Fact is, there’s nothing particularly dirty about being sexual. Sexuality is an important part of our capacity for joy as human beings, and we must stop holding it against women, particularly as more and more of us begin to live in public given the increasing role technology plays in social life. It’s sexist and unfair to hold women to different standards than men.
I humbly suggest that parents who are helping out their children (or being supported by their children) get together and have a talk that starts with: Honey, we failed to ratify equality for women.
On Aug. 12, The New York Times published an op-ed by columnist Gail Collins. In “My Favorite August,” Collins celebrates U.S. women securing the right to vote 90 years ago this month. When Collins daydreams about time travel and the lack of surprise Susan B. Anthony might express upon learning “how well American women are doing in the 21st century,” she neglects to mention how far we still have to go. Collins fails to educate readers, for instance, that the Equal Rights Amendment, despite a similarly protracted struggle, has yet to pass.
Last night, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall moved closer to becoming the state’s next U.S. Senator. The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee proudly endorsed Marshall and helped organize strong grassroots support that ultimately helped her win the Democratic primary.
The June 22 runoff between Marshall and Cal Cunningham determined who would face the Republican incumbent, Senator Richard Burr, in the November election. “With this victory, Marshall has proven herself a winning candidate,” said NOW President and NOW/PAC Chair Terry O’Neill. “NOW calls upon the national Democratic Party leaders, including President Obama, Tim Kaine and the DNC, and Senator Robert Menendez and the DSCC to rally behind Marshall in order to assure her victory in the fall.”
All of us at the National Organization for Women are saddened by the passing of our friend, colleague, educator, activist, and philanthropist, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. Dr. Height lived a full life, accomplished so much for the greater good, and left a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for girls and women of all ages and all races.
Tell the Senate to vote No on the SAVE America Act.