Bobbie Ames
A WOMAN OF HONOR
by Nordskog Publishing on February 16, 2017 in Bobbie Ames Guest essay by Bobbie Ames
The New York Times called her the “First Lady of a Political March to the Right.” I called her my treasured friend of more than 50 years. I also called her my inspiration and motivation, as I learned so much through the decades about political action and the passion required to “hang in there” in the world of politics.
Phyllis Schlafly was a model, not just to me, but to women all over America. Her priorities: God, Family, and Country. She was stalwart in her Christian world view, which guided her passion for the Pro-Life movement. I dare not think of where we would be had she not championed that cause so early, so consistently, and passionately. The recent Republican National Convention passed the most conservative platform in decades, and she was right there to make sure that it was just so. Many delegates were there participating because of their relationship with Phyllis, who truly educated them over decades.
Phyllis Schlafly was an Educator of the First Order. Her Phyllis Schlafly Reports went monthly, for many decades, to grass roots activists as did her newsletter, the Education Reporter. There is no way to estimate the impact that she has had in every single state in America as an Educator.
When we were establishing the GOP in Alabama, Phyllis encouraged us to help establish Republican clubs for women in every county. With the leadership of Mary Ellen Miller, known and revered nationally within the conservative Republican camp, we made the great changes, though slowly. The contacts and skills of Miss Olive Spann of Chapman, Alabama, were a great boost throughout the state. I worked the Selma, Marion, and West Alabama area, and agreed to run for President of the State Federation. The progress was remarkable because all of us had grown up as Democrats, and had known nothing but that political, one party system. And of course, many people opposed the changes.
It was Phyllis, among others, who urged me to run for the Republican National Committee as Committeewoman from Alabama. I served from 1968-1972, and I learned that everything Phyllis had taught us about the D.C. establishment was true: the good and the bad. Her objective was to educate the grassroots, particularly women. Women shared her priorities of God, Family, Country, and their involvement was essential.
In 1968, she brought women from all over America to St. Louis, for a national conference, “The Eagles are Flying.” In our Southern Region Round-table portion of the conference, women from California, Ohio, Connecticut, Washington, D. C. and other states came in pure delight that the South was indeed “flying” to the GOP.
Every person went back home with a plan to engage others in the cause of Christian Liberty and American Patriotism. And Phyllis made sure through her travel, her publications, and staff, that we had the “schooling” to be effective. She was indeed, our example and guide.
She was born Phyllis McAlpin Stewart on August 15, 1924. Her mother was a teacher with two college degrees, and her father was a machinist and industrial equipment salesman. The family were always interested in culture and politics, and were active Republicans.
Phyllis attended Maryvillle College of the Sacred Heart, which is now Maryville University in St. Louis. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa in only three years, at 19 years of age. She accepted a scholarship at Radcliffe, and completed her Master’s degree in nine months. Some years later, she obtained a law degree from Washington University. ... read more here
