So I have often been asked in these last few months about this historic race in the democratic party and how I feel about things, because almost everyone who knows me knows I am a feminist. And I answer cautiously. It is amazing that there is a woman running for the highest seat in our government and that she is running against a black man. This race is an example of the strides of both how women and minorities are at the forefront of the political arena. I think with the eve of the real super Tuesday upon us I am truly looking at Hilary.
Would she be able to the job? Most certainly. She has the experience and the passion. Can Obama? I don't know, he does have the passion, but not the experience. However, comparing either of the candidates to the current sitting leader of our country I think a cocker spaniel could do a more effective job running our government. In regards to either candidates public presence, I think Hilary is an enigma. She has weathered some of the most ridiculous scandals our country has ever seen. I mean, for God's sake her husband was on trial (in the public arena and in the actual trial) for having a blow job in the Oval office. That just sounds like a subplot of a satirical political movie. However, the presence she has is over shadowed I believe, by the sexist media coverage of these primaries. The most coverage she received was when she cried in New Hampshire. CBS Sunday Morning took that and did a whole story about political candidates and when they cry and how it effects their campaigns. I think that because she is a woman this action was magnified. Then we look at Obama as a public speaker and he is so effective as an orator I believe this is why he has the following that he does (read: "Yes, we Can!).
I think that Hilary is going to loose and that makes me sad. Being for Obama seems to be the trendy thing to be. As a feminist I very much want a woman being in charge of this country, but not only for the fact that Hilary is a woman, but because she is a great leader. She did an amazing amount for women and families when Bill was president and how much do you want to bet that while he was all tied up with Monica she actually running the country making all the decision. I could see it.
Regardless of who wins the democratic seat I very much want someone in the White House who will try to make this country prosperously by supporting legislation that helps women and children, the environment and more peace globally.
Just a few thoughts.....
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
In the News!!!
Here is me in the Norwalk Hour!
Status of Women panel hears complaints
Natalie Samuels works about 80 hours a week, and she also takes college classes. With two young sons, she scrapes by on roughly $45,000 per year, which is too much to qualify her for government aid.
"Basically, all I'm looking for here is some assistance," she told a panel of city and state lawmakers during a public hearing organized by the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women. The commission, formed in 1973 by state legislature, tackles issues of sex discrimination, and the hearing was held at Norwalk Community College.
For almost two hours, women from the area detailed their personal lives to the panel, asking for policy changes that would make it easier to survive in Fairfield County.
State Reps. Toni Boucher, R-143, and Christopher Perone, D-137, state Sen. Bob Duff, D-25, majority whip, and six Norwalk Common councilmen joined members of the commission on the panel.
It was one of three public hearings the commission plans to transcribe and send to state policymakers. A previous hearing was held in Enfield, and another one is scheduled at the University of Connecticut in February.
"We're responsible for being a liaison between community and government," said Teresa Younger, executive director of the commission, "and we wanted to gather their stories so we can communicate effectively with the government."
Marie Wendorff, who lives in Wilton, described her escape from an abusive relationship. She had to walk away from a career during the ordeal, and has since moved her three children to a one-bedroom apartment.
"So I was one of the haves with the white house and the picket fence, and I have become a have-not," Wendorff said. It took her a year and a half to get help from the government, and she told the panel the process should be easier.
"There are, no question, some heavy bureaucratic steps that really hamper a critical situation," Boucher said.
After two abusive marriages, Nadira Pankey found it more practical to leave her job and focus on a college education. She's a straight-A student at Norwalk Community College, and she supports her two children with food stamps and welfare checks.
"The only way I was able to survive, and the only way I'm sitting before you now, and why I'm able to give my kids food to eat, is because I quit my job and got on welfare," Pankey told the panel.
Two recent studies of income paint a bleak picture for women on the state and county level. One by the Fairfield County Community Foundation's Fund for Women and Girls found that for each dollar men earned, women earned 70 cents.
Regardless of whether they have children, a woman's income is twice as likely not to be as sufficient as a man's income, according to a study by the commission from last year. The study uses different standards for poverty than the federal government, and is more flexible than a flat salary line.
Even one of the commission's own subcommittee members, Kristen Pavlik, admitted she struggled to earn a living wage. She works full time at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Norwalk, part time at the Stamford Shelter for the Homeless and does some freelance clerical work. She loves her job, but it barely supports her.
"The negotiation between doing something I love and being financially secure is a difficult one," Pavlik said.
After the hearing, Perone said it's important to increase awareness of services that nonprofit organizations offer.
