Tell the DNC to Put the ERA Back in the Democratic Party Platform

The Drafting Committee of the Democratic National Convention needs your input on what should be in the Democratic Party Platform. But time is running out.

Go vote now on measures such as this one:

Equal Rights Amendment

The Democratic Party apologizes to all women for removing the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment from John Kerry’s 2004 Democratic National Convention Platform.

The Equal Rights Amendment must be passed during the next congressional session.

TGW: Monday, August 29, 2005 - Looking for the ERA in the Democratic Party Platform - "It was the first time in forty years that the Democrats failed to include the ERA in their platform . . "

Denver Feminist Politics Gender News ERA Obama Democratic Party Hillary Clinton

Hillary to Speak at Democratic Convention on Equality Day

This year's Equality Day will be a memorable one. Feminist trailblazer Hillary Rodham Clinton will speak on August 26 at the Democratic Convention in Denver.

All 16 female U.S. senators will be on the stage.

August 26 marks the 88th anniversary of the day women finally got the right to vote in the United States. In the entire 232 years of this nation's history, there has been a grand total of 35 female senators.


Why Obama Should Pick Hillary, by Lanny Davis

Hillary Clinton Feminist Trailblazer Politics Gender News Women's History Denver

Beijing Olympics: Women, Not Men, Must Submit to Gender Tests

So you know we're making progress when female athletes are no longer forced to parade nude before a panel of doctors in order to verify their gender. I'm just surprised they don't make female presidential candidates do that.

New York Times: Although only athletes whose gender has been questioned will be tested in Beijing, the lab is a relic of an earlier Olympic era, when every female athlete was required to submit to a sex-verification test before competing in the Games. The tests emerged in the 1960s, when the Soviet Union and other Communist countries were suspected of entering male athletes in women’s events to gain an edge.

At first, women were asked to parade nude before a panel of doctors to verify their sex. At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, officials switched to a chromosomal test.

The tests never unmasked a man posing as a woman, but they did turn up several athletes who were born with genetic defects that made them appear — according to lab results, at least — to be men. In 1967, the Polish sprinter Ewa Klobukowska was barred from the sport because she failed the chromosomal test, even though she had passed the nude test a year earlier. In the 1980s, the Spanish hurdler Maria José Martínez Patino was disqualified because the test revealed, to her surprise, that she was born with a Y chromosome. Her eligibility was reinstated in 1988. . Despite decades of rigorous testing of women athletes, only one known case of gender cheating exists in the history of the modern Olympics. . .

The gender trap

Feminist Politics Gender News Sexism

Ludacris Action: Tell Def Jam Recordings to Stop the Misogyny!

Join Women Count and send a message to Ludacris' recording studio. Tell them: the women and girls of America are sick and tired of being called bitches.

Tell Def Jam Recordings to Stop the Misogyny!

Re: Ludacris: Hillary is a Bitch, McCain Should be Paralyzed, & Obama Is The Man (Video)

Women Count Hillary Clinton Feminist Politics Gender Sexist News Misogyny New Politics Democratic Party Patriarchy

Dear Superdelegates (Video)

video by Boowitch13 via Lady Boomer NYC - who has more. .


"I am reminded of a particularly chilling passage in Vladimir Nabokov's novel 'Lolita.' Humbert Humbert, after raping the 12-year-old, is pondering why she has come back to his bed. 'You see,' Humbert tells the reader, 'she had absolutely nowhere else to go.' That's just how I feel. And they want my enthusiastic support? The Democratic Party can fend for itself."

-- Robin Lakoff,
Professor of Linguistics,
U.C. Berkeley

Women voters aren't warming to ‘cool’ Obama

Hillary Clinton Feminist Politics Gender Superdelegate News Denver Democratic Party Obama

Mamma Mia's Feminist Plotlines (Video)

RH Reality Check: Mamma Mia! is also a movie in which female sexuality is celebrated without its objectification or punishment for its protagonists, and female sexuality is presented from young womanhood all the way through middle age and beyond. . . In its way, the movie may reach more people as a stealth advocate of sexual egalitarianism -- which could be just what its nearly all-female team of production, writing and direction (a Hollywood rarity) had in mind. . The concept of three men revolving around a matriarchal family core is celebrated.


While The Dark Knight dealt with themes of power and violence, Mamma Mia! was about the more domestic, but no less universal, themes of family and forgiveness. . Critics slobbered all over themselves heaping praise on the former, while many admitted being embarrassed by Mamma Mia! . . The contrast between the way the two have been received makes one wonder why, to start with, we consider singing and dancing showpieces to be "silly" while Batpods, metal suits, and improbably-rigged explosives are allowed be taken quite seriously. . .

