JANUARY 12, 2024 THINK ABOUT IT Equal Rights Ammendment Revival SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor In the 1970s, the Equal Rights Amendment was well on its way to being ratified by the states when self-appointed spokesman for women, Phyllis Schlafly, led a movement to derail ERA ratification. Some states already had a bias against the ERA and that reinforced their bias. By the artificial deadline imposed by Congress, 1982, only 34 states had ratified it, four short of the 38 needed. We are in a new era now and the time has come to get the ERA back on track. On December 15, 1791 the Bill of Rights was ratified by the states. Without the Bill of Rights the U.S. Constitution would have never become the “Law of the Land.” James Madison was tasked with making a Bill of Rights. Madison did not believe they were necessary, but as he was composing them, he reasoned that their purpose would be to instruct the American people about their government. As of now, 38 states have ratified the ERA, including four since the deadline passed. (Even imposing that deadline is open to legal challenge.) There is still uncertainty because some states have rescinded their ratifications. But in 2023, representatives started the Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment. They should follow through to make the ERA the 28th Amendment — the Law of the Land. In the American Civil War (1861-65) the Union Army conquered the Confederate States of America but the slaves did not become freemen until the 13th Amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865, abolishing slavery in the United States. In the same way, women have come a long way toward achieving equality with men but they will still be subordinate to men until the ERA becomes law. Then we can finally realize the truths of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” FROSTBITE from page 6 as moving to a warmer environment, removing wet clothing, and gradually warming the affected area, is crucial. Seeking medical attention promptly is imperative if symptoms progress. First-Aid Steps: When faced with frostbite, taking immediate first-aid steps can make a significant difference: 1. Check for Hypothermia: a. Look for signs such as intense shivering, drowsiness, confusion, fumbling hands and slurred speech. b. Seek emergency medical help if hypothermia is suspected. 2. Protect the Skin: a. Avoid thawing affected areas if there's a chance they might freeze again. b. If already thawed, wrap them to prevent refreezing. 3. Warm Frostbitten Areas: a. For hands, tuck them into armpits; for the face, nose or ears, cover with dry, gloved hands. b. Do not rub affected skin with snow or any other substance. c. Avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes if possible. 4. Get Out of the Cold: a. Move to a warm space. b. Remove wet clothes and wrap up in a warm blanket. 5. Gently Rewarm Frostbitten Areas: a. Soak affected areas in warm (not hot) water (105 to 110 F or 40 to 43 C) for 20 to 30 minutes. b. Test water with an uninjured hand or elbow. c. Do not use direct heat sources like stoves, heat lamps, fireplaces or heating pads. 6. Stay Hydrated: a. Drink warm liquids like tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup to help warm from the inside. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 b. Avoid alcohol. 7. Consider Pain Medicine: a. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be considered if in pain. 8. Expectations as Skin Thaws: a. Tingling and burning may occur as the skin warms and normal blood flow returns. b. Avoid breaking any blisters; seek medical help for more severe cases. As winter lingers, the insights from Dr. Coleman and practical guidance collectively provide a comprehensive approach for individuals to fortify themselves against the threat of frostbite. Incorporating these expert recommendations into winter routines enables people to enjoy the season while prioritizing their health and well-being, successfully navigating the perils of frostbite. In a poignant testament to the harsh realities of winter, Jake Thompson, a homeless resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, shared his experience in an interview battling frostbite during the bitter cold nights. "Sometimes, the cold bites harder than life itself. I felt the burning pain and saw my fingers turning numb and white. It was like I was losing a part of myself out there on those freezing streets," Thompson recounted. His struggle with frostbite in the unforgiving cold of Ann Arbor mirrors the stark warnings provided by experts like Dr. Coleman. Thompson's story serves as a reminder that the impact of frostbite extends beyond the medical realm, reaching individuals facing homelessness who are particularly vulnerable during the winter months. As we heed the advice of experts to protect ourselves against frostbite's peril, let us also extend our awareness and compassion to those grappling with the bitter cold on the streets, where the battle against the chill is a daily struggle for survival. FRETAIL from page 7 the Fretail model. Mike Karl embraces this. “We want other organizations to try and open something special like this,” Karl said in an interview with Groundcover. Implementing something like the Fretail Store in other places not only benefits those who need it but it also brings communities together by involving more citizens in community action. “People can get discouraged with non-profits because they cannot see where they are going to go, they cannot see how they help people, and they cannot see how they change lives,” says Karl, “When a community gets an opportunity to see a nonprofit put their money where their mouth is, that actually gives away your items, it’s beautiful to watch. It would be a blessing to any community to do this.” Bringing something like the Fretail Store to Ann Arbor could have very positive effects on the community. Being a college town, University of Michigan students make up a notable part of the Ann Arbor community. When the winter semester is over, thousands of students abandon items they do not want to take home in the basement of their dorm or out in the street. This could be a chance for University of Michigan students and make a real contribution to Ann Arbor by donating them instead. Having a Fretail store here could encourage more direct involvement overall, address the needs of our own homeless and low-income residents, and create a more connected Ann Arbor community.
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