"I got the feeling in that room tonight that as successful as Connecticut has been in offering services, the message isn't getting out in a big way, so that's an important part of this," Perone said.
Staff writer Jared Newman may be reached at (203) 354-1045 or jnewman@thehour. com.
Status of Women panel hears complaints
Natalie Samuels works about 80 hours a week, and she also takes college classes. With two young sons, she scrapes by on roughly $45,000 per year, which is too much to qualify her for government aid.
"Basically, all I'm looking for here is some assistance," she told a panel of city and state lawmakers during a public hearing organized by the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women. The commission, formed in 1973 by state legislature, tackles issues of sex discrimination, and the hearing was held at Norwalk Community College.
For almost two hours, women from the area detailed their personal lives to the panel, asking for policy changes that would make it easier to survive in Fairfield County.
State Reps. Toni Boucher, R-143, and Christopher Perone, D-137, state Sen. Bob Duff, D-25, majority whip, and six Norwalk Common councilmen joined members of the commission on the panel.
It was one of three public hearings the commission plans to transcribe and send to state policymakers. A previous hearing was held in Enfield, and another one is scheduled at the University of Connecticut in February.
"We're responsible for being a liaison between community and government," said Teresa Younger, executive director of the commission, "and we wanted to gather their stories so we can communicate effectively with the government."
Marie Wendorff, who lives in Wilton, described her escape from an abusive relationship. She had to walk away from a career during the ordeal, and has since moved her three children to a one-bedroom apartment.
"So I was one of the haves with the white house and the picket fence, and I have become a have-not," Wendorff said. It took her a year and a half to get help from the government, and she told the panel the process should be easier.
"There are, no question, some heavy bureaucratic steps that really hamper a critical situation," Boucher said.
After two abusive marriages, Nadira Pankey found it more practical to leave her job and focus on a college education. She's a straight-A student at Norwalk Community College, and she supports her two children with food stamps and welfare checks.
"The only way I was able to survive, and the only way I'm sitting before you now, and why I'm able to give my kids food to eat, is because I quit my job and got on welfare," Pankey told the panel.
Two recent studies of income paint a bleak picture for women on the state and county level. One by the Fairfield County Community Foundation's Fund for Women and Girls found that for each dollar men earned, women earned 70 cents.
Regardless of whether they have children, a woman's income is twice as likely not to be as sufficient as a man's income, according to a study by the commission from last year. The study uses different standards for poverty than the federal government, and is more flexible than a flat salary line.
Even one of the commission's own subcommittee members, Kristen Pavlik, admitted she struggled to earn a living wage. She works full time at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Norwalk, part time at the Stamford Shelter for the Homeless and does some freelance clerical work. She loves her job, but it barely supports her.
"The negotiation between doing something I love and being financially secure is a difficult one," Pavlik said.
After the hearing, Perone said it's important to increase awareness of services that nonprofit organizations offer.
"I got the feeling in that room tonight that as successful as Connecticut has been in offering services, the message isn't getting out in a big way, so that's an important part of this," Perone said.
Staff writer Jared Newman may be reached at (203) 354-1045 or jnewman@thehour. com.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tesitfy!!
Oh my goodness, the coolest thing happened tonight I testified at a public hearing regarding economic security and women. I was so nervous I thought for sure that the microphone was going to pick up the thumping of my heart. Here is what I said:
I got complemented by a senator on the work that I do. How awesome is that?? He also asked if I ever testified about these subjects before. I replied no and inside my head I was going "Holy crap a senator just complimented my public speaking." I also had a handful of other social service and non profit workers come up to me and thank me for being so eloquent on their behalf. It was crazy! I also had a councilperson from Norwalk hug me and say the work that I do is very very important. I am also going to be in the Norwalk paper tomorrow!!!
Good Evening—
Tonight we are here to open a discussion about getting to a better tomorrow. I come to you as a young single professional working hard to make a better tomorrow everyday. I am a member of the Young Women’s Leadership Program and as a Prevention Educator for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center located here in Norwalk as well as in Stamford. I along with a dedicated group of educators we work everyday to redefine societal beliefs and attitudes regarding domestic violence. With the YWLP I work to help facilitate programs and legislation to encourage young women to empower themselves.
