Hi, David,
You ask if it really matters who wrote Shakespeare's plays.
I believe that Mary Sidney wrote the works known as Shakespeare's. One reason it matters to me is because it is outrageous and counter-productive in this century to ignore the continuing reality of sexism in art, at the very least. Mary 'owning' her authorship would have destroyed her and her family's reputations. Though we've moved on somewhat, nevertheless role models are still massively important. If the world knew that Mary Sidney created 'Shakespeare's' works, countless girls and women would feel heartened and emboldened in more ways than I can imagine.
Her authorship also matters because it will at times expose understandings of the works markedly different to those we have now, such as her concern for the childless Will (her son) in the sonnets; and whether perhaps she herself was the Dark Lady.
I also find it meaningful, sad, fascinating and important to consider that Mary found it impossible not to create her poetry and plays -- whilst knowing that she had to be 'invisible' and unknown regarding her grandest expressive works.
Now to Hillary Clinton, I feel as you do. I'm voting for Jill Stein and am eager to have all folks know what many of us already know: that Bernie Sanders won the primaries. I'm a US citizen who wants a socialist democracy for my home country, and it's heartening to know that millions of bright, active, courageous USAmericans are giving of themselves to help achieve that goal.
All the best,
Judy