Feminist Politics Film Gender Gyno-Centric News

Ludacris: Hillary is a Bitch, McCain Should be Paralyzed, & Obama Is The Man (Video)

What does Grammy award winning rapper Ludacris have in common with mainstream media? Why, a preference for "the man" over the "irrelevant bitch," of course. If MSNBC acts fast, maybe they can hire the award-winning sexist rapper. The pundits on MSNBC and CNN should get a real thrill (up their legs) over Ludacris' misogynistic lyrics.

The Obama campaign has denounced Ludacris' new single - "Politics: Obama Is Here." I wonder if the msm pundits will risk being a national laughingstock by doing the same. Funny, I don't remember the unity candidate denouncing the sexism while Hillary was still in the race. Does Obama's condemnation mean he is going to take Ludacris off his iPod? In a Rolling Stone interview, "Obama mentioned Ludacris, Jay-Z and Russell Simmons as 'great talents and great businessmen.'"

Women Count is calling for the presumptive party nominee and the Democratic and the Republican Party leaders to condemn "the hateful, sexist language" and "demand an apology on behalf of the targets."

"This is not an issue of being PC," states Rosemary Camposano, communications director for WomenCount, "This is about beginning the grinding and painful process of rooting out this kind of hate language and behavior whenever and wherever it exists. The Democratic leadership have pledged to unhinge our nation from gender-bias, hate-language and misogyny and we are taking them at their word."

WomenCount ( http://www.womencountpac.com) has embarked on a campaign called "Stop the Silence," in which they are promoting specific language be incorporated into the National Platform now being drafted for the Democratic National Convention.

What? These women are making demands on the Democratic Party during an election year? Gawd! Clearly, the women are treasonous, ignorant, racist, low-class Republicans!

Just think, the Democrats refused to impeach Bush because to do so would have inflicted stress and partisan drama upon the nation. Aren't you glad the Dems spared us from all that divisive drama?

Ludacris: Politics: Obama Is Here

Politics: Obama Is Here (full lyrics here):

...Well give Luda a special pardon if I'm ever in the slammer . . Better yet put him in office, make me your vice president . . Hillary hated on you, so that bitch is irrelevant . . Jesse talking slick and apologizing for what? . . if you said it then you meant it how you want it have a gut! . . and all you other politicians trying to hate on my man . . . so get off your ass, black people, it's time to get out and vote! . . paint the White House black and I'm sure that's got 'em terrified . . McCain don't belong in ANY chair unless he's paralyzed . . .

Ludacris Action: Tell Def Jam Recordings to Stop the Misogyny!

Women Count PAC: Stop the Silence On Sexism in the Media - Please let us know if you're willing to attend a meeting in your local area to stop the silence on sexism! . . [G]ender bias is a violation of Civil Rights and that men and women should be treated equally in the media and in all facets of our society.

Obama camp condemns song: Ludacris ‘should be ashamed’
Obama + Ludacris = best friends 4eva

Women Count Hillary Clinton Feminist Politics Gender Sexist News Misogyny New Politics Democratic Party Patriarchy

What's Your Point, Honey? Who Will Be the First Woman President? (The Trailer)

From feminist film makers Amy Sewell and Susan Toffler:

What's Your Point, Honey?

video via California NOW

San Francisco Chronicle: The documentary takes its title from a Jim Borgman cartoon showing Hillary Clinton pointing to a globe highlighted with countries that have been led by women, while a dim-looking Uncle Sam mutters, "What's your point, Honey?" In the movie, Steinem talks about the prescribed role that messes up adolescent girls and takes them years to get out from under. "The feminine role just descends on you at about 11 or 12, and you start to think you have to giggle and laugh and pretend you don't know what time it is."

Look at Hillary Clinton, says Cat Wilson, who supported Clinton in the primary but has high hopes for Barack Obama. "She not only had to prove she was smart enough and tough enough, but then she gets judged for not being emotional enough. She cried, and people said, 'Ah, she's such a woman.' " Imagine how a woman with George Bush's college grades and history of partying would be perceived if she ran for president, Wilson adds sardonically. "It's a double standard, and it's really unfair."

Clinton hadn't even announced her candidacy when this documentary was made. You can't watch it without thinking of her unsuccessful drive for the nomination. Her candidacy underscores the core messages of the film, Wilson says: "That there is still inequality" - women make up 51 percent of the American population but just 16 percent of Congress, the film points out - "and that there's hope."

