I think if you take gender out of the equation, most people may agree that the people in office have corrupted the institution of democracy as well as served their personal interests over the nation's.

As a father with two daughters, I can't wait for a female President - I just hope she doesn't rule with a chip on her shoulder and for the record, I hope to God it is not Hillary Clinton (puke). Other than that, I believe there are a lot of men, like myself, who have been raised to seek equality, respect people in a gender neutral manner, and seek fairness and there seems to be an element out there more interested in wearing a chip on their shoulder rather than rising above ... and that is with legislated discrimination providing a competitive advantage, by the way...against males ( government contracts, corporate jobs) ... let's get rid of all of the tools being used to hold down people's natural abilities, like social engineering crutches such as affirmative discrimination, level the field for everyone, and get a decent female leader in office! I would be so happy for my daughters and for us all when that person rises above it all. We need to change the tone. We should not need to cut down one gender in order to recognize another gender. Respect is a two way road.

Thanks Ralph. I'm really confused about why there are so few women in leadership. Is it rooted in our traditional role of caregiver? Women are great arbiters, thinkers, and multi-taskers. I think American women need to separate from issues related to child-bearing (contraception), and focus more on our capacity to lead. I wish your girls much success.

Perhaps the need is to have followers

Excellent points Paulette. I take solace in the fact that women are finally waking up to the issues you outline, esp young women, esp. in the last few months. If you're a woman and you're not outraged, you're not paying attn. Awareness is the first step.

Ralph, your "chip on their shoulder" comments smacks of misogyny.

Walk a mile in our female shoes and tell me again how the tools are being used against men. Sounds like the chip is on YOUR shoulder, Ralph.

Women are making great progress in business. In 1995. 9.6% of Fortune500 board seats were held by women, in 2011 it's 16.1%

As for elected office, one does need a degree of narcissism / sociopathic tendencies to compete in that arena. These traits seem to be less common in women.

Tjohnson has somewhat of a point. At our book club gathering the other evening, we were discussing despots and had a difficult time naming women despots; most have been men.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

"Over the age of 85, women outlive men 2 to 1"

Why do most men die before their wives? They want to....

How bout them bears!

Couldnt walk in your shoes...I'd be a femme, who you seem to show more respect for...plus, wouldnt know whether to wear pumps, sandals, high heels, spikes, or any of the thousand other types of shoes women wear to apparently look attractive to the gender you seem to dislike.

Dear Ralph,

I never said I dislike men. The struggle for equality between the sexes in the work place and the world is far from over. In business, I walk into meeting after meeting where I am the only woman in the room. Where are all the over-50 working women? I have men talk past me in meetings or assume the male subordinate I brought to the meeting is my boss. If I am firm handed, stern, or, (heaven forbid) aggressive, I am called a name that rhymes with witch. I am an afterthought for invitations to golf outings, a morning game of basketball before work, or a racquetball date. I am often excluded from talk about the game from the night before. I am always asked what my husband does for a living. As I age, I am more invisible. I am judged on my appearance, my weight, and my looks as much as I am judged on my ability.

Your remarks about lifestyle and footwear are neither clever or pithy. Frankly, your comments are unflattering to your gender and make you the poster boy for misogonists everywhere.

Historically, 'arguments of exediency' (to avoid giving the vote to OTHER minorities -- freed slaves & their offspring) may have given the vote to women... At least that's what the prof of my "History of Women in the US" suggested in 1976 (yes, I'm old, too).

The fact is that women haven't voted as a block just as proposed in the arguments above.

Now, why aren't women in leadership:

too busy
fragile ego
too smart

you pick.

I usually am suspicious of those who run, male/female, whatever heritage, etc. It seems that power corrupts and those who want power may already be a bit off on the ethics.

I could go on, but I expect you'd rather I not...

Live Inspired!

Melissa, thank you for bringing me back to the point. I wish more women would run for office. I believe that the presence of more women in elected office would reduce much of the shannigans that we have witnessed from the men (think Bill Clinton, Mark Foley, Anthony Weiner, Christopher Lee). I think we would be more likely to seek cooperation across party lines and less likely to fight for the sake of fighting.

