Women in America

I have been reading some recent Newsweek articles, and I felt I needed to speak to the status of women in (The United States of) America. The first article was actually a series of essays by women about gender, class, and Hillary Clinton. (http://www.newsweek.com/id/120064 and the what women want sidebar links) Many of these essays, written by older women, spoke of feeling solidarity with Hillary, of understanding the obstacles she had to overcome as a woman and the invisibility of many women her age. Many mentioned how unfair it was that it was socially acceptable to make fun of her pantsuits (do women have to wear skirts), her “cankles,” the ironing shirt jokes, and other sexist comments. This behavior was also tolerated at work. Anna Quindlen then wrote a great Last Word called “Still Stuck in Second” (http://www.newsweek.com/id/120049) that agreed with many of those essays. Racist comments are a big no-no, but sexist comments are often still tolerated. Somehow sexism is still acceptable while racism is not (although both are much more rampant than they should be in the 21^st century. Or any century really. And I am not advocating for anyone to base their vote on gender or race.). I totally agree with these essays.

What bothered me was the essays was a couple by some young women who stated that they didn’t have an affinity for Hillary, perhaps because they hadn’t experienced the same struggles as females that older women had. They cited high GPAs, high college attendance and graduation, good jobs. That’s great for them, and I am to some extent glad that women fresh out of college see this country as an equal place for men and women.

I have been out of college for nearly 5 years now, so I am probably a fairly similar age as these women writing the essays. But I have had a far different experience and a far different outlook on life. Maybe this is part of the reason I voted for Hillary. Statistically speaking, I am under 30, highly educated, and a fairly high earner, so I should be a de facto Obama supporter. But I am jaded, and I don’t react to the message of hope. And I suspect I am not alone. Here’s why:

1) I spent my first two years of college in engineering classes, often being one of few women in my classes. Female professors in this area were virtually nonexistent

2) After I transferred to the recreation department, much more full of women, a professor read a job announcement for a student to help with visitor surveys in the regional parks. The position was open to men only. No joke. This was in 2002. I promptly raised my hand to ask how this was okay, and the professor quickly said, “I’m just the messenger. Don’t get mad at me.” Okay so maybe he didn’t write the announcement, but couldn’t he have questioned it?

3) Shortly after class I stormed into the office of the professor who made this announcement. (The same one, by the way, who taught the class on management including sections on gender discrimination. Apparently he didn’t learn anything.) I don’t remember exactly what happened, but I let him know that it was completely unfair. He claimed to be doing it for my safety. I told him I didn’t need his protection. I really don’t remember how it went, but I did eventually get the job.

4) Out of three on-site surveyors on the job at the time, I had the highest survey response rate – about 98%. The two men had rates down around 90%. One day on the way back from class with the professor and a fellow surveyor, they started joking that I must have the highest response rate because I showed cleavage. Seriously. They said this in front of me. In 2003.

5) I was accepted into a graduate hydrology program at a highly regarded school for the subject. My entering class consisted of 16 women and 4 men. This sounds good at first glance. Before my class, however, the program was highly weighted toward men. So instead of assuming that we were accepted for our personal merits, many of the women started joking, half seriously, that the department was trying to fill a quota. We still don’t know what the truth is, but it is sad either way – sad if they accepted us to fill a quota, and sad that if we were accepted on our merits we didn’t even believe that highly in ourselves as women

6) My first job out of graduate school was at a National Lab. I was routinely in meetings with all men and no other women. Many of the state employees are dealt with acted like a good old boys’ club, and the university economist basically disregarded anything I had to say until my boss backed me up. He routinely left me out as an author on posters and papers. The environment was not welcoming.

7) I just started a new job with the state, and the sexual harassment video they showed included footage of a man grabbing his crotch. I found this offensive. The video was almost propagating the very thing it was designed to prevent. It reminded me of an office episode…

Now don’t get me wrong; I have worked with many men who treated me as an equal, and I have had bosses who obviously judged me on my merits, not my gender. And I will admit that I am suspicious of men. Maybe I don’t give them the benefit of the doubt. But in a work situation, I often feel as though I am being judged.