White House Project Gender News Feminist Film Hillary Clinton Equal Representation Gloria Steinem Politics

Sexist Blast from the Past - Jezebel (Video)

Jezebel is a great film, but the way the film, or the woman, is billed in the trailer is not so great. Jezebel was released back in the sexist year of 1938.



Bette Davis Gender News Feminist Politics Patriarchy Misogyny

Men At the Top of Obama's VP List

Tim Kaine of Virginia is reportedly at the top of Obama's VP list. Tim Kaine is an excellent choice, if Obama wants to give women the finger again. Kaine has a faith based opposition to women's rights. Besides being anti choice, Kaine also has little foreign policy experience.

The other men said to be at the top of Obama's list are Senators Evan Bayh of Indiana and Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware.

Jeralyn has some thoughts on Biden: "If Joe Biden is the nominee, count me out. I couldn't even clap for the ticket."

As for the women at the top of Obama's list, I don't believe there are any. Certainly it would be a big mistake for Obama's campaign to release an all male VP list, but the women on his list are likely there for decorative purposes only. After the primary made starkly evident how little respect the Democratic Party (and much of the left) has for women, I think we all know this is not exactly the Year of the Woman. That was back in 1992, when a record four women (!) were elected to the senate. Okay, if our standards are that low, maybe this is the Year of the Woman. But seriously, why would we expect a woman on the Democratic presidential ticket in this alleged democracy? Didn't they do that already back in 1984? Like they keep telling us, where else can we go? (Europe?)

The New York Times reports on Hillary's slim to none chances of being on the ticket: [T]here is mounting evidence that Mr. Obama’s interest in Mrs. Clinton for the post has faded considerably, if, in fact, she ever really was a strong contender to be on the ticket with him. .

Mr. Obama’s aides are confident that the passions of the primary season have given way to a more pragmatic view among Mrs. Clinton’s supporters and that Mr. Obama would not risk a major backlash from women or other constituencies associated with her if the vice presidential slot goes to someone else. But the Obama camp has done little in public to prepare Clinton supporters for the increasing likelihood that she will not be on the ticket.

Graphic: Don't Blame Me, I Voted for Hillary buttons - Get them here.

Gender News Barack Obama VP List Hillary Clinton Tom Kaine Feminist Politics

McAuliffe: Hillary Would Make Ticket a 'Cakewalk' (Video)

On MSNBC's Morning Joe Show, Terry McAuliffe says Hillary Rodham Clinton would make the best Vice President.


On MSNBC's Morning Joe, Terry McAuliffe:

"I don't think anyone in the history of politics was treated the way Hillary was treated. . If Sen. Obama picks Hillary Clinton, we will win this White House, I believe, in a cakewalk. And I think we'd control this White House for 16 years, which is what it will take to offset the eight years of the Bush administration." McAuliffe said the Obama campaign has "an extensive travel schedule" planned with Clinton that will begin this week. The New York Democrat has not appeared on the campaign trail with Obama since their joint event in Unity, N.H.

via Howling Latina

VP Hillary Clinton Scarborough News Politics Barack Obama Gender

"W" The Movie Trailer

'W' The Movie -- 'W' the movie is an upcoming surreal satire on the presidency of George W Bush. At the dawn of the 21st century, strange things begin to happen when a meteor crashes in the Arizona desert. A Texas Oil Man discovers the meteor and inside it, his long lost son, W. With his daddy's help, W steals the presidential election, becoming the 43rd President of the United States. A world of chaos begins!

George Bush News Disaster Politics Video Oliver Stone

Father’s Rights: The Movie (Video)

This is one scary father (see video below). . . why can't he be like these fathers in Germany? It must be his screaming wife's fault. Seriously, if the U.S. was a social democracy with the same kind of supportive family policies found in all the other industrialized nations, we'd have far fewer divorces and far more healthy and happy families. That would translate to all kinds of benefits such as fewer angry violent men and fewer school shootings. It would sure put a dent in the U.S.'s shameful status of Number One in child poverty among the industrialized nations.

Keeping women out of power is the surest way to ensure that the U.S. does not evolve into a social democracy. If this father had enjoyed the citizen benefit of paid paternity leave so common in the social democracies, I seriously doubt he'd be screaming or even divorced.

