Future of feminism an issue in NOW vote

Hear, Hear! Moreover because of their political correctness they have not come out forcefully and vociferously against the horrendous treatment by Muslims of women around the world. They should be ashamed of their thundering silence. They should have declared war on the Islamic relegation of women to the status of property to be dealt with as men please but since the women involved are not liberal and progressive they are abandoned to their fates by NOLW.

Hillary Clinton slapped every women's face, and Personally put the movement back at least one decade.

How women did not protest Sarah Palin Attackers makes me think there is an elitist agenda.

How on earth did Hillary Clinton "slap every woman's face"?

And women will stand up for Sarah Palin when Sarah Palin stands up for women's rights.

redsfan --What are you talking about? Palin stands up for equal rights for women. You oppose her simply because she actually has the audacity to think for herself and refuses to toe the liberal line. If any women dares to disagree with you and NOW you don't afford them the right to think for them self but intolerantly vilify and ridicule them and are silent when others do the same, e.g., Letterman.

redsfan

It is obvious Sarah Palin doesn't need other women to stand up for her. Sarah Palin gets it done on her own without all the whining and complaining. That's my kind of woman.

Sorry guys, but I disagree.

I am not a liberal, nor a conservative, but a moderate and a conservationist. Politically and personally, I do not like Sarah Palin, nor do I feel that she speaks for me as a woman. Nor, do I want her to speak for me as a woman. No, I'm not some bra-burning, man-hating, old creep. In case you are wondering, I am a happily married heterosexual, with a son and a step-daughter. I try to behave as a Christian, and support equal rights for men AND women.

I have worked for a long time-- 32 years-- in a professional field dominated by men--geology. When I began my career, there was one other woman practicing geology in my entire state. That's right, one. She was my friend, and she died, and I am forever grateful for her friendship and kindness. Now, in 2009, there are a few women practicing geology in my state-- probably about 10-15, out of the current registered geologist total of 1500, but, not enough for me to feel that there has been actual progress for women who may wish to enter my field-- and are discouraged from doing so. It's just science, folks!

I support NOW, because I support women's voice in their own reproductive health, additional medical research into ailments that differ from men's due to physiological differences, (men and women have different signs of heart attack, and different responses to medications), specific political issues that often affect women more than men. And yes, I support those things for men, too. i.e. Spouse Abuse. Some women are purely mean, and some men, especially old men, need to be protected. Deadbeat Parents-- my husband reared his daughter on his own until I came along, without a penny of support from her mother-- so deadbeat dads become deadbeat parents, in my book. Prostate cancer research. A fair deal for all.

I did not protest Sarah Palin attackers, because I agreed with them-- she isn't representing my political or personal beliefs. And her attackers were nothing compared to what Ms. Clinton has gone through.

So, here I am guys, come and get me. I'm a moderate and a conservationist, and I hope that NOW gets it together so we can make some real progress. ;-)

You must be kidding? Sarah Palin has been whining and complaning ever since the election.

LOL what alternate universe are you residing in? LOL

"That's my kind of woman."

You republican men totally see her as a sex symbol and you know it. She is younger and attractive in a teased hair, heavy make-up, 4 inch red high heels kind of way. Then add the secret ingredients the wingers love, guns, killing animals, religious zealotry and a not so charming attack-dog style of campaigning.

But you know guys, she is like the cute cheerleader in high school who all the football players lust after. RaRaRa! lol

Dowser:

One of the basic premises you seem to be pushing is extremely flawed: That more women need to be in certain occupations.

Occupations attract certain people.

I have yet to see a push for more male dental hygienists. Have you ever had a male dental hygienist? What are you doing to correct this abomination?

Not a thing, Shot a man in Reno. My field should, and does, attract men and women because of its above average salary range. I'm all for more men schoolteachers, etc. And if a man wants to be a dental hygienist, why shouldn't he? There are more and more male nurses, and I think that is a great thing. If men aren't attracted to that field, perhaps it is because it is fairly low paying for the amount of responsibility and training involved.

Many women are attracted to my field, Shot, but they are discouraged from entering the field because of the prejudices and perceived notions that still exist. I certainly didn't start out wanting to be a 'pioneer', all I wanted to do was have a career that made me happy. I have done what I loved to do, and have been very fortunate-- and I have been successful at my chosen work. Mainly because I refused to back down and pursue a more 'lady-like' field. I thought, (and still think), it doesn't make any difference if I'm a woman or a man, I should be able to do what I love to do for a living, and be compensated for that on an equal status with men. After all, I work for the public good.

