I am sitting at my desk watching the AFL-CIO debate for all of the Democratic presidential candidates. It is taking place in Illinois, which is the largest industrialized state that voted AGAINST WOMEN BEING IN THE US CONSTITUTION. Let me repeat that, it isn't just that they did not pass the ERA ~ IT IS THAT THEY VOTED AGAINST THE ERA. This is not a fine, hair-splitting distinction - this is FUNDAMENTAL. Could they possibly consider boycotting states which voted against gender equality?
The debate is being held in the new Soldier's Stadium (soldiers?) which cost millions of taxpayers' money. Obvious questions are about bridges, mines, war, universal health care, NAFTA, WTO - it is a debate hosted by the unions after all. As Hillary boasts and beams about being a daughter of Illinois; her father a Bear's fan. Really! Oh, and is this Obama land? What did he do for women while in public service to the people of Illinois? He proudly stated that he voted to build the stadium but what did he do to ratify the ERA in Illinois?
The subtitle of today's debate is WORKING FAMILIES VOTE 2008. What families? Women-head-of-household families? Soldiers' families whose primary wage earner is on the third tour overseas? LGB families who are denied the benefits of federal and state recognized marriage? The families of the 2 million people who are in US prisons?
Please pardon my language but WHERE THE FUCK IS MY DEBATE? Where is the debate hosted by women for women, about women. I am not stupid, I know that every issue is a women's issue but we have watched debates by CNN, Youtube, LOGO, AFL-CIO, Christians and Howard University (just heard about a debate in Spanish). Between both of the main parities there are 16 men and one woman. There have been no women moderators. 20% of the Youtube questions aired were by women.
I want a WOMEN'S DEBATE. I want it hosted by women, with women in the audience, all questions about how every issue is a women's issue. I want to see an audience of women from the military, the clergy, teachers, nurses, doctors, attorneys, manufacturers, law enforcement officers, etc. and the unemployed. I want to see mothers; single, married, gay, straight. I want to see seniors and students. I want it on a women's campus. I want questions about the Supreme Court, reproductive autonomy, pay equity, marriage rights, prison reform, immigration as it affects families. I want questions about THE NUMBER ONE WOMEN'S ISSUE IN THE US AND THE WORLD ~ SAFETY: sexual safety, public safety, in-home safety. We must begin to talk publicly about VIOLENCE against women. (how can we make this happen? ~ please help make this happen.)
WHERE THE FUCK IS MY DEBATE?