I don’t think I am alone here. Back me up girls.

Miscellany

Have you folks been wondering where I've been? Me too. Part of my absence stems from the fact that my less-than-one-year-old-laptop is a piece of crap. Expensive crap. Matt's 5 year old computer can run the internet faster than this thing. So at certain points in the last two weeks I've sat down to write a blog and never had the time. I'm not sure whether to blame Vista or Dell or Qwest, but it sucks. Big waste of money.

So anyway, how's it going? Still no winner in the Democratic race. I'm kind of ambivalent about it, because even though I'm on Hillary's side, I do think she'll have a hard time in the general election. People hate her. It is silly. Yes she voted for the war, but she's done a lot of other good things. And who didn't vote for the war (who was in national office at the time and isn't Dennis Kucinich). Anyway. I didn't really mean to blog about politics today.

Did everybody hear that Fidel Castro stepped down? Of course Raul might be more of the same and the US doesn't seem to interested in smoothing over relations.

Oh what else. I found a neat blog about this guy who rides the bus in Albuquerque everyday and tells stories about it. I haven't gotten through all his back blogs, but I still think my story about holding that lady's baby in LA is up there at the top.

Also Matt and my New Texico blog is still forthcoming. It will be good, so don't get impatient.

Also I finally got paid for an article I wrote in November. The guy wrote me a check for $93.13. Couldn't he have just rounded it up? I mean seriously. Incidently, I have now been paid twice for taking pictures. Does this make me a professional photographer? Haha.

There was also a scare last week that our landlady had put our house on the market without telling us. We're pretty sure it's not true, but there were surveyors here on Friday. Why does one survey their property at random times? In relation to this incident, Matt and I started thinking about buying a house. Prices are rock bottom right now! So much cheaper than when we were looking last May. So we'll see how it goes. (It would help if either of us had a stable future.)

That's all I can think of right now. Oh except for my other secret future endeavor which apparently has a 50% chance of happening. Which is good because there was a big fiasco at work today that involved people downstairs not liking my sense of humor. Or something. Not sure. And my supervisor telling me that she thought I was fantastic and that the churchy people downstairs can be a little touchy. Weird. And then I left the office for 3 hours. For a doctor's appointment. Bastards. I'll show them! Maybe.

I should just stop writing now.

Way to Go New Mexico

New Mexico is trying to steal the spotlight from... well, from anyone. My state is the last state from Super Tuesday to have a projected winner. Still no one has been named.

I myself worry about disenfranchisement. At the only voting site in our lone suburb, Rio Rancho, people waited 3-4 hours to vote, and many left. At other sites the wait was 2 hours +, and they were running out of ballots all over the state. Some people were told to write the name of the candidate of their choice on scrap paper. who thinks that vote will be counted.

Ah, New Mexico.

***

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If you live in one of 24 states that is voting today (and I think most of you do), then vote! Even vote noncommitted if you have to. But just vote!

Hanging Out with Hillary

Last night worked much better. The line moved faster, I'm pretty sure everyone got into the gym, metal detectors were actually used and tickets collected. I guess good things do come from experience ;).

We were super close to Hillary - about 6 rows of people back, so good view. Several people gave speeches before she showed up, as she was running late due to her engagements in LA and Tucson earlier that afternoon. I was impressed with Henry Cisneros, former Mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing under President Clinton. Awesome guy. Also, Dolores Huerta, founder of the United Farm Workers. And finally they brought Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, Chelsea Clinton, and Hillary all up on-stage together. It was awesome to see women! (Now I realize it is also awesome for a minority to be a viable presidential candidate, but when I look at and listen to Obama, all I see is another slick white male who is maybe has a darker skin tone. I'm sure people could say the same about Hillary not being very womanly, but I disagree. And I am not proposing in any way that Obama is "not black enough." Just that he's more of the same. Except with a vision of change. But no experience. I digress.)