Hope you have a great day!

Dowser: "I did not protest Sarah Palin attackers, because I agreed with them-- she isn't representing my political or personal beliefs. And her attackers were nothing compared to what Ms. Clinton has gone through." So it's wrong to attack Hillary, but okay to attack Palin. And your reason is because you think all women should think like you? I thought you were for women's rights and not a Nazi facist. And for what did Willow deserve to be made a joke of saying that she was "knocked up" by an older man? Oh, because of who her mother is??? THAT IS WHAT YOU CALL WOMEN'S RIGHTS?

Oh, and women do have control over their bodies and choices about giving birth... it's called abstinence and birth control. Let's take on some personal accountability! Rape and endangerment of the mother's life are a different story that the pregnant woman had no control over and is another issue. However, regretting your poor choices after another being is created is a horse of a different color.

And it seems that all those who fought to end prejudice and racism - to bring equality to blacks and hispanics... it's a sad day when their efforts are being pushed to the other extreme of reverse racism. When politicians and leaders are chosen based on race, when decisions are based on race instead of objectivity, when personal responsibility is set aside based upon race, and when superiority of judgement is based upon race... it's a sad day for men like MLK who fought for true equality. What a shame to those civil rights leaders who worked so hard and gave their lives to the cause. When those same people pushing to create a country of reverse racism also decide to judge gays/lesbians, chastize women, and stifle freedom of religion.... It's a very sad day, indeed.

Transparency, perhaps I worded things poorly. I protest any nasty, mean-spirited criticism of anyone, what ever race and gender. No, it is not ok to attack Sarah Palin in a nasty, mean-spirited way. No, it is not ok to attack Hilary Clinton in a nasty, mean-spirited way. Both women are representing their party-- and there are critics of both sides. Ms. Palin does not represent the views that I hold, nor my opinions. Ms. Clinton does not necessarily represent the views that I hold, nor my opinions. However, intelligent, thoughtful, discussion or disagreement is, to me, not at all 'nasty'.

No, I do not believe that Willow should have been made the brunt of any joke. However, Mr. Letterman was making a joke about the elder daughter, Bristol. I personally feel that any joke about rape is in poor taste. Leave families out of the political arena, unless they inject themselves into it. Bristol has injected herself into the political arena, and, therefore, is fair game.

I do not wish to get into a debate over abortion, and have no intention of responding to that specific issue. I do support women's choices of reproductive health-- Why were birth control pills not covered by insurance for so many years, and, then, when Viagra was first introduced, it was? Yes, that has been legislated that insurance companies must provide coverage of those medications. So, somewhere, progress has been made. I feel that whether or not you want or wish to use a birth control method is an individual's choice.

it's a sad day when their efforts are being pushed to the other extreme of reverse racism

I did not vote for President Obama because he is black. I voted for him, not caring one way or the other about his race, because I believed in his ideas, his intelligence, and his optimism. I did not vote the democratic ticket across the board, I voted for individuals who also represent the republican party-- because I felt they were the best people for the job. Remember, I don't fit the mold of liberal or conservative.

For those who cry 'reverse racism', there is another, much nastier word that reallly expresses that feeling-- one that I have heard all my life. I was born and reared in a state that was torn in that long ago civil conflict-- KY. I think if we all exercise patience with one another, tolerance for another's beliefs will win out-- and that nastier expression won't apply any more.

When those same people pushing to create a country of reverse racism also decide to judge gays/lesbians, chastize women, and stifle freedom of religion.... It's a very sad day, indeed.

I am not sure what you mean by this, do you mind explaining it a little further? On the face of things, are you saying that the conservative movement is supporting reverse racism, along with judging gays/lesbians, chastizing women, and stifling freedom of religion. Pardon me, please, if I am confused.

Hope you have a lovely day!

Dowser: You sound like a very nice reasonable person, but Bristol did not inject herself into politics. She is not running for office. Yes, she became an ambassador for abstinence. It doesn't matter whether you agree with her or disagree with her. That isn't the point. It is one thing for an individual to criticize Bristol's stand on abstinence, but it is an entirely a different matter for Dave Letterman to make jokes about her promiscuity. It wasn't her viewpoint, but the fact that she is the daughter of Sarah Palin that has drawn the wrath of so many. Even if one does not think abstinence is realistic, why berate her as if she is promoting violence or sadism. She is a very young woman and she does not deserve to be the butt of crude jokes by a sarcastic comedian. Letterman, by the way, sat down and conducted a very nice interview with Kathy Griffin, who is one of the most vulgar, crude and antagonistic foul mouthed people in the business today. Hmmm. I wonder if he made jokes about Kathy when she told Jesus He could suck it.

