Posted on 11/17/2001 5:42:26 PM PST by Libloather
NOW News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: REBECCA FARMER, 202-628-8669 ext. 116
Activists Use Internet, E-mail to Advocate for Afghan Women's Rights
NOW Responds to Laura Bush Radio Address
November 17, 2001
"The U.S. and allies abroad would do well to follow the lead of feminist groups, echoed in this morning's statement by First Lady Laura Bush, and ensure that Afghan women's rights are restored in the post-Taliban era, " said National Organization for Women (NOW) President Kim Gandy. "In fact, thousands of cyber-activists have been bombarding the Administration with demands that women be included in rebuilding an Afghan democracy."
"World leaders must bring women to the table in reconstructing the Afghan government and must make women's rights a priority," Gandy said. "NOW's e-mail action alerts and online letters make it easy for activists to get this message to U.S. government leaders."
Last month NOW launched an internet and e-mail campaign urging U.S. lawmakers and government officials to insist that women's human and democratic rights be protected against the warlords vying for post-Taliban control of Afghanistan. The e-messages also demand that Afghan women leaders be sought out and included in reconstructing the country's government. By logging on to NOW's website, www.now.org, activists can send messages to President Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Sen. Joseph Biden and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.
"Prior to the Taliban's 1996 takeover, Afghan women were scientists, professors, members of parliament and cabinet members and university professors. They led corporations, non-profit organizations and local communities," Gandy said. "Clearly, there are many Afghan women well-equipped to participate in leading Afghanistan back to full democracy. And in under sixty seconds, anyone can send a message to decision-makers demanding that these women leaders be at the table to help rebuild and lead their country."
"U.S. officials must listen to the diverse cross-section of cyber-activists from across the country and beyond," Gandy said. "What they're saying is that warlords cannot be allowed to divide the spoils and shatter this opportunity for an Afghan government that includes women as full and equal human beings. Women must be an equal partners in post-Taliban Afghanistan."
Click here to send a message to President Bush and others.
What's objectionable is NOW implying Laura Bush was merely following their lead on the issue. As NOW is irrelevant, essentially, I doubt that she was waiting for their guidance.
I guess I saw "NOW" and "Laura" and assumed they meant Dr. Laura, I couldn't find her name anywhere in the article hehe...
But I have to say, President Putin's comments about the women in Afgan, and the need to educate and liberate them was a TEN, because he ended it by saying " as long as the women are not turned into men". Oh roll me over with a feather! I LOVED IT! It was a strike that must have seared the hearts of the NOW lesbians who so misrepresent women like myself.
Oh, really?
This is so patently offensive by the NOW Lesbo-Hags that I just couldn't read any further.
As if Laura Bush has suddenly bought into the Feminist Hag clap-trap. Please.
Please understand that NOW and their remarks do not reflect the views of "most" women. Especially those of us who voted for President Bush.
It seems to me that what you are expousing, is exactly what the Taliban had put into place in 1996.
Besides women shutting-up and not voting, would you also like us to wear a burqua to cover our faces and bodies?
Now they want to look like it was their idea that the rights of Afghan women should be protected, when they probably had no clue about it in the first place.
e-messages also demand that Afghan women leaders be sought out and included in reconstructing the country's government.Wow are these people foolish. Ideals are nice, but reality checks it a bit from time to time. We would have to leave about 100,000 troops, tanks, etc. over there to force the Afghans to obey Afghan women leaders," assuming that is we could find some. If NOW wants to enforce that, I suggest that they recruit their own troops from their membership rolls. Ill be happy to chip in for Ms. Ireland and Ms. Gandys flights over. Wont need one back.
patent +AMDG
Biggest mistake I know is that your mother gave birth to YOU!
NOW? Are they still around? NOW should change it's name to WAS!
Women Against Sex?
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