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Feedback ForumAs a woman, what challenges and triumphs have you faced?Submissions for this question are no longer being accepted. Previously submitted comments appear below. Comments may have been edited for content or space. Poster: Discouraged professional Comment: I think it's great that a few women are able to make it into politics, but unfortunately, I don't think the U.S. is a true democracy or that it lives up to its' presumed ideals. And we are far below a lot of other countries in measures of basic well-being for all citizens, particularly women and children. Being able to speak up is also non-existent for most people and women are still reticent about doing so or don't know who will listen to them. I have suffered tremendously because a state licensing board took very unfair action against me, blaming me with patient abandonment after one of the seven board members reneged on an agreement over office space and I was thus left without a facility temporarily. The board wanted to cover this fact up, so came after me very viciously. Unfortunately, there is no due process for licensees in many states, and if you have no income it's particularly difficult to protect yourself. There is no advocate. I'm a dentist who has now been unemployed for most of the past six years, trying to find work in my state. I'm a good practitioner, very ethical, etc., but my reputation has been dashed unfairly. Meanwhile, there are many areas of the country that don't have enough dentists, and the long length and high cost of the education are factors in the supply. So it absoloutely makes no sense, but then our state and federal governments often do things that don't make sense! And the rich and well-connected often aren't punished at all when they've done something wrong, such as the current financial crisis caused by the investment bankers. Poster: Gerry Marie Doyle Comment: I was 16 years old when I entered the work place in, 1960. I started out as a dental assistant and became the office manager one year later. I was fortunate to have been in a profession, that for the 44 years I worked as a Dental Office Manager, was a womans world - since men never applied in this profession. I was a Happy-Go-Lucky wife and mother of three - UNTIL My challenges began at the age of,39, when I decided to buck the system, good old boys, a City and their Police Department, a District Attorney, the court system, and the Governor of California in, 1983, when my twelve year old son was, stripped-cavity searched. After a long battle, which included death threats,killing my animals,and too much more to mention here-I went on 60 minutes, with then Senator Maxine Waters, of Los Angeles, and a Strip-Search Bill was passed, in March of 1984, with a unanamous vote and an emergency clause! It was a huge challenge, but I was completly commited to my cause, and I felt the TRIUMPH over all the entities I fought. I am often asked was it worth it or would I do it again - My answer is always the same - YES - just give me another challenge!! Poster: Florence Comment: I want to thank Maria and the staff of NOW for a great show. I didn't realize that the US was so low in women legislators. I am very fortunate to live in a section of Massachusetts that has women at several levels representing us. For State Representative we have Barbara L'Italian, for State Senator, we have Sue Tucker, and for the Congress, we have Niki Tsongas. How cool is that? Poster: Ann Comment: Interesting comments. I entered the workforce at 18(1962)in West Texas (Midland) when the accepted norm was that women were secretaries or assistants, but nobody expected them to be otherwise. As the years passed, and I found myself in a field (graphics) that supposedly was for men mostly, my experience in my field was that more and more women began to be counted among my fellow designers. And I saw a slow increase in the number of women who rose to head departments and to be top business-to-business salespeople. Within my corporation, we have become racially mixed (thank goodness) and gender mixed, but the top managerial positions remain unfilled by women, though more women are closer to the top than in the past. We also have not been victimized by sexual predation. People who have become known for that have lost their jobs. In addition, we have successful women sales representatives who have not had to use sex to get sales. They are well-trained to study the customer's business and match our company's products and services to that business. Early on, I respected our company for not relying on a common business practice of using ads with seductive young women to sell our products. The owners' contention was the company was selling products that fit business needs and that was the focus they insisted on. They were unique in that stance, sadly. So things have improved greatly, but are not where they will eventually be. Not having the burden of segregation on our society has been as great a liberator, if not more, as women gaining acceptance as capable business people. Poster: Jennifer Jackson Comment: The good ole boys club is alive and well and the scary part is they have a sister club with dues paying members. Believe me, there are women who think women have no place in the political arena. As a white middle aged middle class woman, I was NEVER aware that I could or ever would be discriminated against. Once I moved out side the perceived womanly roles of child rearing, education and the Arts, that all changed. As a newly elected county board supervisor, I have encountered many sexists in government. Men who can not debate on the issues because they either have not read on the issue in question, do not have good debate skills, or just do not want a woman to win a debate AT ANY COST. Men take their egos to work; women check them at the door. For most women in politics it is ISSUES first, personal power second. Do not get me wrong, there are men out there that are not sexists. These Men make great political allies and formidable opponents when debating an issue. It is refreshing to meet one occasionally. However, those that DO take their egos to work with them do not forget when they have lost on an issue to one of us. These guys never stop. They HAVE to win no matter what the issue. Even if they agree with you, it must be their idea, their victory, and their tweak of the solution you somehow came up with. We must come to the table better prepared than anyone in the room. We Women must be sensitive to the term 'bitchy' rather than assertive. Even my own husband could not see what I experienced in my first 2 years on the board. It was with gradual enlightenment he began to see the most severe of these sexists as 'somewhat' sexist as I pointed them out.. I was very frustrated that he did not immediately side with me. (And rather shocked and amazed) this is a very sensitive subject with us yet today and often has made in roads to our personal relationship. But, I have to remember, he is a white middle aged successful man who has never encountered the feel of being discriminated against. Until you are a victim of it, you have a hard time seeing it in all its subtleties. Poster: Etha Gray Comment: I have struggled all my life, just to survive. I got my GED after I got out of the TB hospital. The only jobs I could get were waitress or maid's work which I hated. I was determined to make it. I would get jobs, under the EEOC law, but they always found a way to fire me, or force me to quit. Yes, I had a chip on my shoulder. Put there by years and years of racism, being called N's and reminder that I was not equal to whites. On one job, I created a system to make the job easier. The company accepted my idea. When asked to be allowed to head the position, I was told that the white employees would not want to be supervised by a Negro. I left the company. I have made many good starts, including writing books which I had to self publish. One of which I was told by publishers that my Black lead character was too strong and 'uppity' (there's that word again) and their white readers would not like him. They wanted to change him to do a little 'toming'; beat up his wife now and then; leer after his daughters; and that would make for more interesting reading. I refused, starting publishing them my success. I am not making any money in my efforts, but my success comes from knowing that I did not give in to their racist attitudes about Blacks. Poster: Manhattan Mom Comment: Over the past 3.5 weeks a few questions have been nagging me. Since when do the Steinems, Cotzs, Behars, & Goldbergs of the world speak for me, or for all women for that matter? Since when does being born female require me to fall in line, lockstep with the Oprah's, Mallicks, & Allreds of the world? Since when does anyone (on either side) have the right to question my dedication to the cause of Old Fashioned, Equal Pay for Equal Work Feminism? AND more importantly since when am I REQUIRED to subscribe to a certain ideology simply because God gave me the equipment to give birth? For the past 40 some odd years I thought that the get an education,focus on self-determination, think for yourself, choose your own path, message that was pounded into me as a young girl was sincere. Imagine my shock, in the last few weeks, when I discovered in that unless I subscribe to a certain women's rights, pro-abortion, pro-government, anti-male, liberal ideology that I am not a real woman. If I am not a liberal I cannot possibly have the best interests of all women (including my 3 daughters) at heart! Apparently aligning myself politically with a conservative, strong, self made, working mother of 5, with a talent for taking the bulls (on both sides, male or female) by the horns and beating them, possessing a talent to speak in front of a crowd AND hold their attention, the ability to hold down a successful job as the Governor of Alaska, deal with the kind of decisions working mothers must, in short HAVE IT ALL make makes me less than a woman and a laughing stock. I'm floored! The fact that I have conservative leanings as a woman apparently puts me in the pigs in lipstick column on the democratic party's list of stereotypes. According to some I'm not allowed to be the VP of the USA (and neither is Sarah Palin) not because I'm incapable but rather, because I'm on the wrong side of the political spectrum. All this time I thought misogynists were the enemy. I thought it was the male chauvenist pigs. I am appalled to discover that I have seen the real enemy and oddly enough HE is a SHE! My (Working Mother, Go For it Girl, Don't let 'em hold you back, Keep pushing, Don't take no for an answer, REAL Feminist) Grandmother must be turning in her grave. Poster: Kris Comment: I worked in the almost exclusively male paper industry in engineering. I wore a hardhat to work and spent my day in the factory. I was promoted above my male coworkers because of my ability and work ethic. I expected to be treated with respect and was. I think women who complain about being passed over are simply not as good