The problem is this: Who, pray tell, has the stomach to run for office? Who wants to endure that level of scrutiny? How often is Hillary Clinton criticized for her hair and her pant suits? How about comments regarding Nancy Pelosi's alleged plastic surgery or the tone of her voice? Or criticism of Michelle Obama for going sleeveless? Sarah Palin’s eyeglasses, hair, wardrobe set tongues wagging. Do we really think about where John Boehner shops? Barack Obama can go days and days without anyone commenting on his shirt selection.

Women have to work twice as hard to get the same results as men and have to do it using rules established by men.

Kind of makes you think for Fred and Ginger - she did everything he did but in high heels and backwards.

How is it that Carly Fiorina can be CEO for Hewlett Packard, Hillary Clinton can be secretary of State, Pelossi can be Speaker of the House, and news at 10pm is delivered by professional female anchors - where's the ceiling? Start a company, run for office, feel empowered... they did, and succeeded. Same with Lady Gaga, Mother Theresa, and Heidi Fleiss.

If you think that there is no glass ceiling in America today, you are sorely mistaken.
The biggest reason why women won't run for office today has to do with the patriarchal mindset both men and women succumb to within our society. I think what's really interesting is that many of the peole who have commented, regardless of gender, are still limiting the potential of women to stereotypes that are perpetuated by a patriarchal society. I read a truly wonderful editorial by Ashley Judd about the public scrutinizing one on one's appearance instead of actions.
(This is the editorial: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/04/09/ashley-judd-slaps-media-in-the-face-for-speculation-over-her-puffy-appearance.html)
A lot of "reasons" that have been given on this thread as to why women don't run for office are extremely superficial, especially what Wash Woman said. Who cares?! A person who is concerned about this country or politics shouldn't let anything the public says about their PERSONAL life get in the way of becoming a leader. Those things have nothing to do with leadership, and if anyone decides to comment on those things that means they have no opinion on the real issues and have to result to petty comments in order to be "engaged in politics."

Come on. Women are not these fragile things that will break because some one says somethign about how they look. THAT is a mindset thrust upon us by our patriarchal society. We have to be desirable TO A MAN or we are worthless. What does that have to do with politics? If you actually care about politics, then that shouldn't matter to you at all.
this mindset boils down to a matter of control. The plight of the white man is to control what he does not understand. He says he does what he does to "protect" the minority, that he's "doing what's right for those who are different." They've done it with creed, they've done it with race, and they have and continue to do it with women.
But by protecting they're white washing. They are forcing they're own values upon the minority because the minority "doesn't know what's good for them." White males have all the answers.
So if a woman isn't worthy of a man's desires she has no worth in the public eye. It strips her of all of her presence in politics. That's what I'm hearing from those who have commented. That's the reason why women don't hold office, because we still allow that to be true. This scrutiny that is being applied to a woman in politics has nothing to do with her politics.

Screw that.
What needs to change is we women need to think outside of the mysoginistic box too. It is changing. It has to. With a War on Women you better bet the political theatre is going to change. Read this too, you will see: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barbara-hannah-grufferman/we-are-women-march_b_1423159.html

We are getting mad, and although we are a minority in the political branches that govern our country, we are the majority of it. More women will fight for office because we are the majority of the population, and although we're not 2/3rds, majority still will rule.

And men, don't you DARE say you can't walk a mile in my shoes because of the high heel. It's a metaphorical shoe that you're still using your ignorant, mysoginistic excuses to get out of wearing.
Shame on you.

As a vice president of womens political organization I would have to agree with you. It is mostly men that are involved in politics. I hope in the coming years we can get more women to step up.
Barbara Gilleece

Vote for me!! I am a WOMEN running for Kane Co Board-District 11
Health care for everyone, I want my people to be healthy. Single payer/medicare for all. Cut the defense budget, let's start being proactive on wellness.
What is wrong with a corlerectal drive thru. My insurance company sends a kit in the mail. Why not catch colon cancer early on??? The biggest gripe the American people had back in 07-08 was healthcare, everyone was complaining about it to both McCain and Obama and Clinton remember? What is so bad about forcing insurance companies not to be able to drop you if you have a pre-existing condition, or if your kids get to stay on your policy until they are 26 years old.