Hillary started out her speech talking about the environment, renewable energy, and green collar jobs. So of course I loved her from the start. Every subject she brought up she talked about specific things she would do to fix the situation. This was a far cry from Obama's talk about getting Bush out of the White House and bringing on change. Now, Matt will be the first to remind me that we didn't stay for Obama's whole speech, as it was too damn cold, but I think Hillary jumped right in. She concluded by talking about tonight's forum and telling us that she wanted us to know what she stood for and what she would do for us. Awesome. She really seems to have more concrete ideas than Obama. Also Obama apparently is in favor of the fence along the border. Honestly, a statement like that can only come from someone who knows nothing about the West or has no heart. I have to believe that for Obama it is the first, as I do think he is a good man. But he had never been to Santa Fe (not sure about Albuquerque) before Friday. Candidates who care about the West are very important to me. I am not an East Coaster, and I'm pretty sure I never will be.

That said, I am going to read my two Newsweek issues about each of the candidates in preparation for voting Tuesday. But I definitely am leaning strongly.

Hanging Out in Barack Obama's Motorcade

Oops.

I am not really a Barack fan. In fact, until yesterday, I'm pretty sure I didn't know there was a C in his name. Oops.

Now, however, I have had a brush with potential future glory.

We drove up to Santa Fe after work yesterday to attend a Barack Obama rally. He had been in Albuquerque earlier in the day, but, alas, I was working, so we had to wait until the evening one in SF. Some miles outside of SF, we ran into a couple buses on the freeway, with a few cars in between. Started to speculate that Barack was in one of the buses. Freeway traffic was pretty slow, so as we approached the necessary exit, Matt was forced to merge in between the buses. Somehow the other cars between the buses disappeared. As the buses started exiting, we realized that the 4 cars in front and the 2 cars behind were all unmarked cop cars. We were, in fact, in the middle of the motorcade.

The bus behind us started flashing its lights at Matt, but we were on a 2 way road with no shoulder. Where were we supposed to go? Finally a passing lane of sorts appeared, so Matt pulled off and the bus passed. When he put on his signal to merge back in, the copy behind his bus turned on his sirens and lights and passed us. Somehow Matt got in before the last cop car, though. Finally, at the next stop sign, the cop car behind us turned his lights and sirens on and swung out in front of us through the stop with the rest of the motorcade, with Matt following. Forgetting that it was a 4 way stop and the people waiting the other direction should have gone.

We were so close to the venue. If we had just stayed in the motorcade a few more blocks, we could have had prime parking! Alas, as it was, we didn't get there early enough to make it inside. Instead we stood outside and froze for almost 2 hours. We did get close enough to Obama to nearly shake his hand. He looks like he's maybe 30. I think he's lying about his age.

Tonight, Hillary.

Goodbye for Awhile

Well, 3 down, many more to go. The Iowa caucuses are over with Huckabee and Obama the winners. The Wyoming GOP caucus is over (who knew) with Romney the winner. The New Hampshire primaries are over with McCain and Clinton the winners. (Little known fact - Clinton and Obama won the same amount of delegates in New Hampshire, so does it really matter who won?). Sadly, I will be out of contact for the next 2 weeks and won't know what's going on. Someone keep track for me. I still have to figure out who to vote for Tsunami Tuesday.

This will likely be my last post before my sister and I head off to Ecuador for nearly 2 weeks without electricty. Awesome. I will be gone the 12th to the 26th. Don't miss me too much!

It's That Time of the Year!

The Iowa caucuses started 14 minutes ago. At last polling, Obama and Huckabee were in the lead of their respective parties, with Edwards and Hillary coming in 2nd and 3rd for the Democrats. I can hardly wait to hear the outcome! Just think, 4 years ago Dean died (not literally of course) in Iowa. What will happen this year? Aren't you on the edge of your seat?

Also I heard a rumor on the radio that Richardson is telling his supporters to caucus for Obama. If that is true, I'm so glad I didn't spend 3 months in Iowa campaigning for him. What a waste. I think he should be the VP.

