Comments on: Can childless women make decisions on war?

By: Lauren Vargas

Lauren Vargas — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:09:50 +0000

These people are our representatives and should not be influenced by immediate family…hypothetically, but such distinction is far beyond human.

The same can be said about childless men! The only time I have a problem with any childless gender is when they try to preach what parents should do or have done. Example is Oprah — not a politician, but an influencer.

By: VS

VS — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:39:06 +0000

Surely, people are missing the other half of Sen Boxer’s statement. She said that her family will also not be paying the price because her children aren’t serving. As such, it is an attempt to deflect attention from the actual issue of the war by focussing on whether Sen Boxer was criticising childless women. After all, she was also criticising women like herself whose children aren’t in the forces and/or are too young/old to serve.

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 23:03:40 +0000

Ellee, I agree that she certainly has something about her which is demure without being submissive. It makes her single status even more mysterious. I suppose that inevitably makes her more interesting- cerainly she is rather unique in the world of politics.
Some saw Margaret Thatcher as been attractive in that way, but whilst I would defend her on some points, I never quite saw her in that way- or could.
I suppose it is that combination of confidence, intelligence and power- as well as looking stunning that marks Condoleeza apart. She has done it all on her own terms.
Maybe she is the ideal model for women in the twenty first century- If she is, I’m all for Feminism!!

By: Ellee

Ellee — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:39:18 +0000

Joe,

Condi is very intelligent and powerful – those alone are very aphrodisical attributes. For me, intelligence in a man is very sexy, she has that in abundance. So I understand exactly what you say. She also has that “untouched” look about her, don’t you think?

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:34:03 +0000

I would like to see Condoleeza Rice as Republican candidate in the next Presidential elections. Maybe it’s too early to see a black president- let alone a black female president, but I do really believe she has the qualities it takes.
I also admit that for some reason I find her incredibly sexy- but that’s beside the point.
She has been an outstanding member of a much maligned administration- which has nevertheless done far more good than British observers give it credit for on the domestic front- and has acheived a tremendous amount in her personal career and been a far better inspiration for women then Madeleine Albright or Hilary Clinton, and a better inspiration for black americans than Jesse Jackson.
I have seen Boxer- A California Senator I think- interviewed before and thought her a Hilaryclone. Not a patch on Condoleeza. I’ll stand up for Condoleeza any day!!

By: Ellee

Ellee — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:24:06 +0000

OnyxStone, I always maintain that bringing up children is the most demanding job, raising them up to be healthy, well adjusted and able to stand on their own too feet with confidence, to know the difference between right and wrong. It cannot be underestimated.

I hope the qualities of motherhood and multi-tasking are raised on a CV, having to prove yourself ten times over.

In spite of that, Rice has many admirable qualities, I’m sure she would have made a great mother too. I do not believe the fact that she is childless clouds her judgement in any way.

By: OnyxStone

OnyxStone — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 10:24:49 +0000

This is a very interesting question, and I think there is some depth to explore.

First, I don’t think the current vogue for demanding apologies does any good. It always strikes me as a form of bullying.

Second, I think there is some validity to suggest that those who have raised children have a perspective which they would not otherwise have gained. (Though not as a cheap political shot.)

The biblical standard (I Timothy 3) that leaders should be the husbands of one wife and with a reputation for well raised children is not empty. It is also not without exception (Abraham had no children for a long time, David had too many wives, Deborah was not a husband and Jesus himself was a notable exception).

I think the significance of raising a coherent family is somewhat undervalued. To me it speaks volumes on a CV. It demonstrates great endurance, versatility and competence. This is not to say that those without families do not have these qualities.

And personally, I’d rather have Rice than Boxer running the show.

By: Ellee

Ellee — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 09:11:37 +0000

Anne, I’m so glad your son returned home safely. I know I would constantly be on tenterhooks and too afraid to watch the news if I had a son serving in Iraq.

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 08:15:21 +0000

No way should they be making remarks as childless women….they don’t know how it feels to be told “Mum I’m off to war”…my son has been to Iraq and thankfully he came home safely.

By: Ellee

Ellee — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:54:16 +0000

Welshcakes, I agree, Condi has a lot of self-restraint and dignity which has to be admired. At the same time, I would like to get to know her when she is off-duty and lets her hair down.