Being a Female is a Pre-Existing Condition!

*** First Posted on Feminists for Choice ***
Even people who are against healthcare reform realize that insurance companies regularly screw over decent hard working people all the time. Insurance companies take exploitation another level of women. This week there has been a lot of talk about how insurance companies in several states consider domestic violence a pre-existing condition. This is a ridiculous policy, but is unfortunately not the only way women are
Thirty-eight states offer absolutely no protection for women purchasing insurance in the individual market. Women are charged higher premiums than men for identical plans. This higher cost is compounded by the fact women still earn approximately 78 cents to the every dollar a man makes. Therefore, programs such as employer financial assistance and tax credits for buying insurance unfairly leave women behind monetarily.
In addition, certain medical expenses that affect women more often than men usually is considered a pre-existing condition, elective or not mentioned at all. One of the biggest additional medical expenses for women is pregnancy. Due to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 employers are not allowed to charge a woman more for insurance if she is pregnant.
Now the individual market has no regulations concerning treatment of maternity in most states. Very often pregnancy is seen as a pre-existing condition. An already pregnant woman has almost no chance of getting maternity coverage is she looks to purchase insurance in the individual market.
If a woman seeks maternity coverage for a future pregnancy she often has to buy a supplemental benefits package (called a rider). These cost additional money and are often very limited in what they provide. Riders can cost anywhere from a $100 to over $1000 a month. Some rider benefit caps are so low that they don’t quite cover the cost of a vaginal birth without complications. To add insult to injury, as of 2008 four states offer zero options for maternity coverage in the individual market.
When it comes to eating disorders, women’s health is again pushed aside for the sake of a healthy profit margin. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, 90% of people inflicted with eating disorders are women. This health problem leads to detrimental physical issues, but can be treated before it gets to that point. However, health insurance companies will not cover any cost of treatment until in entails physical damages.
As the government debates issues of healthcare, the inequity in healthcare for women vs. men is among the issues that need to be resolved. Decades ago insurance companies stopped charging different prices based on race. Women should not be left behind and demand fair treatment in the healthcare industry.

The L Word Lives

As I was watching the news coverage of Ted Kennedy’s death and subsequently his life, I saw him quote his brother John Kennedy about being a liberal.
"If by a “Liberal” they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a “Liberal,” then I’m proud to say I’m a “Liberal.”

I love this explanation of being a liberal and I am also proud to be a liberal. I’m tired of people avoiding the label of liberal because it seems to have a bad reputation in the media. The demise of the liberal name was a calculated campaign by conservatives and I’m taking back the word!
Here are some quotes from the conservative fear mongers.
Empathy" is the latest code word for liberal activism.
Karl Rove
I’m sorry Mr. Rove, but keep off of empathy. Without empathy our country, our world will be sad and miserable.

“A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel.”
Robert Frost
Ok, so we are open minded, I really don’t see why this is such a bad thing.

Another famous quote by Winston Churchill and later used by Reagan:
“If you're not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you're not a conservative at forty you have no brain.”
Well, if this is true, may I never grow up!


Now here is a voice from a long time ago that I think is very appropriate for modern liberals.
“As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.”
George Washington

Finally, Here is another quote that need to be implemented now!
“Democracy is an impossible thing until the power is shared by all, but let not democracy degenerate into mobocracy.” Ghandi

Teddy Kennedy and his liberalness will be much missed!

Miracles Really Do Happen

On most topics such as reproductive rights, gay rights and many other feminist issues, churches are often an obstacle to progress. Misinterpretation of religious texts and rituals are the main causes of strife in many cultures. Violence in God's name really gets on my last nerve.
However, today is new day. Faith groups and I actually agree on something! More and more religious organizations are turning the healthcare debate into what it should be: A Moral Argument.
Simply, those who are against universal coverage aren't moral. Or as religious people would say, they aren't taking care of all of God's children.
Which ever way you frame the rhetoric, religious groups and I agree that access to quality healthcare is a human right that should be available to everyone.
Leaders from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other religions will participate in a call-in webcast with President Obama next week. For now, they are holding prayer vigils and planning to lobby their representatives in Washington in favor of healthcare reform.
My God, Allah, Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, Jehovah, Shiva be behind you in your fight for healthcare rights.

Honey Doesn't Catch Money

Money matters are a consistent stress for about 90% of the U.S. population above 13 years old. The part of the population that I think doesn't stress as much about money is the one where people enjoy what they are doing and make enough to buy a retail price outfit from time to time without feeling guilty.
My problem is that I am not sure if I'll ever find a career that allows me to be both happy and debt-free. The reason being simply that I am an uber ethical person. I empathize with others to a fault. If someone is hurting in any way I feel their pain in some form. (Expect people that have betrayed or hurt my best friends. You all can hurt as much as you like and I won't feel anything.)
However, in the world of jobs and incomes those who have no fear of stepping on toes or stealing the limelight are the ones that get paid. Those people who relish in controlling others and being the ones with power to dismiss or praise their subordinates. These are all qualities associated with a go-getter aggressor that many organizations would love to hire.
I'm not saying that all my problems boil down to being nice, but it certainly doesn't help. Anyone that tells you that you can rise to significant leadership positions without a little of this attitude is lying!
Nice people are needed to make the world better and we should be respected. I can't see myself changing any time soon. I believe the world needs nice ethical people like me and maybe you. I just wish there were better avenues for a financially secure existence. It would be nice to travel more and buy clothes that aren't all from Goodwill, but even if I just knew that I have the capacity to save for something special that would make me feel better.