Once again, the U.S. is one of only 5 (five!!) countries in the whole wide world that does not have some form of mandated paid family leave. In Sweden, the needs of newborns and their families are acknowledged with the policy of 16 months (480 days) of paid maternity/paternity leave to be split between the mother and father. Now that's fathers' rights!


via Feministe

Gender Equality Feminist Politics Germany Masculinity News Paternity Leave Social Democracies

Cuomo Unhappy With Obama

Well there goes the convenient myth that Democratic Party disunity is the fault of sulking women. Like the sulking women, Democratic Mario Cuomo appears to prefer politicos who risk boring us with serious discussions on policy rather than thrilling us with leg-tingling shape-shifting rhetoric. Maybe Cuomo wants to start that new party? The one for grown-ups? The one we have been waiting for?

And for the record, Hillary Clinton's efforts to focus on policy were seriously impeded by the Politics of Faint and Swoon as perfected to a new art form by the One.

Former Gov. Mario Cuomo expressed concern Friday night that Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is not offering specific policy positions.

"I'm unhappy with the current presidential race, so much so that I haven't endorsed Obama or Hillary (Clinton), though I'm well-known to be a Democrat," Cuomo said. "I am not endorsing because I don't think they've been specific enough. We have these big, big issues, and the political theory is: 'I don't want to get into the specifics, because if I do I'm going to get into trouble.'"

Disunity News Barack Obama New Politics Democratic Party News Hillary Clinton

Symptoms of a Diseased Culture: Killing Liberals in Church

This is so awful. Even worse is the fact that horrifically violent incidents like this, in churches and schools even, no longer surprise any of us. Did Jim D. Adkisson watch Fox News? The channel that programs the hatred of liberals, just like MSNBC programs the hatred of conservatives. It really is a civil war.

Knoxville News Sentinel:

The shotgun-wielding suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church was motivated by a hatred of “the liberal movement,” and he planned to shoot until police shot him, Knoxville Police Chief Sterling P. Owen IV said this morning.

Jim D. Adkisson, 58, of Powell wrote a four-page letter in which he stated his “hatred of the liberal movement,” Owen said. “Liberals in general, as well as gays.” Adkisson said he also was frustrated about not being able to obtain a job, Owen said.

The church’s Web site states that it has worked for “desegregation, racial harmony, fair wages, women’s rights and gay rights” since the 1950s.

Jerry Jones / Out & About Newspaper: Several people shot at gay affirming church in Knoxville
J.J. Stambaugh / Knoxville News-Sentinel: Neighbors: Accused shooter everyone's friend, questioned Christianity Associated
Associated Press: Police: Killer targeted liberal church

News Politics Tennessee Knoxville Gay

Cheney's Fear of Wounded Veterans

Darth Cheney's speech before wounded combat veterans has been canceled by the Disabled American Veterans because the self-absorbed authoritarian is apparently terrified of veterans.

His staff insisted the sick vets be sequestered for two hours before Cheney's arrival and couldn't leave until he'd finished talking, officials confirmed. "Word got back to us ... that this would be a prerequisite," said the veterans executive director, David Gorman, who noted the meeting hall doesn't have any rest rooms.

"We told them it just wasn't acceptable." . . Many of the vets are elderly and left pieces of themselves on foreign battlefields since World War II, and others were crippled by recent service in Iraq and Afghanistan. For health reasons, many can't be stuck in a room for hours.

Cheney Bush Politics Republican News

The New Man: Stay at Home Dads (Video)

German Mr. Moms via Current:


Gender Equality Feminist Politics Germany Masculinity Politics Paternity Leave News

Late Night Constant Craving

K. D. Lang, Live from Sydney

K.D. Lang Video

Urge Senate to Recognize Suffragist Alice Paul with a Congressional Gold Medal

Women comprise a mere 2% of the people in U.S. history books. Actions like this one will help change that.

From NOW:

Urge Senate to Recognize Suffragist Alice Paul with a Congressional Gold Medal. The House of Representatives has voted to recognize Alice Paul with the Congressional Gold Medal. Now it's time for the Senate to do the same!

"Alice Paul was a crusader who fought to turn the ideal of American democracy into a reality. The country that we know today was shaped by her courage, wisdom and foresight, and her influence is palpable to this day. The Congressional Gold Medal is but a mere token of gratitude for her legacy of groundbreaking change in our nation and the impact her fight had on democracies around the world."
--Sen. Robert Menendez [NJ]

Out of hundreds of recipients, only a dozen or so Congressional Gold Medal awardees have been women - among them several former First Ladies and several women leaders from other nations. Alice Paul should be on that list, and we ask for your help to recognize this champion of suffrage and women's rights.

