He doesn't appear to be pro-woman.

[Control-Z]

Never says anything FOR women or about women's issues. Never. Well, except for that one "prayerful" comment he made.

So, I just have to ask, why?

[Roland99]

1. I agree. John McCain is a poor excuse.

[AlCzervik]

4. lol.

[Control-Z]

7. Sad, by you, but

:rofl:

[Roland99]

19. "Women for Obama"

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/womenissues

[Creideiki]

81. Interesting website.

Unfortunately, now he has more to answer for. The chauvenistic attitude toward women in the military, 3 of the 5 education points, an argument that women are disproportionately unaffected by poverty...well, add that to the tacit homophobic attitude. He's got a lot to start answering for.

[tammywammy]

86. What "chauvenistic attitude toward women int he military"?

What do you mean by "3 of the 5 education points"

[Creideiki]

148. Attitude

All active duty and reserve military should be treated with respect. The sacrifices of women in military isn't greater than the sacrifices of men. Claiming that they are is similar to the GI Jane argument that women in the military damage combat ability because the men risk themselves more for the women.

It's nice that he put those points in, but making them gender neutral would be more appropriate. All current and previous members of the military should be treated equally. All injured servicemembers should be taken care of, regardless of gender.

The education points are general education points--afterschool and daycare programs? Those affect the entire family, which, you know, may include men, too. So why label them as women's issues? Does Daddy Barack leave the day-to-day decisions about the care of his daughters to Michelle? Again, attitude. Title IX, yeah, equal access to education, that's legitimate, though. That's why I didn't say the whole education section suffered from the same attitude.

This is like padding a paper--putting in irrelevant pieces to make it look like you spent more time on the paper on the off-chance that the teacher is going to grade by weight.

[Roland99]

133. WTF article were *you* reading? Nice HillSpin there..

[Creideiki]

146. Try "Humanspin"

It's fun. You might like it.

[jpljr77]

190. Meh, a page on a web site really doesn't say much.

Neither does a catchy slogan.

In 2004, one of my friend's mom was on the steering committee for a Republican fund-raising group called "W Stands for Women," I shit you not.

I still shudder at that.

[Straight Shooter]

194. Yup.

[Roland99]

203. Yeah...all that text about legislation sponsored and supported. Can't waste our minds on that.

[libertee]

2. HE isn't ...watch it happen!

[Control-Z]

10. I've been around too long

to not recognize the signs. Sad time for women. I've been trying to shake us up a little in my own way for years.

Is it time to scream and act like the animals for a change?

[I Vote In Pittsburgh]

3. .

[Skittles]

6. are you capable of talking about HIM

without mentioning HER? ARE YOU?

[Control-Z]

12. You bet your ass

I am!!

Was just trying to demur to the sensitive men on the site as is expected.

[LostinVA]

144. Let me tell you something

When you see him, think "Le francaise chat."

[racaulk]

147. .

:spray:

Yes, "el gato francés" is a blind and overzealous Obama supporter, if there ever was one.

[NightWatcher]

5. Obama mentions "AMERICANS" he's not trying to divide people up

[LadyVT]

11. You keep projecting...none of us can know his motives, only our own.

[krkaufman]

54. gotta agree w/ your comment, and not the OP or VT response.

The first thing I thought, on reading the OP, was that I haven't really heard Obama pandering to any one particular group at all, instead making a general call for us to build a sufficient working majority -- which will be necessary to implement change.

And if Obama was making specific speeches tailored to women, we'd be hearing that he's pandering and going after Hillary's base.

[goodgd_yall]

8. I think that's overstating it, but

I am dissappointed he doesn't speak about women's issues---nothing about childcare or pay equity. I was listening to his speech and thought that he could have brought up the women who fought for women's rights (after he mentioned people going down South in the 60s civil rights marches and sit-ins) but he didn't. It's like women aren't on his radar.

[Control-Z]

15. Yep

I listened, and I waited, for just one positive mention of the word "woman". He mentioned us twice. Once, he almost forgot, when it was with regard to the men and...er, women in our military. The second was about women gaining the right to vote. Oh, rah. Not.

[goodgd_yall]

27. I've actually noticed the few times

that he's said something like "you throw like a girl" (don't ask me what the context was--I can't remember). I'm vigilant about how men, and particularly men running for office, talk---whether they show a feminist consciousness. He doesn't show this consciousness in his speech.

[NashVegas]

17. I Think This Route Is the Wiser For Now

I think a lot of women who are fed up with the double standards of this campaign would give a rip-roaring "fuck you and the horse you rode in on," if he tried that right now.

[NYCGirl]

43. Here:

Fighting for Pay Equity:
Despite decades of progress, women still make only 77 cents for every dollar a man makes. A recent study estimates it will take another 47 years for women to close the wage gap with men at Fortune 500 corporate offices. Barack Obama believes the government needs to take steps to better enforce the Equal Pay Act, fight job discrimination, and improve child care options and family medical leave to give women equal footing in the workplace.

Expanding Paid Medical Leave: Today, three-out-of-four low-wage workers have no paid sick leave. It is fundamentally unfair that a single mom playing by the rules can get fired or lose wages because her child gets sick. Barack Obama supports efforts to guarantee workers seven days of paid sick leave per year, a moderate proposal that should not impose too onerous a burden on employers.

Improving Afterschool and Daycare Opportunities:
Millions of American families are struggling to juggle job and family responsibilities. Many low-income parents struggle to maintain employment and afford childcare. Barack Obama has sponsored legislation in the Illinois Senate to establish grants for after-school programs. He believes in increasing federal support for after-school programs with proven records of success at helping children avoid crime and drugs.

Much more at link:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/womenissues

[goodgd_yall]

60. But the problem is

he doesn't seem to talk about these things publicly. And its disappointing to me.

I do appreciate he's working on these issues though.

[Control-Z]

109. Why can't he talk publicly?

If it were in his heart could he stop himself?

[Marie26]

197. Maybe it's a guy thing?

Dem. men can talk w/passion about civil rights issues, but I've noticed that male Dem. politicians rarely talk w/passion about women's issues. There's such a taboo against guys seeming "weak", "feminine" or God Forbid, gay. So publicly speaking out about women's issues might seem "unmasculine" & uncool. Maybe it's considered bad for his image. I dunno.

[Hekate]

80. It's so clear that Obama is just heartless and callous on women's issues, isn't it?....

:sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm:

Thank you NYCGirl for doing the actual research and posting his actual positions on the subject instead of the bitter smears that have such currency here.

Hekate

[Control-Z]

92. No smears

just questions.

Why aren't women's issues a part of a speech as broad as the one Obama delivered tonight? One where he covered just about every issue one could cover.

What happened to women's issues - issues that pertain to more than half of American society? Issues that are, if not more, than, as important as every other?

I'm just honestly asking.

[EmilyAnne]

132. I hear you. I think that maybe, because women's rights are a central issue of the Dem Party,

he will address them more when he debates McCain. Equal rights is one of the main reasons I am a Democrat and I pretty much assume that Clinton, Edwards and Obama are all on the same side with this issue. I have noticed a strange silence from all of them on the abortion issue. Its as if all of that "values" crap is gone. I don't know what to make of it. No mention of gay rights, gay marriage, abortion, etc.

[Creideiki]

82. The last two

aren't women's issues. What about single fathers that fit into the second point? What about daycare and afterschool and childrearing in general doesn't apply to fathers? Where is he challenging the traditional dialog?

[Control-Z]

99. You are joking? n/t

[Political Heretic]

101. Is this supposed to be some kind of a joke?

Is there a social worker icon on DU...cause I want to drop the Obama one and pick it up and flame you. :D

[Creideiki]

149. Feel free.

I'll happily tell my father that he wasn't involved in these decisions. He and my mother will enjoy the laugh.

[boppers]

71. It's part and parcel of the message.

....
Yes we can.

It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballots; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.

Yes we can to justice and equality.

Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.
....

[LadyVT]

9. Correct (here is the link)

From a post on Sun Feb-17-08 03:51 AM by pathansen

BILLS HILLARY HAS SPONSORED JUST IN THE LAST YEAR TO HELP WOMEN:
Not "supported" or "voted for when presented by somebody else" or "think is a good idea," but SPONSORED.
SOURCE: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?id=300022&ta...

S. 1240: Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2007
S. 2415: Protection Against Transmission of HIV for Women and Youth Act of 2007
S. 1816: National Women's Rights History Project Act
S. 1800: Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act
S. 1075: Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2007
S. 766: Paycheck Fairness Act

If you look at the same very record in the last year for Obama, I found no bills to help women. BILLS OBAMA HAS SPONSORED (EVER) TO HELP WOMEN: NONE.
SEE: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?tab=bills&id...

Educate yourselves. It's all there.

[goodgd_yall]

13. Yes, this is part of the reason I support Hillary

I like the fact she advocates for those particular issues relevant to women.

[Control-Z]

20. Thank you, LadyVT

They may not differ much on the policy that the MSM likes to talk about but he has done nothing for women. Nothing that I know about.

[BlackVelvet04]

32. And I for one will never forgive the Democratic party for this stunt

of pitting their two groups of most dedicated supporters against each other. Kennedy and Kerry can kiss my little ass.

[CatnHat]

94. After

we cast our vote Hillary, we are all moving onto register as independents. (my family and friends) If the Democratic Party can allow disenfranchisement of almost a million voters and don't have the guts to sort this out, then maybe our votes as independents in future elections will count. I agree, Kennedy and Kerry are loosers. Kennedy lost it, and Kerry wimped out. After last election, you would think the Democratic Party would grow a backbone; instead not only has the leadership gotten worse, they just don't care. Al Gore is working behind the scenes, alot of good that does; where are "strong" leaders in the Democratic Party? Have they all turned to wimps? This isn't a game, it's the future of our country, and they are playing with the American voters. Where is Al Gore, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, are they just sitting cozy, figuring on their precious support based on what THEY can get out of it? Its a rotten shame.

[Name removed]

154. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[BlackVelvet04]

210. Yes, it is a shame and I

am going to write a letter to Kerry and Kennedy telling them how I feel about the whole thing. I will not be taken for granted quietly.