Suggestions for Serving Justice Better

I began my jury duty service with mixed emotions. The prospect of being relegated to $40 dollars a day for a stretch of time was frightful, while the idea of serving on a real life jury was in fact intriguing.

We gathered in the jury room to watch our introduction film. It began with actors in bad costumes portraying an archaic trail of an accused community member. Wrapping them in chains and if they sink to the bottom of the lake they are innocent, if they float it’s a guilty verdict. Next, we learned about the evolution of the jury and judge system into what we have today. Soon, Diane Sawyer was prepping us for our own journey into the jury box.
Throughout the entire film there was an emphasis on the civic duty and privilege of being a juror. For a moment, I was struck with a small burst of pride in participating in an imperfect yet respectable system of law. However no matter how much pride or even desire I had to become a juror, I still couldn’t shake the fear in the pit of my stomach.
Thoughts about projects at work and most of all the financial hardship that serving would cause overshadowed every positive emotion. Not to mention that the majority of the time was so extensively boring and it often felt like I was in hospital waiting room, which only added to my anxiety.
This sucks!
Our justice system is so important to the maintenance and progression of our civil liberties that we should be excited about jury duty. But how can we be under these circumstances?
Here are my suggestions for improving our jury duty procedures in order to ensure due process and essential freedom in this country.
• Most importantly, there needs to be payment reform. Perhaps subsidize employers to provide full wages for days out for jury duty or offer better government funded compensation.
• Schedule cases to allow for people to work a part day. Many people have pressing projects at work and dismissing at 2:00pm would allow them at least some time to work on them.
• Be more courtesy when calling a group of potential jurors into a courtroom- aka DO NOT call them 5 minutes before they have been told they will be dismissed for lunch! I get mad easily when I’m hungry and I am positive that I am not the only one.
• What would help in the above scenario is to provide FREE snack food
• In the lounge put some comfy lounge chairs or couches to create a more relaxed atmosphere
• Maybe paint the jury room a calming color like sky blue and have chairs that aren’t brown…it really did feel too much like a hospital waiting room
• Have more entertainment option: A larger supply of magazines, maybe some board games or playing cards, have more than one television (which was off every time I went into the juror’s lounge!), just get creative people!
• Maybe have a raffle where people who get chosen for trials get the chance to win something exciting like Broadway show tickets or gift certificates.

I think if these suggestions and other improvements were made to the jury system people would be more eager to serve. Even calling friends to brag because they got picked! The real winner would be all of us in this society because the more impartial and less disgruntled a jury the better the outcome.

G8 Leaders- Women are Key to Solving World Hunger

(Originally written for Feminists For Choice)

For three days this week the Group of Eight (G8) economic and political powers will be discussing policies that affect world affairs. Global security, climate change, and alleviating poverty are supposed to at the top of the agenda. Specifically, hunger will be a central topic during poverty talks. As it should be with the UN Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimating the amount of people going hungry every day has exceeded a billion. One-sixth of the people on this planet aren’t getting enough to eat.

On Wednesday, the seven male and one female leader of the G8 got down to business in earthquake stricken L’Aquila, Italy, while the wives (not sure about the husband) were in Rome. They were treated to a three-course lunch, tours of landmarks and a World Food Programme (WPF) presentation about women’s role in the hunger crisis. My question is why wasn’t this program part of the main event in L’Aquila and presented to everyone?

Women are disproportionally affected by hunger. According to the FAO, approximately 7 out of 10 of those going hungry are women. Many hungry women are sacrificing a decent meal so their children will not starve. Even more critical to the G8 talks is how women are key in solving the world hunger problem.

Many studies show the great communal value of supporting women in efforts to eliminate poverty and hunger. If women are given better access to resources, such as food and water then entire household health improves. This paves the way for increased physical and intellectual development among children and communities as a whole.

In addition, it is estimated that women produce between 60 to 80 percent of the food in developing countries. Despite the fact that women work much of the land, they own almost none of it. Governments should begin investing more resources into increasing women’s access to land, water, fair credit lines, and training. This would show a real and sustainable effect on the hunger problem.

Instead, it seems free trade and new technologies are more the focal points at the G8 summit. These potential solutions miss the bigger picture on hunger. Free trade seems logical in that it would allow more food to be shipped into countries and competition might lower prices. However, it makes small local farmers unable to compete and many lose their livelihood resulting in a weaker economy and less money to buy the imported goods. New technology seems like a great idea too, but it would do little to help if the right people weren’t afforded access to the equipment or proper training.

