Franken's approach - calling folks out for what they are - is a much needed one. The veil of politeness and "bipartisanship" only serves to cover the daily obscenities of the current GOP power structure. It's no longer a question of differing fiscal policies and disagreements on how to address the effects of racism. It's now an issue of whether you oppose or support a full and active agenda of moving the US into complete moral bankruptcy. You cannot be a morally decent person AND give cover to the Administration's engaging in torture, defunding of critical science applications, or health care shell games. It really is that simple. Sens. Collins and Snowe may be perfectly pleasant people in converation, but when it comes down to these critical issues - where character and moral certainty count - they not only fail, they help perpetuate the harms. And those that support them (and those like them) - even the laudable WCF - must share in the blame.

If we've learned anything the past six years, it's that there's no such thing as a good Republican. As charming as Snowe and Collins may appear, we must never let them forget that they are part of a party that is against women's rights, accountability and constitutional protections -- and, as a result, for persecution, corruption and torture.

the real news would find its way to us and bring about the necessary changes the author claims to support.

How am I supposed to take R. Traister seriously when her article is peppered with the following:

…to which I was invited as a special guest and as a journalist

(Ooooh, a "special" guest. Why do we need to know this, why should we care?)

…when we also understood how the women's vote could make a difference.

(Is that secret information that's only available in "the circles you frequent"?)

…it was hard to maneuver toward any of the luminaries mingling amid the damask.

(So "special guest" is somewhere below "luminary" on the pecking order?)

…Franken couldn't let it go.

(So sorry if one of the few willing to speak truth to power got in the way of you clubbing with Martha Stewart, dahlink.)

…It was impossible to walk by her and not hear phrases like "culture of cronyism," "corruption" and "jaundiced infotainment" coming out of her mouth.

(Um, where else would they come out of, the same orifice you pulled this story from?)

…But sadly -- if not unexpectedly -- the line for Martha introductions was long and perhaps more obstructed for the lone journalist in the room.

(Were you referring to an actual journalist, or subtle-like-a-hammer getting another muscle cramp from patting yourself on the back again, you special guest, you?)

…In the circles I frequent

(Evidently, misery still loves company.)

-- By Rebecca Traister

Make up your mind. Do you want to be the Society Pages maven or an actual journalist? Of all the angles you could choose to cover a meeting of movers and shakers.....

I am even more disappointed in light of Joan Walsh's decision to finally share the rest of the harrowing photos.

Please, Rebecca. Get serious.

Joan Walsh

Editor-in-Chief

Salon Media Group, Inc.

101 Spear Street, Suite 203

San Francisco, CA 94105

March 16, 2006

Dear Ms. Walsh,

I want to make a few clarifications regarding Rebecca Traister’s March 16 article, “Putting Out for Women,” and the mission of WCF, formerly known as the Women’s Campaign Fund. WCF is the nation’s only nonpartisan organization single-mindedly dedicated to growing the number of pro-choice women in public office. Our sister organization, WCF Foundation, focuses on educating women to become more effective public leaders. The efforts of the “Parties of Your Choice” gala benefited our membership organization and foundation, not our political action committee. Mr. Franken’s remarks at the event were out of context with the purpose of our evening which was focused on inviting more women into the political process and educating them for success in it.

We are thrilled that so many notable public figures and community members came out to support our work at our Annual Gala. It is only with this kind of effort that we will ensure women are fully represented at all levels of public office.

Thank you for your time and attention to this clarification.

Sincerely,

Ilana Goldman

President

cc: Rebecca Traister

I am writing this in response to the appalling letter from an anonymous writer who apparently has a personal problem with the talented journalist who wrote this article. As a guest at the WCF dinner at Loeb's home, my husband and I had the privilege to sit at the same dinner table with Rebecca Traister. Rebecca's quotes and anecdotes were right on target. She was seated between a fairly conservative Republican couple and a seemingly very liberal Democrat who bickered throughout the evening. Rebecca listened carefully and remained "Bipartisan" (one of the themes of importance to the WCF). She had a great deal of information to bring to the table and provided us with many thought-provoking stories and ideas. I believe she did a great job and hope she continues to do so.

I'm in a good mood, so I'll grant that perhaps every word of your letter is true. (Monkeys are also flying out of my butt. It could happen.) However, anyone who doesn't need a proctologist to remove their head from where it's firmly lodged would also see that regardless of whether or not she behaved in a bipartisan manner at the fete, her article is still a mish-mosh of self-serving pats on the back--lousy, gossipy, even bitchy 'reporting.' Unfortunately, that's just the way she writes. The cause would be better served by someone with journalistic chops.

"I am writing this in response to the appalling letter from an anonymous writer..." -- No Name Given

Unless you provide your full name, STFU about anonymity.

Mr. Franken’s remarks at the event were out of context with the purpose of our evening which was focused on inviting more women into the political process and educating them for success in it.

Thank you for your time and attention to this clarification.

Sincerely,

Ilana Goldman

President

One person has the balls to speak truth to power at your soiree and you feel the need to go to these lengths to bitch slap him for it?

And your group and the-what did she call herself-special guest, can't figure out why you have the right point of view but can't seem to garner any real power? Can't figure out why traitors like Snowe are taking your checks to the bank and laughing their asses off at your stupidity?

Jeeze, with fucking morons like you on our side no wonder we keep losing. Oh, by all means, let's keep the discussion on the silverware pattern and try to not offend the folks who choose to support the fascist regime of war criminals that has now stolen 2 national elections.

Fuck your manners. They've stolen our Republic!