at what they do as they think. Excellence and hard work is always rewarded, because companies want to succeed. If you are an exceptional employee and are passed over, quit whining and find a company that will appreciate you. I quit my job when I had children and have not regretted it. Fortunately my husband is honest, hard working, and excellent at what he does so we do not need two incomes. Focus on working harder than the other 'guy' and turning out excellent work product and you will do well - man or woman. Poster: Jill Comment: I have to say I read all this and sit in complete awe. I am a woman I have taken the hard road ALOT in my life and it has brought me to where I am now all done on my own. I worked in corporate America 5 1/2 years of game playing to get to a respected position. Now what I found is hard work and determination got me there but not to the position I wanted to be in. The Women who wore the short skirts and flirted there way in obtained the position. Now in a society overflowing with sex it's become the norm. What is aggravating is those are the same women complaing about harassment. I recently read an article about young teen girls dressing the part of the boy toy what was most upsetting was the mothers approving and promoting this behavior. Where has our morals went in America and why aren't there people like me standing up and saying, wait a minute there this needs to stop. Women have come a long way but we need to act like respectable individuals to obtain the respect we deserve. Poster: Jill Gering Comment: When I graduated from High School my Education Councilor told me that with my test scores etc. I could apply and go anywhere. However, that excluded Harvard, Columbia,Yale, Cornell etc. They were all male schools. Around 1972 I happened to be at the Harvard Commencement when women were finally free to go to Harvard undergraduate school. The Latin Scholar gave what would now be considered a politically incorrect speech to mark the event. So my husband got his masters and I got my own special, Yes!we did it moment. And the Civil Rights and Women's Rights period was very ugly for women. I was appalled at the bias of the NOW show. Our state is historic in two ways, we had the first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor and were the first state to elect females to every top office in the state. But since women as victims seemed to be the theme and the idea that we should elect a totally incompetent woman because she is a woman was very sad. When my husband asked if I wanted to watch the program. Initially, I said no. Its going to be another East Coast women as victims and it was. Hillary Clinton did not earn my vote. And even if she had, I feel that to have the Presidency rotated between 2 families for 29 years was a dangerous precedent. That caused very deep concerns that increased as she started playing the gender card hard. The pressure to vote for her just because she was a woman was unpleasant. But caving to pressure is not in my DNA. And if not for many women like me back in the 60's women probably would still be trying to get into the Ivy League Private schools. We were very strong women. And we have rallied behind other strong women to work for more and more women in office. But not at the expense of everything else. So I will not be voting for Sarah Palin. I can think of no greater disaster for our Country, our education system, the rights of all women and the need to move on. Poster: OLGA Comment: Thanks to Maria PBS did a great service to women who are struggling everywhere. Still where was PBS when an unbiased opinion was needed in highlighting Hillary's campaign? I was appalled when a female biased reporter on PBS asked Hillary if she thought her candidancy was more important than Obama's! Reporters have no business in determining elections or public opinions. Maria's documentary left me with the question as to why women do not fair better in this country. The only conclusion I have reached as I struggle for re-entry in the work place, is because our culture priveleges males at every turn and pays lip service to women about advanccement, power, beauty and intelligence. When will women pull back the curtain to see how they are manipulated by Madison Avenue while males advance? Women do not need to follow the male script for advancement they can write their own but must help other women as they do. Women in other countries seem to know this in their bones and act on it by helping women get on top. Poster: S. LaRoche Comment: I would love to see a woman in the white house. While I was in the workforce, I consistently made less money for equal work. Pushing the barriers is important,even imperative. However, a Vice President should have proven qualifications, leadership, diplomatic skills, knowledge and be ready to be the President, if needed. Sarah Palin is none of those things. I am a stay at home Mom and afraid for my children's future if someone like SP ended up the President of the United States. Poster: Just another woman. Comment: My challenge is to be a role model for my daughter and convince her that I was not lying about racism in America. There was a time in my life when I would have supported NOW; when I was less educated- that is. There is no glass ceiling but a blind spot as it pertains to ethnic minorities - yes, racism. As a woman, I seriously cannot relate to NOW and this organization represents none of my values. I don't care that I am ignored, but I do care that I will be passed over by men and women of another ethnic persuasion simply based on race. I do care that I have lied to my daughters and told them that a good education, beyond high school and having babies, is of utmost importance; only to watch as the the same doors of racism are slammed in her face that I had slammed in mine. I have worked at firms with dumb women who fill a gender quota at the expense of a racial quota - and the person of color having been well educated and better qualified. Sarah Palin represents the dumb void that fills the empty gaps in any industry where intelligence counts.....government, entertainment, military, education...even motherhood...and any other category you may wish to include. I am sorry that NOW could not back a more reasonably intelligent choice. Sarah misses the mark, terribly! Poster: Barbara Carolyn Wentworth Comment: I have always supported PBS and NOW. I have always been about shattering the glass ceiling that stands above the heads of women. I played women's football for 2 years. I suffered a life threatening stroke and had intensive rehab to learn how to walk, talk, drive, tie my shoes, write with my left hand instead of my right, for over a year. I am a volunteer for the American Heart and Stroke Association. I complete a marathon for the ASA in 2005. I am 31 years old and for the first time in my life I am fully embracing this election. I volunteer for Obama's campaign. I am horrified that NOW is supporting Sarah Palin. Yes she is female but she is not a woman. She is against so much of what I believe a woman stands for. We have choices, rights, and a voice! Sarah Palin is am embarrassment to me as a woman. She may be able to see Russia from her house, she plays into all the stereotypes of women. She's beautiful, a M.I.L.F they like to call her, but that is all. Sarah Palin is simply a trophy vice president for John McCain. A ploy to get Clinton supporters. Let's show America that we are not that brainless! My support of PBS and NOW is under serious questioning! Poster: Sarah Brown Comment: Every woman sees the world and society from a different perspective, you might not agree with mine, but how beautiful to live in a nation where women can speak their minds. I am a mother with six daughters and one son, I grew up in a home with four sisters, My mom and dad worked together from home, my mom is an artist, my dad was her business manager, he was also in the air force, and a pastor. My mom pretty much supported the family, and homeschooled me. My husband and I operate two companies that we manage from home, we are also involved in politics and I write for the local paper. We recently won a lawsuit against our town, because they were trying to force our family to get rid of our pet dairy goats, with no law behind them. I also homeschool the children. My life looks nothing like the kind of lives portrayed in the media. Before Sarah I saw only two women portrayed by society- the professional woman and the stay-at-home mom. I'm happy to see Sarah Palin come into the world- she gives a solid alternative to womanhood- the kind of womanhood my mom and I have been enjoying all these years. By the way, I'm 32, married 10 years, my children are all under nine, my husband and I met when we were 13 and 14, I'm one year older- we saved sex for marriage, and we are the happiest couple we know besides my mom and dad- they are very happy too, after 40 years. I have Aspergers Syndrome, but have mostly overcome all the weaknesses and use the disorder to my advantage. I do wish society could see more women like me, my mom and Sarah Palin. Sarah Janisse Brown 9/14/08 Poster: MEN Comment: I was born in the 1930 in Germany, luckily my mother divorced and we left for Chile in 1939.we lived there for 8 years, a very sophisticated, modern and free country, before Pinochet. My mother finding herself at the other end of the world with a war raging at home, no money and a child to take care of, rolled up her sleeves and went to work, and could do it. Fortunately I had an incredible clever mother, creative and innovative, she designed and invented many things in her life. In 1947 we immigrated to the USA as Chileans, from the comfortable life we had as a result of my mothers effort in Chile, we moved to a one room apartment in NYC. She did it again, she innovated and introduced mass produced table mats into most department store in the USA. She become a successful business woman. When the women's movement started I could not understand what they were talking about. She was amazingly courageous, very gorgeous, which undoubtedly opened many doors. But she never sold herself, she was not afraid. She was an incredible role model. As a teen-ager I thought she was all wrong, now of course I see she was all right. She had difficulty finding female friends because she was a business woman, woman were threatened by her and the men too, they didn't always want to hear her speak about her business. She never complained and was never a victim. What I learned by her example is that we can, if we dare and want to, not to doubt myself, and to trust in the process, using life experience as a learning tool. I have been married and divorced, a mother and grandmother and for 24 years I traveled and lectured in Europe in 5 languages. I wrote and gave workshops in consciousness and healing. I have been an environmentalist since the 60's. In my work I have found that many women don't really like women, (i.e. their mothers) and are not prepared to help them. I admire accomplished women; don't believe in death, so abortion is a non issue. I Prefer