[JoFerret]

140. It's been pretty disgraceful

...that and the creepy sexist Hillary hate. On DU even. Very disappointing

The threads of sexist comments are really very disturbing. To prefer/ support one candidate is one thing. To engage in gleeful destructive sexism is appalling.

I don't think anyone would have tolerated their racial equivalent. Talk about double standard.

When Obama's bubble bursts - and you just know it will - all bubble burst. He is human not the messiah - then who will be there picking up the pieces of the party?

[BlackVelvet04]

209. I don't know who will pick up the pieces......

the best I can promise is to not point a finger and gloat.

[Name removed]

135. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[John Q. Citizen]

202. You are correct. But Hill is as good as out of the race, and a handful of her supporters have to

get their digs in while they can. In a couple of weeks or less most of the truly obnoxious will be gone on their own or tomb stoned for attempting to smear our nominee.

I know plenty of feminist voting for Obama and I know plenty who are voting for Hill. Thankfully, none are as creepy as the tiny minority of this boards self appointed spokeswomen for womens rights.

Most people are are multi-dimensional and have many issues that concern them, whether they support Hill or Barack.

Of course there are a few who are voting for the vagina candidate. While statistically insignificant as a voting group, they are rather vocal about their bias.

[Hoof Hearted]

14. You need a backhoe to uncover anything on his website about CHOICE but FAITH? That's right up front

It speaks volumes about his priorities.

[Control-Z]

23. And if I get down on my knees

and repent I can everything I have ever dreamed of. Including bringing my mother back to life and a pony for my kids.

[Orangepeel]

49. The list of people is in alphabetical order

"People of Faith" is listed before "Women" because it begins with a P.

[Hoof Hearted]

122. "Women" isn't even fucking listed under issues on the website - AT ALL.

* Arts
* Child Advocacy
* Katrina
* Science
* Sportsmen
* Transporation
Veterans
Technology
Seniors & Social Security
Service
Rural
Poverty
Iraq
Immigration (Why is the Statue of Liberty flooded in this graphic, btw?)
Homeland Security
Healthcare
Foreign Policy
Fiscal
Family
Faith
Ethics
Energy & Environment
Education
Economy
Disabilities
Civil Rights


ALL of these make it onto the website but women? NO! Choice? NO!

He wouldn't want to piss off his conservative base.



You have to download a stupid book and read all the way to page 39, THIRTY NINE, to find a PEEP about a womans right to sovereignty over her own body.

Tells me where his priorities are, yes it does.

Faith and Family Values on the front page, women on the back porch, behind the potted plants.

And you thought he cared enough about women to list them on his website? You didn't know. Typical.

[Orangepeel]

141. Women are under "People"

But way to jump to conclusions.

[Hoof Hearted]

163. That is some lame shit right there.

Have you even been to his issues page? Probably not. I don't see "People" as a category. He's willing to address LOTS of individual demographics and issues. "Sportsmen" and "arts" makes it onto the list but women? Not so much.

[krabigirl]

179. Exactly...the "women" section is just about women supporting Obama.

[NYCGirl]

206. Incorrect:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/womenissues

HEALTH CARE
Fixing the Nation’s Health Care System:
More than 19 million women are uninsured in this country, and women are more likely than men to delay or not get medical care because of high costs. Barack Obama is committed to ensuring that all Americans have health care coverage by the end of his first term in office. Obama’s plan will encourage insurers and providers to adopt electronic claims systems, electronic medical records, and patient safety reporting systems. These improvements will reduce administrative costs and health care inefficiencies such as duplicative testing and medical errors, which in turn will reduce costly medical malpractice lawsuits. These common sense steps will cut overall health-care costs by up to 10 percent or more.

Empowering Women to Prevent HIV/AIDS:
In the United States, the percentage of women diagnosed with AIDS has quadrupled over the last twenty years. Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Women of color are especially hard hit: In 2004, HIV infection was the leading cause of death for African-American women between the ages of 25 and 34. Around the world, 7,000 women are infected with HIV every day. Barack Obama has been a leader in the global fight against AIDS. He introduced the Microbicide Development Act, which will accelerate the development of products that empower women in the battle against AIDS. Microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women apply topically to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections.

Supporting Research into Women’s Health:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, accounting for nearly 39 percent of all female deaths. Studies show that after a first heart attack, women are less likely than men to receive diagnostic, therapeutic, and cardiac rehabilitation procedures, and are more likely to die or have a second heart attack Women are also more likely than men to report having arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and depression. Health care disparities among minority and poor women are especially pervasive. Barack Obama has fought to maintain funding for the Centers of Excellence in Women's Health at the Department of Health and Human Services. He also supports legislation to encourage research that will examine gender and health disparities. The same legislation would establish community outreach programs in underserved areas to help women access health care and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Fighting Cancer:
Ovarian cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States. Because of the lack of early symptoms or a proven screening test, ovarian cancer also has the highest mortality of all cancers of the female reproductive system. Barack Obama is an original co-sponsor of Johanna's Law. Signed into law in January 2007, the law will educate women and increase awareness of ovarian cancer. Obama has also supported efforts to combat breast cancer, another leading cause of death among women. He helped pass legislation in the Illinois State Senate to expand insurance coverage for mammograms.

Reducing Health Risks Due to Mercury Pollution:
More than five million women of childbearing age have high levels of toxic mercury in their blood and more than 630,000 newborns are born every year at risk. The EPA estimates that every year, more than one child in six could be at risk for developmental disorders because of mercury exposure in the mother's womb. Since the primary sources of mercury in fish are power plant emissions that contaminate our water, regulation of utility emissions is essential to protecting the health of our children. Barack Obama introduced two pieces of legislation to significantly reduce the amount of mercury that is deposited in oceans, lakes, and rivers, which in turn would reduce the amount of mercury in fish.

Supporting Stem Cell Research:
Barack Obama believes that we owe it to the American public to explore the potential of stem cells to treat the millions of people suffering from debilitating and life-threatening diseases. Obama is a co-sponsor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, which would allow research of human embryonic stem cells derived from embryos donated (with consent) from in vitro fertilization clinics. These embryos must be deemed in excess and created based solely for the purpose of fertility treatment.

REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE
Supports a Woman’s Right to Choose:
Barack Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case.

Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy:
Barack Obama is an original co-sponsor of legislation to expand access to contraception, health information and preventive services to help reduce unintended pregnancies. Introduced in January 2007, the Prevention First Act will increase funding for family planning and comprehensive sex education that teaches both abstinence and safe sex methods. The Act will also end insurance discrimination against contraception, improve awareness about emergency contraception, and provide compassionate assistance to rape victims.

PREVENTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Reducing Domestic Violence:
One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Family violence accounted for 11 percent of all violence between 1998 and 2002. Barack Obama introduced legislation to combat domestic violence by providing $25 million a year for partnerships between domestic violence prevention organizations and Fatherhood or Marriage programs to train staff in domestic violence services, provide services to families affected by domestic violence, and to develop best practices in domestic violence prevention.

Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws:
Approximately 1,400 women a year – four every day – die in the United States as a result of domestic violence. And 132,000 women report that they have been victims of a rape or attempted rape, and it is estimated that an even greater number have been raped, but do not report it. Senator Obama co-sponsored and helped reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Signed into law in January 2006, the bill funds and helps communities, nonprofit organizations, and police combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The legislation establishes a sexual assault services program and provides education grants to prevent domestic violence.

Fighting Gender Violence Abroad:
The genocide in Darfur has had particularly devastating consequences for women. Tens of thousands of women have been killed, raped, and displaced since the conflict began in 2003. Barack Obama has been a leading voice in Washington urging the end of genocide in Sudan. He worked with Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) on the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act, a version of which was signed into law. Obama has traveled to the United Nations to meet with Sudanese officials and visited refugee camps on the Chad-Sudan border to raise international awareness of the ongoing humanitarian disaster there. He also worked with Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) to secure $20 million for the African Union peacekeeping mission.

ECONOMIC ISSUES
Fighting for Pay Equity:
Despite decades of progress, women still make only 77 cents for every dollar a man makes. A recent study estimates it will take another 47 years for women to close the wage gap with men at Fortune 500 corporate offices. Barack Obama believes the government needs to take steps to better enforce the Equal Pay Act, fight job discrimination, and improve child care options and family medical leave to give women equal footing in the workplace.

Expanding Paid Medical Leave: Today, three-out-of-four low-wage workers have no paid sick leave. It is fundamentally unfair that a single mom playing by the rules can get fired or lose wages because her child gets sick. Barack Obama supports efforts to guarantee workers seven days of paid sick leave per year, a moderate proposal that should not impose too onerous a burden on employers.

Investing in Women-Owned Small Businesses:
Women are majority owners of more than 28 percent of U.S. businesses, but head less than 4 percent of venture-capital-backed firms. Women business owners are more likely than white male business owners to have their loan applications denied. Barack Obama encourages investing in women-owned businesses, providing more support to women business owners and reducing discrimination in lending.

Protecting Social Security:
Americans are increasingly at risk of working their entire lives only to face retirement in poverty. Barack Obama believes we need to preserve the character of Social Security by stopping any efforts to privatize social security. Obama also will work in a bipartisan way to maintain Social Security’s solvency for future generations.

Encouraging Retirement Saving:
The personal saving rate is at its lowest level since the Great Depression. Only 55 percent of Americans working full-time hold a job with a retirement savings plan; the percentage is even lower for women. As of March 2005, less than half of the 60 million wage and salaried women working in the United States participated in a retirement plan. Barack Obama wants to make retirement saving easier, cheaper, and more automatic for middle-class and working people who get only minor tax benefits to save and who are the ones that really need the money. Obama co-sponsored with Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) the Save More for Retirement Act, which provides incentives for automatic enrollment in 401Ks. One study has found that, among employees with less than 15 months tenure, automatic enrollment increased participation from 12 percent to 79 percent for workers with annual earnings of less than $20,000.

Improving Child Support Collection:
Less than half of parents collecting child support receive the full payments they are due. More than $11 billion in child support goes unpaid every year. Barack Obama introduced legislation to increase child support enforcement by an additional $4.9 billion over 10 years, a measure that will collect nearly $20 billion in payments from men who don't fulfill their parental responsibilities. The bill also makes sure that states pass through 100 percent of collected child support payments to families.