Alice Paul dedicated her life to the single cause of securing equal rights for all women, including the right to vote and the right to be in the U.S. Constitution. The impact Alice Paul has made is immeasurable, and her vision and work for equality have forever changed the face of American history.

Take action NOW!

Alice Paul: Iron-Jawed Angels

Feminist Trailblazer Alice Paul Gender News NOW Feminist Politics Patriarchy New Politics Misogyny

In Rigidly Male-Dominated Societies Like the U.S.

Obama girls, this one's for you.

Quote of the Day

"[I]n the United States, many people who consider themselves progressives still view anything to do with women as secondary.

They fail to recognize what regressives do: that the ranking of male over female is a basic model children learn early on for equating difference with superiority or inferiority, with dominating or being dominated -- a model that can then easily be generalized to different races, religions, ethnicities, and nations."

-- Riane Eisler, Rigidly Male-Dominated Societies
Are Violent; The U.S. Is No Different

Graphic: Moving towards yet greater gender equality, Sweden is going to introduce pedestrian signs portraying a woman.

Hillary Clinton Patriarchy News PINOs Feminist Politics Barack Obama Sweden Gender Symbols of Equality

"Obama One" Photo of the Day

Reuters Photo of "Obama One" - Obama's Boeing 757 . . .

via Spiegel International: The Barack Show:


The plane, recently dubbed "Obama One," wears "Change We Can Believe In" livery.

Barack Obama Brand World Tour Politics Campaign News Berlin Germany

Obama Camp Considers Republican - Former Bush Cabinet Member - for VP

This is what PINOs (progressives in name only) have been fighting for:

Politico: Barack Obama's vice presidential search team has floated the name of a member of President Bush's first-term Cabinet, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, as Obama's running mate.

Gee, if this Republican doesn't work out, maybe Obama can find a VP over at Pat Robertson's law school.

Buck Naked Politics: Veepstakes: Obama Campaign 'Floats' the Name of Ann Veneman [Sound of Bitter Laughter]

What's Your Breaking Point?

Progressive Choices:
Ralph Nader
Cynthia McKinney

PINA Barack Obama New Politics Democratic Party News

Howard Dean Insults Disaffected Democratic Voters in Charlotte, NC

Howard Dean's Southern bus tour ran into protesting PUMAs and other alienated Democratic voters in Charlotte, North Carolina this week. Dean's bus tour purportedly aims to register Democratic voters.

That mission did not stop Howard Dean from insulting the 2 dozen disaffected Democrats who showed up to publicize the wide-spread desire to have Hillary's name placed in nomination at the Denver Convention.

The top three insults hurled by Obamanians at Hillary supporters throughout the primary were 1) You're racist; 2) You're a Republican; 3) You're low class, or ignorant white trailer trash.

Howard Dean managed to denigrate the disaffected Democratic voters in Charlotte, North Carolina with two out of the three insults.

Speaking to reporters later on his bus, he dismissed the protesters. “I'm not sure all of them are Clinton supporters,” he said. “Some of them are having fun at the Democrats' expense. I think shouting through somebody's speech is low-class.”

Hat tip & thanks to TGW commenter palhart who was one of the demonstrators!
Photos & Story at: Charlotte Front and Center
Not Your Sweetie: PUMAS pounce on Dean in NC!
Confluence: Obama’s Thesis and Charlotte PUMAs

Hillary Clinton Gender News Feminist Politics Barack Obama Howard Dean Charlotte North Carolina

Obama Buttons For Sale on the Streets of Berlin

From The Guardian: Look what you can buy on the streets of Berlin this evening. . That's right, it's a badge showing the three most popular things in Germany: Barack Obama, beer, and lederhosen.

Also of interest from across the pond - He ventured forth to bring light to the world:

In the great Battles of Caucus and Primary he smote the conniving Hillary, wife of the deposed King Bill the Priapic and their barbarian hordes of Working Class Whites. As word spread throughout the land about the Child's wondrous works, peoples from all over flocked to hear him; Hittites and Abbasids; Obamacons and McCainiacs; Cameroonians and Blairites. . . And they told of strange and wondrous things that greeted the news of the Child's journey. Around the world, global temperatures began to decline, and the ocean levels fell and the great warming was over.

Oh, and I finally figured out why we heard those "Yes, We Can" chanters in Berlin. Barack Obama brought 700 aides to Berlin!! Seven hundred!!