prevention and population control. Better for our planet. I admire Sara Palin's way of presenting herself. However I feel she is not competent to be a president of this country, or any country, for a myriad of reasons. Most of all because she is not educated sufficiently, has a very narrow world view and she is not the Christian she presents herself to be. A person who lives real values, in my opinion, does not judge, is not vengeful, has no reason to be secretive, does not lie or manipulate, is able to admit mistakes, uses wisdom to choose the best possible person for a job. A truly spiritual person respects others as they would themselves, sees the divine in everyone. Quoting the Christian bible does not necessarily make for a really spiritual person, there are lots of sacred books on this planet, and lots of ways home...and guides how to live while we are here... I am for the empowerment of women and men, and men and women... Any one who does not know what Obama stands for, look at his web site, he has speeches on every subject. We need to make an educated choice...not an emotional choice...we are in very deep trouble in the USA and we need a young, wise and insightful leader, who has the stamina to handle this very, very tough job...not someone old, not so smart and in not such perfect health. Poster: Wendy Powers Comment: When I was a lot younger I was a driven workaholic like my father. I wanted to be 'seen' by him as an equal instead of his seeing me only as a woman who should get married, become a corporate wife & have children. He'd make comments like 'tick, tick, tick your biological clock is running out'. I was not a subservient woman. But, I also didn't have the same chances as men who were doing the same work in advertising & entertainment in Los Angeles, CA. The 'men's club' still exists today in many industries. Like biogtry against many ethnic groups - women will also be discriminated against as long as men feel superior believing they are the bread winners while woman should be housewives & mothers. In my experience I've heard Fundamentalist Christians tell me that woman belong in the home taking care of the children supporting their husbands in whatever they want to do. I do not have any problems with women staying home taking care of everything to do with running the home and taking care of children IF it is their own, free choice. I married a great guy at 50 who supports me 100% to do exactly as I want to do and be whomever I want to be. He goes to work. I stay home (no kids). I do everything: all financial and investment business, shopping, cleaning & gardening if am able, make all appointments, search for the best deals and book all travel - whatever needs doing I do at my own pace taking breaks when I need to. I've a new found respect for my mother who was wife & mother extraordinaire when I was a kid. She did it all & did it well. Of course to my father it was not hard work nor a REAL job. He never thanked her for any of it. I won't make a blanket statement about 'all men', but women are not truly respected by men in the work place. Sexual harrassment happens every day, but many women will do nothing because they feel they will suffer consequences at their job. I was forced to file a workmen's compensation case against my last employers (two brothers) when they would not get me the medical care I needed to take care of my injuries & fired me because of them. I spent six yrs. fighting for my rights as an injured employee & as a women. My ex-employers let it be known they were going to destroy me because I dared to sue them. I did not cave in nor give up. I won no matter what the settlement. I'm emotionally & personally stronger. I've my integrity & my self respect. Those two men don't know what integrity is. Poster: Ann Ortevich Comment: The biggest problem that I faced was working with conservative white males who could not handle an independent woman who was competent and wanted to make a difference. I either played ball with the club or was considered a threat as an independent thinker. My work was excellent and I won a prestigious award but that only made them angrier, more unfair, hostile, insecure and resistent to provide me equal pay or opportunity. I also had to endure discriminatory comments about my ethnicity which had nothing to do with anything. Breaking the glass ceiling sometimes means breaking the conformist standards women must display in order to be accepted by a male dominated culture...and in my case, a very corrupt gang who cleverly hid behind the 'fine' reputation of the institution I was working for. Poster: L. Shultz Comment: I was interested and a little puzzled by the comment that Sarah Palin is a woman, but not a candidate that will represent women. I am a woman that was excited to see her nominated. I was very excited to see a candidate nominated for vice president that represents so many of my viewpoints. The fact that she is a vibrant, relatively young, well-spoken women is interesting to me, but of secondary importance. You are making a very big mistake in assuming that women think alike on issues. On what basis do you say she is not a women's candidate? Because she does not agree with the commentator's view's on issues? I might just as well say, Sarah Palin is a great women's candidate. Certain women's groups do not define viewpoints on women's issues or any other issues. Poster: Ginger Miles Comment: My comment is directed to Maria Hinojosa, whom I know as an independent radio producer. Brava Maria, I just watched this documentary and could not go to bed without writing to you and telling you that on every level (and I am picky) your doc inspired and informed us on a topic which obviously needs to be re worked and re-newed. Thanks so much to you and to NOW and to PBS for airing and funding this work!! Ginger Miles Poster: Marta Bermudez Comment: My story is too long and not a priority at the moment.I have a PhD and have been treated very badly by the academic community, first because I got pregnant at the wrong time. Also a Latina was not well perceived as a tenurable faculty at Rutgers University (even though I published and worked harder than any of my colleagues). I was not the first nor the last woman of Hispanic origin who was vilified and harrased by RU and other universities. Our current issue, however is that Sarah Palin embodies patriarchy and the values embraced by that institution (every single one). Voting for her would be a step backwards (about 500 years, she is the Spanish Inquisition reincarnated) for American (and global) women's rights. She is welcomed by the Republicans because she is no feminist, she is more a machista (sexist against women) than a male moose! No disrespect to the moose with or without lipstick! She is no Hillary Clinton, a real inspiration to all women...let's realize that Palin is not a real woman, she is a man in drag! Poster: Zach Comment: Are women that subordinated in the US? Why does everything in our country have to be a battle or war? Do you need to subordinate men to know you are equal? Is that equal. Have we had a president with freckles, I have freckles. Symbolism is important but choose based on substance.There is really no similarity between Rwanda and Chile to the United States, what's the problem with women in our country? You've had rights for 60 years and not alot to show. Rwanda is only in its infancy and is making tremendous strides. Why haven't you guys gotten on the ball and helped in women in Rwanda or Chile or anywhere else? Sorry you still don't have a female president but maybe our politics are too commercial and hard to trust anyone in power. Poster: lynne hodge Comment: To all those people who commented that women have not invented anything important, that women bash men, that women who are feminist play the victim role saying that women blame men for problems, i ask: did any of those people ever notice what their mothers did and how much time it took their mothers (9 months) to have them, and how much time it took their mothers to diaper them (probably 1 1/2 to 2 to 3 years) and how their mothers fed them and goo-gooed to them along with diapering them? And how their mothers then--once they had spent 9 months having them, 1 1/2 to 2 to 3 years feeding them and goo-gooing them and diapering them, probably ended up pregnant with another one of them? And what were their dads responsible for? Getting their mothers pregnant. Then inventing great inventions, no doubt without managing any diapering, very little feeding of their own progency and very little goo-gooing. Let men get pregnant for 9 months, diaper and feed and goo-goo for the next 10,000 years, and then let the commenting people who disparage and dismiss women's potential capabilities comment. Poster: Gwendolyn Comment: Thanks for the program on Women and Politics. Like another poster, I would rather that all four locations been given their own show, but I guess that wasn't possible. I recall as a teenager that I participated on a debate team and as illustrated here,it is an empowering experience for anyone, male or female. However, our young women in America could benefit by a national debate program, and wonder if such an initiative is in place? I feel the United States is slow to engage women in the power structure because our culture is so male-oriented, and so focused on war, violence and superiority. We admire sports figures, war figures and contest winners. Even women have a strong male-orientation, and often women pattern themselves after strong men, and know very little about women who have been effective leaders. I'll bet many viewers had never even heard of Bella Abzug until this show. In fact, I was living in NY when Ms. Abzug was in office, and she was constantly being put down by men as being too brash, too out-spoken, too strong...for a woman. She was supported by women in NY, but she was under attack by the male establishment for speaking out as she did. They gave her no quarter, and woe unto her if she made the wrong people annoyed! I liked her, and admired her strength. As an outspoken woman myself, I realize it's a lonely road being a woman who speaks up for herself. It scares women and men, because it goes against what they fundamentally believe about women who show self-confidence. I hope the US does not have to go through a major crisis before we realize the value of all our citizens, male and female. Poster: Paul S. Weikert Comment: Paradoxical Intentions: Sometimes things happen that bring unintended consequences. Rwanda for example--while the killing was horrific the resulting society may be what Rwanda needed. So is the killing of people bad; well yes, if it happens to you or a loved one or a friend. We are going to have to and learn to accept this killing until we get our reproductive organs in check. There are too many people on the earth now and if we don't check population growth expect more Rwandas. My Orwellian thoughts lead me to think along the lines of controlled reproduction everyone is inoculated at birth and it must be mitigated with another antidote to allow you to