Take a little trip down Rorshach lane with me.
pussy
single issue voter
destroying the party
rare
NARAL
39% female
I seriously think we have a gender problem here at dKos, but I also see a way we can solve it. What I've felt is that the party movers, in an effort to attract more white males, are disregarding the needs, rights and efforts of Democratic women. I'm here to ring the buzzer on that one, but I also see a need for women to be more organized and forthright about what we expect from our party.
So I think it is time the women here group, discuss and articulate the issues of greatest importance to us. So come on down. We have work to do.
Now before we start: this is not the place to say that women's issues are single-issues and we should valiantly stand aside for the good of the party. This is not meant to exclude men, but I would like to keep the issues focused on policy for women. I also recognize the strong link between women's rights and gay rights.
I spent the last week pondering these, and I asked for the thoughts of several more women. So as we see it, here are some of the major issues for women.
- Time. Every woman I know is overwhelmed with responsibilities and is stretched almost to the breaking point. The traditional solutions are family and medical leave and equal pay. Absolutely. But one intriguing solution came up in discussion: stronger communities. Libraries, schools and parks within walking distance. Safe after-school programs. Less mall sprawl and more new urbanism. Safe streets and more parks so the kids can run and play. Less of a need to drive and consume.
- Respect. I want to hear a politician say this when asked about reproductive rights:
"Are you asking me if I think adult women are incapable of making moral decisions? I don't know about you, but I have the utmost respect for the women in my life and I wouldn't presume to make private decisions for them."
We need to think about whether we want a society where the worst thing we can do to a man is compare him to a woman. Democrats need to strongly come out for respecting the intelligence and contributions of women. I remember reading a review of Desmond Morris's The Naked Ape, which stated that he discussed women only in the obligitory sex chapter. Let's not make the same mistake.
3. Security. No, I'm not speaking of the infamous, cringing security moms who hid behind Bush this last election. I'm talking real security for us and our loved ones: financial security for our children vs. this staggering debt, the security of sound diplomatic policy, ecological security of clean air and water, medical security of safe, financially feasible healthcare. We want a strong infrastructure- safe bridges and full libraries.
I'm hoping to use this as a springboard to a clearer women's platform, so please add your thoughts, issues and framing. There are several issues I did not discuss; please do not take that as deliberately degrading your issue. They are all important and this is the time to speak.