NATIONAL SECURITY
Ending the War in Iraq:
There are 202,000 women serving on active duty and 64,000 serving in the Guard and Reserves. Scores of female troops have died in Iraq and hundreds more have been injured. Barack Obama opposed the war from the beginning and has introduced legislation that would begin a phased withdrawal starting May 2007, with a goal of removing all of our combat troops by March of 2008. Realizing there can be no military solution in Iraq, Obama’s plan focuses instead on reaching a political solution in Iraq, protecting our interests in the region, and bringing this war to a responsible end.

Caring for Women Veterans:
There are 1.7 million women veterans today, a number that is increasing every day. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that was built to care for World War II veterans is not ready to handle the influx of women veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Barack Obama has introduced legislation to force the Pentagon and VA to better track the newest generation of veterans – including the number of women veterans – so that the VA can better plan their care. Obama also introduced legislation to fight homelessness among veterans, with a special focus on treating women who may have been victims of sexual trauma. Along with Senator Claire McCaskill, Obama has also co-sponsored legislation to provide funding for additional caseworkers and mental health counselors, a women’s mental health treatment program, and a comprehensive mental health study of returning soldiers. As president, Barack Obama will fight to ensure that women can get the care they deserve at the VA.

POVERTY
Fighting Poverty:
Of the 37 million Americans living below the poverty line, approximately 14.6 million are women — a staggering number equal to the combined populations of Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin. And nearly 13 million children are living in poverty, a rise of 1.3 million since 2000. Barack Obama is committed to a renewed effort to tackle the underlying problems that cause poverty.

Raising the Minimum Wage:
Barack Obama believes that people who work full time should not live in poverty. The minimum wage hasn’t been changed in nine years and has less purchasing power in real dollars than it did in 1955. Women are the largest group of beneficiaries from a minimum wage increase: 60 percent of the workers who would benefit from an increase to $7.25 are women. As President, Barack Obama would raise the minimum wage, index it to inflation, and increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to make sure that full-time workers have a living wage.

Helping Low-Income Workers:
Transitional jobs are a promising way to help chronically unemployed people break into the workplace. This approach places participants into temporary, subsidized wage-paying jobs. It also offers mentoring and social services designed to address the work-blocking problems like personal and family conflicts. Once they find entry-level work, low-income workers often are unable to break into middle-class jobs. Bridge programs can help by partnering the federal government with employers and community-based organizations to identify job opportunities, develop customized training programs, and place low-income employees in better jobs. Barack Obama introduced legislation to devote $50 million for transitional and bridge employment programs for hard-to-employ groups like homeless veterans, children aging out of foster care, and people returning to communities after serving time in prison.

Supporting Low-Income Families:
Barack Obama has a long history of helping working families achieve economic self-sufficiency. As a State Senator, Obama sponsored and passed the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor, one of the most effective tools devised to move people out of poverty. As a U.S. Senator, Obama worked with Senator Olympia Snowe (R-WA) to introduce legislation lowering the Child Tax Credit’s income limit so that 600,000 more families can benefit. The Child Tax Credit allows parents to receive $1,000 per child and has been an important financial resource for working families. Unfortunately, the credit is skewed so that many families who need it the most cannot get it. Because of artificially high income limits that are indexed to inflation every year, parents that work full-time at minimum wage are not eligible for the credit. As a result, nearly 17 million low-income children get less than the full credit. Barack Obama has also introduced legislation that would provide immediate tax relief to low-income working families from the Hurricane Katrina disaster areas by enhancing the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit.

Improving Afterschool and Daycare Opportunities:
Millions of American families are struggling to juggle job and family responsibilities. Many low-income parents struggle to maintain employment and afford childcare. Barack Obama has sponsored legislation in the Illinois Senate to establish grants for after-school programs. He believes in increasing federal support for after-school programs with proven records of success at helping children avoid crime and drugs.

EDUCATION
Protecting Title IX:
Barack Obama supports eliminating gender discrimination in American schools. For 35 years, Title IX has been a bulwark against sex discrimination against students and employees at all levels of education. Obama will fight to make sure women have equal opportunities and access from pre-kindergarten through graduate school.

Expanding Early Childhood Education:
Research shows that half of low-income children start school up to two years behind their peers in preschool skills and that these early achievement gaps continue throughout elementary school. Barack Obama supports increasing funding for the Head Start program to provide preschool children with critically important learning skills, and supports the necessary role of parental involvement in the success of Head Start. He has also called on states to replicate the Illinois model of Preschool for All.

Promoting Women in Math and Science:
Women constitute 45 percent of the workforce in the U.S., but hold just 12 percent of science and engineering jobs in business and industry. Women also make up just 9 percent of the recipients of engineering-related bachelor’s degrees. Barack Obama believes that every student should have equal access to education in math, science, and technology in order to compete on a global scale.

Improving Our Schools:
Barack Obama introduced a plan to support school districts that try new methods to improve student achievement and reward effective teachers and school leaders. Under his initiative, 20 districts across the country will get grants to develop innovative plans in consultation with their teacher unions. High-performing teachers, and those who take on new responsibilities such as mentoring new teachers, will be eligible for pay increases beyond their base salary. Effective school leadership and effective teaching can improve both the work environment for teachers and learning environment for students. These innovation districts will show results that can be replicated in other school districts.

Making College More Affordable:
College tuition rates are rising almost 10 percent a year. Because of these rising prices, over 200,000 students were priced out of college altogether in 2004. Across the country, 5.3 million students use Pell Grants to help finance their college educations. Two decades ago, the maximum grant covered 55 percent of costs at a public four-year college, compared with only 32 percent today. The first bill Barack Obama introduced in the U.S. Senate would help make college more affordable. The bill would increase the maximum Pell Grant from the current limit of $4,050 to a new maximum of $5,100. In February 2007, Congress passed and President Bush signed into law legislation to increase federal Pell Grants to $4,310. Barack Obama will continue to fight for ways to make a college education more accessible and affordable.

[Orangepeel]

192. I can't help what you don't see.

I don't know what page you are visiting. Are you spelling his name right?

I copied and pasted the content on the page devoted to issues of particular importance to women in this post:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4672425&mesg_id=4673089

Other than that, I give up.

[Hoof Hearted]

201. I can't help what you can't comprehend, you keep citing the area of his website for SUPPORTERS

I.E. Where you go to find your favorite flavor of Kool-Aid.


I'm talking about ISSUES on his ISSUES page. You know? Which ISSUES he felt were important enough to put there. Women's ISSUES didn't make the list.

If you don't get the concept of ISSUES, I give up.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

166. Does he have anything about a woman's right to choose?

n/t

[Hoof Hearted]

168. Not on his website! You have to download a BOOK and read till page 39!

Before he says a peep. I'd say that's buried fairly deep.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

177. Not good. That really concerns me.

n/t

[NYCGirl]

191. Here:

REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE
Supports a Woman’s Right to Choose:
Barack Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case.

Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy:
Barack Obama is an original co-sponsor of legislation to expand access to contraception, health information and preventive services to help reduce unintended pregnancies. Introduced in January 2007, the Prevention First Act will increase funding for family planning and comprehensive sex education that teaches both abstinence and safe sex methods. The Act will also end insurance discrimination against contraception, improve awareness about emergency contraception, and provide compassionate assistance to rape victims.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/womenissues

MUCH MORE ON THIS PAGE

[Hoof Hearted]

204. Yeah, you have to downlad a book and read to page 39 to find that.

Kinda obscure. Obfuscated, even.

[Political Heretic]

102. Yes, alphebitization is part of a vast right-wing conspiracy.

:tinfoilhat:

[Hoof Hearted]

123. Obviously you've never looked on the website, Typical, again.

See above.

[Orangepeel]

142. You may have looked, but you are refusing to see.

Women are listed under "People." The nerve of him!!!!

[Hoof Hearted]

164. You haven't been there, have you? "People" is not a catagory on his issues page.

All of these demographics and issues are important enough to make the grade:

* Arts
* Child Advocacy
* Katrina
* Science
* Sportsmen
* Transporation
Veterans
Technology
Seniors & Social Security
Service
Rural
Poverty
Iraq
Immigration (Why is the Statue of Liberty flooded in this graphic, btw?)
Homeland Security
Healthcare
Foreign Policy
Fiscal
Family
Faith
Ethics
Energy & Environment
Education
Economy
Disabilities
Civil Rights


Womens issues? Not important enough to make it on the list. Might scare away his conservative base.

[Orangepeel]

188. And I keep telling you that there is a CATEGORY called "People"

Go to his website. See where it says "Issues". Look to the right. It also says "People." Here, he reiterates issues that are of particular importance to groups of people.

I copied and pasted them in this post:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4672425&mesg_id=4673089

[Hoof Hearted]

205. Yesh. That is the area of the website organized for Obama SUPPORTERS

I.E. Where you go to find your favorite flavor of Kool-Aid.


I'm talking about ISSUES on his ISSUES page. You know? Which ISSUES he felt were important enough to put there. Women's ISSUES didn't make the list.

[Hekate]

162. You do understand, I trust, that many Democrats are people of faith? That Repubs don't "own" faith?

Possibly it has escaped your notice that the Repubs have spent the last couple of decades staking the moral high ground and claiming that they are the party, the only party, that speaks to issues of morality/family/home/motherhood and apple pie -- and that (they have claimed) the Democratic Party not only does not care about these issues, but that the Democratic Party is actively intolerant of those who do care.

The Repubs have managed to convince a lot of voters whose natural bent is toward Democratic ideals that the Democratic Party has no place for them because they are Christians/people of faith/believers.

Is this true? Are we intolerant? Because most Christians are not, but they need a reason to believe that the Democratic Party speaks more to their needs and ideals than the corrupt and failed Republican Party.

I could go on, but this is the reason that all of our candidates engaged the issue of personal faith in that first debate. It made me uncomfortable, but I knew it had to be done and that it was and is crucial to our success now and in the future. That's the political landscape we have to work with -- because cynical Republicans made it so and because unaware and complacent Democrats let them.

Hekate

[Hoof Hearted]

165. You do understand I trust, that womens rights are in a lot more danger than poor persecuted Xtians?

I don't have a problem with him listing "Faith" as one of his issues. God knows there's a huge number of people who will never vote for him because they believe he's a Muslim and will not be convinced otherwise.