Hunger is a serious problem that has gotten worse due to rising food prices and environmental factors. It is vital that our global leaders wake up to one of the world’s most valuable resources: women. This may be the only way to truly make a positive impact on this devastating problem.

Speaking of Human Rights

I was not confronted with the notion that human rights shouldn’t automatically be considered a universal truth until I was 27 years old.

In my kitchen, I was having a conversation with a young man with a silver spoon and a business degree. We began to talk about the world and economic exploitation. He was ok with it and I wasn’t. At one point in my frustration, I simply said “What about human rights?” He seemed puzzled by the question and responded with another question “Do you actually believe everyone is entitled to human rights?” Now it was my turn to be puzzled. My mind was swimming because it had never occurred that human rights shouldn’t be universal. So, I simply answered “yes.”

Now, a few years later I still believe human rights are universal. It is complicated and when I argued in the kitchen I understood that cultural imperialism and policing world were not good things. However, I never questioned the idea of human rights.

Some intellectuals see the western view of human rights as an infringement on group rights and cultural freedom. Also, governments have marched into war in the name of human rights even though most people understand that isn’t their true motivation. So there is no denying the complexity of this issue.

However, I think as rational beings (for the most part) we know what is fundamentally right and wrong. Therefore when a cultural perpetuates human rights abuses, (such as female genital mutilation, honor killing, apartheid, etc.) that part of the culture should be changed. Even understanding my position as a woman who grew up in the United States, I hold firm in the belief that there are some rights that are indeed universal.

What are those rights is another question. One that I hope to explore further, as well as solutions to stopping economic exploitation and other human abuses.

Stoning of Soraya M

Women in the U.S. still have a lot of progress to make and to deny horrible human rights abuses happen here is just plain naive. In fact, just a few months there was a probable honor killing of a woman in Buffalo. A husband murdered his wife for seeking a divorce.

However, it can not be denied that women in the U.S. are lucky in many ways. One of those ways is that we do almost always have freedom of speech. In addition, the due process system in the U.S. does typically prevent us from being murdered for using our voices.

This weekend the movie The Stoning of Soraya M. hits limited theaters. The women in this film are not so lucky. The human rights and empowering story unfolds in a brutal yet beautiful film. I encourage everyone who can to go to the theater and support this movie. Click Here to find a theater near you where showing it.

The Right-Wing Lost, right?

It seems the Obama administration needs to be reminded that conservatives lost the election. I understand that it isn’t very feasible for a president to dive head first into political hot button issues, even a president with high approval ratings.
But the Justice Department memo in support of the Defensive of Marriage Act (DOMA) is an overt pandering to the right.

DOMA allows states and prevents the federal government from recognizing marriages and unions between same-sex couples. This means that if a couple gets married in Iowa and moves to a state that doesn’t recognize them as a married couple then they can be refused hospital visitation, estate planning becomes trickier, and basic dignity goes out the window.

President Obama expressed in campaigns that he did not support DOMA, but the actions of his administration seem to counter this position. Due to the response by the LGBTQ community and allies the White House offered this quick rebuttal:
White House spokesman Shin Inouye said "The President has said he wants to see a legislative repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act because it prevents LGBT couples from being granted equal rights and benefits. However, until Congress passes legislation repealing the law, the administration will continue to defend the statute when it is challenged in the justice system." –LA Times
This seems like a bit of a cop out and it shows that the administration plans to do nothing in an effort to progress gay rights in this country.

Perhaps this is isn’t the most critical issue when people within our borders and beyond are facing poverty in the face. However, it is an issue of principle and civil rights.
Ironically, I found an Obama quote that expresses why it is important to show outrages over this issue.

“As a state Senator, I have taken on the issue of civil rights for the LGBT community as if they were my own struggle because I believe strongly that the infringement of rights for any one group eventually endangers the rights enjoyed under law by the entire population.” -Windy City Times 2-11-2004

Wake up and smell the oppression people!

A Suggestion for the President

Last week, President Obama addressed an audience in Cairo to speak about Islam. (See bottom of this post)
He covered several issues, but tended to concentrate on those of more political “value” such as war, Israel/Palestine and economics.

There was a small a glance at women’s rights, but much much more should be said.
“I reject the view that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.”
This sentence contains issues that are hot button issues with some activists. The head covering is something to examine, because the key word in this statement is chooses. Does coercions create that choice or is it done completely at free will? This is indeed an important distinction.

However, the hajib (head covering) and even the more obtrusive burqa are among the less concerning issues for women in some Islamic communities. As is quoted, women’s access to education in some areas is nonexistent, which leads to illiteracy and lack of economic opportunity. Both make women more dependent and less likely to attain equality.

Although President Obama talked extensively about violence, it was not raised in the paragraphs about women. I find this to be a significant fault in this nearly hour long speech. Extensive violence against women in Islamic countries continues to be a tragic routine. Acid being thrown on women seeking an education, women being beat for showing too much skin or killed for looking at a man the “wrong” way. These dangerous events occur everywhere, but desperately need to be addressed in Muslim communities where the culture sometimes lends itself to oppressive patriarchal control of justice.

