Why the attacks on Sarah Palin are the best argument for voting for her
September 14, 2008
by Violet Socks, Editor
|(Originally posted at Reclusive Leftist.)
NOTE: The New Agenda is non-partisan and does not endorse any candidate. The following is Violet Socks’s personal opinion.
The treatment of Hillary Clinton this year showed us that sexism is far more acceptable and more endemic than racism in this country. Naysayers liked to claim that the hatred was for Hillary alone, not for all women; but they were wrong.
Just look at Sarah Palin. She’s different from Hillary in almost every respect, yet she’s being assaulted just as Hillary was, only to an even more intense degree. It’s a virtual lynching. A burning in effigy. The hysteria of it, the ferocity of it, terrifies me.
Every day, almost every hour, another frantic hater chimes in. It’s not enough for them to disagree with Palin’s policies or complain that Republicans are wrong-headed. The Sarah-haters aren’t even interested in her actual policies; if they were, they could easily spend a few minutes with Google and learn the facts, instead of feverishly repeating lurid rumors (no, she’s not anti-contraception; no, she doesn’t believe in abstinence-only sex ed; no, she doesn’t think rape victims should have to pay for their own rape kits; no, she doesn’t think the dinosaurs were here 4000 years ago; no, she doesn’t reject evolution; no, she didn’t ban books; no, she isn’t against equal rights — in fact she is very much in favor of gender equality and is raising her kids that way; no, she doesn’t deny that sexism exists — in fact she’s spoken at length and with intelligence on the obstacles faced by women politicians; and on and on and on.)
The real Sarah Palin is simply a Republican (and not even a particularly nutty Republican) with Republican views on many things. That ought to be enough to disagree with right there. It’s enough for me. I judge Palin by her politics, as I do McCain. (For the record, I’m still planning to vote Green.)
But the haters don’t care about Palin’s political positions. They’re driven by some inchoate impulse to crucify the woman herself. To rape her with words.
She’s a slut. She’s a skank. She’s a cow. She’s white trash. She’s a redneck. She’s a moron.
Photoshopped images abound: Palin as a dominatrix (Salon), Palin in a bikini (Huffington Post), Palin in cheesecake poses (everywhere). An “action figure” is made in her likeness, except it’s dressed as some kind of pornified schoolgirl.
Obama supporters publicly fantasize about doing to her the only thing she’s good for:
And all of this is done gleefully. The nation is having itself a grand ol’ witch-burning party. It reminds me of that picture from Indiana in the 20s: the crowd of smiling white folks milling around under a tree where a black man has been lynched. Hey, isn’t this fun?
That the lynching is being conducted primarily by Obama supporters who consider themselves “progressives” isn’t completely surprising; we learned with Hillary that Obama’s brand of “progressivism” typically includes an alarming quotient of sexism. The assault on Palin just confirms it.
And therein lies a twist. Race is supposed to be the big story of this election year. The historians who are gearing up to write their narratives are expecting to tell a story about race, about black and white in America. Barack Obama, the first black nominee. Big milestone. The year America finally nominated/elected a black man.
But the real story this year is gender. The looming fact of 2008 is our discovery that misogyny is the gravest ill in our society. It’s virulent and violent and spreading. It’s out of control.
Today’s generation of young adults has marinated since childhood in a pornified, sexist culture in which women are relentlessly objectified, demeaned, and ridiculed. Hating on women (or should I just say “bitches” or “hos” now?) is all they really know. It’s second nature. It’s on TV, in the magazines, in the music, in the pornography. The public debasement of women is more commonplace than I’ve ever seen.
That’s why women are going to vote for Sarah Palin. Especially women over 40, because they’re the ones old enough to have grown up before the backlash, before the zeitgeist of misogyny took hold. They’ll be voting from their guts. They’ll be acting on the deep understanding that we desperately need change — and not the kind of amorphous Pepsi Generation empty promise Barack Obama specializes in.
We need to change the culture to one where women have power and respect and dignity. Where a woman can run for President or Vice-President without automatically having her likeness rendered as a sex toy. Where a woman in the White House is no big deal.
The sooner we get there, the better.
Great piece Violet.
It is so disturbing that the Democrats are seemingly even more sexist than the Republicans. What is wrong with these people????
The men sexualize Palin and talk about raping her with glory – and the comments on that story were a bunch of frat boy “high fives.” The women of the Democratic Party are sent out to do the dirty work – speak out against other women.