I am outraged that he does not feel womens issues are important enough to make the list on his issues place. "Sportsmen" and the arts made it but women didn't. I find it outrageous that a candidate for the Democratic party would make such a conscious and calculated decision NOT to stand up for women on his website.

It tells me everything I need to know about his priorities.

[krabigirl]

180. That's great, but it doesn't need to be a central theme of the campaign.

It seriously turns some of us off, big time.

[krabigirl]

178. I agree! It was very hard to find anything on his site about choice.

But the faith stuff was everywhere! It gives me the creeps. FIne, have your faith, but please, enough with the overkill. And why doesn't he have more information about his support for reproductive rights?

[BuyingThyme]

16. What do you want him to do?

Marry one?

[Control-Z]

24. Stand up for every

god damned one of us. I want him to scream it loud and clear.

[Marie26]

18. That's correct

I turned off the speech when he started off thanking the prayer circle.

[BlackVelvet04]

33. And if McCain or Clinton did that

Obama supporters would be horrified.

[Marie26]

True

Yet somehow Obama can talk about women making 'prayerful decisions', appeal to evangelists & anti-gay ministers, bring up the Scripture in his speeches, and it's all good to the secular liberal set. I don't know how he does it - it's dog-whistle politics down to an art form, using some themes in order to appeal to liberals while using code-words that appeal to conservatives. So I understand how the LGBT community feels a little; like we've been left behind on the unity train. I just don't think he "gets it" or particularly cares about women's issues. Not that he's anti-woman, but our issues just aren't on his radar screen.

[BlackVelvet04]

41. It's like his supporters had their brains sucked out......

complete cognitive dissonance. He does and says all kinds of things that sound no different from the religious right. I don't get it. They remind me of the bush supporters twisting and turning to find a way to support bush, no matter what.

[Marie26]

44. I know what you mean

You know what it feels like? It's like being the designated driver & watching all your friends get drunk & have the time of their life, convinced that this is the best, most exhilarating, most exciting party ever. And you can see that the party's kind of lame, the music is recycled pop, & the beer sucks. But you sort of wish you could feel that way too. I'm tired of thinking, I want some of that Obama Kool-Aid!

[BlackVelvet04]

47. LOL Great analogy....

don't drink the Kool-Aid, it's fattening. ;-)

[Hoof Hearted]

167. That's one of the best analogies I've seen yet!

Hello! I'm a thinking Democrat who's thoroughly examined the issues. I'll be your designated driver until the Kool-Aid you've been drinking finally wears off.

[SammyWinstonJack]

151. ...

:thumbsup: scary isn't? :scared:

[kerry-is-my-prez]

170. I think many of his supporters aren't as into women's rights themselves.

He has a lot of the younger females - who don't seem to realize that discrimination is still around - they aren't too concerned about abortion being turned into a states right - because the right to abortion has always been around. They haven't been out in the working world so they don't see the job discrimination.

Then he gets the male vote. The only bloc Hillary has lock, stock and barrel is middle-aged and older women.

[nonconformist]

83. Well said. You have verbalized what I've been feeling too.

I don't feel that my issues, specifically, are on his radar screen at all... which is why I feel so very cynical and just generally turned-off by him.

[krabigirl]

176. He did what? Oh yuck...

[Hill_YesWeWill]

21. why what?

[Control-Z]

38. Why can't he

openly bring up and support women?

[Colobo]

22. McCain is not pro-woman. Don't vote for him. Vote for Obama- he's the best choice

for those of us who believe in women's rights.

[Control-Z]

26. Is that the best you've got?

You are dicking with the wrong woman. Trust me.

[Creideiki]

88. Ummm...no, thanks.

I've got a great person to work for for the Senate and another great person for the House. Hopefully, Barack will have a "come to Jesus" moment and start figuring this out at some point, but my vote needs to be earned. Not frightened out of me with a, "But McCain is so much worse!!!!11!" I may be channeling Arianna, but I'm out of fear. Might as well set up new color-code meters: "The anti-women code is now orange. There are unspecified threats to women's rights. The anti-gay code is now red. There are multiple specified threats to gay rights which we won't share with you." And at no point will those meters come to green or blue. Hell, maybe it'll give Homeland Security something productive to do.

[calico1]

152. I agree. The more I see and hear Obama, the

less I like him. In fact, he annoys the hell out of me with his pompous, arrogant attitude. My vote has to be earned. I may write in a candidate for the first time in my life. That is how disgusted I am with this whole thing. Unless of course I can change my mind about Obama from here til then, and right now I don't see that.

[Orangepeel]

25. I don't have a transcript of a speech handy, but he says stuff like this:

Where Barack Stands
"From the first moment a woman dared to speak that hope - dared to believe that the American Dream was meant for her too - ordinary women have taken on extraordinary odds to give their daughters the chance for something else; for a life more equal, more free, and filled with more opportunity than they ever had. In so many ways we have succeeded, but in so many areas we have much work left to do.”

~ Barack Obama, Speech in Washington, DC, 11/10/05

HEALTH CARE
Fixing the Nation’s Health Care System:
More than 19 million women are uninsured in this country, and women are more likely than men to delay or not get medical care because of high costs. Barack Obama is committed to ensuring that all Americans have health care coverage by the end of his first term in office. Obama’s plan will encourage insurers and providers to adopt electronic claims systems, electronic medical records, and patient safety reporting systems. These improvements will reduce administrative costs and health care inefficiencies such as duplicative testing and medical errors, which in turn will reduce costly medical malpractice lawsuits. These common sense steps will cut overall health-care costs by up to 10 percent or more.

Empowering Women to Prevent HIV/AIDS:
In the United States, the percentage of women diagnosed with AIDS has quadrupled over the last twenty years. Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Women of color are especially hard hit: In 2004, HIV infection was the leading cause of death for African-American women between the ages of 25 and 34. Around the world, 7,000 women are infected with HIV every day. Barack Obama has been a leader in the global fight against AIDS. He introduced the Microbicide Development Act, which will accelerate the development of products that empower women in the battle against AIDS. Microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women apply topically to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections.

Supporting Research into Women’s Health:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, accounting for nearly 39 percent of all female deaths. Studies show that after a first heart attack, women are less likely than men to receive diagnostic, therapeutic, and cardiac rehabilitation procedures, and are more likely to die or have a second heart attack Women are also more likely than men to report having arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and depression. Health care disparities among minority and poor women are especially pervasive. Barack Obama has fought to maintain funding for the Centers of Excellence in Women's Health at the Department of Health and Human Services. He also supports legislation to encourage research that will examine gender and health disparities. The same legislation would establish community outreach programs in underserved areas to help women access health care and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Fighting Cancer:
Ovarian cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States. Because of the lack of early symptoms or a proven screening test, ovarian cancer also has the highest mortality of all cancers of the female reproductive system. Barack Obama is an original co-sponsor of Johanna's Law. Signed into law in January 2007, the law will educate women and increase awareness of ovarian cancer. Obama has also supported efforts to combat breast cancer, another leading cause of death among women. He helped pass legislation in the Illinois State Senate to expand insurance coverage for mammograms.

Reducing Health Risks Due to Mercury Pollution:
More than five million women of childbearing age have high levels of toxic mercury in their blood and more than 630,000 newborns are born every year at risk. The EPA estimates that every year, more than one child in six could be at risk for developmental disorders because of mercury exposure in the mother's womb. Since the primary sources of mercury in fish are power plant emissions that contaminate our water, regulation of utility emissions is essential to protecting the health of our children. Barack Obama introduced two pieces of legislation to significantly reduce the amount of mercury that is deposited in oceans, lakes, and rivers, which in turn would reduce the amount of mercury in fish.

Supporting Stem Cell Research:
Barack Obama believes that we owe it to the American public to explore the potential of stem cells to treat the millions of people suffering from debilitating and life-threatening diseases. Obama is a co-sponsor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, which would allow research of human embryonic stem cells derived from embryos donated (with consent) from in vitro fertilization clinics. These embryos must be deemed in excess and created based solely for the purpose of fertility treatment.

REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE
Supports a Woman’s Right to Choose:
Barack Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case.

Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy:
Barack Obama is an original co-sponsor of legislation to expand access to contraception, health information and preventive services to help reduce unintended pregnancies. Introduced in January 2007, the Prevention First Act will increase funding for family planning and comprehensive sex education that teaches both abstinence and safe sex methods. The Act will also end insurance discrimination against contraception, improve awareness about emergency contraception, and provide compassionate assistance to rape victims.

PREVENTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Reducing Domestic Violence:
One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Family violence accounted for 11 percent of all violence between 1998 and 2002. Barack Obama introduced legislation to combat domestic violence by providing $25 million a year for partnerships between domestic violence prevention organizations and Fatherhood or Marriage programs to train staff in domestic violence services, provide services to families affected by domestic violence, and to develop best practices in domestic violence prevention.

Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws:
Approximately 1,400 women a year – four every day – die in the United States as a result of domestic violence. And 132,000 women report that they have been victims of a rape or attempted rape, and it is estimated that an even greater number have been raped, but do not report it. Senator Obama co-sponsored and helped reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Signed into law in January 2006, the bill funds and helps communities, nonprofit organizations, and police combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The legislation establishes a sexual assault services program and provides education grants to prevent domestic violence.

Fighting Gender Violence Abroad:
The genocide in Darfur has had particularly devastating consequences for women. Tens of thousands of women have been killed, raped, and displaced since the conflict began in 2003. Barack Obama has been a leading voice in Washington urging the end of genocide in Sudan. He worked with Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) on the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act, a version of which was signed into law. Obama has traveled to the United Nations to meet with Sudanese officials and visited refugee camps on the Chad-Sudan border to raise international awareness of the ongoing humanitarian disaster there. He also worked with Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) to secure $20 million for the African Union peacekeeping mission.

ECONOMIC ISSUES
Fighting for Pay Equity:
Despite decades of progress, women still make only 77 cents for every dollar a man makes. A recent study estimates it will take another 47 years for women to close the wage gap with men at Fortune 500 corporate offices. Barack Obama believes the government needs to take steps to better enforce the Equal Pay Act, fight job discrimination, and improve child care options and family medical leave to give women equal footing in the workplace.