This is evident in the new film, The Stoning of Soraya M. I encourage the President to watch this film and perhaps next time he addresses leaders in the Middle East violence against women will be a more central topic.

To quote President Obama, violent oppression of women “is a stain on our collective conscience.”

I look forward to exploring the idea of “collective conscience” with the release of this film and the conversations that follow.

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A Fallen Hero of Human Rights

It is hard to believe in 2009 that we still face such oppressive acts. Sunday morning the news reported that Dr. George Tiller was shot and killed by an anti-choice gunman. Dr. Tiller ran a women’s clinic which provided abortion to women in needed.
He understood that reproductive and healthcare freedom is essential to human rights. Thousands of women worldwide die due to lack of access to safe abortions. Girls live in further terror after being raped because of parental notification laws. Couples make heart wrenching medical decisions after finding out there are problem with the pregnancy.
At the vigil I attended last night, stories of women facing these situations and being helped by Dr. Tiller restored our commitment to protecting reproductive rights. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many men at the vigil. It will take all genders working together to insure victory in this fight for reproductive justice.
If you would like to learn more and contribute your voice to the pro-choice movement here are some resources:

Center for Reproductive Rights: reproductiverights.org
Planned Parenthood: www.plannedparenthood.org
NARAL: www.naral.org
UN Population Fund: www.unfpa.org
National Network of Abortion Funds: www.nnaf.org

The Goode Family?

I watched the new ABC cartoon “The Goode Family” last night. My mind set to either hate it or love it. Actually, my feeling is mixed.



It is my hope that as the series progresses the characters become more endearing. Maybe if America grows to like the Goode family they will learn more about important social issues. It might become a good thing to be like the Goodes.

Initially, I wasn’t impressed with the story. The satire was lost by attempts as bringing up too many social issues in one episode. Worst of all, the characters seemed stressed and distant and holier than thou. At times, anyone would have felt awkward being friends with this family.

However, there were a few funny and light hearted moments. My favorite moment was at the end when the mother Helen has had a little too much wine. Father and daughter have just escaped a “purity ball” and the son was excited to drive the family hybrid.

There were also more subtle points made in the show. Such as, the shopping center where with each benefit a food has the price goes up. It is ridiculous that organic food often costs more than genetically engineered products.

Overall, I will have to wait and see if the show sticks. At this point, I won’t turn the channel unless there is something better to watch. I encourage you to decide for yourself whether "The Goode Family" is good.

Benefits Really Benefit Us All

Vacations are essential to productivity, quality of life and beauty. I mean beauty from knowledge and experience, but also outside physical appearance. As I examined my photos from my recent vacation the bags under my eyes shrunk significantly from the first few days to the last few days. My smile continued to grow larger throughout the trip and my body seemed more fit from the amount of walking and dancing I was enjoying. Medical studies also back up this feeling showing that vacation can help lessen risk for heart problems and mental illness.

Now that I am back to work, I feel less mundane aggravation and am able to get my entire must-do list done with a bit of time to spare. I can move on to lower priority tasks (or write a blog entry) with this extra time.

You would think employers would be excited about the benefits of vacations and insurance companies would be lobbying Washington for mandated vacation time. However, the U.S. is one of the few industrialized nations not to require employee benefits such as paid vacation. In fact, the U.S. doesn’t even require paid time off for new mothers or people requiring family medical leave.

Many employers and those that have fallen for the idea that we have to work ourselves in the ground in order to be productive can’t seem to understand how vacation and leave benefits are exactly that-benefits! They benefit both the employee AND the employer!

FW: Homelessness is our problem too

My inbox tends to be invaded by the occasional conservative propaganda piece. They remind me that my country is Christian, we shouldn’t tax U.S. citizens and immigrants are bad.

Yes, people still try to convince me of these things despite the following minor issues:
1. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” -U.S. Constitution Amendment 1
2. Free elections, roads, primary schools, parks, defense/homeland security, fire and police departments are paid for by taxes. (Notice how I didn’t even mention “frivolous” spending like Medicaid, environmental protection, college loans, unemployment benefits and public housing)
and
3. Unless you are a Native American, you and/or your family once immigrated to this country as some point.

Many times I simply hit delete and move on with my life. Other times I write back.
A recent email of this nature inspired me to respond.


Here is the email….
I recently asked my friends' little girl what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said she wanted to be President some day. Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her, 'If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?

> She replied, 'I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people.' Her parents beamed.

'Wow...what a worthy goal.' I told her, 'But you don't have to wait until you're President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house.

> She thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, ' Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?

> I said, 'Welcome to the Republican Party.' Her parents still aren't speaking to me.

Even putting politics aside, there are several problems with this story. First of all, is the narrator going to actually offer work to the homeless guy at the grocery story? If that is true, then maybe I could buy into his apathetic logic. However, I don’t believe that is the case, which creates a big fat hole in the middle of his argument.

