Bill Ayers speaks out! An In These Times exclusive.

Upon Her Shoulder: Women Gain Wider Role in Government and Politics

By Hans Johnson

When Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice came to Washington’s Kennedy Center in late December to take in “The Messiah,” the familiar lyrics drowned out for an evening the drumbeat of criticism over a war and an election lost by her party’s leaders. Rice and the administration need no reminder of the biblical prophecy proclaimed by the chorus—that all can “be… return to article

  • subscribe to print magazine

  • Zoom OutZoom In Reader Comments (5)

    Page 1 of 1 pages

    Sexist garbage.

    United States Posted by blondemike on Jan 23, 2007 at 5:43 PM

    I’m not sure which is sexist garbage, you for posting that or the writer and his article as you imply with no explanation!

    In seriousness, why is a discussion of the increasing role of women in politics sexist? Is it because the author is himself male? I thought we’d moved far beyond that in our movements.

    Thank you Hans for highlighting some of the very critical shifts in D.C. and our nation that promise even greater opportunity for women’s engagement in the political process. And for acknowledging both our legacies and our current/future leaders.

    I think it represents as much a shift in our astute thinking as organizers that issues are most prescient when we elect leaders who are responsive, as movements for justice of all kinds have embraced the skills of some very formidable female leaders.

    We’ve also seen the growth of programs that focus on nurturing political leadership of women. If Hilary wins the presidency, I will LOVE to read the press treatment of her first Spouse’s actions to influence policy. Whatever you thought of Hilary’s attempts at addressing healthcare, I can guarantee that the media will be kinder to her husband if he gets involved with any issues when they return to the White House…

    United States Posted by montyatsea on Jan 24, 2007 at 1:54 PM

    There is no evidence that women make a difference for the better in politics as Hillary Clinton, Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher and Indira
    Ghandi have shown, not mention Rice. The whole premise of the article
    is wrong.

    United States Posted by blondemike on Jan 24, 2007 at 2:44 PM

    True there is no evidence that women “make a difference for better politics” as blonde mike says, because there is little evidence at all. Even now women as a whole only make up about 17 % of the Congress and 15% of the Senate. Remind me again, what the total population on women in the US? Can’t you just acknowledge that women are making ground in representing the issues poignant to them – all 50% them

    United States Posted by katp on Jan 30, 2007 at 7:02 PM

    Wait a minute ! All women are not a single unit anymore than all white men are or all blacks, etc.  Some are making real contributions like Sally
    Lieber out here in the California legislature, she just introduced a great
    bill to outlaw spanking of children under three----and some like Rice or
    Clinton are disasters.

    United States Posted by blondemike on Jan 31, 2007 at 7:34 PM
    Page 1 of 1 pages
  • register a new account »Posting Security

    To participate in our forums, please register for a free account.
Also by Hans Johnson
Popular Discussions