Hater? Why I Think John McCain Is Outdated And Not In Touch
September 22, 2008 by Bridget Wright
Filed under Business
OK, so a lot of people like the McCain/Palin mix for different reasons. Many women are just politically intoxicated with the idea of (potentially) having a female in power in the White House. After all, a woman in the White House means a lot for Women’s Rights, Civil Rights and perhaps will even change or level the playing field just a bit for the females. But one thing still bothers me…
This post that I made recently about the questionable process under which McCain chose Palin got a few folks ruffled, which I do respect other’s opinions, but then I still have to question McCain’s view on equal right’s for women. As some of you may already know, McCain does not/did not support the legislation that would remove unfair practices towards women and the practices governing their pay. In other words, McCain’s vote towards the move would have allowed women to be paid equal with men (think: Lily Ledbetter Act). However, McCain simply did not support this and his action makes me wonder just what was he trying to prove then by selecting a female as his running mate? I’m just saying…
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other anti-discrimination laws to clarify at which points in time discriminatory actions qualify as an “unlawful employment practice.” According to the legislation, unlawful conduct occurs when: “(1) a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice is adopted; (2) an individual becomes subject to the decision or practice; or (3) an individual is affected by application of the decision or practice, including each time compensation is paid.” The law further states that individuals may receive back pay as compensation for discrimination that occurred up to two years preceding the filing of a charge.
My thing is this: you either support women’s rights…or you don’t. Sure, there are divisive issues, but the line drawn in the sand should be definitive enough. Women have struggled and fought for years for equal pay, equal rights and a chance. As a woman in business, I simply want to receive the same thing(s) that my male counterpart would receive for doing the same amount of work. That’s all. Is that too much to ask for Mr. McCain?
“They need the education and training, particularly since more and more women are heads of their households,” he explained. Source
When I read about issues like this in the news, and even when it happens locally or specific to an industry, it really does make me wonder if we have come far enough. Sure business women have a long ways to go and more hurdles to jump, but I think it’s acts like this (McCain’s) that can potentially set us farther and farther back. And, it also makes me wonder what response he gives his wife (a female), Governor Palin (another female) and other females on his staff in relation to the “why’s” and “what for” in his political moves. Do you think he owes them or any other female an answer? Do you think he’s justified in his vote? Why or why not?
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Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright
McCain was against the Act (as were others) due to the statute of limitations aspect. Not that women are inferior, should be paid less, etc. It was a legal issue. Not a woman’s rights issue. It’s not like people (women) are left out in the cold…there is law in place such as The Equal Pay Act. (which, by the way, has a longer statute of limitations than the law that Ledbetter’s attorney decided to sue under). I’m all for serious debate about the candidates and issues but such blatant bias is just getting old.
aaahhh, Tina. Always glad to see and hear your comments. They really keep me on my toes.
What I said was that his failure to vote in favor of the legislation spoke volumes of his opinion of how women should be treated in the area of pay. Bias? I simply like to compare stories in the news to how they relate to women, business and business operations. Just to show you that I’m UN-biased, here is a link to a post that I wrote about my obvious disgust about Obama and his views on abortion.
http://www.leadernotes.com/2008/05/black_people_should_listen_clo.html
I don’t want you or anyone else to think that I pick on Palin, although my opinions are just that…opinions. However, as a blogger I enjoy political news (can’t you tell), analogies and latest developments. I also like discussing the issues, of which I game for any-time. And, just for the record, I am neither voting Democrat or Republican. As of today, I am still undecided.