In addition, this example simplifies a terrible problem that reflects poorly on us as a society. It makes an incorrect assumption that those who live in cars, parks and on sidewalks are merely lazy. As usual, the truth is much more complicated.

The notion that homeless individuals just don’t want to work is ignorant. Many people living in shelters have jobs. “In 2007, a survey performed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that 17.4% of homeless adults in families were employed while 13% of homeless single adults or unaccompanied youth were employed.” –National Coalition for the Homeless

If you dig deeper into the issue you will find the causes of short and long term homelessness are vast. The following are some of those reasons:
Falling victim to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina
Mental illness and physical disabilities
Dysfunctional family life that leads to abandoned youth and runaways
Lack of public assistance combined with job loss, medical expenses and rising food costs
Decline in wages and job opportunities
Lack of affordable housing
Domestic Violence (Approximately half of women and children experiencing homelessness left homes due to domestic violence. -National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2001)

One of the most shocking things to me was that this email was sent by someone who has served in the military. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, “About one-third of the adult homeless population have served their country in the Armed Services.” Many have post traumatic stress disorder and/or substance abuse problems and nearly all of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds.


ANY of us could face unfortunate circumstances. Hopefully, we have family and friends to help us out, but not everyone is that lucky. Judging people and simplifying this matter only contributes to the problem. Let’s teach the next generation to have compassion rather than contempt.

Michelle Obama: The People’s First Lady continues the legacy of the People’s Princess.

By: Janice Formichella and Andrea Hance

The Obama’s trip to England last week was a significant highlight in the first hundred days of the President. What the trip truly served as, however, was a red carpet introducing Michelle Obama to the world. The headlines soon shifted from the G20 summit to Michelle Obama’s performance as First Lady and the fact that she overshadowed her husband during the trip. This became front-page news after Michelle made a memorable visit to a local girls school after a historic and even eyebrow-raising audience with the Queen. As images of the visit were flashed over news programs and evening papers, many started to sense the presence of the late Princess Diana in the behavior, grace, individuality, and public awe that Michelle commanded. By the end of the day some reporters had modified the comparison between Michelle and Jackie O to perhaps the more appropriate comparison of Michelle and Princess Diana.
Some of us also felt Diana’s absence. Having grown up watching Princess Diana we found the comparison between her and our new First Lady intriguing. Ever since her untimely and tragic death in 1997, no one woman has emerged to take Diana’s place as an inspiring, intelligent, courageous, graceful woman the entire world can to look up to. Given the significance of both women it is worth taking a look at the similarities between Princess Diana and her heir apparent.
One aspect of Diana’s legacy that Michelle has already started to embody is her willingness and ability to raise awareness for issues that, while critical, gather little mainstream attention. Consider the issue of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. In 1987 not only was Diana one of the first high profile celebrities to be photographed with someone afflicted with HIV, she was the first member of the royal family to do so. Diana sat with AIDS victims at their beds, held their hands, and helped to educate the public about the disease—which was very misunderstood at the time. While much of the world (not to mention the U.S. President), and definitely the rest of the royal family, was turning away, Princess Diana was giving a human face to the devastation of HIV.
Our First Lady seems determined to use her notoriety in the same way. It is encouraging to see that Michelle is selecting issues that impact women and girls directly. Prior to becoming the first African American First Lady, Michelle championed for pay equity in the workplace and spoke about the importance of work/life balance; two issues that while important, rarely gain celebrity attention. In addition, Michelle has publically discussed the importance of women owning their professional achievements while still being proud, responsible mothers. In a society were mothers face exorbitant expectations and pressures, the importance of someone such as Michelle Obama talking openly about this dilemma women face cannot be understated as it impacts so many families.
Another striking similarity between Princess Diana and the First Lady is their ready, open arms. This is something about Diana that we will never forget and something about Michelle that is seducing the entire world. After addressing the students last week, Michelle ignored the secret service and launched, arms open, into the crowd of ecstatic girls at Elizabeth Garret Language School. This impulsive response invoked images of Diana emotionally clinging to babies stricken with HIV or children disfigured by landmines. This readiness to act on impulse and challenge the status quo allows these women to appear human to the world and will endure them to the public for a hundred years to come.
Michelle embodies the same valuable legacy of loving and responsible motherhood that Diana was so well known for. Both mothers have instilled a sense of personal responsibility in their children and managed to keep a sense of normal childhood for them while growing up in the public eye. It is important for young women that Michelle is making active motherhood such a strong focus while also promoting progressive ideas about women, careers, and families.
Princess Diana and Michelle Obama both gained notoriety through their marriages to powerful men. Both women also quickly transcended the label of “wife” and became influential in their own right. This similarity also represents a large difference between the women, and one of our greatest hopes. While addressing the school girls last week, Michelle told the girls that the men in her life taught her “what a respectful relationship should look like between men and women” and “what a strong marriage looks like.” It was these remarks about men and relationships that were possibly the most significant yet the most under reported. In an era of wide spread degradation of women, and visible, even tolerated domestic violence, hearing the most iconic woman in the world address healthy relationships is astounding and shows remarkable foresight on her part. Besides the fact that Michelle is willing to bring attention to a subject that most would rather treat as a non-issue, the Obama’s portray a relationship that is respectful and equitable. When the President makes comments about his marriage such as “as you build a life of mutual support, you retain some sense of surprise or wonder about the other person”[1] the couple is setting a wonderful example for young men and women all over the world.
Perhaps this is one issue that Diana wished she could have addressed or portrayed differently. Unfortunately Diana’s marriage was tabloid news for its lack of honesty and mutual support. She rocked the royal family by divorcing the Prince to regain her independence and self-respect. Now, we see Michelle demanding and enjoying these things within a solid relationship.
As young progressive women we are hopeful that Michelle will continue to use her influence to bring awareness and action to causes that impact women disproportionally and continue to demonstrate courage in doing so. It was revealed last week that Afghanistan is in the process of passing laws that will strip women of several fundamental rights. Surprisingly, this shocking turn of events has prompted little outrage from the world community. Given her growing influence, we ask Michelle to publically condemn these actions and press for U.S. intervention. If Michelle has the courage to take the lead on some of these sticky issues, she will not be alone. An army of women, equipped with a leader, will gather around her to sound the alarm—yes we can, and yes we will!
It is truly a tragedy that the world was not able to witness the meeting of Princess Diana and Michelle Obama. It certainly would have been the beginning of a dynamic friendship. Instead we will remember the example that Diana set for all young women of the world and will watch with anticipation as Michelle continues to dazzle and impress us.