Barack Obama World Tour Politics Campaign News Berlin Germany Campaign Speech Hillary Clinton

Fickle Media: Obama Campaign 'Acting Like the Prom Queen'

The New Republic, the so-called liberal press that spent the primary cheering Obama and portraying Hillary Rodham Clinton as psycho, says the media may be falling out of love with Obama. Of course we know that the media is no one's friend and falls in and out of love whenever it is profitable to do so.

The piece excerpted below makes some serious charges as well as some ludicrous ones. Ludicrous ones like: Hillary Clinton's campaign people were hostile to the press "for no reason." Yeah, no reasons whatsoever!

So now, the poor press is complaining that the Obama campaign is mean to them. Unbelievable. Can the honeymoon really be ending so soon?

End of the Affair by Gabriel Sherman:

Reporters are grumbling more and more that the campaign is acting like the Prom Queen. They gripe that it is "arrogant" and "control[ling]," and the campaign's own belief that Obama is poised to make history isn't endearing, either. The press certainly helped Obama get so far so fast; the question is, how far can he get if his campaign alienates them?

. . But, as Obama ascended from underdog to front-runner to presumptive nominee, the flame seems to have dwindled. Reporters who cover Obama these days grouse that Obama's flacks shroud the campaign in secrecy and provide little to no access. "They're more disciplined than the Bush people," a reporter on the Obama trail gripes. "There was this idea of being transparent, but they're not. They're total tightwads with information."

"They're an arrogant operation. Young and arrogant," one reporter covering the campaign says. "They don't believe in transparency with their own campaign," another says.

Reporters who have covered Obama's biography or his problems with certain voter blocs have been challenged the most aggressively. "They're terrified of people poking around Obama's life," one reporter says. "The whole Obama narrative is built around this narrative that Obama and David Axelrod built, and, like all stories, it's not entirely true. So they have to be protective of the crown jewels." Another reporter notes that, during the last year, Obama's old friends and Harvard classmates were requested not to talk to the press without permission.

Barack Obama Media Bias Politics Liberal News

Spinsters Unite!

From the bad old days when single women were stigmatized as 'old maids' and every little girl was warned that she might grow up to be one (so make the boys like you or else!!) to the modern day reality of single women happily choosing spinsterhood . . .

Thank the Goddess some things have changed!

"There are more single women in their 30s today (by choice) than at any other time in history."

Seeking Happily Ever After Trailer

Gender News Marriage Feminist Politics Patriarchy Seeking Happily Ever After Trailer

'Yes, We Can' Chanters Are in Berlin Too

Well, Obama is dominating the cable news airwaves with his masterfully stagecrafted "I am the new JFK/Reagan" campaign speech in Berlin. The Germans are calling it the Obama Show and for good reason. This has got to be the biggest and most extravagant campaign event in the history of this country. And it's not even in this country.

As is his habit, Barack Obama is once again promising that this, or he is a great moment in the history of humanity. But that's why they call him the Precious. Yes, he is!

Wonder if they will be fainting in Berlin today?

"He is a very charming and determined man, who has a vision for America and the whole world," said Berlin's mayor. Apparently, the Obama campaign sent along several planes full of props. You can hear them chanting in the Berlin crowd: Yes, We Can! Yes, We Can! Seriously. You can hear them right now on CNN.

And in related news of the day, "former NASA astronaut and moon-walker Dr Edgar Mitchell - a veteran of the Apollo 14 mission" - says aliens do exist and have visited earth several times. And I think you can recognize them by the words they chant.

Yes, we can! Yes, we can!

A Gentle Reminder: Obama is Not God
German Paper: The audacious speech took the White House race out of US borders in a way never seen before . . Obama's speech was a clear echo of former US president Ronald Reagan's call to then Soviet leader Mikhael Gorbachev in Berlin in 1987 to "tear down this wall," before the fall of communism.
Obama Team Begins Work On Presidential Transition [via]

Barack Obama Media News Politics MSNBC Berlin Campaign Speech

Kim Gandy: It Bodes Ill for the Progress We've Made

Quote of the Day

She was called a bitch, a witch, shrill, cackle, cleavage - all words that come to mind - and, what was it, thick ankles? . . The fact that that kind of sexism was so commonplace and so little remarked upon bodes ill for the progress that we've made as a society. . . I didn't expect it. I didn't. I expected a little bit. I expected some. But I didn't expect this level of venom directed at her from people in the mainstream media. I expect it from the fringe Fox News types, sure. But from NPR, from CNN, from NBC and MSNBC, no, I didn't.

. . He needs to ask for [women's] support the same way Senator Clinton did. She did not take the women's vote for granted. She sought it. It was the first time in a long time that we've been talked to by a candidate who wasn't talking down to us.

