the right woman?

At the fearless age of ten, I boldly announced my decision to run as president of the U.S. While most candidates wait until about two years before elections to announce their campaign, I decided I might need some extra time to convince my country it was time for a woman.

I was too young to witness the appointment of Geraldine Ferraro as the first female vice presidential nominee but I do remember watching Mrs. Clinton on TV—she seemed like a strong woman with political ambition, but I wasn’t convinced that the country would ever be ready for her. So what would the best female presidential candidate look like? I figured I had thirty years to figure out.

Fast forward a decade. Mrs. Clinton did run after all, but, alas, America wasn’t ready for her. It looked like we’d have to wait another four years before a Ms. President could be a realistic hope.

But wait. Then out of the middle of nowhere, literally, hails Beauty Queen/Hockey Mom/“Political Maverick” Sarah Palin. Much like Walter Mondale’s decision to run alongside Geraldine Ferraro, Senator McCain picks the little-known governor from Alaska in hopes of shaking up an otherwise doomed race for the White House. As the first Republican female vice presidential candidate, the second X chromosome will finally find its place on the November ballot. And if the 2009 vice president inherits the power our current vice president possesses, we could get our first taste of a female president.

So, is Sarah Palin the best woman to first represent American women in the White House? I’m not sure.

At age ten, did I imagine leading our country with a child on one arm and a hunting rifle on the other? Certainly not.

I’m convinced that if Sarah Palin does enter the White House on January 20th, it will be a half-ass win for female presidential hopefuls. But only time will tell if the pseudo victory becomes a setback.

My concerns are rooted not in political ideology, but rather in feminist theory. Classical feminism of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries bred two schools of thought: conservatism and egalitarian. Conservative feminism was traditionalist and family-centered, embracing women’s roles in the home while also fighting for the education of women so that they may influence beyond the realm of the home. Egalitarian feminists sought to liberate women from their own womanhood, demanding that they be given the same rights as men. Both schools of thought worked together to bring women the rights we enjoy today.

Today, the contemporary feminism movement is dominated by the egalitarian ideology. This ideology of liberation has come to oppose female liberty—the choice to chose either the home or the workplace, or even both. Modern feminism has alienated the intelligent women who decide to rear children and care after their home. Conservative feminists, like Christina Hoff Sommers, are calling women around the country to reclaim feminism and to “Make the movement attractive once again to the silent majority of American women who really do not want to be liberated from their womanhood.”

All this to say, Sarah Palin, a could-be success story for the conservative camp, steps onto the ice with little-to-none experience and a feisty overconfidence. If she misses the goal, we could be sitting on the bench longer than we expected.

the media's war for truth

Coverage of the War in Iraq, in a sense, parallels that of the Vietnam War. News coverage of wars changed drastically during Vietnam. Because of technology, citizens were getting faster and more in depth coverage. Journalists were on the front lines, reporting back with vivid images of the fighting that took place. For the first time, U.S. citizens were able to stay on top of the military’s actions.

Today, journalists are able to report from Iraq in “real time.” During the first war in Iraq, a CNN crew broadcasted live as bombs were falling in Baghdad. In the current Iraq war, journalists accompany military brigades and often right in on the action. This new access has led to more accurate and informative reporting.

The morph of press bias and sentiment of the Iraq war also parallels the Vietnam War. In the beginning years of the war, journalists were supportive of U.S. efforts and worked peacefully alongside the government. However, as the war continued to drone on, journalists became weary, skeptical and often attached to soldiers or civilians in the areas they were covering.
Soon, journalists were making bold efforts to report the losses of the military. They were no longer painting the war in a positive light.

Likewise, current journalists in the past two or three years have begun reflect their doubts and cynicisms. Often the press has been accused of being anti-Bush. While those accusations are probably true, journalists are simply reporting what they observe from the front lines. As we’ve just passed the 5th year anniversary of the war, journalists continue to pose the question of when an end will come. With U.S. war casualties (4,000) now far surpassing deaths from 9/11, many citizens and journalists alike are very skeptical.

I, personally, hold a lot of respect for the journalists in Iraq. After reading some of their personal stories, I cannot image the toll covering the war has taken on them. They are constantly exposed to violence and danger. They have put themselves in the line of battle in order to inform the U.S. public of what is going on. Like the brave men and women of our military, they are risking their lives for their country. However, in a sense, I have more respect for the journalists because of their dedication to provide the truth in a war campaign that has been filled with lies and deceit. So I commend them for their sacrifices.

The War in Iraq has been a long journey and will continue on far beyond Bush’s presidency. As technology continues to improve and journalists become even more frustrated with what they are witnessing on the battle lines, it will be interesting to see what the role of the media in this war eventually becomes.

yes we can

may this leave you inspired. whether you're an obama fan or not, be encouraged:

there is hope for change.

and you, africa?

Last night, along with millions of other Americans, we attended an elaborate Christmas Eve church service in a multi-million dollar building. There were enough candles to light a village. And for those that didn't want to leave the house, you could even watch it online. Church online. How brilliant.

Africa, how do you celebrate Christ's birth?

On Christmas morning, we complain about the eager children's early rising. And then we unwrap our gifts. Gadgets, clothes, books, movies, vacations, money. Some get what they wanted, some what they needed. After throwing away potentially recyclable wrapping paper, we eat. We eat lots and lots. And we play with our new toys.

Africa, what does your Christmas look like?

The day after Christmas, we rush to the stores to return the gifts we didn't like and rummage through sales to buy whatever we didn't get. There's pushing and crowds and lines and unhappy people. They picked up that sweater for $9.99 first. The rat race has continued.

And you, Africa?

dance africa dance

Africa is a child who is overshadowed by the athletic talents of an older brother and the book smarts of his sister. Yet the family has failed to notice Africa’s ability to dance. This continent stands in the shadows, anxiously waiting for the world to see its potential. When the athletic brother is no longer able to compete and the sister’s mind begins to digress, Africa will still be dancing. But let’s hope she’s noticed before then.

smells of yesterday

Today still smells of yesterday
To remind us
Our hands hold power
To execute evil atrocities
To suggest subtle harm
To craft calloused wounds

Tomorrow hopes on the smells of yesterday
To remind us
Our hands bear promise
To restore rightful dignity
To embrace equal peace
To create colorful love

And maybe one day, we will be a sweet fragrance.
[2 Corinthians 2:14-15]

do good

social justice: ideal; a work of virtue aimed at the good of humanity as a whole, which unites people of all beliefs and political principles

the breaking of agreed rules that constitute fairness; tragedy :social injustice

“When I feed the poor, they call me a saint;
when I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist,”
Brazilian Catholic Archbishop Hélder Câmara

"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."
Isaiah 1:17

What is your ideal for greater humanity? What tragedy moves you to action?