In other news, I hate cars. The Exploder has broken down. I had to get it jumped to get home last night, and today Matt couldn't jump it. And Matt no longer has AAA. So this could result in a hefty towing bill. Good times. He is hoping to fix it tomorrow by taking the battery and the starter to Auto Zone. Let's hope that works! Not sure how we will get to the snow on Saturday without the 4x4 :(

In protest against cars, I took the bus today.

For dinner: vegetable fondue. Yum.

I thought it was time to return to the news...

Lately I've been blogging about myself. I'm sure everyone's pretty much sick and tired of hearing about me and my not-so-exciting escapades, so I'd like to make sure I insert this important piece of information into my blog.

Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was assasinated yesterday at a rally in the country. Bhutto was widely hailed as the voice of democracy for Pakistan, and she returned to the country in October after about 8 years of self-imposed exile. An assasination attempt on the day of her return failed, and she was placed under house arrest for her own safety for awhile. Yesterday the assasination attempt was successful.

Bhutto was the first female leader of a Muslim country, and the first female leader to have a baby while in office. Her father was hanged many years ago for his politics, and she saw her political career as her destiny. Both her stints as Prime Minister were cut short by allegations of corruption.

Bhutto was at a rally in preparation for the upcoming Pakistani elections in January. She was the best shot for a power sharing arrangement with Musharraf and for democracy in the country. So here's the question - what happens now?

Pakistan has had nuclear capabilities for many years now, developed in response to India's own nuclear development. The United States has long allowed this to happen, with Pakistan and Musharraf most recently an ally in the "War on Terrah." Now with the best chance for democracy in Pakistan lying six feet underground, what will happen? Will Musharraf continue to wield complete control? Will he unleash the nuclear weapons? A volatile situation has been made much worse with possible consequences for the entire world. And in most media, this was not even the top news story.

And here's another question. How can the United States not have had a female leader yet, when there have been at least 55 in the world in modern years in countries from Argentina to Yugoslavia? Seriously. The US should stop taking itself so seriously and begin to consider that maybe we aren't as advanced as other nations.

And while we're on the subject of politics, let's all start getting informed about the presidential election. The primaries are mostly all coming up in January and February. Now I would prefer you vote for a certain side, but whatever side you are on, just go out there and vote.

My Last Day of Weekday Freedom

Starting Monday I will be gainfully employed. No more Wacky Wednesday's at the Putt Putt, no more sleeping till 7 or 8 or 9. No more staying up until midnight. No more taking off for Phoenix at the last minute. No more inventing necklace holders. (Isn't it cute? This is a piece of a wire shelf system we are not using. I was never able to find a necklace holder that was tall enough.)


But we will have money, so that's good. No more watching my bank accounts deplete.

In the 2.5 days left before I start work, I have to write a book review, go out to a local farm and take pictures and write a feature, work a catering shift, and do laundry. Hmm, maybe I should be working on one of those things instead of blogging.

While working, I plan to keep catering and writing for the paper as well as volunteer for Albuquerque Open Space and participate in the New Mexico Riparian Council. I think I will be busy. Oh, I'm also planning to join the gym with a corporate membership. So I can get in shape for Ecuador.

In other news, Brownback dropped out of the Presidential race and Hastert will be resigning before his term is up. What is it about Larry Craig that he doesn't quit too. He is a national laughingstock. I almost feel sorry for the Republicans. Almost.

Al Gore and the IPCC

The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded jointly to Al Gore and the IPCC for their efforts related to creating awareness of man-made climate change and potential solutions. Great news! Will the former VP use this to launch a presidential campaign? I have no idea. I'm not sure he would win, but maybe he would enhance the discussion.

On another note, Sarah blogged about this website where you can lend money to start-up businesses in third world countries. She just got paid back from her first loan and is going to reinvest. It sounds pretty cool.

Hotel Rwanda

I bought this movie at Target for $5. We watched it on Netflix and I thought it was fantastic, but I didn't think it was the sort of movie I would ever want to watch again. But I bought it. And I watched it yesterday. And it was like watching it for the first time. It made me cry. And there is this one line where the photographer says something like, "I think that people will see this, say, oh my gosh, that is horrible, and go back to eating dinner." He was talking about the genocide footage and dispelling the hotel manager's hope that things would change when people saw it on the news.

