The poor women of America. We have once again had our plight for women’s rights and against violence and degredation torn down, and at this time at the hands of the oh-so-threatening David Letterman. We should thank our lucky stars we have Sarah Palin to defend us!
Unless you’ve been holed up with Bin Laden, you likely have heard the controversy surrounding a joke Letterman made regarding Palin’s 14-year-old daughter attending a Yankee’s game and leaving with A-Rod’s baby in utero instead of just a foul ball. Funny? Maybe. Distasteful? Definitely. But does Letterman deserve the public skewering he’s taking from Sarah Palin?
As a mother of two girls, I understand Palin’s instinctual reaction to stand up for her young daughter. If someone made disparaging comments about my girls, I would likely throw something hard and heavy in his or her direction. I do find Palin’s, “Take a stab at me, but not my family,” response a fair reaction. However, I think Palin takes it too far when she says that Letterman owes an apology to the “young women across America.”
It’s easy to stand up in defense of women when there’s no money on the table and no heated political contest at hand. But where was this feminist vigor in the 2008 campaign, when Palin backed McCain in opposing legislation that expediated wage discrimination claims? Where was this voice for rape victims when as mayor of Wasilla in 2000, Palin cut funds for rape kits, meaning victims would have to pay for the examinations themselves?
You can demand an apology from Mr. Letterman on behalf of your daughter, Ms. Palin, but be careful when asking for one for American women. They may just ask you for an apology too.
(Photo By: LoneRockAlex)
Comments
Makin’ Art, Fakin’ Bacon « LovIN My Tummy
June 12th, 2009 - 11:28:03 PM
[...] got a controversial KidGlue post up on my take on the Sarah Palin/David Letterman scandal. Be warned, you may not be lovIN me [...]
1
Rebeca
June 13th, 2009 - 6:26:21 AM
How about an apology to "young women across America" for stating that no woman should be allowed to terminate, regardless of her own health risks, rape or incest!? *sigh*
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Andrea of CTE
June 13th, 2009 - 10:12:38 AM
Or what about cutting sex education funding while simultaneously eliminating teen parent programs in public schools? Seems counterproductive, no? Love that Palin logic.
3
Kailey
June 13th, 2009 - 10:12:59 AM
Brilliant. You are absolutely right! She may need to do some apologizing herself.
4
Maddy
June 13th, 2009 - 1:15:26 PM
awesome article. i completely agree and you made some excellent points. keep being amazing love =)
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Sara
June 13th, 2009 - 1:53:58 PM
Seriously. She sure doesn't speak for me or any women I know. Or any people I know, for that matter.
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Brooke
June 13th, 2009 - 2:22:05 PM
COMPLETELY agree with you. As a woman, I think it is our job to stand up for ALL women, not just our sisters or our daughters. We are constantly being put down in our society and it is up to ALL of us to make an impact with our voices and never let a man's power influence us.
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Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
June 13th, 2009 - 7:58:16 PM
Well done Sarah. Well done.
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Kim
June 14th, 2009 - 11:13:45 AM
Well said. This publicity stunt has only shown her true colors. Where was her protective maternal instinct -- and her *heart* -- when she accepted the VP nom, already fully aware that her pregnant daughter would be judged, vilified, and mocked by the country? Regardless of how strong Bristol may have insisted she was, it is incumbent upon a mother to act in the best interest of her child -- in this case allowing her teenager to deal with a life-changing, emotionally exhausting event safe from the scrutiny of the media. "Mother first," my arse; that woman's ability to exploit her family for professional gain sends chills down my spine.
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