NOW Responds to Laura Bush Radio Address (Hold your nose...)

NAGs ^ | 11/17/01 | Rebecca Farmer

[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.

[Miss Marple]

For two months the ONLY person from the left I have heard talk about this issue is Mavis Leno, Jay Leno's wife, who has made this her cause. NOW has said NOTHING. Zip, zero, nada.

In the first days of the war, President Bush spoke with great contempt about how the terrorists slit the throats of the women flight attendants. He spoke about the Taliban's oppression of women multiple times, including in the speech before Congress on September 20.

Laura Bush has been concerned about this, as have many in the administration. NOW is portraying the administration's position as a response to their pressure, which is dishonest and offensive.

[onyx]

Well,TLBSOW, I will happily surrender my right to vote if it applies to ALL women, since most vote democrat, and with one stipulation: ONLY male property owners with military service may vote.

Do you qualify to vote under my rules?

[SarahW]

They said she echoed their statements.

[Libloather]

"The U.S. and allies abroad would do well to follow the lead of feminist groups..."

Do you agree?

[deadhead]

LOL A co-worker of mine expressed the same sentiments just two days ago. Is your name Carl?

[onyx]

typo, please forgive, did not mean 'sow'

[Republic]

Try the first paragraph. They don't put words in her mouth, they just say they think she's right (she echoes their concerns about the brutal, inhuman treatment of Afghani women), and go on to say what their idea of fair treatment of women there would be.

You're right. DUH! But ya know, upon re-reading it, it doesn't really give her credit, it says she echoed their sentiments. Heck, those are EVERYONE'S sentiments. And, of course, EVERYONE wants women at the table when the new government takes hold. But I guess this is one memo from the lesbian crowd that I do agree with-and I also know I need to read more carefully next time! :^(

[SarahW]

I'm for all three.

[goldstategop]

More to the point on an irrelevant NOW response and an irrelevant thread: Do the NOW sistuhs support the war? That's the only response worth hearing from them about. Otherwise fudgitaboutit.

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

I believe it was in Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" where the only persons considered citizens (and thus allowed to vote) were those who had served in the military. It's not a bad idea.

[stlrocket]

Here's what these Morons really believe:

NOW - WHAT A LEGACY!

They make the term "working women" an Oxymoron!

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

"I think you mis-read it. There is nothing objectionable about this particular NOW statement. They are saying Laura's address was right on!"

That's the way I read it also.
Is there anyone here except TLBSHOW that doesn't think most Muslim women in Afghanistan deserve a fair shake this time around?

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

"Biggest mistake we made in this country was to let women vote."

Got them asbestos knickers handy?

[TLBSHOW]

You know I am not talking about conservative women I hope?

There's a reason why women got the vote so late in our history and that was only after socialist agitation. Most women are pitifully dumb and proud to be so. That makes them easily manipulated and prey to the seductive promises of socialism. Before Women’s Lib they were prey to the seductions of men; after Women’s Lib they’re prey to the state. Either way they’re dumber than dirt.

[dread78645]

... NOW should change it's name to WAS!
Women Against Sex?

Women Advocating Socialism.
 (it's a two-fer)

[Quilla]

Man, did you ever put your foot in it tonight! I doubt very seriously you'd repeat your sentiments to Ann Coulter.

Ladies, check his bookmarks.

[Nick Danger]

Live from the White House Spy-Cam