Look at the demographic ratings for gossip shows on tv...women are ones watching, supporting, creating demand for, and allowing superficial judgement. Quit blaming men for your superficial approach, as a gender, to life and start sending messages to your gender to own up to the fact that their support for gossip entertainment feeds the very things you complain about!

You cant demand Bachelor, Desperate Housewives and read glamour and National Enquirer and then complain about how the world treats your self-important egotistcal fantasy world. I dont want drama in government ...learn to respect others without slamming the male gender and own up to the fact that women drive fashion and competitive comparison of bodies, not men.

Victim blaming. Typical.
The people who control fashion and entertainment are men. Do some research and you will find that all of those TV execs that come up with that crap programming are balding, white males. You will find too that the head honchos of the fashion industry are also male.
Women don't demand these things, men create what they think women want or what they want women to want.
In case you haven't noticed, I did point out that our gender buys into the patriarchal mindset I "complain about." I also mentioned that it needs to change, but you have probably neglected to read any of those articles that were linked so you might not have noticed that not all women, or people in general, think the same way you think they do. You, Mr. Ralph, are still subscribing to stereotypes of women to defend your own gender instead of reading, learning, and trying to think from a different point of view. Did you ever think that you could be wrong? What do you do to support and encourage the women in your life to grow as (genderless) citizens of our world?
I would say to you to learn to respect others without slamming the female gender and own up to the fact that men are holding back equality. Stop covering your ears and shouting "No! I'm not going to listen." How can anything change if you're staying aggressively ignorant?

Respect? You think our gender needs to "respect others?" How about you learn to respect others? How about you stop making assumptions about women's wants and needs and start listening to what we are saying? We have a problem here, and we are trying to show you the cause so we can fix it together.
How about the men stay out of a woman's body both politically and physically unless otherwise invited?
How about men encourage the female voice within the political arena instead of quieting it for assumption of "drama in government?"

Your assessment that bald headed men create the programs is interesting...it doesnt matter who makes it...what matters is who watches the trssh. We are actually in agreement ...the programs are terrible. My point was simply that in order to stop the program the viewers need to stop watching. It ain' t baldies watching!

Apparently your description of balding white males was not a stereotype? Your hypocricy is laughable.

http://www.mediaite.com/power-grid/category/?c=TV+Executives <- List of 53 TV execs, the majority of which are balding, white males.
It does matter who makes it because they are sending out the message. Compare it to the political arena too... They make the laws, and we experience them.
We suffer from the decisions of our legislature which happens to be governed by a majority that has similar traits to those tv execs. There is a pattern that shouldn't be dismissed. Don't blame the victim.

Dear Ralph,

You are outnumbered and outgunned. Perhaps it best if you retreat quietly.

That's right, Ralph. We can't have any opposing viewpoints here.

Being outnumbered and out gunned by a group who complains about how they have been mistreated when they were...outnumbered and outgunned...and look at how this group treats the minority view... and you seek political office based on that?wow.
..

Dave,
Pleanty of room here for opposing points of view! An honest exchange of ideas is stimulating. Blatant misogyny is just plain offensive. So is bigotry and racism.

Judge people for who they are, not what they are.

I thought I would weigh in on this subject, as a former village president. It was very hard to find women to serve on the village board. It wasn't for lack of effort on my part. I felt that since we are half the population, we should be represented on the board in greater numbers than 5 men to 2 women. I had the opportunity to appoint a trustee. I appointed a well qualified woman.
I ran because I felt strongly about the issues and civic duty. I'm not going to lie, it's harder for a woman because the family duties are usually weighted towards them and if they have a job ( our village board is all volunteer) on top of that, it is time consuming. But I must say the rewards of having a say in local government, accomplishing goals and giving back, far out weigh the negatives. I encourage women to run for local office. We have a unique perspective on life that needs to be represented. Good article, Paulette.