And that is exactly what I do. I watch the news or read the news or hear about it and think about how awful it is, but I don't do anything. I gave some money to SaveDarfur.org. What does that do? What should I be doing? I don't want to be one of those people. What is the best course of action?

$1000 per plate

That's right folks. Welcome to money. Last night I served a certain non-retiring US Senator from New Mexico, a freshman senator from Montana, the Mayor of the largest town in New Mexico, three super nice Secret Service personnel, and about 100 rich Democrats at an event that raised over $200,000, the most ever in New Mexico. Apparently catering is how you can hang with the rich crowd even when you're not rich. It's so interesting to see who is nice and who ignores you like you are invisible and aren't carrying a tray of tasty food. The senators were so-so. Could be better, could be worse. It was one of the easiest events I have worked. At least they weren't Republicans! Rumor has it Republican parties are not so nice. They are afraid people will see them drink so they drink half a glass of wine and leave glasses all over the place. And they aren't friendly. This is what I hear. I am not being partisan...

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Carnival of the Liberals

Carnival of the Liberals is a biweekly blog carnival that is hosted on various websites and is a compilation of the latest and greatest liberal blogs. This week it is hosted by Faith on That's So Queer, which I link to on my sidebar, and I read the entries for the first time. My favorites were posted on The Republic of T and deal with how harassment, alienation, and definitions of 'masculinity' are involved in most of the cases of school shootings. This blog is well-researched, well-written, and most of all, a call for empathy and a fresh look at American culture. I'll let him explain the rest.

In a related note, Matt and I watched Good Night, and Good Luck last night, and I was impressed not only by the story of Edward R. Murrow taking on Senator McCarthy, but also the many quotes and scenarios that reflect what is going on today. One of the biggest issues is allowing the accused to face their accusers, which is definitely not happening right now at GitMo. Another issue is the responsibility of journalism to inform and even editorialize, not just entertain. Murrow acknowledged that sometimes there are not two sides of a story. Sometimes something is morally or ethically wrong, and people whose voices are heard should do their best to stand up to the injustice and inform their listeners. The movie is a little slow, but at only 90 minutes, it is well worth it. Netflix it today. And check out Matt's blog on the subject. Also see Amnesty International's Close Guantanamo campaign and join the flotilla!

I Told You So

I don't really like to say that.

Okay, well maybe I do.

Here's the thing - Back in March 2003, I was going to protests like this one, below, to try to do something to convince good ol' W not to go to war. Those of us at those protests knew that the war was a bad idea. Other people thought we were idiots. The government, in fact, thought we were so much of a threat that they blocked all exits to the square with riot police. I am not kidding. This is an intimidating tactic. Because usually peace activists are so violent and all.

Even my friend who was previously a Republican came to these protests with me, because she saw the light. I did not post her picture to avoid anymore fodder for the FBI files.



Then what happened in 2004? To paraphrase Matt's shirt, OMG WTF. The American people voted to keep W in control, and accordingly, to keep us and our soldiers in the quagmire.

Fast forward to 2007. MoveOn.org held a Virtual TownHall to allow the candidates to discuss the Iraq War. Only the Democrats showed up. You can read or hear more about it here.

Okay here is my point. How the hell did it take these people 4+ years to figure out that W is a bad President and the Iraq War is hopeless. I could have told you that in 2003! Or 2001 when really, we all knew the war with Iraq was inevitable. I TOLD YOU SO! All you people who currently give Bush a 30% approval rating when you voted for him 2.5 years ago. Well those people probably don't read my blog, but still!

Don't get me wrong; I am super happy that now most of the country recognizes that we need to get out of Iraq, even though W doesn't, but think of how much better off everyone would have been if we hadn't started the damn war in the first place. And for goodness sake, please support a true, bona fide, peace-loving candidate this time around. We owe it to the world.

Condi