“There is a special place in hell for women that don’t help other women.” M. Albright. Looks like the place will be crowded with liberal women shortly!
I agree with Rachel and the media also let all of these to happen and it is so unfair!
Check out this article on the media double standard…….
“We need to throw every last molecule of s**t we’ve got at McCain and Palin,” said a poster at the Democratic underground. “Demonize them. Dehumanize them.”
Panic brings out the ugliness in ugly people. And ugliness of this sort is not restricted to moonbat bloggers.
Obama and the media is a joke. Hilary should have won! Experience, history and actions matters.
Sarah Palin’s approval rating in Alaska last month was 81.6 percent. That means for every person who doesn’t like Ms. Palin, there are four who do. But reporters seem only to quote her political enemies, without identifying them as such.
Media honchos say they’re just doing due diligence.
“Intense, independent scrutiny by the Times and the rest of the news media of Palin’s background, character and record was inevitable and right,” declared Clark Hoyt, the “public editor” of the New York Times.
But their hypocrisy is so pronounced the hicks from the sticks have noticed. Among other things, the media moguls expect us to believe:
* That inexperience in foreign policy is a fatal defect in the Republican candidate for vice president, but unimportant in the Democratic candidate for president.
* That a DUI 22 years ago by the husband of the Republican candidate for vice president is scandalous, but the Democratic candidate for president’s admission that he was snorting cocaine at about the same time is too insignificant to mention.
* That the pregnancy of the teenage daughter of the Republican candidate for vice president is fair game, but the fact that a Democratic candidate for president (John Edwards) was conducting an extramarital affair while his wife was suffering from incurable cancer should not be reported out of respect for their privacy.
* That it is scandalous that Sarah Palin, as mayor of Wasilla, sought earmarks for her town, but unworthy of mention that Barack Obama has steered earmarks to the hospital where his wife works, and to his major contributors.
* That the pastors of the churches Sarah Palin attends in Wasilla and Juneau are worthy subjects of investigation, but that the pastor of the racist church Barack Obama attended in Chicago for more than 20 years should be off limits.
A news media which is probing every aspect of Sarah Palin’s life has been remarkably incurious about Barack Obama’s relationship with unrepentant domestic terrorist William Ayers.
More media Bias on this woman…..
The press, after cluck-clucking haughtily at the sensationalization of the news, has just committed its own act of rank sensationalism. Headlines are blaring that Palin said the “U.S would have to go to war if Russia invades another country.” She was asked if the United States would have to go to war if Russia invaded a NATO ally. She said yes, as she must, since the US has an Article V obligation to come to the defense of NATO allies when attacked. If she had said no then she would not have stated U.S. policy. It’s possible the journalists covering her interview do not know this. However it is also possible, perhaps, that this basic fact was ignored by the press eager to make a headline. Could that be? I’m just shocked, shocked at the low level to which we have sunk in this campaign!
What about the surge that Obama said would not work and our troops should come home and gave up? Remember how the anti-war protestors reacted to our Vietnam veteran.
This guy is going for Commander in chief position and he is weak. He doesn’t have any military experience and he thinks that McCain not knowing how to use e-mail and push the button send is a big issue. The ability to use “modern technology” does not necessarily equate with one’s ability to lead. It does not suggest anything about an individual’s experience, judgment, character, leadership ability, policy positions, etc.
Democrats have a puzzle with a code name “Palin Problem”. They have to solve it, and to do it effectively, because the prize is the White House.
Sarah is everywhere these days. No matter, if there are negative responses, rumors and resentments; or praises, support and encouragements. She filled media, and not only in America. Palinmania is spreading all over the world – everybody has their opinion on the new political celebrity of US.
The Palin avalanche is winning against Obama inundation. How should Democrats defeat her? Would it be better just keep their line of campaign and ignore populist idol of Republicans? Or should they put out their claws, oppose her and show her the real politics? http://www.votetheday.com/poll.....palin-260/ – give advice to Democrats, if you think there still is an effective advice for them…
“non-partisan”
LOL
“shocked, Shocked!” at the low level this campaign has taken? Yes, exactly like Captain Renault towards gambling as he has his winnings handed to him.
Please. If everyone here is going to conveniently select minor, indirect player examples against the major, direct onslaught of deceit coming direct from the McCain/Palin campaign to fit your already-made-up-minds than please refrain from pretending this site is “non-partisan”.
