Women in Their Places
The Denver Post
May 13, 2007

This Mothers' Day, women are more prominent than ever. They are mothers and activists, leaders of countries, political parties, businesses, non-profit organizations--and families. They march for their children and human rights. They work for better health care, an end to hunger, war, and violence against women, and a voice in the direction of their countries.

In France, Segolene Royal just lost her race for President. Senator Hillary Clinton is running a strong campaign for President of the United States. Women have been leaders in Congresses, Parliaments and State Legislatures for decades. So, it's surprising to see that misogynists are still out there, spewing contempt for women.

Take Steve's email regarding my column about Don Imus' nasty musings on the Rutgers women's basketball team. "I think what's really happening here," he wrote, "is that your gender keeps you from fully understanding the true nature and pragmatism of the issue at hand. Maybe you really should get back to the kitchen where you'll feel more comfortable with your surroundings."

When his email blocked my response, his wrath grew. "So that's why I tell women like you: If you can't stand the heat of legitimate scrutiny, then you would probably find more peace and comfort back in the kitchen. . . . Do you see the double standards? No, of course not, Gail, because you're just a woman. So, think about the fun you'd be having in the kitchen today baking cookies." Apparently, he can't find anything more original to say about women than that they belong in the kitchen.

I don't know any men who share Steve's sneering attitude about women. But, his views are something women running for office must take into account. While it may not be politically correct to heap scorn on women, there are undoubtedly other voters who share Steve's opinion.

Perhaps they played a role in Royal's defeat in France, though probably a minor one. Naturally, following Royal's loss last Sunday, there's speculation about whether Hillary Clinton, as a woman candidate, will share her fate. As The Wall Street Journal pointed out, "there is a sense that while voters overwhelmingly tell pollsters they aren't opposed to a woman as president, in fact they expect women to meet a higher standard for toughness and leadership".

That's true of both male and female voters as they assess a woman's ability to lead, whether at the state or federal level. That's why Senator Clinton has worked hard to build her reputation as a tough-minded, purposeful leader.

Just like male executives when faced with a crisis, women at the top may succeed or fail. Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco appeared indecisive in dealing with Hurricane Katrina. Facing intense dissatisfaction with her performance, she decided not to run for a second term.

But, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who won her second term as the Democratic Governor of Republican Kansas, responded immediately and strongly to the massive destruction of Greensburg, Kansas by a tornado. She won her first term because of her forceful leadership on important issues. (By the way, she also cooks dinner for her family and friends in the kitchen of the Governor's Mansion.)

And Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona has become a leading voice in getting the Administration to live up to its responsibilities in controlling our borders. She took up the cause because so many illegal immigrants cross into Arizona. Her clarity of purpose on many issues helped her win easy reelection to her second term.

So, while Steve and his ilk may shudder at the thought of powerful, successful women, he'll just have to live with women leading their states and countries, fighting for political and social change, and doing it all with courage and success. This Mother's Day, I am, as usual, proud to be "just a woman."