Expanding Paid Medical Leave:
Today, three-out-of-four low-wage workers have no paid sick leave. It is fundamentally unfair that a single mom playing by the rules can get fired or lose wages because her child gets sick. Barack Obama supports efforts to guarantee workers seven days of paid sick leave per year, a moderate proposal that should not impose too onerous a burden on employers.

Investing in Women-Owned Small Businesses:
Women are majority owners of more than 28 percent of U.S. businesses, but head less than 4 percent of venture-capital-backed firms. Women business owners are more likely than white male business owners to have their loan applications denied. Barack Obama encourages investing in women-owned businesses, providing more support to women business owners and reducing discrimination in lending.

Protecting Social Security:
Americans are increasingly at risk of working their entire lives only to face retirement in poverty. Barack Obama believes we need to preserve the character of Social Security by stopping any efforts to privatize social security. Obama also will work in a bipartisan way to maintain Social Security’s solvency for future generations.

Encouraging Retirement Saving:
The personal saving rate is at its lowest level since the Great Depression. Only 55 percent of Americans working full-time hold a job with a retirement savings plan; the percentage is even lower for women. As of March 2005, less than half of the 60 million wage and salaried women working in the United States participated in a retirement plan. Barack Obama wants to make retirement saving easier, cheaper, and more automatic for middle-class and working people who get only minor tax benefits to save and who are the ones that really need the money. Obama co-sponsored with Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) the Save More for Retirement Act, which provides incentives for automatic enrollment in 401Ks. One study has found that, among employees with less than 15 months tenure, automatic enrollment increased participation from 12 percent to 79 percent for workers with annual earnings of less than $20,000.

Improving Child Support Collection:
Less than half of parents collecting child support receive the full payments they are due. More than $11 billion in child support goes unpaid every year. Barack Obama introduced legislation to increase child support enforcement by an additional $4.9 billion over 10 years, a measure that will collect nearly $20 billion in payments from men who don't fulfill their parental responsibilities. The bill also makes sure that states pass through 100 percent of collected child support payments to families.

NATIONAL SECURITY
Ending the War in Iraq:
There are 202,000 women serving on active duty and 64,000 serving in the Guard and Reserves. Scores of female troops have died in Iraq and hundreds more have been injured. Barack Obama opposed the war from the beginning and has introduced legislation that would begin a phased withdrawal starting May 2007, with a goal of removing all of our combat troops by March of 2008. Realizing there can be no military solution in Iraq, Obama’s plan focuses instead on reaching a political solution in Iraq, protecting our interests in the region, and bringing this war to a responsible end.

Caring for Women Veterans:
There are 1.7 million women veterans today, a number that is increasing every day. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that was built to care for World War II veterans is not ready to handle the influx of women veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Barack Obama has introduced legislation to force the Pentagon and VA to better track the newest generation of veterans – including the number of women veterans – so that the VA can better plan their care. Obama also introduced legislation to fight homelessness among veterans, with a special focus on treating women who may have been victims of sexual trauma. Along with Senator Claire McCaskill, Obama has also co-sponsored legislation to provide funding for additional caseworkers and mental health counselors, a women’s mental health treatment program, and a comprehensive mental health study of returning soldiers. As president, Barack Obama will fight to ensure that women can get the care they deserve at the VA.

POVERTY
Fighting Poverty:
Of the 37 million Americans living below the poverty line, approximately 14.6 million are women — a staggering number equal to the combined populations of Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin. And nearly 13 million children are living in poverty, a rise of 1.3 million since 2000. Barack Obama is committed to a renewed effort to tackle the underlying problems that cause poverty.

Raising the Minimum Wage:
Barack Obama believes that people who work full time should not live in poverty. The minimum wage hasn’t been changed in nine years and has less purchasing power in real dollars than it did in 1955. Women are the largest group of beneficiaries from a minimum wage increase: 60 percent of the workers who would benefit from an increase to $7.25 are women. As President, Barack Obama would raise the minimum wage, index it to inflation, and increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to make sure that full-time workers have a living wage.

Helping Low-Income Workers:
Transitional jobs are a promising way to help chronically unemployed people break into the workplace. This approach places participants into temporary, subsidized wage-paying jobs. It also offers mentoring and social services designed to address the work-blocking problems like personal and family conflicts. Once they find entry-level work, low-income workers often are unable to break into middle-class jobs. Bridge programs can help by partnering the federal government with employers and community-based organizations to identify job opportunities, develop customized training programs, and place low-income employees in better jobs. Barack Obama introduced legislation to devote $50 million for transitional and bridge employment programs for hard-to-employ groups like homeless veterans, children aging out of foster care, and people returning to communities after serving time in prison.

Supporting Low-Income Families:
Barack Obama has a long history of helping working families achieve economic self-sufficiency. As a State Senator, Obama sponsored and passed the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor, one of the most effective tools devised to move people out of poverty. As a U.S. Senator, Obama worked with Senator Olympia Snowe (R-WA) to introduce legislation lowering the Child Tax Credit’s income limit so that 600,000 more families can benefit. The Child Tax Credit allows parents to receive $1,000 per child and has been an important financial resource for working families. Unfortunately, the credit is skewed so that many families who need it the most cannot get it. Because of artificially high income limits that are indexed to inflation every year, parents that work full-time at minimum wage are not eligible for the credit. As a result, nearly 17 million low-income children get less than the full credit. Barack Obama has also introduced legislation that would provide immediate tax relief to low-income working families from the Hurricane Katrina disaster areas by enhancing the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit.

Improving Afterschool and Daycare Opportunities:
Millions of American families are struggling to juggle job and family responsibilities. Many low-income parents struggle to maintain employment and afford childcare. Barack Obama has sponsored legislation in the Illinois Senate to establish grants for after-school programs. He believes in increasing federal support for after-school programs with proven records of success at helping children avoid crime and drugs.

EDUCATION
Protecting Title IX:
Barack Obama supports eliminating gender discrimination in American schools. For 35 years, Title IX has been a bulwark against sex discrimination against students and employees at all levels of education. Obama will fight to make sure women have equal opportunities and access from pre-kindergarten through graduate school.

Expanding Early Childhood Education:
Research shows that half of low-income children start school up to two years behind their peers in preschool skills and that these early achievement gaps continue throughout elementary school. Barack Obama supports increasing funding for the Head Start program to provide preschool children with critically important learning skills, and supports the necessary role of parental involvement in the success of Head Start. He has also called on states to replicate the Illinois model of Preschool for All.

Promoting Women in Math and Science:
Women constitute 45 percent of the workforce in the U.S., but hold just 12 percent of science and engineering jobs in business and industry. Women also make up just 9 percent of the recipients of engineering-related bachelor’s degrees. Barack Obama believes that every student should have equal access to education in math, science, and technology in order to compete on a global scale.

Improving Our Schools:
Barack Obama introduced a plan to support school districts that try new methods to improve student achievement and reward effective teachers and school leaders. Under his initiative, 20 districts across the country will get grants to develop innovative plans in consultation with their teacher unions. High-performing teachers, and those who take on new responsibilities such as mentoring new teachers, will be eligible for pay increases beyond their base salary. Effective school leadership and effective teaching can improve both the work environment for teachers and learning environment for students. These innovation districts will show results that can be replicated in other school districts.

Making College More Affordable:
College tuition rates are rising almost 10 percent a year. Because of these rising prices, over 200,000 students were priced out of college altogether in 2004. Across the country, 5.3 million students use Pell Grants to help finance their college educations. Two decades ago, the maximum grant covered 55 percent of costs at a public four-year college, compared with only 32 percent today. The first bill Barack Obama introduced in the U.S. Senate would help make college more affordable. The bill would increase the maximum Pell Grant from the current limit of $4,050 to a new maximum of $5,100. In February 2007, Congress passed and President Bush signed into law legislation to increase federal Pell Grants to $4,310. Barack Obama will continue to fight for ways to make a college education more accessible and affordable.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/womenissues

[MassLiberal]

28. thank you for posting this

[goodgd_yall]

29. That's good to know

But the speech excerpt was in 2005 and he just doesn't acknowledge women's issues in public it seems.

I am heartened, though, that he does sponsor legislation to help women.

[Roland99]

30. I linked to that up in post #19

:)

[Orangepeel]

37. I saw that

but only after I posted. It took me as long as 29 posts to get the formatting right!

:D

[Control-Z]

34. That's all nice, orangepeel68.

But tonight's sermon was announced as "unscripted", for a change. No teleprompter. And if he couldn't say it without the help of his well paid writers, well, I guess it just wasn't in his heart to begin with.

[Orangepeel]

39. keeping seeing what you want to see

it seems your mind is made up.

[Control-Z]

56. NO

I do keep listening. I haven't heard one honest, respectful, equal word about women out of Obama yet. We are prayerful sinners, yes. I've heard that. But that's it. And don't offer more links.

[Recursion]

160. But where's the SUBSTANCE?

:)

[ShortnFiery]

31. OMG! Now you're just making up stuff.

:crazy:

This woman veteran thinks Obama is for "Civil Rights."

The more the candidates try to "divide and conquer" via petty impressions that have no basis in fact, the more the status-quo political elite benefit while "The American People" lose. :thumbsdown:

[Name removed]

35. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Chulanowa]

110. Clearly he hates Native Americans more!

I've heard him talk about women's issues, but never anything to do with Indians. So take a number.

...Or you could write the man and find out what the heck is up.

[VotesForWomen]

128. women make up over half the population. anyway, O's going for the fundie vote. nt

[thoughtcrime1984]

116. What are cocky Ns?

Do tell.

[Control-Z]

181. People with

inflated egos and sense of self importance. Common with politicians, celebs, actors...

[JTFrog]

134. Cocky Ns? Too much to ask? Your fucking sheet is showing. n/t

[Control-Z]

173. Just a reference to

self love.

[JTFrog]

214. Would it have been so hard

Would it have been so hard to type that fucking word out. Oh you're so shocked that people would think otherwise? I asked over twenty people what they thought you could mean. Not a single one of them came up with Narcissist. Every one of them first thought what I thought.

Now explain the universal abbreviation of Narcissist please as I didn't realize there was one. I'd call bullshit, but I'm gonna just pass on giving this shit anymore attention.

