Second Presidential Debate 2012: Obama on Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: A 'Family,' 'Middle-Class' Issue | Video - ABC New
The Lilly Ledbetter Act was one of the first legislative acts President Obama signed. His Middle Class history is significant to his decisions as President. He refers to it on repeated occasions when making clear he is on the side of women, especially Middle Class women. He sincerely loves his heritage and the women surrounding it. He honors them at every turn, included in that are his wife and daughters, too.
Staffing problems Mr. Romney refers to is from the standpoint of a corporate boss. I also noticed his voice changes when he directly addresses women in the audience. I think it was most evident with the Hispanic woman if my memory serves me right. His voice becomes empathetic and patronizing when he speaks to women.
Choosing qualified women to serve in Romney's cabinet only means he was obeying federal statutes on equality. That again is a corporate point of view. Corporate executives are very sensitive to the fact minorities and women win graces from government and the public. They also recognize they can pay women less as do any other corporation in the USA, 75 cents on the dollar compared to men, so it can be attractive and enforceable in the longevity of the employee.
It is interesting to reflect on the fact Corporate America corner women into lower salaries without competition. The corporations have somewhat of a cartel on lower paid jobs for women at any level of the company.
At any rate, from the first days of his presidency, President Obama has been exceptionally sensitive to the oppressive forces on women as business owners and employees. It is all over all his policies without exception. He focuses on it and continually advocates for change. He usually gets what he wants when it comes to equality for women when facing financial challenges in the USA.
Contraception and Choice are economic decisions. It is the fact of the situation and the Right Wing needs to learn to live with that reality. One of the reasons the Right Wing is seriously concerned about states requesting exceptions to extend the Welfare to Work provision is that they know if women do not have contraception or choice it will re-create the welfare state.
What Americans are getting with Romney/Ryan is Corporate America. The decisions and policies will reflect what is best for Wall Street. Romney's answer regarding women is a Red Flag for any woman believing things will change for the better with Romney. They won't and women will not be a focus of his administration. Making money and plenty of it no matter the cost to the Middle Class or Poor is the priority.
I can't say it enough, but, the 'theme' regarding the populous of the USA in financial settings other than wealthy is the same across the board. If a person is an illegal, they will be pressured and encouraged to self deport. If an American is Poor or Middle Class they will be pressured and encouraged to change their financial status. The Romney global view of anyone without means is punitive and victimizing. In very simple terms, "You did this to yourself, so clean up your act." That is also the GOP point of view. So, he emulates and makes clear there is no empathy for LOSERS, including women. If a woman can make 'the binder of qualifications list' then they have half a chance in life.
In regard to contraception and choice it is the same dynamic, pressure to stop pregnancy. I had to chuckle last night when Romney stated marriage should be a priority for all women to improve their circumstances. Like what? Not that I have a phobia about marriage, but, if there is no contraception or choice where does he think this is all going? Marriage is about commitment, not about financial social climbing.
