd – 14 Feb 1859 (Monday) – (1st on Valentine's Day)

Kansas – 34th – 29 Jan 1861 (Tuesday) – (2 years later)

West Virginia – 35th – 20 Jun 1863 (Saturday) – (2 years later) – first of four states to commemorate its admission to the Union as an official state holiday

Nevada – 36th – 31 Oct 1864 (Monday) – President Lincoln sought Nevada's statehood to secure Republican votes for the upcoming presidential election and to ensure the passage of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. Despite having a population below the typical threshold for statehood, Nevada's strategic importance to the Union cause during the war pushed Congress to admit it as the 36th state – Nevada was perceived as a pro-Union state and a Republican stronghold, making it a valuable asset for Lincoln's re-election and the Republican party – Abraham Lincoln reelected as President of the United States in a Overwhelming Victory – 'In God We Trust' appears for the first time on a two cent piece following Coinage Act 1864

Political Maneuvering: Nevada's statehood was strategically expedited by Union sympathizers to secure its participation in the 1864 presidential election and to contribute electoral votes for Abraham Lincoln's reelection bid.

The Telegraph: To ensure the constitution reached Washington D.C. in time for the presidential election, Nevada's territorial governor, James W. Nye, resorted to sending the entire document by telegraph. This was a remarkable undertaking for the time.

Longest Telegraph Transmission: The 16,543-word constitution was, at that time, the longest telegraph transmission ever made. The cost of sending it was significant, reaching $4,303.27, which is equivalent to a substantial amount in today's currency.

"Battle Born" State: Nevada's rush to statehood during the Civil War earned it the nickname "Battle Born," which is proudly displayed on the state flag today.

Role in Financing the War: Nevada's booming mining industry, particularly the Comstock Lode's silver ore deposits, played a crucial role in providing financial support for the Union war effort.

This unusual method of telegraphing the constitution allowed Nevada to be admitted as the 36th state on 31 October 1864, just days before the election – third state to commemorate its admission to the Union as an official state holiday.

Nebraska – 37th state – 01 Mar 1867 (Friday) – (3 years later)

Colorado – 38th state – 01 Aug 1876 (Tuesday) – (9 years later) (Southwest state)

North Dakota – 39th state – 02 Nov 1889 (Saturday) – (13 years later) 

South Dakota – 40th state – 02 Nov 1889 (Saturday) – same day

Montana – 41st state – 08 Nov 1889 (Friday) – same month

Washington – 42nd state – 11 Nov 1889 (Monday) (4 states this year)

Idaho – 43rd state – 03 Jul 1890 (Thursday)

Wyoming – 44th state – 10 Jul 1890 (Thursday) (same month, Thursday)

Utah – 45th state – 04 Jan 1896 (Saturday) (6 years later) (last of the 19th century) (Southwest state)

🕰️ 20th Century – The Final Free & Independent States

🌺 The last to rise — still proud, still free.

Oklahoma – 46th state – 16 Nov 1907 (Saturday) (11 years later) (first of the 20th century)

New Mexico – 47th state – 06 Jan 1912 (Saturday) (5 years later) (Southwest Region)

Arizona – 48th state – 14 Feb 1912 (Wednesday) ( (2nd state on Valentine’s Day) (same year) (American Southwest)

Alaska – 49th state – 03 Jan 1959 (Saturday) (former US Territory for 92 years) (purchased from Russia by US for $7.2 million) – third state to commemorate its admission to the Union as an official state holiday

Hawaii - 50th state — 21 Aug 1959 (Friday) (former US Territory) – fourth state to commemorate its admission to the Union as an official state holiday

“Hawaii’s Heartbeat: The Legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani”

👑 Queen Liliʻuokalani – Last Monarch of Hawaii – Overthrown in 1893
She gave up her throne to protect lives — but never gave up her love for her people.
She deserves to be remembered — not just as a queen, but as a quiet warrior. 🌺💜

She stood alone in her palace, surrounded by U.S. Marines.
Not because there was war — but because the wealthy sugar planters were afraid.
Afraid of losing control.
Afraid she would restore power to Native Hawaiians.
So instead of letting her people be harmed —
She surrendered. Peacefully. Nobly.

And what did they gain?
More money for the rich.
Tax-free trade for Dole’s pineapples. 🍍
A paradise taken, not shared.

But her name still sings.
And her people?
Still here.
Still proud.
Still rising. 🌈

So as we look back — may we feel proud of the promise, softened by the struggle, and starry-eyed at what still might be. Because every star on that flag began as a hope... and hope, like love, never fades. 🌠

💫 Conclusion: Where We Come From, What We Stand For — And the Love We Carry Forward

As we celebrated the 248th birthday of this nation, let us remember: this land was born with the words “consent of the governed,” yet for centuries, half the population was not asked.

The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, but that is not the end of our journey. Voting is consent — but we are not only here to be governed. We are here to govern.

Women meet the requirements to become President — 14 years of residency, over age 35 — but how many have been asked? How many have been taken seriously?

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

We, as women, sharpen each other — through business, faith, and courage. As more women start businesses, lead communities, and run for office, we move forward together. God calls us to remember this strength. We are trees planted by waters.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water… It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” — Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NIV)

Whether we stay and find the right state — like Asheville, North Carolina or Carmel, Indiana — or go to small, older countries with cherry blossoms, snow, and peace — we pursue happiness without fear.

Some of us will move toward colder snow areas. Others will remain and rebuild. But all of us will seek liberty, justice, and the right location to flourish — to be planted by strong, clean waters.

So on this birthday of the United States, let us celebrate the courage of its beginning and the wisdom of those who reflect on its future.

Because we, as women, citizens, and future presidents — will require that our consent be heard and honored.

We were already born for this — just like this nation, born on a Thursday, July 4, 1776.

And as always, in God we trust — for it is His protection and guidance that moves us forward.

🌀 From Mint & Moon: From our heart to yours every Independence Day — may your home shine with light, liberty, and a little enchantment.
Forever open. Always transforming. 🦋Mint & Moon — Where Romance Resides and Magic Dances in the Night 🎀 💃💖