TresSugar

Experts Say Sexism Keeps Women Out of Military Combat Roles

Annie Scudder — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:06:25 PST

Ask GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum why women shouldn't be allowed to serve in combat roles, and he will give you various reasons. First off, a man's emotions. Santorum believes men will try to save their fellow female soldiers, explaining this weekend: "instead of focused on the mission, they may be more concerned about protecting someone who may be in a vulnerable position, a woman in a vulnerable position." In addition to chivalry, Rick says "You throw on top of that just simply physical strength and capabilities," and women simply can't handle the job. Fortunately, the military, which recently opened 14,000 combat jobs up to women including tank mechanic and front-line intelligence, doesn't completely agree with Rick, and experts say "sexist" attitudes are responsible for a policy against trained female soldiers serving in combat positions.

Sociologist Ryan Kelty, who specializes in studying the military, tells LiveScience that the old-fashioned belief that women must be protected is not a good enough reason to exclude women who want to and are capable of serving their country. In other words, chivalry is not a legitimate basis to deny a woman employment, especially when there is no evidence that professional and highly trained male and female soldiers are incapable of carrying out their missions. Kelty explains the military should employ gender-neutral, objective requirements. For example, a soldier should be able to carry 100 pounds for eight hours, regardless of gender.

There may be back and forth, but the truth is that women already serve in these combat roles. In Iraq and Afghanistan, 144 women have lost their lives, 60 of them in combat, while 865 have been wounded. And countries including Canada, Israel, and Australia already allow women in close-combat roles. Despite the slow evolution of American rules on women serving, it can be said that the US military doesn't have the most retro policy. In China, women recruits must display a talent like singing or dancing and Russia holds a Miss Russian Army beauty pageant.

Former JFK Intern on Losing Virginity to the President

Tara Sharp — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:15:00 PST

In her memoir out Feb. 22, Once Upon a Secret, former John F. Kennedy intern Mimi Alford spills all the secrets she's kept under wraps about her 18-month affair with the president. And she gave us a taste of the intimate details disclosed in the memoir in her interview last night with NBC's Meredith Vieira as well as on the Today show this morning.

At only 19 years old, Mimi was a virgin before having her first sexual encounter with JFK on the fourth day of her internship. And then over the course of their liaison there were other sordid moments, including multiple times when JFK asked her to perform oral sex on other men . . . with him watching. While Mimi stands by the fact that the sexual relationship was consensual, I can't help but feel like this was a much older man in a high position of authority taking advantage of a young, naive woman. And it sounds a lot like sexual harassment, even verging on rape. Watch her discuss losing her virginity to the former president, in his wife Jackie Kennedy's bed, no less - and tell us if this was an abuse of power or worse in the comments.

11 Quotes From Rick Santorum That Are Worrisome For Women

Annie Scudder — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:26:41 PST

Last week's Susan G. Komen/Planned Parenthood debacle was a high-profile example of how women's health can fall prey to politics. Considering this is an election year, we can expect reproductive rights rhetoric to heat up on both sides. President Obama recently hit a sensitive spot when his administration announced that all employers, including Catholic universities and institutions, will have to provide insurance plans that cover contraception for their employees.

Republican social conservatives have already jumped on Obama's policy as a campaign issue. And for Rick Santorum, controversial sexual politics have always been at the heart of his platform. The Republican candidate, who opposes abortion in all cases and says rape victims should "make the best out of a bad situation," won three contests last night, caucuses in Colorado and Minnesota, and the primary in Missouri. Since his chances of winning the nomination, or at least having a greater influence in national politics, is rising, let's look at some of his more worrisome quotes and positions on women's issues.

A Picture For Every Year of Hillary Clinton's National Service

Annie Scudder — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:05:53 PST

"I think after 20 years, and it will be 20 years, of being on the high wire of American politics and all of the challenges that come with that, it would be probably a good idea to just find out how tired I am," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told State Department employees yesterday. Hillary has been on the national stage for two decades, as a presidential candidate's wife, first lady, senator from New York, presidential candidate herself, and now as secretary of state.

Although she didn't attain her goal of becoming the first woman elected president in the US, Hillary Clinton has blazed trails for women. Hillary was active in policy making during her time as first lady, and now as secretary of state she champions the rights of women around the world. When she does eventually step down, which she says she'll do once President Obama nominates a replacement, many Americans will likely miss her presence, as nearly two-thirds of Americans have a favorable opinion of Hillary today. Until she does retreat back into private life, let's look back at a picture for each year of Hillary Clinton's national service.

