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.

[Libloather]

Cyber-activists? When do sucker moms have time to do THAT?

[meridia]

I could only read the first paragraph. NOW should be embarressed to say such stupidity; besides, it was rude, too.

[Diogenesis]

Things conveniently ignored by the kneepad-clad Xlinton-loving NOW.

[downwithsocialism]

Comments?

[jf55510]

NOW is such a joke.

[xm177e2]

How is NOW responding to Dr. Laura?

[SAMWolf]

NOW? Are they still around? NOW should change it's name to WAS!

[ken21]

"In fact, thousands of cyber-activists have been bombarding the Administration with demands that women be included in rebuilding an Afghan democracy."

i don't have any problems with that--send all of them and hillary over to afghanistan.

[Rightwing Canuck]

Uhh...what?

[TLBSHOW]

I think NOW and women in general should just shut up. It is proven they will be the downfall of America, just let Hillary be President and you will see the likes of Now all over the White House. Biggest mistake we made in this country was to let women vote.

[SarahW]

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

[xm177e2]

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

This is the title of the thread.

[CubicleGuy]

Heaven forfend that NOW should fail to try to jump out in the front of the parade on this, in order to claim that they were leading all along.

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

NOW is usually way out in left field. However, I have no real problem with what they are saying here. I expected some offense to the first lady, and I don't see one. I agree that women suffered greatly under the taliban There is nothing her that I find patently offensive. Having said all of that, I know from their track record, that typically NOW subordinates their nominal cause i.e. women, to their true cause which is leftist politics and communism. But I don't see it in this case. Maybe I'm missing something.

[Benrand]

WHere was the smartest woman in the world for eight years again? Busy baking fricking cookies?

[lexington minuteman 1775]

Some group ought to pay for full page ads of the woman being executed at the soccer game and say....NOW NOW WAS AGAINST THIS...where were they earlier? egads these women have balls to suddenly come out and support this NOW...holy cow.

[Rightwing Canuck]

Yeah, but you said:

How is NOW responding to Dr. Laura?

The article says NOW is responding to Laura Bush, not Dr. Laura.

[SarahW]

Does that TLB stand for Taliban?

CHeez, what's wrong with wanting civil rights for women in Afghanistan?

[AZ Repub]

They think they can make Laura Bush out to be a feminist? Nice try.

[SarahW]

Better late than never.