by Melba Dagan

Created on: February 06, 2008

Militant feminism has once again raised its ugly head by attacking Oprah Winfrey for supporting Barack Obama in his bid for the presidency. Some of their attacks have been downright shocking. Where is it written that Oprah, or any woman for that matter, has to support a candidate simply because she is a woman? Like all candidates, her qualifications and character should be investigated, weighed and then a decision can be made.

Unfortunately for Hillary Clinton, we've already had eight years of Clintons in the White House and the US was scandalized by their behavior and the dignity and honor of the Office of the President and the White House will always be stained by it. So, why should any woman feel compelled to vote for her just because she is a woman?

Like any male candidate, her record should be examined closely. Does her voting record and work as a senator show that she is in touch with all of the citizens of the US, including the heartland? Has she any experience running a major governmental department? Has she ever been a governor of a state or even a mayor of a city? If not, how does her experience qualify her for the position of president of the leading world power?

Does her character reflect someone who could truly represent all of the people of this country? Does she have the steely determination needed to lead this country during war? Does her record show that she is firmly in support of the Constitution or does she lean toward Socialism instead of Democracy? These are a few of the hard questions that must be answered by any candidate, whether male or female.

Women should not be misled into thinking that because a candidate is a woman she will be a good president. There are men and women who are smart, driven and capable, but they would not make a good president simply because they cannot or will not look far into the future when making decisions. Every decision that is made and every law that is passed leads this country in a particular direction for decades, if not longer. In order to adhere to our Constitution and to keep our democracy strong, the President of the US must weigh not only the short term effects of their actions and decisions but the long term effects. Will our country be stronger and more secure by their decisions? Will the people be more contented or less contented when their tenure is over? Being a woman does not necessarily guarantee that she can do the job better than any of her predecessors. Look at her record.

Many women were disgusted by the vehemence of the criticisms of feminists who felt that Oprah had betrayed 'all women' because she chose to support Obama. They felt, and rightly so, that it was uncalled for and a form of pressure on all women to push the female candidate to win, regardless of their own personal feelings on the matter. Women fought hard for the right to vote, and not for the candidate someone else chose for them to vote for, but for the candidate of their choice. And, whether the candidate is black or white, male or female, every woman has the right to make that decision for herself.

Militant feminists do not represent the majority of women in the US. Most women like men and admire them. They just want a level playing field when it comes to salaries, opportunities, rights and respect. And, when feminists attack anyone who doesn't support the female candidate in an election, they are trying to take away our freedom of choice. And that tells me that they still don't understand what real freedom means.

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