reproduce. As a college professor I had a role play that I used in my classes around this topic. In the 95 times that I did the role-play the committee only approved the parents 3 times to have another child at this time. Maria Hinojosa you are doing absolutely great reporting and your program on women was spectacular (9/21/2008). Asking the Rwandan woman as to how she was abused was risky but it appears to have turned out ok. Sometimes being naively honest is better than psychobabble. Poster: NYTeacher Comment: The sentiments in Friday’s show were viable; to explore changes and shifts in political power between genders. I have counted on the show to help me understand the world through different and interesting lenses, however this particular show merely assisted me in thinking that there are clear cut differences between narcissistic correspondents and creative, research based questions and answers. Where were the interviews with social anthropologists and sociologists to help Maria answer her questions- let alone create a thesis? I am too busy to call Harvard myself; I count on NOW to present me with opportunities to hear from contemporary theorists and thinkers concerning these deep concepts of populations, cultures and societies. You have let me down. Why does Maria and NOW think I care about what Jean Shaheen’s daughter thinks of her mom? From the silhouettes of Maria with one of the interviewees to the extraordinary amount of face time of the correspondent I was flooded with the feeling that I was no longer an intelligent female viewer trying to connect to meaningful ideas, but rather a sedentary audience member of Tyra or Ellen. Poster: Sandy Coy Comment: Thank you so much for your story on Women, Power and Politics. I almost didn't watch it because although I am a woman, I am already an activist in politics and a feminist since the early '70s. But I am so glad I did because I came away inspired and better informed. I particularly valued the stories of Rwanda. I was happy to learn how much mending they have done and how much a part of that outcome and ongoing process the women are. The woman who was called the Mother of Rwanda made such an impression on me. I can't get her image out of my mind. There is something deeply stirring about the power and peace and wisdom that exude from her few words and quiet demeanor. She ennobles and empowers all women. By the way, my husband who seems to know everything actually watched it too and was surprised by how much he learned. Poster: Alan Comment: Just a technical note on the editing. This week's program consisted of 4 distinct stories: 1) Rwanda 2) Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire 3) Michelle Bachalet of Chile 4) Bella Abzug Leadership Institute I would have preferred to have each story done separately with a summary at the end, rather than mixing up the four stories throughout the show. I found the show, as edited, difficult to follow. Poster: davidperi Comment: Why are Americans behind the times? In some other countries, like Finland, there is a woman president who is on her second term. Finns like the way she is handling her duties, and women hold over 50% representation in politics. So they can hold their own when it comes to handling matters on education, health issues and much, much more. Poster: sara Comment: The most heartbreaking thing for me is how women are put down in our popular culture. I think since running elections has a popularity side to it, the anti-woman culture feeds into lack of women in politics. I am also very disturbed at the prospect that the one woman who has a chance at being in the white house is Sarah Palin, who I consider an anti-woman candidate. Like you said Maria, a woman candidate is not always a woman's candidate, and especially not in this case. A woman's candidate will thrive to improve the situation of women and help other women gain more equality (like equal pay!). This is not what Palin (or John McCain) stand for and since Palin does not support women, I don't see any reason why women should support her. Poster: Pamela Comment: I agree that we have a long way to go and I agree that unfairness and prejudices against women exist, but it's a different place. I am an excutive for a bank and consider myself successful. Several major division/ business heads are also women though the CEO is a man. One main reason women are behind is because many are unwilling to put the effort needed to be successful at this fortune 500 company. I often work 12 hour days and on many days when I leave at 8PM, some men are still around, not a single woman besides me is ever around. My boss (a man) often works longer than I do. All the men in senior management moved around across the globe to gain the experience they need to get to these position. Women around that level travel around the globe but all are tied to their home towns and would not accept a move. Needless to say this prevents their growth. What I am trying to point is that lot of the im[arity in wages for equally qualified and experienced (by number of years) men and women may be driven by the choices they made. If women would not put equal priority on work, how can they get ahead? My women employees are always the first ones to ask for working from home priviledges. I have not had a man ask for it yet in last 10 years. My women employees passed highly sought after training because they won't travel on short notice. When would we take our intellect seriously and compete for our fair share? Poster: Nancy Cavanaugh Comment: Maria This show was very touching. It was multicultural and multigenerational - and I was left feeling very connected to all of the women. Your authenticity in interviewing helped so much - what a tender moment when you were speaking to the woman from Rwanda who had survived the brutal slaughter at the age of 17! My heart was touched and I was so proud for all my sisters in the world. We are all survivors with tender mercies all around us! Thank you for an inspirational show. Poster: Mark Comment: I think today's people support, help, care too much about women than men! Take for example: International Women's day (but there's no International Men's day), Ladies first (but there's no Men first), Women Studies (but no Men Studies), etc. these may have profound effects on men in the long run (e.g. more women go to University than men, lower birth rates, higher divorce rates, etc.) But if you look at the history and all the important inventions in the past (e.g. clock, computer, computer operating system like Microsoft, Apple), gun, light bulb, radio, television, microwave, airplane, car, rubber tire, vaccinations, toilet, paper, printer, microscope, piano, even contraceptive pills, condoms, Internet, optic fibers, etc.)... these inventions were invented by men. So we can imagine what women did in the past few hundreds years? Are they (women) just keep talking and talking? And let's look at the world's top companies like Microsoft, Apple, General Motors, Ford, Goldman Sachs, Nintendo, Mcdonald's, etc. they were also created by men... and create lots and lots of jobs for both men and women. I don't understand why today's people keep bashing men? I would prefer people write more how's the world today becomes if man doesn't exist (so there's no microscope, no airplane, no Internet, no computer, no car, no vaccinations, etc.) Poster: Pam Comment: None that I can think of in this country. Working in a science related field, my ideas are respected and taken seriously. My pay is eqal to the men's. I have no complaints. I used to live in Saudi Arabia. If I hadn't lived on an American compound, it would have been intolerable. Women in modern America who oomplain about sexim here have no idea what real discrimination is. Poster: Sally Comment: As a professional engineer I have faced the challenge of proving my skills and abilities in this field (even though I am a woman). As a full time stay at home mom I had the challenge of proving my skills and abilities (even though I was a woman at home). As a society we have not valued the importance of raising human beings. The importance of making money has put our children in a lesser priority than our careers. Yet the hardest job I ever had was as a stay at home mom. As women and human beings we need to treat each other as we would like to be treated and value all work paid and unpaid of both men and women. My triumphs have come when I found others who could look beyond the traditional rolls and treat me for what I could be. As a result I was able to become a better mother, engineer and always a woman. Spokane, WA Poster: Ninderthana Comment: First wave feminism blamed al women's problems on men. Second wave feminism blamed all the world's problems on men. And Third wave feminism blamed all men's problems on men. Isn't it about time women stopped demanding that thay be treated like chidren and start taking responsibility for their own actions. Women: Victims for the rest of eternity Women: Superior beings You can't be both! And in fact you are neither. Poster: MadamaAmbi Comment: Thank you, Maria. Your reporting on women (this show and many others I've seen on NOW)is important, you do it with great feeling, and if it weren't for you, nobody would be telling these stories on TV. My personal story of growing up in patriarchy is long & complex. It includes incest & sexual abuse & physical abuse, abandonment & neglect. I live with PTSD, agoraphobia, major depression, anxiety and chronic pain. I've spent the better part of my adult life healing myself. I've also spent my adult life trying to understand how the traumas I've been through happened. It took detective work, psychotherapy, studying psychology and feminist philosophy. I can give you the full exegesis, and maybe one day I will, but what makes my life meaningful to me is helping other women find their voice, their power, their desire, their agency, their creativity. Maria, you help me hang in there. I also love watching the expressions on your face as you listen to your interviewee. I relate, big time. Many, many thanks for your excellent work. Poster: Sherry Staunton Comment: Re: Women, Power and Politics (Resubmitted) Maria, Maria, you and your producers neglected to mention one word about Cynthia Mckinney and Rosa Clemente of the Green Party. They are running for President and Vice-President respectively. This historic ticket of two powerful women is certainly worthy of coverage, especially in a report about Women, Power and Politics. Why were they left out? Poster: Charles Johnson Comment: Because PBS hasn't asked how MEN feel, I shall correct for this bias and offer my input. I regularly encounter anti-male and anti-white discrimination everywhere I turn. The State Public Health has a program for women, but not for men. The Violence Against Women Act refuses to acknowledge that women perpetrate domestic violence as often as men, and routinely violates the human and civil rights falsely accused of domestic violence. And Biden, running for VP, wrote this unconstitutional crap. Poster: CJ Comment: I'm a private music teacher