Gaby... 16 female anchors out of 53 is probably not bad when you consider the ratio of applicants within the profession...... Maybe you would be good in politics...you distort figures and twist facts to justify your position... not only were there 33% females, but most of the males weren't balding. The male group had more ethnic diversity...something you could work towards... you don't have to always promote white women... where is the sense
of equality? Very few Asian or Japanese American women ... almost no hispanic women or Hmong...what gives?

Wait...you are suggesting that because women may be a majority, then that means they should be represented more in government ... that's true... it should be, based on majority...so dont complain about minorities ...just go win the votes with the majority you are refering to...no need to call the minority names and try to belittle the minority...the majority should be much better represented...

I think pro choice is bs if it doesn't provide equal decision power for the male involved...both parties enter a consensual decir...the male' s choice is equally important in determining the life of the unborn...prochoice is currently a sexist demand for power and not for individual liberties...until both parties have equal say it is a bs argument. How's that for discussing political issues?

Does a woman's desire to not carry a baby from consensual acts trump a males faith in taking responsibility for one's actions...if so, why? In non- consensual situations, I am pro choice where female makes choice.

Last question...does chivalry offend you and is it offensive or gentlemanly to open a door for a lady?

Some of us were taught to walk ladies across the street, open doors for ladies, and it was a sign of respect, not power or control...so...what do women feel about those actions these days...I like showing respect for ladies...but some seem unappreciative or offended...why?

Agree with much of this although let's face it - there's plenty of dumb or crazy politicians of both sexes. But when you went into health care issues i thought you were going to be pro the Affordable Health Care Act.
Please don't be lazy and not look into what it's about. It's about lowering the price of health care, giving more lower cost options for folks, being covered if you have a pre-existing condition. Go to Health care.gov if you want to learn about it. The main reason many oppose it is because they've listened to rumors (like your vague "and I guess...many disturbing details are coming to light." Yes you can get your annual health exam with your same Dr. and same insurance company. How can we move forward in this country if people go around believing rumors and lies. (Death panels???)

Much of the frustration with healthcare act has to do with hidden earmarks, massive size of program and unprofessional manner in which the vote occurred before people knew what was hidden in the bill.

I'd suggest that putting all bills on public display for 30 days would provide more effective democracy rather than continue to allow hidden agendas to drive legislation. Let tax payers have an opportunity to make the vote, ex-lobbyists.

Just recently, Dr. Darlene Ruscitti, the current DuPage County Regional Superintendent of Schools, was elected as Chairman of the DuPage County Republican Party. The electors were primarily men. She has devoted herself for many years to the Party (as well as being a dedicated educator) and has shown her capabilities. I don't think that gender concerns had anything to do with her election. We elected her because of her capabilities, and our belief she can get the job done.

Like I said above, most of the electors were men with a many committed women also voting for Darlene. Women have the opportunity to join us as committeemen. Why are there a smaller percentage of women? The committeemen level is about the lowest level of politics, but also a necessary (but not required) step in building the relationships needed to create the alliances one needs to be an elected official. Committeemen are about the most egalitarian group around, anyone willing to put in the time and effort can be a Committeeman and have a local-level say in the political world. Most of the elected officials you have heard of have put in the time and effort to be a committeeman.

Don't forget to represent transgenders, lesbians, and gays...in essence the original argument for more females in office rather than bald headed males is a farce...it was really a cry out for public acknowledgement of importance ... hopefully some day all genders feel represented without being resentful to other genders. And to blame modern males for the history of leadership in government ...well that just wreaks of being out of touch with reality. Its not our fault nor does it necessarily benefit us. The corruption and ineptitude sucks with both male and female politicians.

Dave...well said. Amen and Awomen!

Dave I agree with you. The first thing I would do if I wanted power over any population, would be to divide the people and turn them against each other. Interesting point. I think if we could step outside the rhetoric and look at the situation objectively--our hearts would change and our minds would follow.

