It looks like Obama will be the Democratic nominee, and the big question today is whether or not Hillary will be on the ticket as VP.
I can't see it. He'd be an idiot to do it. But that's just my opinion.
I was a staunch feminist during my university years, because they immersed us in leftist thinking without really giving us a good education. It is only after leaving university that I have read the classics on Western civilization, and realized what I missed in all my years of higher learning.
So I can't say that I'm particularly dedicated to the idea of a female President. To be honest, I don't care that much. I want a president who will protect us, uphold the Constitution, and be a moral leader in the world for human rights. If that's a woman, great. If not, so be it.
Cal Thomas in a column yesterday said that it's going to be hard to find a conservative woman to be the first female President, because most conservative women throw their energies not into government jobs and politics, but into their families. They may be just as intelligent and capable, but they don't make names for themselves. I think he's right.
That's certainly the case in my home. I do have a name for myself in the community as a writer, and I've actually been asked to run for polIitical office. But I've always said no. I like being home with my family, and this is where I belong right now. And I don't feel like I'm "wasting" my gifts to use them at home. On the contrary, I feel like I'm really able to explore everything as I feed my children's souls. So it's a great thing.
Interestingly, I read an article recently by Rebecca Walker, daughter of feminist icon Alice Walker (who wrote The Colour Purple)about how her mother has disowned her since she had a baby. That was a capital crime in Alice's eyes. Rebecca details her childhood, and says this:
My mother's feminist principles coloured every aspect of my life. As a little girl, I wasn't even allowed to play with dolls or stuffed toys in case they brought out a maternal instinct. It was drummed into me that being a mother, raising children and running a home were a form of slavery. Having a career, travelling the world and being independent were what really mattered according to her.
....
Ironically, my mother regards herself as a hugely maternal woman. Believing that women are suppressed, she has campaigned for their rights around the world and set up organisations to aid women abandoned in Africa - offering herself up as a mother figure.
But, while she has taken care of daughters all over the world and is hugely revered for her public work and service, my childhood tells a very different story. I came very low down in her priorities - after work, political integrity, self-fulfilment, friendships, spiritual life, fame and travel.
My mother would always do what she wanted - for example taking off to Greece for two months in the summer, leaving me with relatives when I was a teenager. Is that independent, or just plain selfish?
I was 16 when I found a now-famous poem she wrote comparing me to various calamities that struck and impeded the lives of other women writers. Virginia Woolf was mentally ill and the Brontes died prematurely. My mother had me - a 'delightful distraction', but a calamity nevertheless. I found that a huge shock and very upsetting.
She goes on to detail her mother's absence during key things in her life. Apparently Alice never bothered to show up at any school functions at all.
This actually reminds me of Hillary's philosophy, "It takes a village to raise a child". By focusing on how others need to step in it's so easy to excuse ourselves from the basic responsibilities of parenting. And that's what Alice Walker did.
I'm going to be controversial here for a moment, but I think Alice isn't only selfish. I think, if you read Rebecca's account, you'll agree that she is evil. To deny your flesh and blood like that and not give her any maternal care is evil. To think of your own needs first is evil. A child needs his or her mother. And as a parent, you need to provide that love.
That's why I'm no longer a feminist. A mom is one of the most fulfilling things we can be. To minimize that and ridicule motherhood is evil on an individual scale, and on a societal scale.
When I got pregnant during my Master's Degree, I miscarried. One of my professor's replies was, "thank goodness! Now it won't interrupt your career!". That was the day I realized I didn't want to be a professor.
So I may not be the first female President. I probably won't make much of a name for myself beyond writing until after the kids leave home. But that's perfectly okay with me.
Wow! As a sahm with a PhD, I'm often asked why I am "wasting" my education. Pfffffft! You said it sister, motherhood is the hardest job I've ever had! I've just recently discovered your blog and I love it. You say what I think! :)
I just looked up the definition of feminism in the dictionary. Feminism is defined as "feminine character." How much more feminine can you get than bearing children and rearing them? In my blog I discussed the equality issue between men and women...and some insight that God gave me as well.(http://fiveinthepottershand.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html).
It is so sad when the most precious thing we have is seen as an inconvenience and distraction. As a SAHM I believe I am doing the MOST important job. One which requires much knowledge, education and experience. But most people don't see it that way.
And we wonder why our nation is crumbling? The families are disintegrating because a lot of women have bought the feminist lies that a career is more important. That making money should take precedence over everything else. And there is no one who will stand up and unashamedly declare " I am a mother! I am fulfilled! I am content!"
This is not to disrespect the women out there who have to work. I realize that not everyone can stay at home to raise children. Being a mother and a working woman is like working two full jobs...I know I did it for three years! My hat is off to those courageous ladies who keep balance in work and family life---they are the true superwomen. My comment addresses the many women who choose to work thinking it will bring them status and power. What is more powerful than being a part of shaping a destiny?
Couple of things, thank you for setting a good example and intentionally making your home your priority, being a "woman of letters" you are showing the world that even the most sophisticated amoung us long for our true calling.
Also, sounds like your college education was pretty typical. I feel dumber in many ways after I finished college. Today the university system seems like nothing more than a liberal propaganda program.
Thirdly, my mom is sort of a low-budget version of Alice Walker from what it sounds like.
I checked out one of your videos at YOU TUBE...your husband was talking about ballroom dancing and why the other guys were all smiling!!! Great little video!!!
Great article. I have a law degree and yet being a SAHM homescholing mom is the highest calling. I do run a business from home because our budget requires it. But my children are far more important than fame and fortune. Everything has a season and my children are such incredible gifts. We only get them for such a short time. Do everything as unto the Lord. Susan
I can't imagine not treasuring my kids. Sure, we have to have our own identity and do things for ourselves sometimes. Why bother having kids if you don't raise them yourself??
I adore your blog! So far, I agree with everything you say. YOu just say it a lot better than I EVER could:)
Amen sister! For the longest time my Dad kept saying, "Just don't give up your dream of teaching at the college level." I have my masters in music education and USED to want to teach at the college level. I informed him that I am now living my NEW dream of staying at home with my little ones and teaching them! I also teach flute and piano on the side, but am so thankful I can be a SAHM. This is much more fulfilling than following a full-time career path in my opinion.
About Me: I'm a Christian author of a bunch of books, and a frequent speaker to women's groups and marriage conferences. Best of all, I love homeschooling my daughters, Rebecca and Katie. And I love to knit. Preferably simultaneously.
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Wow! As a sahm with a PhD, I'm often asked why I am "wasting" my education. Pfffffft! You said it sister, motherhood is the hardest job I've ever had!
I've just recently discovered your blog and I love it. You say what I think! :)