Professionally all the aspects of my work fulfill me because I am told daily how my work impacts the communities I work with. However, an issue that I challenges me on a monthly basis, like most of my collogues in the social service and non profit sector is how to maintain my independent financially stability now while building for a future for tomorrow. The negation between doing something I love and being able to be financially secure is a difficult one. Almost all the women of varying ages and martial status that I work with work their full time job and at least one part time job. I myself work 35 hours at DVCC as a prevention educator, 16 hours monthly at the Stamford shelter at DVCC, and I have another part time job doing sporadic clerical work. I have an undergraduate and a Master’s degree. There is a severe disconnect between how hard I work and the reality of my finances. I live in a one bedroom apartment in Norwalk, and I meet all of my regular bills such as groceries, electricity, and car payments. There is very little disposable income left. I realize that it is a choice to work in the non profit field, however, when a single woman with no children needs to work almost three jobs to support herself there is a larger issue.
I believe in systems changes, I believe in working with government to make systems more effective for everyone. I work everyday for social and systems changes. I challenge everyone here to examine what professions our society intrinsically value, ideologically and financially. Take a close look at those of us who are on the front lines working for a better tomorrow. How can we make housing costs more affordable for everyone? How can we take the burden of thousands of dollars in college loans for young professionals just starting off manageable while maintaining a their life and being able to look towards the future? I challenge everyone here to look at these questions and work for a new solution.
I got complemented by a senator on the work that I do. How awesome is that?? He also asked if I ever testified about these subjects before. I replied no and inside my head I was going "Holy crap a senator just complimented my public speaking." I also had a handful of other social service and non profit workers come up to me and thank me for being so eloquent on their behalf. It was crazy! I also had a councilperson from Norwalk hug me and say the work that I do is very very important. I am also going to be in the Norwalk paper tomorrow!!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
I know it has been forever since my last post, but I am "blogging for choice" and letting everyone know how important it is to remember today as the 35th anniversary of the decision of Roe v Wade. The right to choose is a right that should never be taken for granted.
Tomorrow I am testifying at a public hearing in Norwalk about economic security. I will post my testimony and comments about the hearing tomorrow evening.
Tomorrow I am testifying at a public hearing in Norwalk about economic security. I will post my testimony and comments about the hearing tomorrow evening.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Sending A Rapist to a Sexual Assault Crisis Center for Community Service
I received this article from the Stamford Advocate in my daily elog for work. Alex Kelly is a rapist who fled the country. He is also a citizen of Darien, which is one of the wealthiest towns in the country.
To the editor:
As the executive director of the Sexual Assault Crisis & Education Center Inc., I take the safety and well-being of our clients very seriously. This is our highest priority. In reference to "Kelly may face obstacles in serving probation" (news story, Nov. 4), I reiterate that at no time would we welcome Alex Kelly or any other offender into our center.In fact, until we received the call from an Advocate reporter, we were unaware that the judge in the case had suggested that Mr. Kelly perform 200 hours of community service at a sexual assault crisis center. While we can understand the judge's intention, this simply would not be appropriate.Second, when asked about the release of Alex Kelly, my exact comment was that while many may have a difference of opinion on whether Kelly served a sufficient sentence, the reality is that he did the time required by law and now is to be readmitted to society.If one disagrees with his release, the disagreement lies with the legal system.
Cathy Malloy
Stamford
The writer is executive director of the Stamford-based Sexual Assault Crisis & Education Center.
The article that they are referencing is how Kelly may not be able to fulfill is requirements of probation. The article http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-kelly2nov04,0,5804037.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines quotes Kathy Malloy.
There is a large disconnect between the legal system and understanding of victims' rights and feelings. Why would an agency that empowers survivors of sexual assault want a convicted rapist to volunteer there??? It would be like sending a convicted pedophile to work in a pre-school.
A lawyer and professor from UCONN commented, "He could learn an awful lot," Fernow said, "but I can't say I'm surprised the rape counselors have no interest." WHAT? He could learn alot? That is ridiculous. This man forced himself on two women as a teenager and then instead of taking responsibility for his actions his rich family sent him to Europe for 10 years. It is disgusting to me. He is 40 and this happened when he was a teenager. Privilege and wealth afforded this man to leave the country and not take responsibility for what he had viciously perpetrated. It is disgusting that the judge presiding over this case cannot see why women's advocacy groups would not want this sexual offender near women. This makes me angry....