now, but I worked briefly in two jobs in the psych field. I wasn't cut out for office work, and I left each job. I've received more respect as a teacher than I did in the psych field, and I'm glad I had the option of leaving the other jobs. BTW, I am a childless woman, and I see a good deal of prejudice toward women like myself. Motherhood is a special calling, and no woman should feel she HAS to have children to be acceptable. As for Sarah Palin, what a joke! It's a slap in the face to assume that women ought to support her because of lipstick politics. About the only thing we have in common is our XX chromosomes! Poster: Lauren Wills Comment: The studies citing women getting less pay than men indicate one of two things. Either the studies are flawed, or women cannot perform as well as men in the workplace. If women are just as good as men and they are actually getting paid 25%-33% less than men, then a company that employed only women would be able to provide services or products that were just as good, but cheaper because of lower payroll costs. At some point, even a viciously sexist man steeped for hears in the propaganda of an oppressive, male dominated, heterosexist orthodoxy, blah, blah, blah, whose job happened to be on the line or whose business was in trouble would have accepted that he could have a profound competitive advantage if he only employed women. If the studies were true, that man would have changed history and the market would have adjusted those pay scales fairly quickly as others followed his example. The fact is that those studies do not take enough variables into account and many are deliberately skewed to make a political point. Women are just as capable and just as well paid for equal work. Everyone, quit hiding, quit whining and get to work. Poster: Christine Samuelson Comment: How hungry are we for clear, open dialogue about where women are in our culture? It was so refreshing to have a woman (Maria) interviewing women in a serious program on a serious issue of leadership. I have spent many years in politics, both as a volunteer and as an elected official. For two decades I have worked for many, many Democratic candidates and because I live in Newton I have had the good fortune to help elect some women. We have a wonderful delegation to the State House which includes three women out four of the seats. Most recently my experience was volunteering for Hillary Clinton. I heard loud and clear from our Dem Party leadership that my vote was not important to them. They were after Independents and the young vote. I have personally experienced the money giving gap between men and women. And didn't Emily's List emerge to educate women about how important our role is in supporting the candidates of our choice? Haven't male candidates benefited from Emily's List? And they should..........but John Kerry has incurred the wrath of many women who have supported his candidacy for office many, many times and he has taken thousands of dollars from Emily's List. Many of us feel betrayed because for 20 years we have heard our male leaders say that they WOULD support a woman for President IF there was a qualified woman. THEN in 2008 our Democratic leadership committed a character assassination on an eminently qualified candidate - Hillary. And the party discounted the back bone of the party - all the middle aged women who already feel discounted by society - who have given hours, years, energy - you name it - to elect good Dems. My level of discouragement and disillusionment in my party is severe. I relish working to elect really great candidates, and especially IF they are a woman. But that does not mean that I will work to elect any woman. I look forward to going to NH to help Jeanne Shaheen and not because you had her on the program last night, but because I had already decided to do so. I spent many weeks in the Dem primary when John Kerry was running for President canvassing for him in -4 degree temps. I was lucky during this past campaign working for Hillary, the weather was a little milder - but I would have endured worse. Unfortunately, what I have to endure is the same old thing - women are never good enough. Poster: Maria Luczkow Comment: Thank You for presenting such an inspirational show on the power and potential of women as political leaders. I grew up in a Chicago neighborhood called Hyde Park which is located right next to the University of Chicago. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the University of Chicago Laboratory School where I remember that girls were given a lot of encouragement and did not need to dumb themselves down in order to be socially accepted. Within this school and this community girls/women were allowed to be strong and to be outspoken. I believe that because this school provided an encouraging and supportive environment for girls that a large majority of my female class mates became doctors, lawyers, professors, journalists etc. I have raised my own two daughters in a typical upper middle class suberb of Pittsburgh and had quite a culture shock in terms of the attitudes towards encouraging girls to grow up to be really strong women. I have noticed that many girls who had a lot of potential in grade school and middle school seemed to have succumbed to social pressure( including subtle discouragement by teachers and by their parents)and by the time they reach high school seem to have faded away. I feel that I am constantly battling the values put forth by this community in order to impart the values and attitudes about women that I grew up with namley that women are smart, strong and extremely capable. Lets all keep encouraging our daughters to be strong and successful women and lets teach our sons to be accepting of and comfortable with strong women. Poster: Mikki Comment: I was offended by your show because of the women you chose to showcase. They were all liberal in their political views. Then you question if Sarah Palin is a woman for women? The question demonstrates your bias against conservative women. You should have included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the almost Prime Minister Tzipi Livini of Israel, and in America, Govenor Linda Lingle or Representative Heather Wilson. There are just as many Women in American politics who represent conservative values as liberal values. You should have correctly titled the show liberal women in power. I thought PBS was above this one sided journalism. Poster: Ann Comment: When our schools stop making football and boys' sports the focus and stop making the boys receive so much attention...when our mothers stop worshiping their sons like little Jesus's; fathers stop seeing their little darling sons as extensions as themselves; and all other notions that there is a male ego to preserve...there will be change in the government. Women make up over half of the population in this country and around the world. Why is it such a novel thing that women should be in government?? Girls are not taught to compete except for the attention of boys. Why are we focusing on the fact that Governor Palin or Hillary Clinton are women?? What a sick society it is that measures one's success or capabilities by a person's sex. I have noticed that the women who are so radically against Sarah Palin were also against Hillary Clinton. They are women who were passionately interested in football in highschool and vied for the attention of the leading football player. My sister is one. She is a woman hater. Probably these women hate themselves as well. Poster: Beverly Frazier Comment: Women have a great opportunity and a responsibility to affect this election because of the focus that is on how women will vote. Should we sit quietly as the robber barons (Wall Street, our president and congress) run away with $180 Billion of OUR tax money right BEFORE Obama is elected? Remember the Boston Tea Party?? No taxation without representation! With the media focused on the opinions of women, we are in the position to start a HUGE media and internet PROTEST now (this weekend 9/20) in order to gain a CHANCE to help decide spend OUR TAX MONEY is spent after the election instead of having others decide it right before the election. And we women know we need to invest our tax money on education, health care, retirement, and the green revolution - the things our country really NEEDS in order to survive! Do you really believe banks WILL FAIL if we don't bail them out in a few days?????? Not so fast, Mr. Robber Baron! We women taxpayers insist on the right to help choose how our taxes are spent. Women, act now! Speak up on the internet and to Congress and the media to protest this hasty ripoff of our future! Poster: Elodia Comment: Maria, thank you for your programs and your excellent reporting. As I was reading comments from others, I did not see much that are life stories. Therefore, I feel rather self centered because I am going to write about me. I have never cared about what anyone thought of me. I have always done my best and have done very well for my self and my family. I knew I was underpaid but it is not what one earns but what one keeps. I have never cared for what was in fashion and tried hard not to be materialistic. My parents were tree huggers. I learned early to conserve and to watch how I treat God's creatures and plant life. I was sexually harassed many times out but I still outperformed others around me. Many took credit for my work and put up with prejudice and bigoty. I think the life I was born into had much to do with my competence and my confidence. I knew I had to just focus and ignore all the stupidity going on around me. We were migrant farm workers. I started school every year in late December or January through the ninth grade. I graduated from high school with my class and as member of the National Honor Society, the Choir, and other activities. I also worked after school and on weekends. I am a registered nurse and have a degree in accounting, with honors. I have 170 hours worth of college work, a wonderful family and friends, and in my retirement, I so as I please, which is writing, painting, taking care of ill family and friends, gardening, traveling and teaching the love of our lives, our granddaughter, Spanish and everything else that we can teach her. She will at least be bilingual and also the best she can be, like everyone else in her family. Poster: muriel schnierow Comment: i was raised in a family that subtly ignored girls and women. It took me years and a divorce ( i walked out on infidelity) to find my voice. I had many good years ,many male mentors, a good career,a great avocation ,2 children. I dont think my children now grown understand how i struggled to keep everything together. I dont think they really care and i dont think many do. The election especially the Democratic Primary for President revealed an unexpected misogyny that still shocks me. We have a long way to go and we must base it all on a core of Human Rights. There must be no misuse of makepower. Poster: Jack Barnes Comment: In 1986 Vermont attempted (again!) to pass an Equal Rights Amendment