Although I disagree with sexism and comment of hatred towards Sarah Palin, this in now way changes the fact that she is woefully under-qualified for the job. If Mcain actually had to be replaced, which may be more likely then many would like to admit, do you think Palin has the experience required? And religion is fine, but it is not a basis by which to make judgments at the the international level. I would question the soundness of having anybody that believes in (and desires?) the End of Times of Times prophecies to lead any country with a nuclear arsenal.
“That the lynching is being conducted primarily by Obama supporters who consider themselves “progressives” isn’t completely surprising; we learned with Hillary that Obama’s brand of “progressivism” typically includes an alarming quotient of sexism. The assault on Palin just confirms it.”
If it’s fair to conflate the disgusting, sexist views of some random bloggers who support Obama with the candidate himself, I guess it’s fair to make the assumption that all New Agenda members agree with the sentiments of one of your prominent members — who represents your movement on national TV — Harriet “inadequate black male” Christian. Fair is fair, after all.
Look, sexism is a HUGE problem. So is racism. But striking a blow against sexism by voting for a presidential candidate who has a horrendous record on women’s issues is irrational. As such, it embodies one of the worst stereotypes against women.
The media should be so ashamed of them selves. I just hope that people can see through all the bias…
While the media is certainly an accomplace, the sexism in this campaign originates from the Obamabots and the Obama campaign, and from Obama HIMSELF!. It is seen in the sly, indirect, but NOTICED hand gestures of Obama and “jokes” i.e., flipping the bird while scratching his cheek, brushing off his shoulders, “99 problems and a Bitch ain’t one of them” rap at a canpaign stop, and now the pig reference to “lipstick”…knowing FULL WELL the implications as did his audience!
The guy is just low class mysoginist scum! His campaign gets it’s “cues” from the TOP…and they have been given their “marching orders”…destroy Palin or risk losing!
It won’t work! The meltdown of his campaign has begun, and it will be a spectacle of anger, hatred, hysteria, and befuddlement. It won’t be pretty, but the country and women in particular will see a particular moment in national Presidential campaign history that may be branded into our political psyche for years to come.
Betty Cracker: WHO is the candidate who has the “horrendous record on women’s issues”? – the one who pays his female staffers only 83 cents for every dollar his male staffers make – or the one who pays his female staffers $1.04 for every dollar his male staffers make?
Do you even know which is which?
ANSWER: McCain is the candidate who actually practices what he preaches re: pay equity and equal opportunity. (Not only are his female staffers paid $1.04 for every dollar a male staffer makes, the majority of his top advisors are women). Now THAT is change I can believe in!
Excellent piece of writing. I commend your clarity of thought. The fact that you do not agree with many of Palin’s Republican ideas does not for a moment prevent you from seeing the sexism that has characterised reactions to her and to Hillary.
*adds this site to her favourites*
Please don’t tell me that ABC is not bias!!!
Gibson’s questions to Sen. Obama, June 4, 2008
How does it feel to break a glass ceiling?
How does it feel to win?
How does your family feel about your “winning” breaking a glass ceiling?
Who will be your VP?
Should you choose Hillary Clinton as VP?
Will you accept public finance?
What issues is your campaign about?
Will you visit Iraq?
Will you debate McCain at a town hall?
What did you think of your competitor’s
Gibson’s questions to Gov. Palin, Sept. 11, 2008
Do you have enough qualifications for the job you’re seeking?
Specifically have you visited foreign countries and met foreign leaders?
Aren’t you conceited to be seeking this high level job?
Questions about foreign policy
-territorial integrity of Georgia
-allowing Georgia and Ukraine to be members of NATO
-NATO treaty
-Iranian nuclear threat
-what to do if Israel attacks Iran
-Al Qaeda motivations
-the Bush Doctrine
-attacking terrorists harbored by Pakistan
-Is America fighting a holy war?
this election poses a tough choice for women, who can either vote for the candidate who walks the talk (McCain) or the guy who votes pro choice and talks a good game but walks sexist. Obama gave a Fourth of July speech on the patriotism of dissent, yet when confronted with dissent in his own party told women at a congressional caucus to “get over it”. his campaign against Hillary was littered with sexist remarks–remember his crack about Hillary’s “claws coming out”? I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t remember seeing Hill’s claws. I do, however, remember Michelle Obama saying she’d like to claw Bill Clinton’s eyes out. When Palin was announced as McCain’s veep pick, the first statement out of the Obama campaign demeaned her experience, then Obama himself followed up with one of his now legendary looney equivocations, this time trying to compare Palin’s experience as mayor and his own experience running his campaign, while completely ignoring her experience as governor. at first I didn’t agree with Lynette Long’s opinion that we should vote Palin because she’s a woman, but now I get it. Sarah Palin’s been painted by the media as an inexperienced hick, when as governor of a state, and as the most popular governor in the country with an 80% approval rating she is obviously anything but.
