Thank You Joni Ernst
I am not one to usually talk about politics, but when it comes to Joni Ernst I think she deserves some recognition. In case you don't know, Joni Ernst is an American politician who serves as a Republican member of the Iowa Senate. She was elected a United States senator in the United States Senate election in Iowa in November 2014, defeating Bruce Braley, her Democratic opponent by 8.47%. She is the first woman from Iowa to be voted into either house of Congress.
Here is one of her ad campaigns:
And another:
The ad was right. She is not a typical candidate.
I couldn't help but chuckle when I watched these videos. A possible future US senator rolling in wearing a black leather jacket on a motorcycle. Her slogan "Lets make them squeal" is just as chuckle worthy.
After watching the videos a few times I realized that I actually really enjoy them. I personally agree with many of her statements and claims. I don't want to get too much into politics in this post.
One thing I do want to touch on is her ability to open to the entire country about her background and personal beliefs. In a society where so many women are conforming to a certain mold in order to get equal pay and recognition, Joni did not do so. When trying to find her tag line, Joni went over her childhood. She went over her childhood about castrating pigs as though it was the normal thing for a nine year old girl to do. I know personally at the age of nine I was obsessed with nail polish, sparkles, and going to ballet class. I can imagine my face if someone had told me castrate a pig at that age and it is hilarious.
So what am I trying to get at here? Yes Joni chose a slogan that would stick and probably for a variety of political reasons. She is brutal, stating her beliefs and having very extremist views. What I like about Joni is she did not need to become someone else to gain the popularity of the US voter. She used her "normal life", even though I still don't think it's normal, and made something out of it. She really showed the American Dream, going from pigs to Washington. Isn't that what our country is really made of? She didn't go to Harvard and she doesn't have a trust fund. She climbed the ladder of success and didn't change her views to get there. She stuck by her political beliefs along with being a strong independent woman.
This is the first time that the United States has had over 100 women in Congress. That brings a smile to my face. Using Joni's words, that makes me squeal.
Thank you Joni for standing strong when others tried to put you down. Thank you for showing the woman of America that it is possible for them to have power. Thank you for making America squeal.