Some people treat their furry companions (cats, dogs, hamsters, etc.) as ‘pets’ … animals to be played with at will, to put cutesy little outfits on them (never mind that they are already far more beautiful than we humans, because they have fur!), and shoo them away when they aren’t in the mood to play or pay attention to them. In our house, the furry ones are not pets … they are family members who just happen to walk on all fours. Some men treat their wives or significant others much the same as some egotistical humans treat their furry family members – as chattel to entertain, to be seen and not heard, and to be available at any time to indulge the male’s baser instincts.
Today, every single Republican senator plus Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, attempted to prove to us women just how little we are valued in this so-called “great” nation. The U.S. Supreme Court already made it clear to us a week or so ago that we are considered sub-standard, that we must submit to male dominance, and today the U.S. Senate confirmed it. Well guess what, guys? It might have been easy for you back in the 19th century to keep your womenfolk barefoot and pregnant, cleaning & cooking, washing the clothes on rocks down by the creek, but today’s women are one hell of a lot stronger than you obviously believe us to be! If you Republican males with the huge egos – yes, I mean you, Mitch McConnell, and you Kevin McCarthy – think we are going to simply go to our corners, cry a few tears, and then put on our makeup so we look nice for you guys, THINK AGAIN!
And to those of you who think we’re overreacting … I’d like to direct you to my friend Annie’s post. Please take a few minutes to read this and take note of the Republicans running for office who carry with them a history of abusing women. Remember that Hollywood Access tape that Trump never even bothered to deny where he said it was okay to grab women in their private parts because “when you’re famous, they let you do it.” And yet, almost 63 million people voted for this neanderthal in 2016!!! Of course, nearly 66 million voted for Hillary Clinton, but since she’s a mere woman … well, ’nuff said.
I’ve often said that the U.S. is deeply divided by political party, but the reality is that we may be divided even more by gender! Look again at Annie’s post … Eric Greitens, Max Miller, Andrew Wilhoite … all abusers of women, yet all have won their Republican primary bid! What happened? Did the men lock up their womenfolk and refuse to let them vote? Or did the women, with more brain power than their male counterparts, do the sensible thing and vote for Democrats or Independents?
Yes, I’m angry, my friends. This argument isn’t only about a woman’s right to end an unwanted, dangerous, or forced pregnancy, but it is about our right to make our own decisions, our right not to be dominated by males solely because they consider themselves superior based on a tiny little part of the anatomy. Some states, like Michigan, are led by a governor who respects and values women. But far too many states are led by the likes of Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott, have state legislatures who delight in setting back the rights not only of women, but of Blacks and LGBTQ by at least a century. I have a friend in a neighboring state who I would like to go visit this summer, my own health permitting. When I cross the state line, will I be stopped, asked for identification, and forced to take a pregnancy test before I am allowed into her state? Yeah, sure, laugh if you will, roll your eyes and call me an alarmist, but some states have already suggested doing exactly this!
To my fellow women … we must find a way to regain what is being taken from us. I don’t know how just yet, but we are NOT powerless in this fight. If nothing else, hand your significant other a set of sheets and a pillow and tell him you hope he can get comfortable on his new bed – the sofa! Again, please read Annie’s post … it is jaw-dropping!
And on that note, I shall go take a few deep breaths.