I was voting for McCain anyway, but now I’m thinking that if Palin doesn’t get in, we’ll never see a woman in national office. first Hillary, now Sarah–the media and the male dominated society will always come up with some line of ca-ca as to why no woman.
Considering Gov. Palin has stated that she hasn’t thought about Iraq that much, the media should see what her views are on foreign policy. Sen. Obama has sat on the Foreign Relations Committee and has also been vetted on the campaign trail and in public debate for years now. Clearly the Obama campaign and its surrogates affiliated with the campaign have made no such attacks personally on Gov. Palin, yet they have objected to some of her policies and public actions. Which, as Gov. Palin has stated, with respect to Sen. Clinton, is fair game in a political campaign. As far as the vitriolic responses of so called Obama supporters, one could find just as many McCain supporters with “Sambo” remarks and such. One should keep their criticisms to people of serious debate and importance. I definitely would vote for Sen. Clinton if she were the nominee, but alas she isn’t. In fact, Clinton would probably be way ahead at this time because of her appeal to the working class voters in the political middle. However, Mr. Obama presents the best chance for legislation and policies in advance of women’s issues and should be the choice of women in this country. Just because Ms. Palin is a woman does not mean that she will have any say in policy as Vice President and will probably be just a puppet as most V.P.’s in history have been. In all probabilty, the Republicans and the McCain administration will continue the non equal pay policy and other backward policies of the past even if she is elected as VP
As one of those women over 40, I’m torn beyond the knowledge it would be very difficult for me to vote for Obama. I have four daughters, the youngest is 14. Yesterday she turned to me and said she didn’t think women should be in politics anymore, that men would not let them win.
That was disturbing, especially coming from the child who at age 11 volunteered on her own to work on a city council campaign and at one time said she wanted to become President.
Watching some of the comments that have been made first about Clinton and now about Palin has made me seriously question the values of the party I supported. Not just from men but especially from other women.
Thank you for putting into words what I know many have been feeling.
DWHarper said:
Really? Where?
I can point you right now to a dozen major blogs and media sites with grotesque insults against Sarah Palin. Not one of them has ever said anything remotely offensive about Obama, much less called him a “Sambo.”
This election is so important not only to the fate of our country but to women as well. We have come to a fork in the road and how we vote in November will play a large role in determining where women are headed in the future. What a McCain victory could mean for women is so exciting it takes my breath away to think about it! A 2008 McCain victory means that for the first time in America’s history we have the chance to have not one but 3 women running for President of the United States. It is very likely that a 2012 election will be between Republican Sarah Palin, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Green Party Cynthia McKinney! I like Cynthia McKinney alot and although she receives little to no attention this year, in 2012 she’ll be catapulted into the media spotlight due to the historic nature of the election.
We can make this happen. It’s right there in our reach!! I encourage everyone to vote McCain this November so that 2012 will be the year of the woman. I also encourage everyone to donate this year to Cynthia McKinney’s campaign fund so that she has the resources to run again in our historic election.
The most demeaning comment you can make about women is that we are all the same. Supporting a zealot who denies women choice, who lies, who is as corrupt as her male colleagues, surely does the women’s movement no credit.
At the university, essentialism — sex is the major determining factor — is moderated by all the other facets of life that make up an individual. Palin’s other beliefs scare me thoroughly.
I continue to support Hillary…and her choice to campaign for Obama. I will certainly vote for the Obama-Biden ticket.
Irene, your comments about Sarah Palin are baseless political rhetoric.
Ijane,
Don’t insult me. I am an (immigrant) East Indian woman who works for NASA (there’s a lot of us). Next year, if all goes well my group will bring you a weather satellite to monitor Global Warming, for the betterment of America/World (something Sarah Palin does not think is real).