I wonder where I have heard this before?

"Noting that she contrasts with NOW's mostly white and over-40 membership, Lyles said she could help give NOW a new image of youth and diversity that would appeal to younger feminists and reinvigorate the broader movement"

and please don't hit me with the race card. She played it 1 st, But in reality I don't care, they are liberals fighting between themselves. Sounds like a primary I once saw

And if there is any doubt about them being liberals

(CNN) — The nation's oldest and largest women's rights organization made a rare endorsement in a presidential contest, endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for president over the Republican ticket that features female Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

The National Organization for Women, which had originally endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries, made no mention of Palin in its Statement, calling Obama "the candidate who is out there every day standing up — clearly and consistently — for women."

So much for supporting all women

There is a difference between supporting womens' rights and supporting all women. If women are denigrating to a portion of the population, encouraging of racist views, and not intelligent enough to run the country...they should not be supported. But their right to personal privacy, equal pay, freedom from domestic violence etc. should always be supported...which NOW does.

You make a very valid point. but they are still liberals. As to racist then I must ask what should their stand be on Sotomayor? ( I don't believe she is a rasist) but where do you stand? because I know she is a liberal ?

bjsassy, you are right, and I thank you for allowing me to clarify myself.

I protest any nasty, mean-spirited criticism of anyone, what ever race and gender.

Bristol Palin is speaking from experience, and I admire her 'platform'. She has a voice, because her mother is Ms. Palin. I don't know that anyone would even care what she thought-- although her message is a valid one-- unless she was the daughter of Ms. Palin. She has chosen to make a statement. That leaves her open to criticism-- about her statement. However, I repeat, I do not support nasty, mean-spirited criticism. Nor should she become of the brunt of political jokes-- as a family member of Ms. Palin.

Unfortunately, I don't think we can control late night satyr, as many family members become the brunt of political jokes once they interject themselves into the public eye. (I'm thinking of Lucy Baines Johnson, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Martha Mitchell, Amy Carter, and a host of others during the various scandals that have emerged through time.) I feel that Bristol chose to become a spokesperson, and, while I personally think she has done a good job, and has a good message, I don't know that anyone can protect her from commentary. Please, I am not defending David Letterman's joke, which I personally think was in poor taste.

My personal opinion about Kathy Griffin is the same as yours. She is an in-your-face-person that I could certainly do without. But I could also "do" without a lot of in-your-face people. It is not necessary to be offensive to express an opinion.

Thank you for your wonderful compliment about being a nice, reasonable person. I am certainly open to different viewpoints, as it helps me to grow as a person. Once you cut through the diatribe, one can often find a pearl of wisdom lurking somewhere that really makes sense. Thank you, too, for your respectful, well-thought remarks.

I really hope that you have a great day--

Dear bjsassy--

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify what I think is a misunderstanding.

I do not support nasty, mean-spirited comments for anyone, whatever race or gender. (I think I said that up there somewhere...) I do support a well-thought, honest discussion of the issues that community-minded individuals present.

Bristol Palin, who seems to be a very nice individual, is speaking from the voice of experience, about a lesson she learned the hard way-- and I hope that teenagers her age will really listen. Attention has been paid to her message by adults, with which I personally agree, only because her mother, Ms. Palin, ran for a political office and is well-known on the national political arena. (I guess this sounds sort of schizo, but I like the daughter better than I do the mother.)

I do not support David Letterman's joke about Miss Palin-- I feel it to be in poor taste, (I think I also said that up there somewhere.) However, since Miss Palin has chosen to take a stand on a national issue, and has exercised her right to express her opinion in a national venue, I don't see how anyone can protect her from commentary. To be honest, to me, Miss Palin is right up there with Lucy Baines Johnson, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Margaret Mitchell, and other family members who are listened to because of who their family members are. To take a stand was Miss Palin's choice. It is an important message, (and one that I personally agree with), but she has an audience because she is Ms. Palin's daughter.

While I deplore mean-spirited, nasty criticism, (and try not to engage in such pettiness), I do welcome calm, intelligent, well-thought out discussion and disagreement between individuals, who are commenting on issues.

