Letters to the Editor
I'd rather not say
Published Letters: 143 Editor's Choice: 22
-
That's different
[Read the article: Randi Rhodes calls Hillary Clinton a whore]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Randi Rhode's stand-up routine was at an event that was sponsored by AAR/Clear Channel and was advertised on Obama's website as a fundraiser.
If that's true, then I think AAR is within its rights to suspend her. But did they really have no idea what she would say? I think it also reflects badly on the Obama campaign if they had some official connection to it. Never having heard of her I have no way to know if her standup is consistent with her radio show.
I think spewing this kind of foul-mouthed junk is a cheap way for "shock jocks" of all stripes to fill air. I think it would be better if her listeners just turned her off. That is better than censorship.
I still differentiate this event from something like Imus, who attacked a bunch of college basketball players for no apparent reason. They're just going to school. They are not in the public arena in the same way a policitician, or even a professional bball player, is.
-
Thoughts
[Read the article: My last word (for now) on sexism]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Watching this I feel sorry for the pathetic insecurity of Matthews, Beck, et al. Their comments speak volumes about themselves. (Yes, watch out, secretly we'd all like to pull a Lorena Bobbitt.)
I think Hillary has a lot of unique baggage that hurts her as a candidate, but that is only one piece. I still remember Matthews saying that he didn't know how Nancy Pelosi could lead because her voice is so shrill no one can stand to listen to it.
If Obama was not in the race, she would have kicked (and did) everyone's else's butt. But it is her bad luck to be up against a unique and talented guy who appears to be in the right place at the right time. Timing and luck are factors in any race. Just ask GWB.
I love Kristol saying that her "only" supporters are the Democratic establishment and white women. Bacause that's not many people, is it?
I agree with LeCastor that some of the worst sexism comes from women. Sad, sad, sad. I read one article that quoted a young woman who said she likes Michelle Obama because she has a career and makes more $$ than her husband. Hello? I believe that Hillary did exactly that how many years ago? If Michelle Obama becomes first lady and they don't freak over her career, it will be at least in part because Hillary broke that ground for her years ago. (Not that it looks like Obama will acknowledge that.)
A girl in my son's middle school class told him she didn't think women should be president. Hard to believe I haven't pulled all of my hair out yet.
I like Olbermann, but his show has become unrelenting Hillary bashing, with no examination of the Obama campaign. One show had 45 minutes straight of negative Hillary coverage.
People don't like that she gained power through her husband. But she was a key aide to him throughout his career. And marriage has traditionally been one of the few routes to power for women. You could ask Katharine Graham if she were still with us. I don't think how she got the job hurt the Washington Post any.
Hillary bridges eras and generations in women's rights. Her husband was her path to power, but now she is condemned for it by the women who don't remember that it used to be about the only route up. They want her to have a career, but back in the day that same career brought up those ugly Bobbitt thoughts. She has long been in a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation.
Enough about her marriage already. They appear to have raised a fine daughter, and the woman decided to keep the marriage together despite it all. It's between them -- get over it. And Limbaugh et al are fine ones to talk about marriage.
Finally, I think win or lose (and it sure looks like lose) Hillary will have paved the way for the next woman, who is likely to have an easier time of it. I am grateful to her for that, and I'm glad she had the guts to run.
-
Another thought
[Read the article: My last word (for now) on sexism]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]This is not an "ism" contest.
To say that Clinton faces sexism in the media is not to say that Obama does not face racism. I can think of examples quite easily, unfortunately. I'm sure it would be very easy to put together a similar video for him. Rush alone would provide all kinds of footage.
For that matter, one would be hard pressed to count the zillions of "old man" jokes made every night on the comedy shows about McCain.
I don't think sexism has beaten Hillary -- Barack Obama has. But that does not make it less discouraging to listen to this crap being spewed without shame, without even any awareness.
-
The letter is its own answer
[Read the article: I'm a med student, but my boyfriend has just a high school education]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Will I be happy with this person in one year, five years, 10 years down the road?
You're writing for advice. So it seems you are already unhappy with this person. I don't think ten years, residency, and maybe kids would improve things.
-
More agreement with Farnsworth
[Read the article: The mommy wars rage on]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I hate these videos. I won't watch them as my only way to protest the way they are overtaking this site. I just want to read the writers, not watch them. It's nothing personal. I don't watch the videos on Slate, either.
Meanwhile, the part I did want to watch, Video Dog, ceased to be entertaining and now has no coherence or direction as far as I can tell. It stinks.
And don't get me started on the end of the Blog Report. Can it be that much of a money loser? It was a great way to hear from "the other side."
On a positive note, go Glenn Greenwald. He's great.