Read more of our thoughts at feministfriendly.com and progressiveplaid.blogspot.com


[1] http://www.newsweek.com/id/184773

Take That Prop 8

What a week it has been for the advancement of LGBTQ civil rights! First from a very unlikely source-Iowa? In the corn covered state, the courts ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to get married was unconstitutional. Taking this success to another level, Governor Chet Culver whose religious beliefs are anti-gay doesn’t plan to support an amendment to reverse the court’s decision.
The second state to come to its senses this week and make same-sex marriages legal is less of surprise, Vermont. Civil unions were made legal in Vermont nine years and gay rights advocates have been fighting for marriage status in the state ever since. This week the legislature made it happen with a vote of 100-49 in the house to override the Governor Douglas’ veto.
Now there are four states in the union that show fairness in marriage. Although it is an uphill climb to get the other 46 states to jump on the equality bandwagon, Iowa has given me hope! Women started winning the vote state by state until finally the country woke up and ratified the 19th amendment. It wasn’t easy, but it worked.

Battle in Brazil

Earlier this month Brazil had reason talk about reproductive rights. A nine year old girl was given access to a healthy abortion following alleged sexual violence by her stepfather. Shortly after, a local Catholic Archbishop, Jose Cardoso Sobrinho, excommunicated the doctors and mother involved in this tragic circumstance.
The Catholic Church seems to be divided on the issue. Some Vatican officials stating the excommunication was justified, while their biotech officials stated it was unmerited because the doctors acted in the interest of the girls’ health.
The medical realities were that this pregnancy would have put the young girl’s health at risk and although abortion is almost always illegal in Brazil there are exception for rape and health.
A majority of Brazilians agree with the criminality of abortion, but there is a movement of to promote reproductive health in the country. Abortion causes thousands of maternal deaths and even more hospitalizations each year in Brazil. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president, has slowly been trying to increase the dialogue on the issue of reproductive rights although he has met much resistance to the conversation. The government also works to provide options so abortion is not necessary, such as dispenses contraceptives during Carnival. Again, the Catholic Church did not approve. However, not all Catholics are so closed minded. Catholics for Choice are one group that is actively fighting for the women of Brazil to have freedom in their sexual and reproductive decisions.

Brazil is a beautiful country and with passion oozing out of its people and environment. If any country can handle this debate and fight for women’s right, it is Brazil. It will be fascinating to see what happens next.

Complicated case

News sources, especially entertainment news, have been featuring the Chris Brown-Rhianna story day after day. There are reports that the couple are still together even after the now infamous (alleged) physical assault. Although it is unfortunate that she would feel compelled to forgive and forget, we need to look closer at the reasons why it might be happening and use this as a chance to expand education on intimate partner violence.
It is easy for someone outside the relationship to say “I’d leave him” but for the abused person things aren’t that simple. They may feel they truly love the person or that this person is the only one who will ever love them. Financial issues may prevent a woman from leaving especially if she is unaware of or unable to get support from outside resources.
Women are socialized to be partners, to take care of families, fall in love and get married. Girls play house while boys play cops & robbers. Girls play with dolls while boys play with water guns. This begins the process of girls developing an identity around relationships. Boys on the other hand are exposed to more violence, which could contribute to future conflicts. (Let me clarify at this point: the vast majority of men do not commit violent acts against women, but even one man that does is one man too many.)