I agree with Irene. (thank you Irene)
A woman against a woman’s right’s to choose is no woman at all.
Sarah Palin is the ANTI-woman.
I felt deeply betrayed by McCain’s choice fro VEEP. Will any woman do? Seriously.
I too, don’t like the name calling and sexism. That needs to stop.
I don’t like the name calling/racists comments with regard to Senator Obama also. That needs to stop.
But, please don’t insult me by encouraging me to vote for a man who votes against equal pay for women (McCain). And please don’t bundle me (and thousands like me) with the likes of Sarah Palin. I have nothing against her as woman, I HAVE EVERYTHING against her world view and her policies.
Enough.
Also, something to think about…
Sexism – can you legislate it?
At the end of the day, it’s the bottom line that counts:
* Do I have the right to choose – re: my body?
* Do I have equal pay?
* Do I have the right to vote – without harassment?
* If my sister gets raped – does she have the right to terminate her pregnancy without impunity?
These issues are the “sexist” issues – not the “nonsense” spewed forth by the MSM? Try to be intelligent about this. If you are insulted by a comment – take ation with regard to it. Don’t vote away your rights because you didn’t have the courage to deal with your emotions…..
I am appalled at the choice of Sarah Palin. Her radical fundamentalism is truly frightening and she would be worse than Bush. If you take away race, gender , and age from this election and analyse the candidates on their true merits, of education, experience, judgement, global understanding, temperament, intellect, and grace, then the math is simple. If you vote for or against someone because of their skin color or whether they wear a skirt or not, we will get the government we deserve. It is time to stop the nonsense and cast your vote for the person best qualified to lead and that is clearly Barack Obama.
C. Simon
Michigan
I’m voting for Obama based on the issues. I don’t want my son to go to war in Iraq. I don’t want more deregulation on Wall St. I don’t want my social security and health care to be privatized. I do believe global warming is caused by human activities. I do believe in a woman’s right to choose…..I could go on and on…..
I know this blog is biased toward those that support Palin. But, I personally, vote on the issues. I’m pretty sure that would make Hillary proud.
To say that a women who is anti-choice is “no woman at all” — don’t you see the absurdity of that statement? YOU ARE TAKING AWAY HER CHOICE — how could you not get that? Some of my best beautiful women friends are anti-choice — am I to think that they are not real women? Are you nuts?
I always thought Liberals considered themselves the open-minded ones, but time and time again they have shown that they are the most close-minded people I have ever seen. If you don’t agree with them they call you names, like stupid and ignorant (instead of just agreeing to disagree). It seems like they want to suppress and/or belittle any opinion that doesn’t match their own. It’s really sad.
On another note: just curious why BO is always called a black man? Didn’t he have a mother who was white? If he wins the presidency wouldn’t he in reality be the first half-white, half-black president in our nations history? Is there something wrong with the white part of him? Seriously, just wondering.
Is this what it has come down to? Pro”choice” women believing Sarah Palin is anti woman because she is anti abortion? She has never tried to change abortion law while in office, but personally believes that abortion is wrong and she walks her talk. Don’t worry Zoldie = no one is going to take away your right to murder any baby you may carry. It’s too important to far too many left wing “feminists”. Just remember: some of those babies are female too – who is defending them?
I wonder if McCain / Palin came out with a statement saying they promised not to change abortion laws. Would this lead you to rethink your “insulted” status? No, I think not.
We should support McCain/Palin team because they don’t just provide lipservice – McCain hires more women and pays them more and has chosen one to show that it is possible for a woman to reach this level. Obama says he’s pro choice while condescending to Hillary and other women and the lib fems go weak at the knees.
That’s not insulting. That’s pathetic.
Zoidie — You need to some research into Sarah Palin’s governing track record before you jump to conclusions. And I’m not talking about the misogynist blogs that are determined to tear her down.
Gov Palin has such a high approval rating because she “doesn’t” impose her personal views on the way she governs. She is a centrist and a moderate. She has earned high marks from the Dems for reaching across, including asking them to participate from the very beginning in ethics reform. I have family there who say she is great and is truly bi-partisan. You can’t say the same for Obama, in fact, Obama is “the” most divisive candidate of this election.