[Control-Z]

217. See post #216

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4672425&mesg_id=4699634


I really was shocked. It had not occurred to me.

[K Gardner]

36. OBAMA HATES WOMEN ! I'm telling Michelle and his daughters.

[Control-Z]

42. My, my

so grown up.

[VotesForWomen]

129. he's probably got pets too; doesn't mean he considers them as equals. nt

[ecstatic]

40. He wouldn't be married to Michelle if he wasn't nt

[Control-Z]

48. Really

That's your proof? He's got an outspoken wife so that makes him pro-woman?

[ecstatic]

59. How many anti-woman men would allow their wives to make more than them

etc. etc.? Michelle is clearly a feminist. At the very least, she wouldn't stand for him implementing anti-woman laws.

[Control-Z]

72. No one

said anything about anti-woman laws.

Where did you hear that? There is a difference between being anti-woman and not being pro-woman.

Neither, unfortunately, is terribly progressive for women.

[Hoof Hearted]

169. ALLOW? their wives to make more than them?

Listen to you.

Michelle may be accomplished but she is no feminist. A feminist would never make the sexist ass comment she did about "running your own house."

[ecstatic]

187. I used "allow" to illustrate how anti-women men think

And "running your own house" is the same thing as "taking care of business." Don't take her words out of context--her words had nothing to do with Hillary, but a RW decided to instigate it into an anti-Hillary comment. Listen to the full statement in context.

[Occam Bandage]

45. Because he hates women. Duh.

[Control-Z]

85. Men don't need to hate women

to put them last on the list.

[Name removed]

150. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Control-Z]

195. I'm a bigot?

Because I believe women should have perks like teh men?

[formernaderite]

46. I'd have to ask if women are part of the human race?

if so...I'd think ALL the issues are women's issues. At least that's what my wife instructs me.

[Control-Z]

67. Well, one of the most

important issues in life applies to only women. And while all issues ARE women's issues, not all the issues are men's. It's tough for men to admit that. Sorry. I think Obama is forgetting those that don't involve him. Or putting them at the end of the list.

[VotesForWomen]

186. well, they weren't included in most of the constitution, so i suppose the jury's still out. nt

[jackson_dem]

50. We'll see how pro-woman his "moderate judges" will be

Obama, in his book, is on record calling for "moderate judges". The "explanation" is he was talking about Bush. If "moderate judges" is a good principle in 2005 than why wouldn't it be in 2009? Not appointing moderate judges would be polarizing and divisive. That is bad ole' stuff that we need to leave behind in our new Repulicrat utopia. The only way you can get bipartisan support for a Supreme Court nominee, which Obama called for in his book and is consistent with the Axlerod/Obama unity mantra is by appointing "moderate" judges.

[goodgd_yall]

51. Self-delete n/t

[tammywammy]

58. They both voted against confirming Roberts

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00245

Akaka (D-HI), Nay
Alexander (R-TN), Yea
Allard (R-CO), Yea
Allen (R-VA), Yea
Baucus (D-MT), Yea
Bayh (D-IN), Nay
Bennett (R-UT), Yea
Biden (D-DE), Nay
Bingaman (D-NM), Yea
Bond (R-MO), Yea
Boxer (D-CA), Nay
Brownback (R-KS), Yea
Bunning (R-KY), Yea
Burns (R-MT), Yea
Burr (R-NC), Yea
Byrd (D-WV), Yea
Cantwell (D-WA), Nay
Carper (D-DE), Yea
Chafee (R-RI), Yea
Chambliss (R-GA), Yea
Clinton (D-NY), Nay
Coburn (R-OK), Yea
Cochran (R-MS), Yea
Coleman (R-MN), Yea
Collins (R-ME), Yea
Conrad (D-ND), Yea
Cornyn (R-TX), Yea
Corzine (D-NJ), Nay
Craig (R-ID), Yea
Crapo (R-ID), Yea
Dayton (D-MN), Nay
DeMint (R-SC), Yea
DeWine (R-OH), Yea
Dodd (D-CT), Yea
Dole (R-NC), Yea
Domenici (R-NM), Yea
Dorgan (D-ND), Yea
Durbin (D-IL), Nay
Ensign (R-NV), Yea
Enzi (R-WY), Yea
Feingold (D-WI), Yea
Feinstein (D-CA), Nay
Frist (R-TN), Yea
Graham (R-SC), Yea
Grassley (R-IA), Yea
Gregg (R-NH), Yea
Hagel (R-NE), Yea
Harkin (D-IA), Nay
Hatch (R-UT), Yea
Hutchison (R-TX), Yea
Inhofe (R-OK), Yea
Inouye (D-HI), Nay
Isakson (R-GA), Yea
Jeffords (I-VT), Yea
Johnson (D-SD), Yea
Kennedy (D-MA), Nay
Kerry (D-MA), Nay
Kohl (D-WI), Yea
Kyl (R-AZ), Yea
Landrieu (D-LA), Yea
Lautenberg (D-NJ), Nay
Leahy (D-VT), Yea
Levin (D-MI), Yea
Lieberman (D-CT), Yea
Lincoln (D-AR), Yea
Lott (R-MS), Yea
Lugar (R-IN), Yea
Martinez (R-FL), Yea
McCain (R-AZ), Yea
McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Mikulski (D-MD), Nay
Murkowski (R-AK), Yea
Murray (D-WA), Yea
Nelson (D-FL), Yea
Nelson (D-NE), Yea
Obama (D-IL), Nay
Pryor (D-AR), Yea
Reed (D-RI), Nay
Reid (D-NV), Nay
Roberts (R-KS), Yea
Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea
Salazar (D-CO), Yea
Santorum (R-PA), Yea
Sarbanes (D-MD), Nay
Schumer (D-NY), Nay
Sessions (R-AL), Yea
Shelby (R-AL), Yea
Smith (R-OR), Yea
Snowe (R-ME), Yea
Specter (R-PA), Yea
Stabenow (D-MI), Nay
Stevens (R-AK), Yea
Sununu (R-NH), Yea
Talent (R-MO), Yea
Thomas (R-WY), Yea
Thune (R-SD), Yea
Vitter (R-LA), Yea
Voinovich (R-OH), Yea
Warner (R-VA), Yea
Wyden (D-OR), Yea

[goodgd_yall]

62. Thank you, if this is correct.

I could have sworn that I've seen his vote as Yea.

Give me a sec, and I'll delete my post. I don't want to post bad information.

[tammywammy]

65. Well, it's the Senate website

I'd assume it's correct. They also both voted against confirmation of Alito as well. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00002

[goodgd_yall]

66. No, you're right

I deleted my other post.

[tammywammy]

68. It's all good

We all misspeak at times. :)

[goodgd_yall]

70. Well where would we be

if we didn't have our fellow DUers looking out for truth.:hi:

[calico1]

158. Which takes away my only motivation

to vote for him. I'm afraid you are right. He reminds me so much lf Lieberman. :puke:

[Hoof Hearted]

182. The judges he will appoint strike fear into my heart. Conservatives all, I'm afraid.

If we are to take him at his word. John McCain is considered a moderate, after all. I think we all understand what "moderate" is code for.

[Endangered Specie]

52. whine, bitch, and moan; whine, bitch, and moan; whine, bitch, and moan; whine, bitch, and moan

:nopity::nopity::nopity::nopity::nopity:

[goodgd_yall]

53. I bet you say that to your wife all the time

--if you have one.

[Endangered Specie]

61. I say it to people who complain and try to make up anything to smear the other candidate...

I've blasted plenty of Obama supporters who whined constantly when he lost too.


Come on now, Obama is anti-woman :eyes::eyes::eyes::eyes: thats even lower than the Obama is anti-gay threads.

[goodgd_yall]

64. Well, like I posted

I think it's overstating to say he isn't pro-woman. But I think some of the posts bring up good points.

[Control-Z]

73. I didn't say anti-woman

just not pro-woman in his speeches.

Big difference. I'm asking why?

[Control-Z]

75. With an attitude like yours,

I guess "Endangered" would be a good thing.
:rofl:

[Endangered Specie]

77. wow, that original!

[lumberjack_jeff]

87. Ummm. You said two of the 200 words you aren't supposed to say. n/t

[Political Heretic]

103. This really doesn't help anything

[totodeinhere]

55. He is a uniter, not a divider.

He doesn't mention men either.

[LadyVT]

57. Please watch his nonverbal behavior Thurs night during the debate

His true colors show. Watch his facial expressions and body language when Hillary speaks. So far, he hasn't looked at her when she has spoken. I hope he's been advised to correct that. He's demonstrating nonverbal contempt of her, and this doesn't speak well of the reality of his "best one to bring unity" platform. Anyone can bring unity amongst their friends.

Well, unless it's just men he's going to unify...

[Endangered Specie]

63. oh brother...

:puke:

what do you want him to do... bow down on his knees to her?

[Hoof Hearted]

184. Maybe if he just avoids looking like a petulant, sneering bastard, that might help.

[Control-Z]

196. Good photos

Very revealing. He looks Arrogant. Narcissistic. Entitled.

But perhaps he's just a good actor.

[theboss]

97. Why does everyone confuse dislike for Hillary! as dislike for strong women

Hillary! is disliked by an apparently large number of people because she is inherently unlikable. That has nothing to do with her gender.

[Political Heretic]

104. Oh brother. I draw the line at:

conspiracy theorist-esque... watching for non-verbal queues, interpretive innuendo, subjective opinion of facial muscle movements, blinking patterns.....

Common people.

I don't want to do that with hillary clinton or barack obama. That's called confirmation bias - seeing things only in a way that confirms what you already believe.

How about you watch the debates and listen to both candidate discuss the issues and evaluate:

1. How much you agree or disagree with their policy positions domestically
2. How much you agree or disagree with their policy internationally
3. What you think of their qualifications / experience
4. What you think of their leadership qualities
5. What you think of their capacity for vision and forward thinking

And leave the rest out of it?

You may very well come up with Hillary looking at those five things. I've come up with Obama. Reasonable people can disagree. But let's leave the ridiculous out of it, shall we?

[Cheeseburger Walrus]

69. Yeah, he wants to push...

...the glass ceiling down and crush his wife and daughters...the height of absurdity, no wonder your dancing alone.

