Feminism: the new counterterrorism?

This New York Times opinion by Barbara Ehrenreich argues that a possible approach to dealing with terrorism would be to advance the cause of "human rights for women". What is even more interesting is the thought that the U.S. needs to address the problem at home:

If Kerry were to embrace a feminist strategy against the insurgency, he'd have to start by addressing our own dismal record on women's rights. He'd be pushing for the immediate ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which has been ratified by 169 countries but remains stalled in the Senate. He'd be threatening to break off relations with Saudi Arabia until it acknowledges the humanity of women. And he'd be thundering about the shortage of women in the U.S. Senate and the House, an internationally embarrassing 14 percent. We should be aiming for at least 25 percent representation, the same target the Transitional Administrative Law of Iraq has set for the federal assembly there.

Hey, we should also toss in the Equal Rights Amendment for good measure. Talk about seizing the high ground.

The Florida Vote

This New York Times opinion piece raises questions about the voting machines that are to be used for the upcoming election cycle.  The details surrounding the Florida machines and the attempts to eliminate felons from the voting rolls should concern everyone. The potential for abusing these systems is simply too great. On a related subject, Chicago Tribune columnist Steve Chapman points out in this article that preventing former felons from voting does not make much sense. You will need to register for both of the sites to access the articles.

Hmmmm...

Well, I'm new to blogging, but I want to give it a try. 
 
"We've only just begun..."