Political Commentary by Bettina Duval 
Dissent carries a negative connotation that many view as the unproductive workings of social malcontents.  Without a doubt some forms of rebellion breed strife, but some are simplistic strategies produced by those with limited resources in an effort to affect a degree of change.  Early Christians used art in the form of secret symbols to carry their message of spiritual unity and southern slaves created songs to preserve their heritage and offer hope.  These are examples of how people who are driven by a social conscious throughout history have used their talents to empower the disenfranchised of society.  This article “They Cooked Up Recipes for Charity” by Marilyn Gardner of the CSMonitor is an uplifting homage to women’s suffrage and empowerment.   I hope you are inspired by its spirit. http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0707/p17s01-lign.html