I was once sued by the Town of Huntington, NY for 7 million dollars, plus interest since 1797, and a sentence of one year in jail for refusing to surrender documents to the town historian, Rufus B. Langhams, who alleged, under oath, had been stolen from the Town by a colonial-era employee and kept hidden by his ancestors for 195 years until I was consigned to auction the papers off along with the contents of the family estate.
Prior to the lawsuit being heard before New York State Supreme Court Justice William L. Underwood, Jr., I was vilified in print by The Long Islander and Newsday, shunned by former friends, slandered by candidates and their political operatives, chastised by churchgoers, and kept under surveillance for nearly a year — only to be threatened by an assistant town attorney hiding in the bushes of my front yard after midnight, incessantly meowing until I ventured out, then backing me up against my front door while brandishing a knife-like object in order to serve me with court papers.
I share this to demonstrate my profound respect for Christine Blasey Ford’s anticipated testimony before Congress pertaining to Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States.
She is courageous.
Few can imagine the resolve it takes to risk one’s life and livelihood in order to ensure justice be done on behalf of the majority who will not seek it for themselves, nor for the benefit of another, nor for the good of a nation — because the fear of retribution makes stepping up perilous.
(…and more)
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THE ABOVE EXCERPT IS FROM THE BOOK
Seriously, Mom, you didn’t know?
by Marguerite Quantaine (essayist, author, and animal rescue activist).
PLEASE SAMPLE IT WITH A FREE CHAPTERS READ BY SELECTING FREE PREVIEW HERE:
Find her on Amazon. Friend her on Facebook. Follow her @ margueritequantaine.com.
A Force To Be Reckoned With © 9.22.18 .
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Please select LEAVE A REPLY by clicking below the headline to express your thoughts on this essay. I’m all eyes and heart.
M A G P I E à la modus operandi 
My dear Ms. Marguerite
You are STILL a force to be reckoned with! As well an inspiration and example of what is possible for women.
I love to read your writing. Whether an email, a Facebook post, an essay or a novel.. you always give me a spark of motivation.
You’ll never not be a force!
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Thank you, Seriously. Your words made me well up. I wasn’t surrounded by support back then (only one person in my corner — who remains there, still), and even she was afraid every day of the way. I honestly don’t know where I got the courage to do what I did, and am certain Ms. Ford must feel the same of herself. But I do know we are all capable of it when challenged.
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You rock!
You ROAR!
Well done, and well told.
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I did, Alice, and like to think I would again if confronted. But, to be brutally honest? I look back on some of the giants taken on in the past and say to myself, “Who WAS that little red-haired girl?” It seems daunting in retrospect, even to me.
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I always find your essays and stories very interesting.
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Thank you, Helen. I’ve missed seeing you on my timeline. I hope all is well with you and yours. I’ve always valued your friendship here and there.
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I never cease to be amazed at the life you’ve led, not to mention the courage to stand by your convictions, regardless of the push back you’ve endured. I am so fortunate to know you as a person, an author and an activist, that WILL NOT let the walls that are built by the ignorant and privileged stop your momemtum… love you Marguerite!!😍
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Thank you, Gingersnaps. I’ve had a wonderful life despite the challenges and wouldn’t want a do-over for any minute of it. This ordeal was exhausting and exhilarating simultaneously, but my crash courses in court procedure, researching and citing statues, and presenting pleadings pro se proved invaluable life lessons. I understand people who cannot deal with conflict because I never welcome it. But once I’m dragged into a battle, I give it my all. I know you do, too. xxoo
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I am so honored to know you!
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How very generous and kind, Cee. Thank you. I’ll try not to disappoint you. Truly.
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Such a fool, interesting, and momentous life you are living! I love learning more and more from you. ❤ (That should be full. But, I suppose fool and does apply when speaking of that town historian!) LOL
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Thanks, Mercedes. I laughed out loud only 3 words into your reply and instantly understood it as an error, but welcomed your correction…just in case!
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