Personally, I agree with your opinion about Kathy Griffin. She is an in-your-face kind of satyrist, and I don't personally care for her. To me, she fits in the "mean spirited and nasty" portion of the comedy world. But then, to me, so does Rush Limbaugh-- but in the political commentary world.

Thank you for your lovely compliment that I sound like a nice, reasonable person. I may not always be able to express myself well-- as I don't often see the different ways to interpret my comments as written-- but it is certainly not my intention to be rude, unkind, or thoughtless.

I truly hope that you have a great day, and that all is well for you.

bjsassy--

I beg your forgiveness for double posting basically the same comment. I posted, it didn't appear, so I rewrote and reposted.

I apologize to everyone reading this-- and certainly hope that you will understand that technology has defeated me, once again...

Have a great day--

We can clearly see that Obama is our first female president. Clinton our first black president.

All these angry liberal democrat women are ugly in mind body and soul. I wonder if it is because the males in their lives are effeminate? I think this is part of the angry liberal democrat women's mentality.

Sarah Palin is energetic, enthusiastic, capable, and most importantly a Woman. Thank god for happy, content, conservative republican women. Thanks god, for real women.

It looks like both of the women in this election are hard core feminists. The NOW election needs the third alternative. Some women want to be, and enjoy being a woman.

Brian - I find your remarks extremely offensive. You must really hate the women in your life to say such things. Either that, or you are just trolling to offend and upset people in which case you've got more problems than the women in your life.

Typical comment by his ilk. Karma is a bi tch.

Stand up for Carrie Prejan? I stood up for her for speaking her mind honestly at the pageant. It's America, she should be able to. However, her behavior AFTER the pageant was less than honest and did not fill her obligations as Miss California. Unless they should stand up for women who wear bikinis and get breast implants to compete for a beauty title and not do their job, there was nothing to stand up for.

Sarah Palin... Oh where to begin. I would have voted for John McCain if he had a different running mate. That woman should terrify every man, woman, and child in this country. Her ethics are poor, her knowledge of this country is less than a 5th grader in public school, which is saying something, and she is a power hungry monster with an ego the size of Alaska and Texas. I don't know why McCain picked her! There are many woman in the GOP that would have been a better pick! I blame her and Joe The Plumber for the majority of the McCain collapse.

For those of you that say NOW is a liberal group.... DUH! It was a liberal idea that women should have the rights that they do. It wasn't that long ago that women were objectified in every aspect of life. And you expect a group, that has it's very roots in liberal ideas and thinking, to change because... insert your own reason why here. It's time to grow up, stop slinging names around like mud. The middle school kids I have taught behave better than the majority of people on these threads. Grow up!

What amazing gall you double standard Democrats have. So Palin's knowledge of the country is less than a 5th grader in public school. Let's see Obama claimed to have visited 57 states during the campaign. So I guess that makes his knowledge of the country less that a 2nd grader. What pathetic hypocrisy;how can you live with yourself? And I haven't even mentioned Biden's ubiquitous gaffs such as FDR going on TV the moment the Depression began.

I suppose you didn't read the other post that said I would have voted for McCain had it not been for Palin. There are a lot of strong Republican woman that would have been a far better choice! There are a lot of people who would have voted for McCain had it not been for her.

I am for freedom for all, my mother broke into a male dominated profession after my father died in 1970 it wasn't easy and we lived at or below the poverty line, she didn't ask for or accept government assistance. She put 4 of us through college and built a successful career for herself. All she wanted was a chance, she got it and it worked out. There is no doubteveryone should have a chance to get ahead and you can be sure I support a woman's rights to do just that. I am not sure the agenda of NOW is the direction that the movement for equality is going, the mama didn't change my diaper enough crowd turn off more than they attract. There is a lot of boorish behavior and rhetoric from pedants and bigots from both sides. Respect will create a better atmosphere.

Oh and you all care so much for women rights and issues! LoL Give me a effin break. Nobody cares about your lame insults and misogyny.

You all sound like you have the IQ of lint and have hit rock bottom and are starting to dig.

Any similarity between you and a human being is purely coincidental.

This is the best you have? Ad hominem attacks with no substance. No wonder NOLW is in the eclipse it deserves for being unwilling to support all women, even those that deign to think for themselves.

Well, I've always thought that Gloria Steinem was pretty. She was a Playboy Bunny all those years ago...

