I just finished watching President Obama (I LOVE writing, "President Obama"!) sign the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law. I was emotionally moved and teary-eyed as he spoke about the woman in red standing at his side. He described how she worked for 20 years as a supervisor and, while nearing retirement, discoverd that she had earned almost $200,000 less than her male counterparts, not counting her loss in pension and social security. After being told that the statute of limitations was exhausted for her claim, she could have given up and retreated. Instead she chose to push forward, not for herself, but for the benefit of those who will follow.
I have always been paid straight commission only, so I have never been affected by this. I have two sons and they would not be affected directly by this. This type of an act is not feminism, but humanism. All men have mothers, many have wives and daughters. If they only have sons, the sons may have wives and daughters, etc. We are all connected. Those men (and women) who fought against this out of fear must realize that establishing equality for all does not take away; it establishes EQUALITY FOR ALL.
When you step back and look at it, the fact that it takes an act of law to enforce equal pay for women is really outrageous. I am grateful that Ms. Ledbetter persevered.
And SHAME on the people who voted against this. What is wrong with you people???
Thank you Lilly Ledbetter for your courageous act that will undoubtedly benefit more people than you will ever know.
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wakingupslowly
Ablonde
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The Congressional Delegation from the "Equality State", the 1st state to give women the right to vote, the 1st state with a woman governor, the first state with an all woman jury, have done a 180 when it comes to woman's rights, and human rights these days. Yes, Senators Enzi and Barrasso, and Rep Lummis (A women) all voted against this piece of legislation. Shame on them and all those other misogynistic Congress folks. It is all about the money, and sexism. I wrote about this yesterday @ OS.
Even senators Snowe and Collins voted for it. Yay!
PS- Still waiting for a reply from the Wyo- 3 about why they voted against it.
Thanks for the post.
I can guess who voted against it and I'd bet you can, too! Who wouldn't want equality for their wife, mother, daughter, grand daughter, daughter in law, step daughter, step mother, step grand mother, etc.
As you say we are all related not to mention the fact that in many instances a man would be taking money OUT of the household if a daughter, wife, etc. worked and lived there.
Aren't we all in this world together? Great things will happen quickly if the Republi-cons will just get on board rather than rowing against us, but I'm not holding my breath for that.
Ann: All of the above.
Overworked: Pretty cool!
jimgalt: It is amazing isn't it? I would vote for Warren.
William: Good point about Wyoming. I will check out your post.
Michael: I agree. I am shocked at how oppositional and defiant they are being. I can only hope and trust it will backfire on them.
Rated
http://mediamatters.org/items/200901090015
Thank you MB, thank you Lilly Ledbetter, and thank you President Obama and congress.
JK: I didn't know that. I always think of Canadians as so much more enlightened than the dumbasses below the border.
lc224: Thanks for the link. I will check it out.