to the state constitution. I was privileged to be the only male town coordinator for the statewide campaign. I was very disappointed to see NO men in this show. There are many males who believe in and work for equal rights for all. As long as the issue is presented as a 'chick crusade' we will all lose. Jack Barnes Sequim, WA Poster: Beverly Sweeton Comment: Most human beings face challenges in life whether they are male or female, albeit different challenges. There certainly have been some female rulers of their nations. In this country, I think because of religion's influence and the prevalent idea that a woman's place is in the home, females in politics have been few. And frankly most of the ones who have been in high political positions lately have not presented the best of images..eg Madeline Albright, attorney General Reno, Condileeza Rice, and now Sarah Palin. Ms. Palin's experience in governing a small city is far from qualifying her to govern a nation with the enormous problems facing us, brought on by the administration whose footsteps she may fall into and walk accordingly. Sen. Obama graduated with a law degee and has been a law professor who knows the Constitution. Our present President apparently had little knowledge of and less respect for the Constitution.If we are to survive we have to work with other nations with an attitude of cooperation and respect, not pitbull confrontation. I have seen nothing that shows me lipstick makes the difference. And I am a woman who wears lipstick. As far as the press coverage of Palin, she has taken some hits, but nothing could compare with what Obama has endured and his responses have been logical and appropriate. He is considerate of his opponents as persons.He is a man, but he is our only hope. Poster: Ann Comment: The challenge I have had to overcome has been rising above the expectations of my parents, and really, my expectations for myself as a female. My parents believed they could help us attain the good life they had lost as a result of the depression and the war. I was to be a southern lady. I was to marry well, be taken care of, and be a good wife and mother. According to my father women were not to work outside the home. My marriage floundered, and I finished raising my sons as a single working mom. I now have two useless masters degrees as mother labeled them totally puzzled. I was terrified to step beyond what I had believed I could do as a woman all my life, but I did. I was ordained at 60 years. My upbringing has been hard for me to counter, though I believe I am a good minister. It has taken many people believing in me even when I couldn't understand why. They were women, and men, not related to me. My parents worked hard to provide for their family and taught us social skills which have proved useful, and I believe they would be amazed and proud of their daughters though still very puzzled. Poster: Danielle F. Comment: I worked 27 years as a federal employee. In addition to being female, I was disabled....a double whammy. I felt the double whammy was responsible for me not being promoted beyond a GS-7, the grade at which I took voluntary early retirement in 1993 due to the attrition actions of the agency, ultimately contracting out most of the work to a government contractor in 1996. I faced discrimination in that I was placed in a position which required me to climb fifteen fire-escape type stairs with only one handrail with no restroom, water fountain or rest area nearby. Although I filed a Union grievance as well as an EEO complaint, neither was successful. There was a minority male brought over from another department to do the same type of work in an adjacent office in my department before the offer of early retirement was offered to me. He was a GS-11 and ended up moving over to my office right after I left. I filed a lawsuit in federal court, had an attorney who was unethical and unskilled, and ended up being a pro se plaintiff. The government contacted my witnesses, got them to change their testimony from what they had submitted in their affidavits, and I lost my case. Under testimony, one of my supervisors called me a glorified secretary and the female judge made a statement to the effect that I could file another case based on that testimony, which I chose not to do. Poster: ian brookes Comment: Thankyou for an excellent job of reportage on this issue. I just want to draw your attention to a women's development program in Rwanda, one of the locations visited by your program, Visit www.ubuntuedmonton.com. This program has been initiated by a French-Canadian woman from Montreal who, after a divorce, moved to Edmonton, Alberta, and wanted to do something significant with the rest of her life. After the genocide, she visited Rwanda and was moved by the plight of women in a particular village who had been left with no means of support. She began with her own money a home-crafts program, to which she called for sustaining donations, and with the high-level of support she has been able to generate, now has an economicallly viable (but still needy) development program in this village. Poster: Joy Comment: Some of the greatest challenges I have faced have been propelled by the assumption that all women are the same. Although we might all share the same discrimination, to some degree, we definitely have different experiences and different points of views. My triumphs have been marked by the moments that I have actually had control over my own life, my own body, to pursue my dreams on my terms. I have overcome a great deal of discrimination to complete an apprenticeship and become a skilled journey level worker in a traditionally male blue collar field. This has guaranteed me the same wages as my male union brothers. Without the union I would never have had this opportunity of equality. Therefore, I can only support the candidates who will support my ability to live in this world and prosper as a woman, and that is definitely NOT Sarah Palin. Poster: Ann Hicks Comment: Thank you Maria Hinojosa for the wonderful program on Women, Power and Politics. Thirty years ago in the 1970s I was responsible for convening an NOW chapter in my small Southern city. While few in numbers, we were able to make many changes to empower women. We forced the local newspaper to stop accepting and printing male and female only job ads; established a rape crisi center and worked to educate police officers and hospital personnel concerning victims' needs. We also fought for and won the right for women to become police officers and fire fighters and worked hard to push for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and to elect women to boards, commissions, and other political offices. Now, I look back and am dismayed at the current state of affairs 30 years later. Women are still making 79 cents to every dollar men make, and men still hold most of the top positions in academia, government and business. What will it take for American women to reach the heights women of Rawanda and Chile have? Poster: Ann Hicks Comment: Thank you Maria Hinojosa for the wonderful program on Women, Power and Politics. Thirty years ago in the 1970s I was responsible for convening an NOW chapter in my small Southern city. While few in numbers, we were able to make many changes to empower women. We forced the local newspaper to stop accepting and printing male and female only job ads; established a rape crisi center and worked to educate police officers and hospital personnel concerning victims' needs. We also fought for and won the right for women to become police officers and fire fighters and worked hard to push for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and to elect women to boards, commissions, and other political offices. Now, I look back and am dismayed at the current state of affairs 30 years later. Women are still making 79 cents to every dollar men make, and men still hold most of the top positions in academia, government and business. What will it take for American women to reach the heights women of Rawanda and Chile have? Poster: Problem Is Our Nature Comment: I feel like the biggest problem women have is not that we aren't fully capable, and can do everything and most of the time much more than men - it's that we are relationship orientated. At the age of 18 we are very interested in being in a relationship, and considered unattractive if we aren't. I was a fully capable leader in High School, attractive, moderately popular, and very good grades, but I hated how boys thought I was unattractive unless I acted meek and 'girly'. It was horrifiying to think I might not ever be attractive to the oppisite sex unless I acted 'girly.' I didn't want to end up lonely and not in a relationship somehow, so I ended up welding myself to some stupid guy that never helped me in life - only became a burden to me. I never became the leader I am inside, and now I have kids that I don't want to be raised without a dad, so I stay home with them, and they are truly wonderful children (not void like all the others I see who spend all their time in an impersonal daycare and just see exhausted parents who don't have any desire to interact after work in the evenings) but I regret my whole life. Inside I hate the man I am married to, but don't feel like I could bear it to see my kids lives ruined by divorcing him. Every day I don't have the energy to do anything for my own interest - only take the best care of my kids I can. This is all because I have that female notion that it's not attractive by the opposite sex to be headstrong, a leader, and driven. I just didn't want to be alone, and I think most women do this and just end up miserable, or they get divorced and ruin their kids lives. The problem is that it's true: men DON'T think a woman with a brain is attractive. And no woman desires to see her future as unattractive. Poster: patricia Comment: What a fabulous and uplifting documentary this was to watch! Who knew that the women of Rwanda have risen above the horrific events of the past genocide to take a majority stand in present day government? What a tribute to women and to the human spirit! I am encouraged and energized to hear about the woman who is now leading the country of Chile. When I think of Latin America I think of male dictators. To think of a woman leader there is truly a revolutionary idea!!! Thank you for your very enlightening, very positive, very hopeful message for women - in all nations, for all time. Poster: Simone Comment: As a young business owner I find that women as well as men do not take business women seriously. I have to fight harder for pricing and getting meetings. However, I am not discouraged by that. It encourages me to help women who reach out to me whether or not I can directly help them. If someone writes me for an internship or guidance in a career field, if I cannot help them, I send them to someone who can. I have always had strong role models- both men and women- so equality has always been a part of my view and everyday and especially now, I am most grateful for that. Poster: Lance Gotfried Comment: Only