[Control-Z]

76. Wow!! Your (you're) really

clever. More than likely, young and privileged too. Good for you!! Enjoy your good fortune, gender, youth, ignorance...

Welcome to DU!!

[Cheeseburger Walrus]

89. Exactly wrong on all counts...

...and it seems somewhat disingenuous to be attacked as privileged, being that you claim to be from Orange County, California. Suffice it to say, that while you probably have more money than me, ( doubtless due to legacy, thank Jeebus for those timely deaths ) I would not attribute it to any sort of reward for being especially clever. Oh, but you sound really bitter, so maybe that rich aunt hasn't quite passed yet. That's OK, because you may always console yourself with that bloated teddy-bear of solipsistic compartmentalism, " dancingalone "! I'm sure it's fully poseable, and has a variety of snarky things to say when you yank that rip-cord. I think the new one even wets and says hello in three different classisist tongues! Obviously, anyone that doesn't fit into your limited worldview is to be dismissed as privileged and younger. I would attempt to discern the nature of your hate, but find it barely more worthy than the pedantic yawn I have already belched forth. Thank you for the welcome, and I hope you address some of your issues, as they seem more voluminous than National Geographic.

[Control-Z]

112. I wouldn't normally give you the time of day

but I'll make this exception because you're so out of line.

Not once in this thread did I say Obama was anti-woman or that he was out to hurt his family. My concerns were about whether he cared enough to stand up for (all the other) women in this nation and our very important issues.

You attacked me, and I responded as pleasantly as could be expected. For your information, I "dance alone" because I choose to, if that's any of your business.

I do apologize that I was unable to treat you more respectfully but your behavior gave me no inclination.

That said, you could not be more out of line. My life is an open book, there for the reading through my journal here on DU, on the internet, at Wikipedia - even available on film... not out of choosing, but because of legacy, my friend, one I didn't choose for myself, nor would I have chosen for my worst enemy.

'( doubtless due to legacy, thank Jeebus for those timely deaths )'

So why don't you go find out about those timely deaths. Be my guest. Google me. Check out my good fortune. You'll only find out how wrong and untimely you were with your cruel words to me.

I know a little at this point in my life, through experience. I know what is important to me, through experience. I am looking for answers, through questions.

[Cheeseburger Walrus]

126. Allow me to make an apology for jumping to conclusions...

as it is very late, and I have many things on my mind. I probably read way too much into your response. It is very late, and I am exhausted. I am replying to you because under the circumstances, I feel that there has been a grotesque miscommunication. You have obviously come from a place of pain, and I can genuinely empathize, despite my crass and abrupt attack. I was probably overly sensitive toward some perceived attacks which may have not been as malicious as read. Such is the folly of casual interpretation of discourse in a medium such as this. Suffice it to say, dancingalone, I am sorry for what I said, and hope that my sincerity is not lost in the sometimes clumsy and inept way I may come across. I feel that I have erred, reacted from a place of anger, and directed venom at you that was inappropriate and out of context. So in summation, I want to retract cold attacks, which while valid in my life experience, under the sad umbrella of perceived attacks, may have been unfairly bloated, exaggerated, and were definitely out of line to attribute toward you. While I am vain enough to claim that I am rarely a total robotic idiot, I am humble enough to understand the gravity of actions once set in motion, which even Sisyphus may not even push back up the hill. To whit...I am sorry.

[Control-Z]

183. We're good

Posting with a migraine last night wasn't a wise choice for me.

[grassfed]

74. he mentions his single mom in every speech

[Control-Z]

78. Yes,

I've noticed that. Every single speech.

[VotesForWomen]

130. ah yes, woman as selfless servant; who could have a problem with that? nt

[grassfed]

185. ghettoized identity selfishness

is passé.

[VotesForWomen]

189. equality for women is selfish, is that it? do you speak for obama? serious question. nt

[Hekate]

79. McCain should be ashamed of flip-flopping on women's reproductive rights, for sure

Evidently our health and wellbeing aren't nearly as important to him as pandering to the far-right religious base of the Repub Party. I fear he would appoint another couple of anti-choice Supremes.

Hekate

[Control-Z]

84. I would have expected so much more out of you, Hekate

Your snappy comeback already came back, up thread, a few times. What a piss poor attempt to protect the golden boy. He ain't standing up for women, and you know it. And, honestly, that IS a big something in my book.

[Hekate]

91. Eh. I think I'll go back to the party. Sorry about your candidate -- I used to like her...

...a lot more than I do now. Dirty politics turns me off -- but never fear, if she gets the nom I'll put up the yard sign and vote.

It's just that as a feminist I had expected to be a lot more thrilled about the candidacy of the first viable woman candidate than I actually am. When Geraldine Ferraro was chosen as the VP for Mondale I pinned her TIME magazine cover up on the wall. I still have it some place. Unlike some here I never had anything against Hillary Clinton, but I am over that now even though I still don't hate her.

By.

Hekate

[MessiahRp]

90. I guess he'll have to nominate a woman VP to be worth a damn to women who demand a female candidate.

I don't know how else to appeal to people who seem close minded to someone other than a woman as their candidate.

I think the problem isn't that most people are voting for Obama and not a woman. It's that they don't want to vote for THIS woman and all she stands for.

I personally feel that way. Believe me if Barbara Boxer were the candidate I guarantee a different reaction from liberals/progressives that have a very hard time swallowing the Clinton right wing/centrist agenda.

Rp

[Control-Z]

98. You people assume so much

I was a Gore supporter first, to the bloody end. Then Edwards. Now, well, who really represents me and my concerns? Neither, obviously was my first or second choice. So I have to look at what matters the most to me. They are so much alike. Both politicians. Both willing to do whatever it takes to win. But who does really care about women? Now, that matters to me. So I'm asking.

[Johnny__Motown]

93. wouldn't that be considered sexist? or pandering? or both?

[Control-Z]

108. To stand up for

more than half of American society? You tell me.

[eridani]

95. Assaults on reproductive rights are over with ANY Dem

That would have included Biden, the only Dem candidate with less than an A rating from NARAL.

[Beausoir]

96. He's not. He's not in favor of full civil rights for the GLBT population either. He IS, however,

very Pro Obama.

It's going to be such fun watching him over the coming months.

[Control-Z]

106. I hate to say this

but his speech tonight sounded insulting to the GLBT population, at least to me. I really hate when people look down on others for "being different" (his words) and then stroke themselves for being wonderful enough to point it out, if you know what I mean. It made me feel a little sick. True colors and all.

[VotesForWomen]

131. yep; a lot of wide-eyed obama groupies are in for a big let down. nt

[saltpoint]

100. God help me, but I do love a topic sentence.

[saltpoint]

105. The dedication to THE AUDACITY OF HOPE reads as follows:

_ _ _ _

"To the women who raised me --

My maternal grandmother, Tutu,
who's been a rock of stability throughout my life,

and

my mother,
whose loving spirit sustains me still"
_ _ _ _

To suggest that Senator Obama does not know the women who have woven his tapestry is unfounded criticism.

[Control-Z]

107. I did not suggest

that Senator Obama does not know the women who have woven his tapestry.

I am just asking why I hear nothing about women in his campaign.

We're not a minority. Our issues are huge. Is he going to work for the largest majority in America or are we still, in his mind, what we have been historically?

So far, he has said nothing other than to excuse us for our sins. I want more. A lot more.

[saltpoint]

111. I see no grounds for your claim that Senator Obama is unaware of

or unwilling to work for female U.S. citizens.

That's ridiculous.

[Control-Z]

114. I have made no claim that he is unwilling

only that I have not "heard" him speak on women's issues.

Correct me if I'm wrong. I've been listening. Hoping for a candidate that will represent a good deal of what is important to me.

[saltpoint]

115. I think you seriously short-change the man.

Senator Clinton's supporters are a diverse bunch generally but now and again on these boards they suggest, some more pointedly than others, that support for male candidates and not their female candidate constitutes sexism.

I'm sorry, but I get a faint whiff of that from your OP.

[Control-Z]

120. Not so

I want to know that Obama supports women at least as much as Hillary. How is that sexism? Unless, of course, supporting women is not cool.

[saltpoint]

121. The charge is sexist in that it presupposes that Senator Obama is not

sincere in his wish to lead all Americans.

That has never not been true.

"There's the middle-aged feminist who still mourns her abortion, and the Christian woman who paid for her teenager's abortion, and the millions of waitresses and temp secretaries and nurse's assistants and Wal-Mart associates who hold their breath every single month in the hope that they'll have enough money to support the children that they did bring into the world."

--from THE AUDACITY OF HOPE, Barack Obama, p. 42

[thoughtcrime1984]

118. .

meh

[Hekate]

113. Good thread in that it inspired people to research the "woman issue." Hope it helped. ...

Other than that, your concerns are noted.

Why is it that although my original candidate was John Edwards, I still believed that the pro-women's issues records of ALL our Dem candidates were and are light-years ahead of any of the Republicans? I had my preference, but all of them are good on the issues that matter most to me.

It's sad that my guy lost, but I never doubted that any of the others would be a good Democratic candidate and president. I struggled over my choice, but I never hated and despised your candidate. I have defended her here innumerable times, even as I expressed my disappointment over the way she and her husband have conducted some of her campaign.

What will you do if Obama is the nominee, as it looks increasingly likely he will be? Will anything he ever says or does or writes satisfy you on his commitment to women's issues?

Hekate

[saltpoint]

117. Jesus, I love this post. Hekate, you tend a beautiful garden.

[Hekate]

174. My blushes -- thank you, OC

:blush:

Hekate

[Control-Z]

119. Why do you assume Hillary IS my candidate and that I hate

Obama. That is silly. I'm trying to like both. I was a Gore supporter. Then Edwards. Now I expect either is capable of getting the job done. Both will have obstacles especially without a strong democratic majority in both houses. Each has their own assets. They both have some credentials. They're both as clean, (or as dirty) as far as I'm concerned. They agree on most issues. They are both politicians.

Now, my big deal breaker is women's issues. I'm asking questions. I don't feel good with him so far about women's issues. His "prayerful" statement really turned me off but I've been listening and waiting for something that tells me he's on my side. I'm trying to see what others see. I haven't yet. I ask questions and get attacked. That's all.