There are a lot of women who aren't absolute knockouts that are attractive or pretty. Looking at the pictures of NOW women-- most of them look like normal Americans to me. When I was younger, even I was considered to be quite attractive-- but never stunning. Now that I'm older, things have shifted, but I still manage to dress well and am well-groomed. Maybe it depends on what you're looking for.

Everyone is beautiful to someone else. Even if it is just your own mother-- I think my husband is the handsomest man in the world. Of course he isn't to anyone else, but he is to me.

Don't you think that basing your support, or lack of, for an organization based on the beauty of its members is a little shallow?

Thank you, the rights that women have today weren't given to them by the goodness of men's heart, but by women leaders like NOW willing to work hard at making it happen within our system of laws. Changing laws and the minds of decent free-thinking people to even the playing field for all people.

What you fail to understand is that equal pay for equal work and glass ceilings are what NOW wants you to think they are all about. They only care about women who fit their mold. They cared about Anita Hill but they didn't care about Paula Jones. They pick and choose. They are baby killers with a liberal agenda.

Women did fight hard for the vote, but don't expect younger generations of women to pay homage to that by doing any more than voting. (which young people are doing in greater numbers)

Don't expect young white men to pay repparations either. They don't owe us squat.

If you care about history, care about all of it, and know what you are talking about.

Drmom: I do agree with many of your statements. I do not care for NOW because of their very left-wing views, but I am a conservative feminist. Have you ever noticed the local news shows all over the country? The newsmen can be paunchy and bald, but the women are young, slim and gorgeous. Apparently, these women continue to age out every few years and are replaced by younger versions of themselves. The cable news outlets (CNN, MSNBC and Fox) are even worse. The women financial analysts, doctors and lawyers that regularly appear on these shows look like beauty pageant winners. Homely women need not apply. The lesson here: if a woman wants a career in journalism, she better be beautiful and curvy. Long blonde hair doesn’t hurt either.

Oh, come on. That's not all true. Just look at MSNBC's Rachel Maddow. She is no beauty. In fact, she is the complete opposite that you spoke of.

WHEW!!!

Rachel Maddow is a beautiful, classy, dignified, intelligent woman...and that just really bothers some people.

My grandmother described to me the very first time that she was allowed to vote. She was almost 30 years old, and had a 5 year old daughter. She said it was the first time in her life that she felt she was valued by her country. My great-aunt said basically the same thing. And, while they neither one told me who they voted for, they told me that they certainly didn't vote for Warren G. Harding. My little Grandma was a hoot!

I think that Rachel Maddow is very intelligent, and tries to be fair. I also think that she is very attractive.

bjsassy, you make a very good point about women in the media. Unfortunately, I think that is the pervasive culture in many fields, not just the media.

Have a great day-

What a sexist remark.

bjsassy--

I certainly respect your viewpoint, and feel that all women should have the same rights. No, I didn't stand up for Sarah Palin. I didn't stand up for Hilary Clinton, either. I think I was trying to say that above. If you feel that to be wrong, I'm sorry. I don't feel that anyone should be subjected to nasty, mean-spirited criticism, whatever their party or beliefs or gender. I do believe in a rational discussion of issues.

I understand your feelings about Bristol Palin, and I fully support her message and what she is trying to do. I'm not saying that it is moral and right for late-night commentary to make fun of her-- I'm just saying that I don't know how you can stop it. That is very different from endorsing it. From your post, perhaps David Letterman is the pot calling the kettle black. Not me.

Please accept my apologies if I offended you, for that is certainly not my intention.

Finally, a voice of reason.  Not all professional working women who believe in equality, who have had to fight descrimination for years (I'm 48) are represented by NOW.  They certainly don't represent my views.  NOW is an organization that stands for many things -- and they have every right to do so -- but I am more than tired of them them assuming that they represent me (or should, and that I'm wrong or ungrateful if I don't) and the other side assuming that I am represented by NOW.  Enough of the generalizations by BOTH sides (or should I say all sides, there are so many fighting factions).  Another thing, the younger generation doesn't OWE us anything -- and women over 40 need to get over it (since when is it effective to tell people younger than you how good they have it??).  Every generation has made things better for the next, whether it was equality for women, race relations, better working condition, better medical care, etc. etc. and this is no different.

T Bourlon

You are wrong, NOW does have all women's issues on their agenda, always has. Please go to their website and read. Don't judge this fine organization by the crap the right spews about it.

http://www.now.org/about.html

I bet they never had your vote.

Rachel Maddow