-- Kim Gandy, President of NOW

Feminist Trailblazer Hillary Clinton Gender News Kim Gandy Feminist Politics Patriarchy Barack Obama New Politics Misogyny NOW

Legislator Aims to End Use of Generic 'He'

Who else but a female legislator would care about such things? Just imagine the transformative changes that might occur if women weren't such a tiny fraction of the lawmakers in this nation.

“We make up 52 percent of the population in this state, but in the laws we’re invisible,” Rep. Cory Atkins (D-Concord) said. “I filed this to make sure women will no longer be invisible in Massachusetts law.” Her bill would ensure laws written from now on contain gender neutral phrases such as “he/she” and “his/her,” instead of the general use of “he.”

“I think it’s (expletive),” said Rep. Robert Hargraves (R-Groton) of the law. “Everybody knows the word ‘he’ is generic. It’s generic in the Bible. It’s generic in the Constitution. There’s no intent to demean the fairer sex.”

. . . While women might make up 52 percent of the state, they make up less than 25 percent of the Massachusetts Legislature, with only 39 women serving as representatives and 12 as senators. Despite some objections, Atkins expects the bill to sail through the House and be embraced by Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth). “I think she will intuitively understand the issue,” Atkins said.

Feminist News Sexist Language Equality Politics Gender New Politics Massachusetts

Obama Buys $5 Million in Olympic Ads from NBC

Barack Obama's campaign will be one of the sponsors of NBC's Olympics coverage, to the tune of $5 million:

McDonalds, Anheuser-Busch, Barack Obama. What do these things have in common? They’ll all be advertising during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Advertising Age reported Wednesday that Obama’s presidential campaign made a $5 million ad buy during Olympic coverage, which begins with opening ceremonies Aug. 8. . The site called it the “first significant network-TV buy of any presidential candidate in at least 16 years.”

Barack Obama Media News Politics MSNBC

Gender Equality Top Priority - In Spain (Video)

"One thing that really awakens my rebellious streak is 20 centuries of one sex dominating the other. We talk of slavery, feudalism, exploitation -- but the most unjust domination is that of one-half of the human race over the other."

-- Prime Minister Zapatero

While we wait for someone to give a speech on gender equality here in the U.S., the self-identified feminist Prime Minister of Spain has appointed a female majority cabinet, along with the first Minister of Equality, and he vows to make equal pay a reality for the women of Spain within the next four years. Oh, and gay marriage is legal and the law requires political parties to practice gender parity.

The Spainish government runs public service ads informing men that they really need to do their share of housework. And ads on TV, Radio, Press, Billboards and internet sites are aimed at ending domestic violence. The Minister of Equality is working on helping men adapt to a "new model of masculinity," and she is working on the problem of the sexist language.

A forthcoming new Equality Law, to be ready by 2009, was announced during Equality Week. According to Deputy Prime Minister, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, the new law will "make equal treatment between the sexes effective, and eliminate all discrimination against women."

Eliminating "all discrimination against women" sounds like a tall order, but hey this is America. At least somebody is trying -- in Spain.

Prime Minister Zapatero Speaking of Gender Equality

There is no idea . . that changes things more in life . . than that of living in a country where not even one woman is marginalized, discriminated, dominated and abandoned by society.

-- Prime Minister Zapatero

Photo: Prime Minister, & self-identified feminist, Zapatero and 9 members of his 17 member cabinet. / TGW: While Misogyny Rules in America, Gender Equality is a Top Priority in Spain

Feminist Zapatero Gender News Equality Politics Spain New Politics

The Recurring Theme of Sexism, Misogyny and Stereotyping

Quote of the Day

“We always tell our daughters you can do anything—but I think the sharp reality was portrayed in Hillary’s race. . . I think she lifted up the self esteem of women across the country, across the world. . [S]he helped all of us. I think she’d be an incredibly important pick for vice president.”

-- Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D.-N.Y.)

Rep. Maloney's remarks were made at a Lifetime Television-sponsored event on the topic of politics and feminism. The "sexism, misogyny and stereotyping” used against Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential campaign was the recurring theme at the event, along with the question of when a woman might finally get elected president in this cowboy country.

Apparently, women can't stop talking about it.

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NOW-NYS: What Women Want from Obama

Okay, I am a serious fan of Marcia Pappas, president of New York State NOW. Pasted below is her latest press release. Did she forget anything?

