As we note George Carlin's passing, it seems appropriate to celebrate his wit and wisdom as evidenced in his poignant "Sanctity of Life" routine.

I'm struck by the significance of June 18:

1. In 1873, women's rights advocate Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for voting. (It wouldn't be until 1920 that the Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote in this country.)

2. In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. (She wasn't arrested for doing that.)

3. In 1983, Sally Ride took a ride and became the first American woman to travel in space.

In a related note, yesterday marked the first time that Maryland has elected a black woman to Congress. Donna Edwards will be sworn in tomorrow.