The web of reasons a woman stays with an abuser is very sticky and she will need help to break free from its clutches.
To learn more about intimate partner violence go to these websites:

http://www.abanet.org/domviol/statistics.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/IPV-FactSheet.pdf

http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32347

Women Here There Everywhere!

This Sunday will commemorate International Women’s Day [IWD]. Although, this may not be a mainstream holiday it gives people many opportunities to learn, celebrate and take action regarding women’s issues across the globe.
IWD grew out of an idea introduced by Clara Zetkin at an international working women’s conference in 1910. Women unionists, activists, politicians, and other leaders come together at this conference and planted the seeds for the first IWD. They ran a successful awareness campaign for the events of the first IWD, March 15th, 1911. Women and men in many different countries participated in parties, lectures, and social action to advance women’s issues. Since 1913, it has been celebrated on March 8th and still today provides excellent event opportunities.
The roots of IWD come from working women and today with the recession women are becoming an even stronger part of the American workforce. Hilda Solis was just names secretary of Labor. She has fought for workers, women, and the environment and is now in a position to continue this fight.
In addition, March marks Women’s History Month so I encourage taking advantage of the many opportunities to celebrate women’s struggles and accomplishments.

For more information and events you can visit these sites:
http://www.feministfriendly.com/
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/
http://www.nwhp.org/

Slumdog Someblog

There has been some talk of a backlash to recent Academy Award winner Slumdog Millionaire. Although some of it is quite valid, I think the conversation isn’t as significant as it could be. One of the criticisms is that the movie portrays India as a poverty stricken country and doesn’t focus as much on the recent development and wealth of the nation. I agree with this critique and many Americans do hold strong stereotypes of the developing world. However, India does still suffer from grim poverty.
The fact this movie is getting so much attention provides the opportunity for conversation about stereotypes of India, poverty, and the developing world at large. Our media often goes straight to stereotypical images because that is what sells. We don’t want to see an African city that looks like an American city because then it wouldn’t be exotic and that’s what people want to see.

Another criticism was that the screenplay is a fantasy that is based in reality.
“It makes a show of being anchored in a real-world social context, then asks to be read as a fantasy.”
This criticism I feel is an insult to much of the audience. As if, we aren’t able to distinguish fact from fiction. Entertainment is meant to provide elements of fantasy, but they often have real world ingredients. Take for example romance movies. Main characters fall madly in love in one day and live happily ever after. (At least, in Slumdog Millionaire the love affair developed over years.) Love happens in real life, often there are characters and situations we relate to, but everyone knows living happily ever after like that is a farce. The illusion being placed within some authenticity is the best part of romantic movies.

As for the Academy Awards, truth be told I think Benjamin Button should have won for its overall cinematic quality (acting, directing, technical skills, etc.), but Slumdog Millionaire was a beautiful flight of the imagination.

Congo, Coltan, Cash and Crisis!

Violence in Congo is something that I had heard about in connection with my interest in women’s rights. However, last night my eyes and ears really began to open wide to understand the complexity of the situation.

As with so many wars before and unfortunately I’m sure in the future, once you look below the layers you find money as one of the roots of violence. In the “African World War”, as the Congo conflict has been dubbed, is no exception.
The mineral Coltan (Colombo-tantalite) is used in cellphones, laptops and other technology. Corporations have a lack of resources ( and desire) to trace the origins of the coltan used in their product. It is likely that the computer you are reading this blog from contains Congolese coltan. Especially since 80% of the world’s reserves of coltan are found in the Congo region.
Coltan’s problems are far reaching.
Many warlords have been displacing farmers from their land to mine the stuff. This also destroys habitat for the already vulnerable mountain gorilla population.

Working conditions in the mines are dangerous and authoritative.

Not to mention the way the profits are being used to fuel the war and violence against women in the region.
This is an issue that I believe we should all investigate more. As an informed individual I was flabbergasted by this information and felt the urgency to tell others about it. As I learn more I will continue to post more about it!

Corporate Entitlement Complex

I would like every person to raise their hand if they believe that $500,000 a year is a rip off. Even for a stressful and “important” work position. Today, President Obama announced a salary cap of ½ a million dollars for executives in companies that receive a lot of taxpayer bailout cash. Of course, some people on Wall Street went crazy when they heard this news. While others, including myself, cheered. This seems like a perfectly reasonable request, especially for the time being. Perhaps, if the executives end up being profitable and contribute in making American and global society profitable, sustainable and reputable again then the cap can come off.
Considering the fact that U.S. residents are helping them out, they should really appreciate having a job at all. That’s what people tell me, even though I had my hours cut by 20% and therefore my pay. Not to mention that I was underpaid in the first place. Why should I get on board to hand out money to corporate fat cats for yachts, larger homes, sport cars and vacations? (The last one really gets me angry because travel is the luxury I truly envy) Seriously, can anyone give me a good reason?

By the way, if any executives are reading this and want to quit there job because of the salary cap, I'll take you job for a year at $500,000.

Comedic Cause

This January PBS had a series about comedy. The final installment made several points about comedy’s relationship to societal issues. As we saw during the recent U.S. presidential election, Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, late night talk shows and many others capitalized on the thin line between politics and comedy.

