I simply cannot believe that the NOW (National Organization for Women)
isn't backing Paula Jones on her appeal. After all of the hee-hawing of
the past two years they're whimping out. Patricia Ireland, in her 04/22/98
statement said "Paula Jones has surrounded herself with a phalanx of
politically-motivated lawyers and spokespeople who are opponents of the
women's rights movement. Whether she is part of them or just a pawn, we
may never know. But we have been on the receiving end of their lies and
misrepresentations, and we have no interest in working with them or
advancing their cause."
So it matters not that (then) Governor Bill Clinton fondled Paula's
thigh, exposed his genitals to her, asked her for oral sex and said that
he was extremely good friends with her boss, insinuating that if she did
not do as he asked she'd lose her job??
Tell the truth, Ms. Ireland...the real reason you're not backing Paula
isn't because of the people involved in her case. It's because Clinton is
going to be in power for 2 more years and YOU don't want to lose any of
your influence. Politically-motivated? That's the pot calling the kettle
black.
At it's base roots, the Jones vs. Clinton case is a sexual harrassment
case, NOT a political machine to ruin Clinton's reputation. He does that
all on his own. If you TRULY supported women, like you say you do, it
would matter not who else was working with Paula, all it would matter is
that the woman needs help.
The IRS has started investigating Paula; is this a coincedence?
Hardly. Quite frankly, I am surprised she hasn't fallen to the same fate
of Vince Foster and Ron Brown. Most likely, had the case gone to court,
she would have.
But the case HASN'T gone to court. Paula never had her chance to
present her case. The NOW organization is supposed to be for legislation
on women's rights. What about Paula's right to have her case heard? What
about the laws against sexual harrassment? Is NOW saying that it's alright
for a powerful man to fondle someone and expose himself to her...as long
as he's not her boss? It matters not that a state governor can influence
people as to whom they hire and fire (or loan money to, but that's another
story); because in this case the governor wasn't directly Paula's boss?
Well, excuse me, but I thought sexual harrassment was sexual
harrassment, be it in the workplace or not; and I thought NOW was an
organization founded to help women fight this kind of thing.
You can't pick and choose your fights, Ms. Ireland, when you say
yourself that you stand up for ALL women.
In my opinion, you are no better than Hillary Clinton. Instead of
having some respect for herself and leaving a man who had admittedly
cheated on her and who has an overwhelming number of women coming forth
and accusing him of lude sexual comments and acts, she stays in her
position for the power. She is afraid if she left Bill she would have no
power whatsoever. What she doesn't realize is that she would still go down
in history...a First Lady forced to leave the office because her husband
no longer stuck to his vows, think of the sympathy she'd gain! She could
tour the world promoting self-respect in women, making speeches on how a
woman should love herself and respect herself enough to leave an
unfaithful husband. Just think of the book deals then!
In your case, Ms. Ireland, you also see wrongdoing and choose to
ignore it simply so that you can keep YOUR power. You could come out with
your NOW supporters and fully back Paula Jones and send the world a
powerful message...that this kind of behavior will NOT be accepted and
will be fought in ALL cases...or you could sit back, stick your finger in
the wind, and decide what you're going to do based on the current
political situation.
The wishy-washy policies and sudden 180's of your group and your
stance on issues makes me sick. Your hounding of the political playing
field is incorrigible especially since it's supposed to be your group's
mission to be changing legislation for women...not backing down from a
case because you fear your lobbyists and donations won't have as much
impact.
If you say you support all women, then DO IT!! Support Paula
Jones!!
Oh...and one other thing. I love the message your website's front-door
image projects. Is it "Support Women"? No. Is it "Women Have A Right to
Have Rights"? No.
Yes, Ms. Ireland, it's obvious where your agenda lies. Not with women
as it should be, but with your position in politics.
Copyright© 1998
If I am ever in a situation where I need help and the NOW members come
running to "help" (aka: get the group's name in the media) I will more
than gladly throw them out of the door. If I'm not physically strong
enough to do it myself, I'll *gasp* get a man to help me. That in itself
should be enough to send those ladies running full-tilt in the other
direction.
Matter of fact, it's not about women at all. It's a huge banner saying
"Fighting the Radical Right!!".
Truly, truly sad.
Raven
Raven's Perch
Printed here with full permission.