Oh, and I'll vote D in the GE even if it's my ex-husband on the ticket, whom I hate.

[thoughtcrime1984]

124. What did you mean by cocky Ns in a previous post? nt

[JTFrog]

136. That happens when you forget to take your sheet off before you post. n/t

[Control-Z]

200. O.M.G.

It just now hit me - what you are saying to me. Man. That is sick to say or think such a thing.

I couldn't figure out your sheet reference. Thought maybe it was a sexual innuendo. Men do fuck with women in so many ways. It still didn't make sense. OMG! I get it now and that is sick!! OMG!!!

N = Narcissist. Typical politician.

OMG

Never would I. Never could I. Not ever.

OMfuckingG

[JTFrog]

215. Would it have been so hard

Would it have been so hard to type that fucking word out. Oh you're so shocked that people would think otherwise? I asked over twenty people what they thought you could mean. Not a single one of them came up with Narcissist. Every one of first thought of what I thought of.

Now explain the universal abbreviation of Narcissist please as I didn't realize there was one. I'd call bullshit, but I'm gonna just pass on giving this shit anymore attention.

(and you thought I was a man fucking with a woman?... click my profile, it's never been hidden.)

[Control-Z]

216. It didn't occur to me

that it would not be understood. It is a commonly used abbreviation for an otherwise clumsy word to key:

'Let me tell you something about Ns
Something you never see in books...'

http://groups.msn.com/NARCISSISTICPERSONALITYDISORDER/letmetellyousomethingaboutns.msnw

' N Relatives'

http://groups.msn.com/NARCISSISTICPERSONALITYDISORDER/memberspages.msnw

'There are so many beautiful wonderful people on this site, and I was wondering what you all do when you are not busy healing from the N relationship ...?'

http://groups.msn.com/NARCISSISTICPERSONALITYDISORDER/anythinggoes.msnw?action=get_message&mview=&ID_Message=468158


Your meaning NEVER crossed my mind. Period. You can accept that and move on or you can belabor a misunderstanding. It's up to you. You don't know me but I am probably the last person on earth who would do what you have accused me of.

Edited to: fix link

[Control-Z]

199. I've answered upthread already

self adulating, egotistical

[Levgreee]

125. Qoute from South Carolina 2007 Democratic primary debate, on MSNBC Apr 26, 2007

Q: What us your view on the decision on partial-birth abortion and your reaction to most of the public agreeing with the court's holding? A: I think that most Americans recognize that this is a profoundly difficult issue for the women and families who make these decisions. They don't make them casually. And I trust women to make these decisions in conjunction with their doctors and their families and their clergy. And I think that's where most Americans are. Now, when you describe a specific procedure that accounts for less than 1% of the abortions that take place, then naturally, people get concerned, and I think legitimately so. But the broader issue here is: Do women have the right to make these profoundly difficult decisions? And I trust them to do it. There is a broader issue: Can we move past some of the debates around which we disagree and can we start talking about the things we do agree on? Reducing teen pregnancy; making it less likely for women to find themselves in these circumstances.

There is a lot more here

http://glassbooth.org/explore/index/barack-obama/11/abortion-and-birth-control/16/

more on restricting partial-birth abortions

I strongly disagree with today's Supreme Court ruling, which dramatically departs from previous precedents safeguarding the health of pregnant women," Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., said in a statement just released by his campaign. "As Justice Ginsburg emphasized in her dissenting opinion, this ruling signals an alarming willingness on the part of the conservative majority to disregard its prior rulings respecting a woman's medical concerns and the very personal decisions between a doctor and patient. I am extremely concerned that this ruling will embolden state legislatures to enact further measures to restrict a woman's right to choose, and that the conservative Supreme Court justices will look for other opportunities to erode Roe v. Wade, which is established federal law and a matter of equal rights for women.


"A woman's ability to decide how many children to have and when, without interference from the government, is one of the most fundamental rights we possess. It is not just an issue of choice, but equality and opportunity for all women."

[eShirl]

137. sure sounds pro-woman to me

thanks

[saltpoint]

153. Agree. A strong case could be made that Sen. Obama is indeed

"pro-woman."

The OP's initial charge is baseless.

[VotesForWomen]

127. I suspect Hill has done more for african americans than O has ever done for women, or will do

in the future.

[Name removed]

138. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[JoFerret]

139. I don't he is particularly . I don't think her understands equality

in that way. Hence the gay rights equivocation. All very toubling in fact. I hope we don't all have to regret this lost opportunity to finally see the America dream. My (very ignorant) take - from reading his book - is that he rather turned his back on his mother and the family who raised him. Or at the very least had a troubling relationship with her.

Not an easy spot to be - identity-wise though.

[LostinVA]

143. That's' because he's not

[Iktomiwicasa]

145. Hillary doesn't appear to be pro native...

never says anything FOR natives or about native issues...


just sayin'

[Hoof Hearted]

172. Actually, she has, and she does.

11/6/2007
Hillary Clinton’s Native American Agenda: Provide Vital Services and Support Tribal Sovereignty
Click here to read Hillary's speech to the National Congress of American Indians Annual Convention.

Today, Hillary Clinton reaffirmed her support for tribal sovereignty and her respect for the government-to-government relationship. Recognizing that tribes are sovereign nations, as President, Hillary will seek to partner with tribes to improve health care, education, and housing for Native Americans living throughout this country.

There are approximately 4.5 million American Indians and Alaskan Natives in the United States. The American Indian population is a young and growing one. The median age of the American Indian population is approximately 36 years old. Unfortunately, our government has not always honored its responsibilities to Native Americans. And while there are many success stories in Indian Country, many problems persist. For instance, while the Indian Health Service works to bring health care and treatment to all Native Americans, 30% still go without proper coverage. Hillary is committed to expanding opportunity and promoting fairness for Native Americans, as she is for all Americans. (more)

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=4076

[AnarchoFreeThinker]

155. He cosponsored the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act....

...which passed the Senate on October 4, 2005.

...co-sponsored the Working Family Child Assistance Act along with Senators Snowe and Lincoln, to adjust the income requirement for the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit...


...plus introducing and cosponsoring a bunch of legislation that helps both women and men.

[octobit]

156. Pro-Woman?

DancingAlone: I've read through your posts and you state that you feel that Obama is not anti-woman, but also that he is not pro-woman. I am unclear on what the difference is between "not anti-woman" and "pro-woman." The most I have heard from you is that he does not speak up enough about women's issues in his speeches. Yet at the same time there are posts that show that at least in terms of stated beliefs (though not necessarily ones he brings up in speeches all the time) that he does in fact support women's issues.

Could you please clarify for me what exactly you mean? I'm not intending this as an insult, I'm legitimately interested in the issue and your views on it. However, I find myself unable to agree, disagree, or discuss this with you in any meaningful way without some clarifications on what you mean. Please give examples of what he does, does not do, or should do in order to be pro-woman.

Thanks,
I look forward to your reply.

[crawfish]

157. Sure he has.

Just yesterday, he spoke about how nice Chelsea looked, and complimented Hillary on her delicious cookies.

Insensitive, indeed.

[snooper2]

159. Because he's PRO ALL AMERICANS...

Nice try Munch....

[OzarkDem]

161. Yeah, we've heard that one before

for at least the last 500 years or so. :sarcasm:

[LadyVT]

211. Republicans, too? Hillary supporters, too?

[Beausoir]

213. Except those pesky gay ones. He needs to cure them through prayer.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

171. I'm sure he hates his wife and daughters.

:eyes:

[MadBadger]

175. Didnt you hear? They sleep chained up on the deck outside.

[VotesForWomen]

193. same with polygamous fundamentalists. after all, since they have wives and daughters, they're pro-wo

pro-woman. sheesh.

[OzarkDem]

198. Rare for a Dem and It says a lot about him

Also odd that, instead of courting women voters, he's reaching out to right wing Republicans.

[EffieBlack]

207. Substitute "black" for "woman" - would you still feel the same way?

I have a feeling that people would not take kindly to complaints that he wasn't "pro-black" or that he "never says anything FOR blacks or black issues."

[elixir]

208. I agree, doesn't seem to be on his "to do" list for hope and change.

[LadyVT]

212. Nope. Look at HIllary's legislative work for women in the past year...

Critical Reasons Why Women Need to Vote for Hillary Clinton

Edited on Sun Feb-17-08 03:51 AM by pathansen
Even if you don't agree with me, please read the following:

“Together with Attorney General Janet Reno, Clinton helped create the Office on Violence Against Women at the Department of Justice”
SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton

Hillary Clinton has also been a prominant international leader speaking out against Violence Against Women world wide:
“Hillary Clinton traveled to 79 countries during this time, breaking the mark for most-travelled First Lady held by Pat Nixon. In a September 1995 speech before the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, Clinton argued very forcefully against practices that abused women around the world and in China itself, declaring "that it is no longer acceptable to discuss women's rights as separate from human rights" and resisting Chinese pressure to soften her remarks. She was one of the most prominent international figures at the time to speak out against the treatment of Afghan women by the Islamist fundamentalist Taliban that had seized control of Afghanistan.<149><150> She helped create Vital Voices, an international initiative sponsored by the United States to promote the participation of women in the political processes of their countries.”
SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton

She has also spoken out strongly against mutilation of Muslim girls. I understand around 95% of young Muslim girls in Africa are mutilated, the equivalent of male castration, and without pain killers.
As phansen wrote:

BILLS HILLARY HAS SPONSORED JUST IN THE LAST YEAR TO HELP WOMEN:
SOURCE: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?id=300022&ta...

S. 1240: Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2007
S. 2415: Protection Against Transmission of HIV for Women and Youth Act of 2007
S. 1816: National Women's Rights History Project Act
S. 1800: Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act
S. 1075: Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2007
S. 766: Paycheck Fairness Act

Look at the same very record in the last year for Obama, There are no bills to help women.
SEE: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?tab=bills&id...

If you study more about Hillary Clinton’s background, you will also notice that throughout the last 35 years she has been a strong advocate for protecting not just women but children, the sick, and even animal protection groups give her excellent ratings. Children, animals and often sick people are not able to vote. These facts indicate to me a lot about her true character: a highly compassionate person who cares about the vulnerable being abused.