Furthermore, I am feminist and very much pro-choice. I support Gov Palin’s choice to have Trig, even though it is probably not the choice I would have made. However, I am horrified at Obama’s position on third term abortion and infanticide. His views are so extreme — more extreme than Sen Ted Kennedy or Nancy Pelosi. That’s truly frightening and a cause for concern. Even though I am pro-choice, I feel Roe vs. Wade is a scare tactic the Obamabots are using to “keep us in line”. Roe vs Wade will NOT be overturned, but the contempt for babies born alive is barbaric. I will not vote for a barbarian. I will come down on the side of life.
And the other posters are correct. If they succeed in diminishing and destroying Palin, we are lost. The campaign against Hillary was the vile, most sexist ever — and the MSM stayed silent. Now they are doing the same to Gov Palin. I am not voting “For” McCain, I am voting “against” Obama and all his thuggish tactics:
the misogyny, the crude sexism, the voter fraud during the primary, the suppression of free expression , the threats. This is NOT where I want our country to go. Obama is a product of the Chicago political machine and I WILL NOT SUPPORT THAT.
I am a late 40’s woman who has had to fight sexism in my field (engineering and aviation) and I am not going to leave a legacy that makes my daughters feel that women as political candidates will never be taken seriously nor will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
I want Hillary, but I am going to cheer, applaud and respect the campaign of Gov Palin. We differ politically, but I feel she has a good heart and really wants what’s best for this country. I want my daughters to have that role model and hope.
NOBAMA, NOBIDEN
Hillary 2012
http://www.hireheels.com
http://www.blog.pumapac.org
How is it different for a woman to support the McClain/Palin ticket merely because a woman is on it, than for a man to vote against it for the same reason?
In the same way that it’s different for an African-American to support a black candidate because he’s black, than for a white person to vote against that candidate for the same reason.
Dear Violet,
I haven’t heard anyone call Governor Palin a skank or cow and find it hard to believe any but a very small percentage of people would be so inclined. Is there something I’ve missed? Please do tell (and show).
For that matter, I’ve never heard anyone call her a redneck or moron or refer to her as white trash either, although I wouldn’t be nearly so surprised to learn some do.
Sometimes people have a relevant point to make, perhaps not a good one, but a relevant point nonetheless, however they get swept away by their emotions and end up expressing it in terms which are coarse, mean-spirited and/or greatly exaggerated.
It happens. In fact, as I read over your post I couldn’t help noticing you succumb to that very temptation.
But just as I can see through the manner in which you’re expressing yourself and acknowledge you’re making a relevant point, whether or not I think it’s a good one, I’d expect you to be able to see through the manner in which people express their concerns about Governor Palin and acknowledge they’re making a relevant point, whether or not you think it’s a good one.
Otherwise, if you think others are “raping” Governor Palin with their words, then for consistencies sake, you’d have to think you’re “lynching” Senator Obama with yours.
I trust that given some time to reflect, you’ll agree it’s better to interpret intemperate remarks charitably. Then again, maybe not. You tell me.
Best,
Susan
Is there any more room under that rock?
Considering that she’s been called white trash and a redneck in the Huffington Post, a Nazi and a fascist and a dominatrix in Salon, that one of the individuals who contributed to this very comment thread has a post up referring to Palin as a “Nazi cow,” I can only envy your removal from the current media coverage.
Sandra Bernhard has recently called for a “group of black men” to rape Governor Palin in New York. Bernhard is promoting violence toward women while simultaneously feeding into the most heinous stereotype of African American men.
Any woman who supports the hatred and misogyny that fuels Obama’s supporters is either completely idiotic or completely insane.
The language used to express oneself explains a lot about the person. I don’t think I belong to this discussion group.
Cindy:
I don’t want my son to go to war either, unless he wants to. That’s pro choice. Of course many self labeled “pro choice” people want to prevent ROTC on campuses and military speakers and hold protests in front of recruitment centers to intimidate and dissuade those people who may be interested in hearing about options available to them. They would love nothing better than to have no one voluntarily join the military, to see it depleted, and are apparently willing to risk therefore having the government bring about a DRAFT again for another war (oh, yes, there will be another one, there always is). Just another way “choice” is not really an option.
Obama’s positions will make that possibility more likely. If you liked how Carter dealt with the hostages you are gonna loooooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvveeeeeeee how Obama deals with Iran’s first shot…….
Re. Zoidie’s comment that “a woman against a woman’s right’s to choose is no woman at all” – why, thank you for stripping me of my womanhood with those words!