Hi Ralph,
I am glad that you have acknowledged that there are other groups that are frequently missing from this discussion. I would just like to point out that being gay or lesbian is actually forms of sexuality rather than gender. It is interesting to note (and well known in any Women, Gender, or Sexuality Studies class), that these categories you have mentioned all deviate from what is considered heteronormative. Anyone who strays from the sex, sexuality, and gender binaries that are solidified by man/woman, female/male ect., are cast into the "other" category. Most people do this. Why didn't you include other categories included in the alphabet soup like bisexual or genderqueer? Probably because you lump them into one category that simply blurs the borders of binaries. In many binary systems, there is a seemingly better choice in the eyes of society (some examples: heterosexual is better the homosexual, man is better than women (if you need proof for this claim, look at the cultural preference for sons all over the world))). I see including women in office as a first step to a greater inclusion of those in the lesser binary or binaries. This type of progression can be seen in universities: first having women and gender studies programs and then having queer studies programs.

Also, going back to abortion. Offering legislation that would only allow abortion in non-consentual situations could potentially lead to cases where women that medically need abortions cannot receive one (I know this is extreme...but with some of the legislation trying to be passed today....). As a woman, I think that banning abortion is banning a way that I can be in control of my body. Women have to carry the child, go through physical strains, and the economic. With these pressures, it detracts from a woman's sexual freedom. Obviously everyone should practice safe sex, but sometimes contraceptive methods fail, and let's face it, the price of motherhood is daunting . I know that you may be chivalrous Ralph, but not everyone is. Not everyone wants to be in a monogamous, committed relationship. Pro-life is just crazy. I'm sorry. With pro-choice, hey, if you don't like abortions no one is forcing you to get one. Also these prolife bills are just insane, like the ones that force women to have an ultrasound before getting an abortion, which basically project to me the notion that women are stupid and irrational and need to "know" what they are doing before they do it (oh...why no...I didn't realize there is an embryo in there....well in that case...)

Pro choice must also give the male the right to exercise his rights as far as when life begins...it is not just about women's right...that would be Pro-control

Pro choice cant take away s man' s right to father a baby...that is feminist control not pro chouce. The womans exclusive righ was to have consesual sex.

I don't think that it is taking away anyone's right to father a child, it is freeing someone who is not prepared to have one. I don't think women get abortions to spite the man they slept with. I'm sorry, but I really don't think any male, whether it is my dad, my boyfriend, a one night stand, or my husband, should have control over how my body works. It is mine. In your logic, if one of your daughters got pregnant would you let her teenage boyfriend or yourself make the decision about what happens to her? If you are going to say something to the effect of "well...it was the woman's choice to have sex.." That's kind of ridiculous. Men don't have such high risks for choosing to have sex. Although I do agree with Paulette in the fact that most of the different procedures/pills associated with female reproduction, I think having this option available gives women more freedom to choose to do what they want.

Female vanity about their body and concern about convenience don't trump a male's right to keep his son or daughter alive.

Most men I know respect life and would father solo to allow the unborn child an opportunity rather than worry about baby fat and inconvenience of responsibility

I don't know a single woman who was concerned about her vanity when she was pregnant--frankly most women seem to enjoy NOT worrying about it--it's a "get out of vanity free" card.

If you think this is just about "vanity" that is completely wrong. Many times women enrolled in college, grad school, or even high school are forced to put their education aside. You don't really see pregnant girls at prestigious universities. Of course you can argue that women can go to school pregnant, but that can be pretty embarrassing to many women. Medical complications can also inhibit their ability to attend classes. When you are fathering a child, you don't face these problems. As a current student, I know that if I were ever to become pregnant, it would realistically and seriously hinder my personal career aspirations. After saying this, I can't really spend too much more time arguing with you. I guess we can agree to disagree.

Maybe women have enough sense to stay out of politics. It's incredibly partisan. People have a very low opinion of politicians. Politicians are always raising funds for future campaigns.

Whereas men have egos that lead them into politics, women don't have the need for power trips that come from winning elections and getting their names in the media on a regular basis.

Meg I had a sorority sister who "disappeared" her sophomore year--nobody knew what happened to her. Well, I found out recently she had to drop out of college because she got pregnant. I still don't know what became of her, but I sincerely hope her family supported her so she could finish her education--statistically an educated woman earns more, and it's pretty clear we need every advantage.

Life's too short to bicker ... some things we'll agree on, some we won't ...but I do hope we find equality among genders as best as possible so focus can be made for the better good for all.