The Newest Feminist Icon - - -- A Killer Mom

WSJ ^ | 9/11/2001 | Sally Satel. Dr. Satel

[TomServo]

By Sally Satel. Dr. Satel, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, is the author of "PC, M.D. -- How Political Correctness Is Corrupting Medicine" (Basic Books, 2001).

Andrea Yates, the Houston mother who drowned her five children last June, is the newest feminist icon. The National Organization for Women is rallying around her. Diana Lynn-Barnes of the Center for Postpartum Health sounded the battle cry: "Women are mad as hell and they are not going to take it anymore. There's a vast amount of compassion for Andrea Yates because... they can see how one could go down this road. She's a victim of a culture that says women come last." Newsweek columnist Anna Quindlen invoked the "insidious cult of motherhood" to explain Yates' actions.

[mrustow]

England, Canada and Australia, for example, have special infanticide statutes that rule out murder charges against new mothers and typically impose sentences of probation and counseling.

For NOW & Co., such killings are simply "late-term abortions."

[mrustow]

Some nations' laws cover a woman who killed any of her children,

In other words, women get a get-out-of-jail-free card!

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

This "I'm-too-crazy-to-be-responsible-because-I-am-a mother" defense raises serious questions about whether women with children can be trusted to be responsible for their actions. I guess the logical response should be to treat them as the equivalent of a minor with no legal rights such as making contracts or voting.

This is simply another example of how some women want everything both ways.

On the one hand, "I AM WOMAN. HEAR ME ROAR. I WANT TO BE TREATED EQUAL TO MEN."

On the other, "MY HORMONES MAKE ME CRAZY WHEN I HAVE KIDS. I"M NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING I DO."

[KS Flyover]

In response, the Houston chapter of NOW has formed the Andrea Pia Yates Support Coalition. Part of its mission is to help collect money for a legal defense fund setup by her lawyers. Tonight, on the eve of a hearing that will determine her mental fitness to stand trial, the Houston chapter of NOW will sponsor a candlelight vigil.

This article is written by Deborah Bell, the president of the Texas Chapter of the National Organization for Women and founding member of the Andrea Pia Yates Support Coalition. She organized the candlelight vigil for tonight.

From her Yahoo message bord: FEMINIST ONLINE NETWORK (aka FEMNET)

Message 905 of 906
From: Deborah Bell (thedivadeb@yahoo.com)
Date: Mon Sep 10, 2001 5:42 am
Subject: - 091001

THE ANDREA PIA YATES SUPORT COALITION

Tues, Sept. 11 - Join us for our candlelight vigil at 8pm in front of the Harris County Jail at 1301 Franklin (at Austin). Wear comfortable clothing, bring water and insect repellent. Be prepared for protesters against us. We need peacekeepers to act as monitors. Major media will be there. SAN JACINTO NORTH TO FRANKLIN DO NOT USE AUSTIN DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. BARRICADES.

[wasp69]

This is simply another example of how some women want everything both ways.

Since I have picked up a second job at Home Depot, I would like to add two more if I may.


On one hand, "EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK."

On the other, "I CAN'T LIFT THAT. AFTER ALL, I AM A WOMAN."

[WIGGY]

Has anyone checked out case studies on Post-Pardum Psychosis? This woman showed every sign of being unstable and unfit to care for children prior to birth. She could not have been sound but could (I think) be elligable for receiving a just punishment. By no means should she be considered a cause. It sounds to me like NOW is really stretching for sensationalism. Conservative resurgency has them on the offensive.

It seems we are doing are jobs well.

[Skooz]

For NOW & Co., such killings are simply "late-term abortions."

At least they are consistent. Even if it is consistently pro-death.

[jjbrouwer]

Andrea Yates, the Houston mother who drowned her five children last June, is the newest feminist icon.

Her family would be so proud...if she hadn't murdered them all.

[TomServo]

bttt...

[sendtoscott]

Hey, if you can't be trusted with a child, you can't be trusted with a choice (to turn a feminist bumper sticker around).

Within a week of the drownings, the Houston Chronicle reported, four local women fearing they would be the next Ms. Yates called child protective services asking that their babies be taken away.

Lovely. BTT.