Gabrielle Giffords Says an Emotional Goodbye to Congress

Annie Scudder — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:25:39 PST

Today officially marked Gabrielle Giffords last day in Congress. The Arizona Democrat resigned from the House of Representatives to focus on her recovery after she was shot in the head more than a year ago. Republicans and Democrats alike praised Gabby, today. Nancy Pelosi thanked Gabby for bringing "the word dignity to new heights by her courage. On the House floor, colleagues tried to hold back tears, while tributing Gabby, who received a standing ovation as she handed her letter of resignation to Speaker John Boehner. In the letter, Gabby wrote: "I will recover and will return, and we will work together again, for Arizona and for all Americans." As for the Republican Speaker, he appeared to be crying openly as he held Gabby's hand.

Gabby decided to step down so she can dedicate herself fully to her recovery. Only a few months ago, Gabby gave her first televised interview with her supportive husband, US astronaut Mark Kelly, by her side. As Gabby struggled a bit with her words, viewers could see her resilience as she explained she wouldn't return to political life until she was "better." Over the last year, Gabby and her husband Mark have inspired us with their positive outlook. We wish her the best. See photos of Gabrielle Giffords saying goodbye to Congress today.

Michelle Obama, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Gabrielle Giffords Witness the State of the Union

Annie Scudder — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:44:24 PST

The first lady beamed in blue tonight during the State of the Union address. The president laid out his accomplishments and plans for the upcoming year to Congressional leaders and other VIPs, setting the stage for his reelection campaign. Michelle will be one of his strongest supporters in the political battle, but tonight she was joined by people most Americans, regardless of politics, can respect. Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs and an education activist, sat right above Michelle in her box. The president mentioned Laurene's husband in the speech, saying: "We should support everyone who’s willing to work; and every risk-taker and entrepreneur who aspires to become the next Steve Jobs."

Other symbolically important figures included everyday single mom Jackie Bray, who sat to the first lady's right. The president called out Jackie by name in his speech, saying "Jackie Bray is a single mom from North Carolina who was laid off from her job as a mechanic. Then Siemens opened a gas turbine factory in Charlotte, and formed a partnership with Central Piedmont Community College. The company helped the college design courses in laser and robotics training. It paid Jackie's tuition, then hired her to help operate their plant. I want every American looking for work to have the same opportunity as Jackie did."

Before the big speech, Obama shared a moment with another inspiring woman, Gabrielle Giffords. The Arizona Congresswoman, who was shot last year, just stepped down to focus on her recovery this week. Gabby and President Obama shed a warm embrace before he spoke. See pictures from the State of the Union address now.

Kiss Rick Perry Goodbye: See Smooches During GOP Presidential Race

Tara Sharp — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:55:00 PST

Another one bites the dust. Today Rick Perry announced that he's dropping out of the Republican presidential race, three days after Jon Huntsman withdrew. These latest campaign casualties join colorful candidate Michele Bachmann, who dropped out of the race earlier this month. So the remaining Republican presidential hopefuls include Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, and Newt Gingrich. And while the candidates have been fighting their way to the White House, they've been doing a whole lotta kissing as well. What is it about politics and locking lips? From babies to dogs to old women, all the candidates except hand shakers Ron and Newt have been smooching along the campaign trail (even good ol' Marcus Bachmann got in on the action). So kiss Rick and Jon goodbye with the best - and the worst - kisses from the Republican presidential candidates.

Happy Birthday, Michelle! The First Lady's Best Moments

TresSugar — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:17:00 PST

Michelle Obama turns 48 today! While we're sure she had many great moments in her first 45 years, she was not yet first lady then, or in the public eye. So let's look back at some of her best moments since she became first lady three years ago. Happy birthday to Michelle!

The Obamas Mark MLK Day Before Michelle's Big Day

Annie Scudder — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:10:20 PST

Yesterday, the first family marked the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with a day of volunteering and a night of celebration. Barack, Michelle, and daughter Malia spent the day at the Browne Education Center, building bookshelves for the library and painting quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. onto the walls. After a day of giving back, Michelle and Barack got dressed up for the Let Freedom Ring Celebration at the Kennedy Center in honor of the civil rights leader.

Today, they'll be celebrating someone else: Michelle herself! The first lady turns 48 today. The president has been asking supporters to send surprise birthday greetings to his wife. Last week, Michelle proved you're never too old to sign up for Twitter. She officially began tweeting from @MichelleObama. See pictures of the Obamas yesterday now. Happy birthday, Michelle!

Michelle Obama Rejects the "Angry Black Woman" Label

Annie Scudder — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:55:38 PST

Michelle Obama sat down with Gayle King to discuss a new book, The Obamas. In it, New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor suggests that the first lady butted heads with the president's staff and attempted to exert influence over his policies. This morning on CBS, Michelle told Gayle that she has not been confrontational in the White House, and she offered an explanation for that false characterization: "That's been an image that people have tried to paint of me since the day Barack announced, that I'm some angry black woman." Watch Michelle Obama address the controversial book now.