To the editor:
As the executive director of the Sexual Assault Crisis & Education Center Inc., I take the safety and well-being of our clients very seriously. This is our highest priority. In reference to "Kelly may face obstacles in serving probation" (news story, Nov. 4), I reiterate that at no time would we welcome Alex Kelly or any other offender into our center.In fact, until we received the call from an Advocate reporter, we were unaware that the judge in the case had suggested that Mr. Kelly perform 200 hours of community service at a sexual assault crisis center. While we can understand the judge's intention, this simply would not be appropriate.Second, when asked about the release of Alex Kelly, my exact comment was that while many may have a difference of opinion on whether Kelly served a sufficient sentence, the reality is that he did the time required by law and now is to be readmitted to society.If one disagrees with his release, the disagreement lies with the legal system.
Cathy Malloy
Stamford
The writer is executive director of the Stamford-based Sexual Assault Crisis & Education Center.
The article that they are referencing is how Kelly may not be able to fulfill is requirements of probation. The article http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-kelly2nov04,0,5804037.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines quotes Kathy Malloy.
There is a large disconnect between the legal system and understanding of victims' rights and feelings. Why would an agency that empowers survivors of sexual assault want a convicted rapist to volunteer there??? It would be like sending a convicted pedophile to work in a pre-school.
A lawyer and professor from UCONN commented, "He could learn an awful lot," Fernow said, "but I can't say I'm surprised the rape counselors have no interest." WHAT? He could learn alot? That is ridiculous. This man forced himself on two women as a teenager and then instead of taking responsibility for his actions his rich family sent him to Europe for 10 years. It is disgusting to me. He is 40 and this happened when he was a teenager. Privilege and wealth afforded this man to leave the country and not take responsibility for what he had viciously perpetrated. It is disgusting that the judge presiding over this case cannot see why women's advocacy groups would not want this sexual offender near women. This makes me angry....
Korea's Version of Shute Bucks
From Rutgers News Oddly Enough Section
Best Mom Chosen as Face of Currency
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's central bank on Monday chose the face of Korean motherhood as the first woman to be featured on its banknotes, but women's rights groups say the selection only reinforces sexist stereotypes.
Shin Saimdang, known for raising a famed Confucian scholar and having a deft hand in painting, will grace the new 50,000 won ($55) note when it debuts in early 2009, the Bank of Korea said.
Women's groups say her selection bolsters the idea that mothers should stay at home and devote their lives to their children's education.
Shin, whose nickname is "wise mother," gave birth to the 16th-century scholar Yi I, also known by his pen name Yulgok. She is celebrated for placing her son on the path to fame.
A paper on a government Web site describes Shin as "the best example of motherhood in Korean history," while the central bank said she was selected "to promote gender equality and women's participation in society."
Women's rights groups acknowledge Shin as an important figure but have been pushing for other female candidates, who have risen to positions of power and respect in a male-dominated society, to be placed on the new note.
"Although women nowadays are highly capable and educated, the idea of 'wise mother and good wife' holds them down," said Kwon Hee-jung, secretary general of the women's rights group
IF.
More than a dozen women's rights groups plan to protest against the bank's decision.
Yulgok's face is already on the 5,000 won note. Shin will appear on the second-highest valued note after the new 100,000 bill is also issued in 2009.
I think that it is awesome that a woman is going to be on currancy. I also understand why women's groups would find this offensive, especially because of the status of women in Korea.
Thoughts?
Best Mom Chosen as Face of Currency
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's central bank on Monday chose the face of Korean motherhood as the first woman to be featured on its banknotes, but women's rights groups say the selection only reinforces sexist stereotypes.
Shin Saimdang, known for raising a famed Confucian scholar and having a deft hand in painting, will grace the new 50,000 won ($55) note when it debuts in early 2009, the Bank of Korea said.
Women's groups say her selection bolsters the idea that mothers should stay at home and devote their lives to their children's education.
Shin, whose nickname is "wise mother," gave birth to the 16th-century scholar Yi I, also known by his pen name Yulgok. She is celebrated for placing her son on the path to fame.
A paper on a government Web site describes Shin as "the best example of motherhood in Korean history," while the central bank said she was selected "to promote gender equality and women's participation in society."
Women's rights groups acknowledge Shin as an important figure but have been pushing for other female candidates, who have risen to positions of power and respect in a male-dominated society, to be placed on the new note.
"Although women nowadays are highly capable and educated, the idea of 'wise mother and good wife' holds them down," said Kwon Hee-jung, secretary general of the women's rights group
IF.
More than a dozen women's rights groups plan to protest against the bank's decision.
Yulgok's face is already on the 5,000 won note. Shin will appear on the second-highest valued note after the new 100,000 bill is also issued in 2009.
I think that it is awesome that a woman is going to be on currancy. I also understand why women's groups would find this offensive, especially because of the status of women in Korea.
Thoughts?
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