one word explains the hypocritical venom: ABORTION Poster: HumanRights101 Comment: It's time, Maria, for you to understand that the claim that traditional feminism makes to the destiny of true womanhood was never legitimate and is now over. A philosophy that so craves power that it openly embraces dishonesty, hateful academic propaganda, legislative corruption and the destruction of human life could never have been accepted, truly, even by those espousing it. For traditional feminists, self interest has trumped the things that form the foundation of strong leadership. These are honesty, integrity, courage, drive, selflessness and honor. Will we ever hear traditional feminists revere selflessness and honor, or are these the hallmarks of patriarchy? Will we ever hear traditional feminists speak out against your ideological leaders, who have openly proclaimed their rejection of selflessness and have OPENLY conspired to write a false history to advance their self interest? Until those of your ilk disavow your acceptance of intolerance and hateful ideology, you will be the reason that women don't reach their potential. Please spare us the victimhood and strive for something respectable. Fact: Women control more than 50% of the personal wealth in America. Doesn't your editor care about the truth? Poster: susan bodine Comment: This program about women in politics was the best NOW I remeber and Maria is a fine journalist and filmmaker. Actually, she is a lot better than David. Could his domination of this important show be another example of sexism in the media? I vote for Maria to be the primary host of NOW!!! Poster: Margaret Koch Comment: Yes, sexism in the workplace exists. Yes, it's time a woman was a presidential or vice-presidential candidate. But please, please, let it be a qualified woman. I've worked my way through motherhood, worked to finance my physician/husband's way through med school, gotten through a divorce, graduate school, an advanced degree of my own, and a successful psychology practice. I ran into sexiam every step of the way. But this election should not be about doing away with sexism. There is a point where we have to set our priorities in order. This country is in big trouble. Hillary Clinton would have worked herself to the bone and given us lots of options as she found solution after solution to offer us. She had the breadth of experience and intelligence. We've had no way of assessing McCain and Palin's intelligence. We've been too caught up with the shape of her glasses and various animals wearing lipstick. Obama is, above all else, intelligent and well-intentioned. He will offer new options and will not fall into simplistic thinking to defend against mistakes of the last eight years. Biden has good breadth of experience, energy, and an understanding of the world-wide impact of the presidency and vice-presidency. McCain and Palin are offering no content, only the process of adept campaign attack and distraction from the issues. This election is not about sexism, although sexism is real. This election is not even about political alliance. Republicans and democrats alike are in trouble. We're all in trouble. This election is about finding someone who is willing to work themselves to exhaustion doing their homework and coming up with the creativity to solve the mess we're in. McCain's age is a factor. Energy declines at an accelerating rate as we age. Blaming won't do it, vacant promises and style won't do it. The next president is going to almost kill themselves working. A smart, well-spoken hockey-mom who made some terrific blunders in the offices she's held so far (look at the entering and exiting debt)isn't the person for the job. Don't get distracted onto sexism or any other ploy that slides us off of a logical, well-reasoned choice here. This is too important. Poster: M. Impastato Comment: S.Danielle, I, too, faced instances of sexism in the workplace in the '80's. Luckily, that seems to have dissipated with time. I am confused about your comment that Republicans who favor low taxes are inextricably linked to a pro-life policy. No-one wants to see the 'back alley' thing again. I would venture to say that most pro-life people would wish for there to be choice before conception, and no need for abortion afterward. Once a life begins, doesn't that person deserve to live, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their conception? Or regardless of the 'quality of life' they may have? The comments to Paige are fair ones. But remember that taxpayers foot the bill for a large portion of abortion providers' revenues under Title X funding. Those of us who consider abortion against our moral code are forced to pay for abortions we don't agree with - is that fair? Poster: Derek Comment: I realize that women have a tough road to hoe, but the hypersensitivity they are experiencing over this election I find a little disturbing. Hillary did NOT lose because she was a woman. She lost because her campaign lost its moral compass. She started acting like her critics had characterized her as. Palin is NOT being attacked by the Obama campaign. They're too smart for that. They're letting the press and others do the vetting and digging into her background. Just because the world wants to know what she's about and are asking poignant questions in response to her continuing misstatements and falsehoods, doesn't mean this is a sexist attack. Yes, there have been references to her role as mother. That may be sexist to some, but it's also human nature since mothers do fulfill a critical role in the children's upbringing. No more so than a man's role--just different. Palin is not even close to being VP material. The paranoid reaction that women seem to be generating right now is not serving America well. McCain has made a horrendous error in picking her, and I find it incredibly demeaning toward women that he picked someone so obviously unqualified for the job. Poster: Erica Atkine Comment: Why is it that when women reach a position of prominence in America, like Hillary and Sarah, they come under such withering criticism that men never have endured. Is this a conspiracy by the media, liberal women's groups? I heard on the news last night that a Canadian woman columnist said that anyone who backs Sarah is white trash. Where does that come from? I'm totally shocked that I've never seen these personal attacks against a man. I feel like we're living in 1958 instead of 2008. What kind of message does this send to young college women with ambition. Are we telling them that if you're successful, be prepared to be crucified? Poster: Debbie C. Comment: This election has brought out thoughts and feelings in me, as a woman, that I had not expected. I originally voted int he primaries for Hillary Clinton. Obama is just too far to the left for me. However, when Hillary lost the nomination I thought that I might vote for Obama. Just because I am afraid that McCain will not do what is necessary for us economically and he seemed to support some of the feminist view points that I have. So, I have been wondering if I was willing to sacrifice some of my moral concerns for my economic ones. Until Sarah Palin. I like her, but to be honest that is not why she makes a difference to me. It was seeing how the democrats and Obama reacted to her selection that got my attention. They scare me now. When I watch news coverage of the campaign I see that what the Obama campaign and democrats have been running on is just lip service to try and get into office. They have talked about how she is not qualified when she is actually more qualified then their own candidate. So, the only difference I see, is that she is a woman. A conservative woman who truly is outside the Washington political scene. Yet there complaints about her are not over her political view points. They have been over the same things that their own candidate has problems with. Also, what make Obama scary the most to me is the fact that the mainstream media is not willing to be critical of him. If you look at the news coming from the three major networks, you find not one who discusses him and his view points critically. They are overly critical of the McCain/Palin camp. With all of the angry complaints that I hear from coming from the democratic camp about FoxNews, at least they still look at both candidates critically. If a candidate can get 90% of the news media to not say a bad thing about him or his views ( like he has them in his back pocket), do I as a woman really want that person as the president of this country? It is scary, especially when it is apparent that he was just trying to manipulate the female vote to begin with anyway. So, now I am asking myself if I am willing to sacrifice my economic concerns for not letting the democrats in office since they now scare me. Especially, as a woman. They seem like they are willing to do anything and manipulate everything to get the power of the presidency. If that is not scary, I do not know what is. Poster: carol whelan Comment: The most common problem during my working life was that my ideas would be dismissed unless I manipulated so that the men's egos wouldn't be burnished. Often times, my ideas were dismissed until some man jumped on board and agreed, usually with a little tweeking of the idea. Thus it was his idea. It is very disappointing to not see women's groups show outrage at the way Hillar, and now Sarah, have been treated in this campaign. It is ugly and women ar remaining quiet and I cannot figure out why. Some female leaders have actually made sexist comments that if a man said them, there would be sheer anger. The response with Palin is that she didn't sacrifice enough, I guess. Her qualifications, if she were a man, would be acceptable. Obama has less qualifications and yet no one seems to care. It is very disappointing that some women hate her because she doesn't personally support abortion. She has not presented any legislation to curb reproductive rights in her state. I do not think that is her agenda. It is sad that the litmus test to be supported by women's groups is abortion rights when so much more is at stake. We won't get this chance again in my lifetime. Don't tell me Hillary. If Obama gets in Hillary might not be around. Our opportunity is NOW... Poster: Dina Comment: My greatest challenge is facing the stigma presented by society against the role of motherhood. My husband works and I homeschool our children (I have a BA in education). Motherhood is a noble role. One that transcends the ideal of career because it builds families and families build a nation. I'm not saying that women who pursue careers are wrong. But it is wrong to pursue a career at the expense of the family. This is America's great social pandemic. The triumphs of motherhood, far outway its challenges. The joy of interacting with my children for more than just a few minutes a day is wonderful. I would not trade it for all the prestige, money and power in the world. It IS...prestigious, prosperous and powerful to be a mother. Poster: S. Danielle Comment: I fought that discrimination in