A long time ago, my sister and her friends thought it would be funny to have people sign petitions at the local mall calling for an end to women's suffrage. They actually received several signatures because people didn't know that "suffrage" meant the right to vote. This is a significant point, because it underscores how people's attitudes towards women can be overshadowed by stupidity.
I am a die hard Democrat, so I'm not going to lie and say that my opinions are unbiased by my political affiliation. Of course they are. However, my political affiliation is a result of my opinions about abortion, the economy, health insurance, social welfare, and discrimination. When I heard Sarah Palin was going to be the Vice Presidential pick for John McCain, I cringed a little. First, I cringed because of how obviously this was a ploy to appeal to the tension building in the Democratic party between those who wanted Hillary and those who wanted Obama. I also cringed a little more upon hearing how unqualified she was. The last time we picked someone who wasn't that well qualified -- eight years ago? Yeah, that has turned out really well. The economy is crap, the dollar has plummeted in value against other world currencies, New Orleans is still in rubble, every country in the world thinks less of us, and oh yeah, we have fallen behind in the very things we used to be admired for, such as protecting human rights and diplomacy.
Is this a huge coup for women's rights though? The very fact that she has been nominated is historic, I agree. What I find interesting is how conservatives are blasting the liberal media for being SEXIST by criticizing her. Really? The same conservatives who don't think a woman should get to choose what she does with her body? The conservatives that think invading Iraq is more important than ensuring that every woman and child receives proper healthcare? That's really rich. Yes, when I think of Republican, images of Betty Friedan and Camille Paglia start dancing through my head. You know what's sexist? Assuming I'll vote for McCain because I am a woman and there is a woman on the ticket - assuming I'll follow my lady business area instead of my brain and vote for an anti-choice, gay-hating, gun-toting racist.
Just because she's a woman doesn't mean she is qualified. There I said it.
Monday, September 08, 2008
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8 comments:
How'd I wind up on your blog? Years ago I said "pie pants" to my wife and she laughed so dang hard she 'bout 'sploded. Ergo, I am naturally attracted to things title "pie pants". Plus - I have a buttload of friends who are attorneys. One of 'em is even a Bush appointee. (Steven Cuevas, office of investment security at DOE, whatever the F that is.) How did I, what some might call a pacifist and others might call a Democrat, wind up friends with that guy? I'm Buddhist. I didn't read the fine print on the Vow of Refuge. There's this thing called "compassionate listening" and - wow, I'm eating up a lot of space. Anyway, thanks for your blog. Cheers, -T
You forgot my favorite Republic*nt, Ann Coulter. God I love to hate her!
Sarah Palin = the antichrist. Because IT'S FUCKING WORKING. Karl Rove is an evil genius, man. Depending on whose numbers you look at, McCain is now the odds-on favorite for the white house. And the convention wasn't what put it over the top. IT WAS SARAH PALIN. Dear god. We are in trouble. And you thought Hillary was scary. FUCK.
some politicians like to think that the american people are stupid. and as ridiculous as it sounds that they might be right, enough people are gobbling up blatant lies to really make me wonder...
Everyone just simmer down. Yes, McCain/Palin have enjoyed a sizeable bump in their poll numbers due in no small part to Palin's cult of personality. But those are NATIONAL POLLS, which mean fuck all where the electoral college is concerned. Obama's still got electoral math firmly on his side, and it's only September. These clowns still have to make it through three debates, and the idea of Sarah - I've had my passport for 3 whole years! - Palin going up against Joe - I will school you, bitch! - Biden makes me feel tingly in the lady business.
When did feminism change from women deserving respect because they are as capable and as intelligent as men to "women deserve respect because just because they are women." Society sucks.
=D
My Republican brother tried the whole but she's a woman argument on me. The issue of gender discrimination isn't over until people look for the best candidate under a system where there is equal access. Last election, you were "supportive" to the troops if you disagreed with Bush, now this election you are sexist if you don't support McCain. I really hoped this country learned its lesson from the last election, but I am terrified of what may be.
Couldn't agree more. What a way to finally choose a woman. Please.
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