If the title of this article caught your eye, it’s probably because the question is completely absurd. That is not an issue for last century, let alone this one. But Republicans are trying to impose 19th century policies onto 21st century issues, and it goes so far that the de facto head of the GOP, who fear to disagree with him in public, and whose holy ring they kiss on demand, has questioned even this.
It did not generate the outrage that his offensive statements often do, probably just because it happened the day before July 4, but last Tuesday Rush Limbaugh made an inadvertently revealing statement. “When women got the right to vote is when it all went downhill because that’s when votes started being cast with emotion and maternal instincts that government ought to reflect,” said Limbaugh.
Limbaugh was not summarizing some serious new political science research. He was merely making assertions based on his own sexist stereotypes and the fact that women vote more Democratic than men.
The notion that women are less capable of controlling their biological weaknesses for the good of their country is often heard from right wing men. Newt Gingrich, who never served in the military, once said that women could not serve in combat because they would “get infections,” from living in ditches.
Limbaugh’s comment is also a reflection of Republican attitudes toward voting, and why they are so eager to trample voting rights. For another example, recall that Ann Coulter told the New York Observer in 2007, “If we took away women’s right to vote, we’d never have to worry about another Democrat president. It’s kind of a pipe dream, it’s a personal fantasy of mine.”… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <The Nation>
Unbelievable as this is, here’s the audio:
I do not believe that he was joking. I see no way to read that statement as humor, especially considering his track record for misogyny. I bet that his producer had a major conniption fit and told Limbarf to cover his butt before he loses even more sponsors.
By the way, does anyone know if any of the corporations, who pulled their advertising because we withheld our patronage, have slithered back?
13 Responses to “Should Women Have the Vote?”
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"By the way, does anyone know if any of the corporations, who pulled their advertising because we withheld our patronage, have slithered back?"
Boycott Rush Sponsors…
Amen!
From Wikipedia — "In the United States, women over 21 were first allowed to vote in Wyoming from 1869 and in Utah from 1870, and with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment the suffrage was extended to women across the United States in time for the 1920 presidential election. Women over 21 were allowed to vote in New Zealand from 1893, in Australia from 1894, and in Canada from 1919. Women in the UK were given the vote in 1918 if over 30 and meeting certain property qualifications, and in 1928 suffrage was extended to all women over the age of 21."
Women's suffrage was an international awakening by women. The right to vote was hard fought for with women going to prison, and some dying for the rights that suffrage would bring. Modern women owe a great deal to these women, because without their protests and campaigns, we would not be where we are today. Women like Anne Coulter are a disgrace to our gender.
"…Ann Coulter told the New York Observer in 2007, “If we took away women’s right to vote, we’d never have to worry about another Democrat president. It’s kind of a pipe dream, it’s a personal fantasy of mine.”…" — Has anyone told Ann Coulter that if women lose the vote, so does she! What kind of rarified air is she breathing?
And Limbaugh — there is not a chance that he was joking! He is too much of a misogynist as are the Republican/Teabaggers with their war on women. I suspect Limbaugh (and other Republican/Teabaggers) is running a little scared because half of the voters are women and the GOP has done nothing but enrage women!
“When women got the right to vote is when it all went downhill because that’s when votes started being cast with emotion and maternal instincts that government ought to reflect,”
When I started voting, I made lists of issues and then did some reading to figure out where I stood, and where the various parties and candidates stood. Then I voted, informed! No emotion except when my chosen candidate did not win.
Vote Democratic 2012!!!!! Vote Obama/Biden 2012!!!!!
Well, there are more than just a few people who think that if even women were to lose their right to vote, that "Ann" Coulter would still have "hers".
(Just Google "Ann Coulter" and transsexual or transvestite or "Adam's apple")
As much fun as it is to speculate in that direction, her 'date' bio lists, among others, Bill Mahr, and currently Jimmie (JJ) Walker (65), who'd a thunk.
Dang! I would have thought Mahr had better taste!
I have no doubt that there are many women who do not vote rationally, but there are just as many men, if not more. Were this not true, there would be no Republicans in office.
I cannot add to what you TC and Lynn added : It is absolutely incredible we are once again fighting for basic rights—War on women ? Damm right!!-;
While we women still have the vote– we best get our act together and VOTE– Not just for President Obama , but give him a Democratic Congress and Senate– Give him a Team–
Thanks Phyllis. Right on!
I agree with Phyllis. We must re-elect Pres. Obama and give him a Congress who will work with him and not try to block his every action with their inaction.
We will not have an opportunity for a super majority in the Senate this year.
Well as long as we have majority. In both houses because it is the Tea Party that is trying to get in and it looks like Romney has lost is brain and will lose the keys to the white house.
Hope so!