I maintain that we have the freedom to be the best that we can be, and we must strive to fulfil that at every moment. But killing helpless children is *not* the best we can be – in fact, it’s the very opposite.
I disagree with Sarah Palin on a lot of issues (especially the environment, guns, and foreign policy), but I have enormous respect for her decision to carry her Downs Syndrome child to term and care for him lovingly. It’s terribly sad that she’s in a minority on that front.
Please, remember: those of us who are anti-abortion aren’t anti-choice – we just view certain choices as violations of human dignity. Just because someone freely chooses to do something, that doesn’t make it right. Would someone who calls themselves pro-choice support my free decision to beat someone to death in a dark alleyway? I wouldn’t imagine so. So, please, try to see things from another point of view.
Personally, I am capable of seeing the point of view of those who think that abortion is okay. I mean, such a point of view is only sustainable if one doesn’t believe the foetus is a child (a belief I cannot share) – but, if one *does* believe that, then I imagine that it would seem unfair for others to try and limit a woman’s choice to do what she wants “with her own body.” Perhaps, in the extreme of such a view, abortion would have no more significance than cutting one’s hair or trimming one’s fingernails?
But, for those of you in favour of liberal abortion laws: do you ever wonder – what if the foetus really is a child? Can you face up to that question?
Let’s break out of our typical positions for a moment and try to look at things disinterestedly (a difficult and not completely possible thing to do, but we will make the attempt). Let’s imagine that we don’t know what’s right or wrong when it comes to abortion and see where it takes us.
A useful intellectual exercise when one is faced with a number of unknowns is to compare the worst case scenarios and see which one is less acceptable. (The best cases don’t matter because they’re fine and dandy.) Let’s try it here. Unknown the first: status of the child. Let’s say we don’t know if it’s just part of the woman’s body or is a person in her or his own right. Unknown the second: do we allow abortion?
Well, the two best case scenarios are thus: 1) the child isn’t a person and is aborted – just like cutting one’s hair, it is a morally neutral act – no problem; and 2) the child is a person, and the mother gives birth – wonderful, a new life comes into the world. But, as I said, neither of those matters, because no one is inconvenienced or hurt (and it’s hurt that we want to avoid). So we need to look at the worst cases in order to try and avoid the worse of the two.
The two worst cases: 1) the child isn’t a person, yet is not aborted – okay, so there would have been no problem killing it, but this didn’t happen – but, now that it hasn’t been killed, it eventually becomes a person; and 2) the child is a person, yet is killed. Clearly, the second, as it involves murder, is worse. The first, although it may cause some problems for the parent, just can’t be as bad as that (as murder is always totally unjustifiable).
And, tell me, am I now de-sexed for making this claim? If that’s what being a woman means… I’ll be happy to find another model of womanhood.
Siobhán, I’m almost opposite you on the abortion issue, but the question of what constitutes feminism (or womanhood) has become so annoying to me that I’m disinclined to listen to anyone who says one or the other of us is not feminist or woman enough to be included in the ever-shrinking circle by which they define themselves.
I believe in a bigger circle.
A Bigger Circle. What a great name for a new pro woman movement!
But, for those of you in favour of liberal abortion laws: do you ever wonder – what if the foetus really is a child? Can you face up to that question?
Yes.
If I believed the foetus was a child, I would believe abortion was immoral. Since I do not believe a first-trimester foetus is the same thing as a child, I don’t believe abortion is immoral.
However, just as I do not support forced kidney donation, I do not support forced pregnancy and birth. I do not believe women have some unique legally enforceable obligation to deliver up our bodies for other people to use. And I do not want to see women suffer and die from illegal and unsafe abortions.
Phyliss Shafley is a woman ,do you support her women belong in the kitchen routine? I agree that we should not be disparaged,but If a male is a better candidate for our country we should support him. I’m a great fan of Hillary and also of Bill Clinton. I called,sent e mails,etc to cable News shows that ridiculed females. CNN being one of them.Woman in this country need a person,male or female who will stand up for all Americans rights. I do believe the MCCain forces are using Palin.. they don’t let her speak. She’s being denied her rights to show what and who she is. Didn’t she paraphrase if the going gets tough the tough get goingin regards to Hillarys whinning. The Republicans should let her show her stuff. I cannot vote for a group of power grabbing Republicans who are simply using Palin as some sort of banner to get female votes.
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