the 70s. I, and my female colleagues worked very hard to overcome the chauvinistic attitudes of the men in the agency I then worked for. A whole group of us became CPA's and our agency (the IRS) had no more excuse to hold us back. They had to give us the positions that previously were held only by males. Then I went on to lawschool, at nigt, after working a full-time job. I've never looked back. I know I'm as competent as the men in my field. As an Attorney-CPA I no longer worry about being discriminated against as a female. If they want to hire a man, that's their prerogative. Some hire me specifically because I'm a woman. I personally prefer being hired for being competent in what I do. What bugs me now, is to see young American women who wear veils and head scarfs, and hand all that hard-fought equality back to their muslim husbands or boyfriends. Most of them will be only too happy to take us back to the dark ages. What also bugs me, are those Republicans who think that keeping taxes low must be inextricably linked to a pro-life policy. Apparently they want us to go back to the back alley butcher shops. (To the poster Paige: You have my blessing, and you have every right to bear as many children as you wish, as long as you and your family are responsible about supporting them and don't throw the financial responsibility for your choices upon the taxpayers!) Poster: Sandytx Comment: I've never had an issue with pay equity. Made the same (military) or more (civilian life) as my male counterparts. Still do. I don't whine--whenever I was in a place where I perceived my skills or contributions weren't valued, I found a better place to work. It can be done: I'm proof. I don't have much time or patience with the notions of victimization or expectations that someone else should do it for me. Interestingly, my doctoral research was about women entrepeneurs who had a -it's up to me- approach toward life. Didn't let anyone put them down. So get going if you don't like the way things are for you right now. Poster: Jenny Comment: We as women probably don't get paid equally as men because we don't step up and ask for a raise or ask to get paid what we really deserve. I love this country and am pro business. I knew I wouldn't get paid much if I were to work for someone else, so I created my own company and am doing awesome making over a million dollars. You couldn't do this for yourself in many other places. I hope Obama does NOT win, because if he does, he will tax the mess out of the company causing employees to be laid off. This will cause many companies to let go of many employees just so they can afford to stay afloat. Obama will ruin the economy. Poster: Jean B. Comment: Now retired, I worked until age 68 and, for the most part, was successful during the last two decades of employment. Of course, throughout my career, I TRAINED THE MEN who were hired, those with less experience, and who were paid more money. It is the story of most women who enter into a field usually dominated by men. Additionally, my years of education and experience where not considered 'enough' to rank equally with men but, with barely 143 working days in the Senate, Obama was deemed qualified to be President of the United State.....yes, bias exists - and the media has made it into an art form !!! Regardless, it is amazing to me, my family and friends and probably millions of Americans, that the very people who have claimed that The Patriot Act is a terrible violation of Americans' privacy - are not outraged about the 'hacking' into Sarah Palin's private e-mail account. Or, equally bad, are those cretins who overwhelmed Chicago's WGN phones to stop an interview with someone critical of Obama. FREEDOM OF SPEECH? IS IT RESERVED FOR LIBERALS??.....SHAME !! Poster: Paige Comment: Probably one of the greatest obstacles I've faced was placed in my path by other women. Specifically, my choice of conservative values (especially Christianity, carrying my children to term rather than aborting them, and staying at home to care for them) are routinely denigrated as being the wrong choices. Apparently, an American woman can be anything she wants, except conservative. And apparently radical feminists lack any sense of irony, or they'd recognize their own hypocrisy. Poster: Edie N Comment: As much as I would love to see a woman in the White House, I will not be able to vote for Sarah Palin. As a Registered Nurse, who was practicing before the 'Roe vs Wade' decision, and saw the devastating effects on females who did not have the power of choice, I can only vote for someone who is 'pro choice'. In addition, even to 'question' a head librarian about banning a book from the library, as Sarah did in Wasilla, is a 'red flag' to me, and I consider myself a conservative! For anyone with these views to be in line for The Presidency, with possible opportunity to appoint supreme court justices, is a danger. In addition, there is an ongoing investigation as to whether Sarah used her influence as governor in an inappropriate manner for personal issues. Alaska, where I live, is a Republican state, but this year, they will not get my vote. Poster: Terresa Comment: As a woman in business I have often come across disparity in pay and in promotions. I remember telling the President of a bank where I was an officer that unless he expected the male officers to make coffee and keep the break room clean he better not expect it of me either. But here you are with a poll that is asking “Do you think Sarah Palin is qualified to serve as Vice President of the United States?” Since there is not a similar poll for the other VP candidate or for that matter for the Presidential candidates, one of them who also has had very little experience, I can only assume that you are only asking because she is a woman. Shame on you! Poster: Johnny Fatheree Comment: Men's failure to understand women and women's failure to understand men has always been a point of issue, and will always be. It's not much different among cultures and political parties. I am a southern patriot that loves my country and have served in the USMC during a time of war. I also love the South and all our heritage. Many cannot understand my position and never will. I am also a Conservative (not democrat or republican) and I believe in conservative values. The media calls me a fanatic because I believe the Bible is the true, infallible word of God, and Jesus Christ is my savior. I have never seen the mean spirited attacks leveled at conservative politicians at all levels. We blame them for everything, so when will we blame ourselves for what happens to us in our lives. The lady took the job knowing what it paid, and someone else was paid more. Big deal you made your own deal so stick with it. In regard to this presidential cycle, if Obama becomes president, I suggest the South consider seccession one more time. Poster: DeLisa Seale Comment: Most of my challenges have been over coming my family's heritage of poverty,lack of education, as well as alcoholism. I also have some mild physical disabilities as well a mild learning disability which runs in our family, ADHD. I've had lots of of advantages that my father and his relatives didn't have. I was able to get a good education. The Upward Bound Program helped me get my start in college. Hooray for Ronald Regan!I was the first in my family to graduate college. My father's generation were the first to want to make a better life for their children. He was a single parent who was fortunate to have had a lot of family and community assistance, raising my two brothers and myself who are half American Indian. I was never conscious of prejudices toward my Indian heritage, although there is still considerable prejudice against blacks in the deep south. I grew up in Stamps,AR in the 70's and 80's, Stamps is Mia Angelou's hometown as well. I presently work at a privately funded history museum not far from my home town. My goal is to get a masters degree in Liberal Arts and continue to work at helping to preserve the rich heritage of our local community, Clark County, AR. I have a passion for passing on that rich heritage to the next generation. I've observed they often seem to be floundering and are looking for something to believe in and to bring meaning and purpose to their lives. I am a strong believer in family and community because I know I wouldn't have had the opportunity to better myself if it weren't for these strong influences. I feel fortunate and blessed to not have been one of the many children who have fallen between the cracks in our society. Poster: daisy Comment: Working in the Medical field, I have found men are considered superior, and listened to more, and questioned less. I agree we need a new Congress. and I believe Lawyers should be banned from running for Congress. We need ordinary hardworking, country loving citizens, who actually listen to us. We the citizens need to be heard! Proof we aren't being listened to, is the fact on bills with citizens input of over 50% SAYING THEY ARE FOR OR AGAINST A BILL, the Congress just ignores us, and continue to vote with each other in return for signing their own earmarked fat packed bills. If the perks were removed, and retirement funds were just social security like the rest of us, we would have fewer of the wrong kind running for office. Poster: Linda Comment: I am a female and have worked all my life and have found that females are accepted and expected to work as hard as men as long as they are willing to work equal or better work then men as long as they do not ask for titles that traditionally MEN held titles.... so, maybe Gov. Sarah Palin would be willing to do the Vice President's job without the title. Maybe then she would be voted into office. Poster: Jessica Comment: As a salesperson, I often have to compete with very polished, very egocentric men for business. They act condescending to me when we're at social events and conferences. But my sales rival theirs. I don't brag about it. I let the numbers speak for themselves. They can see how well I do and that speaks louder than I ever could with my voice. So, I've managed to accomplish a lot through the success of my work, even when I'm being patronized as a woman. Poster: Annika Paris Comment: When I first started my career - back in the late 1980s - I was shocked to find out that my male peers were making more money than I was. Same position, same qualifications, and yes, I worked harder. College hadn't prepared me for that. I thought that 20 years on that disparity would have disappeared, but it hasn't. It's high time for women to get equal pay in this country. Poster: Cecelia Alvarez Comment: Though I'm only a teenager, I feel my peers and teachers have preconceived notions of women that hold us back. I feel it is squarely on my own shoulders to do whatever I need to to take on leadership roles in school and later in life. I ran for Studient Council President and lost to a boy, but the experience only increased my determiantion, and I hope I can inspire other girls as a result. |
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