Politics and activism can be extremely serious and easily make people frustrated and burnt out. When comedians target issues or people that cause us the most stress it give the activist a moment to breath and laugh. Both are essential to life!

Political leaders are the most targeted by talk show and variety host. SNL became the phoenix rising from low rating when Tina Fey perfectly portrayed Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, whom she has a similar appearance. For the past 8 years, our president gave us many funny moments to help break the tension created by his administration. One example is the top 10 list of Bush moments on the David Letterman show. This featured moments where the former president looked like a deer in headlights and spit as he walked across the White House lawn.

Some people may take offense to these jokes, but it is all a part of being in the public eye. Also, there is a difference between someone in the U.S. making fun of an American president than someone who lives outside our borders. People across the world have a right, even a responsibility to let us know how our government is affecting them. However, making fun of our government officials seems a bit off. It is comparable to the idea that you can say stupid things about your family, but if anyone else does then those are fighting words!

Political comedy has been around for centuries and we are lucky to have the opportunity to partake in it. As long as serious issues are resolved and people continue to educate themselves in concentrate ways through several media outlets, then I say bring on the belly ache of laughter not tears!

History Starts Now

I was lucky enough to make it safely to Washington DC and witness history unfolding on January 20th, 2009. My position in the sun meant I could really only see Michelle’s yellow outfit and President Barack Obama’s red tie when the oath of office was taken. This held no effect on me or the crowd around me as we cheered with elation as the reality of a new era sunk into our emotions.
Moving forward none of us should expect miracles or even that everything will be fixed within the next four years. However, a feeling of relief has washed over me (and many others) like a soft blanket in winter. I woke up this morning and saw the American flag on a shelf in the living room and for the first time in years I didn’t pass it with a sense of yearning, but rather a sense of dignity.
Today, President Barack Obama gets to work at the most challenging job in the world. Already his leadership has been exposed. He signed an executive order to require ethics in his administration. This is a step in the right direction and sets the tone for his expectations. He also began taking action on Guantanamo Bay, which affirms his commitment to closing the prison, symbol of the recent demise of civil liberties. It is my great hope that within days the global gag rule, which denies and undermines healthcare access to several people in need across the globe, especially women, will be overturn.

As the crowds streamed off the capital lawn, I looked towards the next step in this journey. What will happen in the next 4 (hopefully 8) years? How will the country and the world react? What will America look like next January 20th? I can hope it is a little bit better and we all can be beacons of that hope by helping each other out from time to time.

Girls Golf too!

As a teen I began to enjoy watching golf tournament. My favorite is the Masters. It kicks of the major tournaments for the year and usually offers some sort of drama to enjoy all the way to the 18th green. For years, I watched blissfully unaware of the scope of drama that was taking place behind the beautiful flowers and plush fairways of Augusta National (the golf course where the Masters are played each year).
I was never naïve to the fact that golf is mainly a white, middle/upper class men’s sport. However, I didn’t fully comprehend how inaccessible prestigious golf clubs are to minorities, in particular women and the major consequences of this discrimination until I was an adult.
Augusta National does not have any women members. They are not the only golf club that has a lack of estrogen in its roster, but they are one of the most prominent golf clubs and therefore are (and should be) a target for protest. Minorities began to be invited into membership there in the early 1990s after the P.G.A. of America and the United States Golf Association, all adopted new guidelines effective in 1991 requiring private clubs that want to host tournaments to demonstrate that their membership policies are not discriminatory against minority members or women by policy or practice. (NY Times, 2002) Somehow women are still left out of the equation.
Some of you may be thinking, what is the big deal, so the boys want a club to themselves. It is just a grown-up version of The Little Rascals He-man Woman Hating Club and shouldn’t be taken so seriously.
First of all, you should see the problem with little boys having a misogynistic club in 2009. Second, society should insist that boys become men that respect women. Lastly, there are real world consequences to these kinds of exclusionary policies that affect the workplace and taxpayers.
Golf courses are used as a formal and informal business setting. If women aren’t in the golf club, they can’t contribute to these meetings. Beyond this, they won’t have the chance of running into a potential business partner in the clubhouse to make connections that are vital for career advancements. This hurt women AND it hurts business. Leaving women out of the decision making and creative brainstorming process means a business is forfeiting ½ of its potential staff and the ideas they bring with them.
People who bring clients and partners to these clubs can take a tax deduction for a portion of those expenses. This rewards both the discriminating club and thoughtless actions of executives that are patrons to these clubs. All the while, most of us of any gender would never be invited to play at one of these clubs and we have to pay more taxes. It is ridiculous. Rep. Maloney has a proposed suspending these discriminatory tax deductions. I encourage you to show your support for this bill.
Now, I still enjoy golf. I look forward to watching Phil, Sergio Ernie and Freddy as much as I did before. However, I won’t be watching blissfully unaware any longer. Instead, I’ll support the end of discrimination in a sport that I hope I will enjoy watching into my golden years.