ALBANY, NY (07/22/2008; 2018)-- Obama must do more to gain women's vote than to simply tell us that he is the least of two evils. He must come bearing gifts! We are not talking about candy and flowers here. NOW-New York State is proposing a list of gifts he must bring:

1) Four or five Supreme Court Justices should be pro-choice women and all appointments to all courts should be pro-choice.

2) Howard Dean (the mute DNC Chair) must be replaced with a woman, who will not sit back quietly while sexist attacks are levied against women candidates.

3) Super delegates must reflect gender equality. Closely contested elections should not be decided by a predominantly male body of super delegates, composed of mostly elected officials who are overwhelmingly male

4) Changes must be made in the Democratic Primary system.

a) Caucuses are not democratic. Attendance is low and many voters, particularly women (who may be busy with children), cannot devote two evening hours to attending a caucus. When caucuses were originally set up, politics was a predominantly male game. We should be making voting easier and more accessible, not continuing with arcane, restrictive and sexist traditions.

b) Caucuses have open voting where the women are often intimidated by the men. In a secret ballot women can vote their conscience. We still live in a sexist society; and people should not be intimidated by public votes.

5) Many misogynists from other parties crossed over party lines to vote in the Democratic primaries. In fact Obama counted on this. He didn't want a re-vote in Florida or Michigan because the Republicans had already voted. If we ever get another woman candidate who can make a serious bid for the presidency, misogynists from other parties should not determine the Democratic candidate. Women make up two thirds of the Democratic party; and our effect should not be diluted by the primary/caucus process. When there is work to be done, when there are close votes, and when there are close races, women are the backbone of the Democratic Party. When it comes to choosing the Democratic nominee, women's votes must be represented proportionally.

Before women have another opportunity for the presidency, there should be a level playing field. In case we get another chance, we need assurances that this misogynist sleight-of-hand won't happen again. Obama must bear these gifts. Then we can talk.

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She Met Hillary Clinton

Cara over at Feministe was participating in a Planned Parenthood lobbying effort and quite unexpectantly, she met Hillary Clinton!

And then *poof*! There she was! She just seemed to magically appear in the doorway like David Copperfield or something. And then she received a spontaneous standing ovation. For real — it totally wasn’t planned, but everyone in the room seemed to rise to their feet and begin applauding at exactly the same time.

Go read her exciting (it is) story: I Met Hillary Clinton

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Daily Show Kristen Schaal on Cougars & Redenbachers (Video)

Our favorite Daily Show feminist Kristen Schaal (women have poison!) introduces Jon to a cougar and proceeds to illustrate the dehumanization of women that the term is meant to convey. Then she comes up with an insulting name for all the men who date younger women.


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Obama Love (Video)

We already know the media is a joke. At least they're good for some laughs. But any day now, I expect them to start calling John McCain a bitch. Oh well. One can always hope this turns out a whole lot better than some of the other things the media sold us. Like that idiot in the White House. And his war.

McCain's Funny Video About Media Love for Obama

You're just too good to be true. Can't take my eyes off of you. You'd be like Heaven to touch. I wanna hold you so much. . I love you, baby!

Video via John McCain

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Obama's VP List: Another Boringly Male Democratic Presidential Ticket?

Just like every year except 1984, the list of serious contenders for the Democratic VP spot appears to be another boring list of people with penises. Never mind that Hillary Rodham Clinton is apparently not on the list, even though a number of 'progressives' are certain she has one.

The latest excuse for preserving this nation's tradition of male rule is that any woman other than Hillary would surely cause a backlash among women voters.

That's right. Women are asking for it:

From the Times: If he does not choose Mrs. Clinton, several Democrats said, it would be difficult for him to name any woman -- like Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, someone for whom he has had warm words. Both Clinton and Obama advisers said such a move could create a backlash among women who supported Mrs. Clinton.

Um, except the backlash among Hillary supporters has already arrived.

And then there is the inconvenient fact that yet another boringly all male ticket risks causing its own furious backlash.

Adele Stan weighs in on the absurd notion that Obama will choose a man because women are simply demanding it:

Let's say I'm a woman over 50 who's totally jazzed by the notion of someone who looks like me, who's had to eat a lot of the same crap I've had to take, becoming the President of the United States. Then this young guy, just like that self-important jerk I trained in his junior exec years, sweeps right by her, just like the jerk swept by me, to become CEO. I'm mighty pissed, and I may not vote for you. So don't you dare put someone on the ticket, other than my choice candidate, who looks like me and has had to eat a lot of the same crap that I've had to take... Sorry. Does not compute.

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