I suppose I really shouldn’t allow myself to be so annoyed by most women in the political arena. In fact, my observations lead me to believe that a woman legislator is as likely as her male counterpart to espouse correct principles and stand up for conservative issues. It is always a rare and wonderful condition for either sex. But when women in politics do not take the part of “truth, justice and the American way,†they have a tendency to offend me much more deeply than a man in the same situation. Perhaps it’s because I am a woman that I have so little patience with these female types, several of whom I will discuss.
The Victim.
First let us examine the dour and angry “I’m a victim” female politicians. These women have a perpetual chip on their shoulder that comes from thinking all men are condescending control freaks. Granted, some are, but my experience indicates that it’s in no greater proportion than among women. In fact, this brand of political woman actually fears she is inferior to men (though loath to admit it) and then proceeds to take out her resentment on any and all males present.
In years past, these hunches may have had some basis in fact, but there’s no excuse for these feelings in today’s world. Most men are hypersensitive to any conversation or situation that may leave them open to charges of sexual harassment or chauvinism, so are very careful to avoid even the appearance of impropriety or a superior attitude.
To this ill-humored female I say, “Look, you managed to get elected (or appointed). You’re no longer a victim – you’re an equal. Take some personal responsibility, step up to the plate and act like it.â€
Man Trap.
The next type of female politician might be thought of as the opposite of the “victimâ€. This woman looks to capitalize on her femininity, seeking power in the world of men by employing her charms.
In the Idaho legislature we’ve seen lady legislators who surgically enhance their anatomy, some obsessively. Alluring clothing and youthful styles all compound the effect. Does it work? With some of their colleagues. It does, however, tend to turn off other female colleagues who take pride in dressing and acting in a more professional manner.
Mother of All Government Programs.
Then there is the “It’s all for the children†woman politician. This is the legislator who champions every form of socialism and every intrusion into private family life as necessary to “protect the childrenâ€. I’m convinced that some of these “do-gooders†will not be happy until there is a government social worker actually living in every home that contains children. How else can we possibly protect children from their irresponsible parents?
Though some studies show that less than 3% of parents actually fail to provide for their children, this female politico believes even one incident of parental neglect or abuse justifies insertion of government controls, creation of broad new social programs (and the agencies to administer them), and, of course, the accompanying boost in spending, with resulting higher taxes. But you’d better not dare question it all because – it’s for the children. Favorite programs include government-subsidized childcare, increased free healthcare, and more programs to prevent domestic abuse.
These are the female leaders who seem incapable of understanding that the most helpful legislation for children actually helps restore their parents’ positions of leadership and responsibility in the home. This legislation would reduce pressure on parents by shrinking government to lower their tax burden. More mothers could stay in the home, children would have more supervision by people who love them, and families would be more likely to remain intact.
Will it happen? Not a chance. But you can count on these female officials to belittle any and all who disagree with their methods. Remember, to these women it’s the intent and the effort expended, not the result, that distinguishes a successful program or initiative. (And heaven forbid that parents – not government- get the credit for helping children!)
A Truly Bad Egg.
Finally we have the lady legislator who thinks she understands the world of men. And to succeed in it, she “knows†she must out-man the men. She assumes that men win by being tough and uncompromising, and by bullying others. Therefore she must be tougher, stick to her position longer, and bully harder than the men with whom she works (Sadly, a large part of her power comes from the fear her male colleagues have of appearing to be politically incorrect by pushing back against a female.)
I have never seen anyone more cruel, unreasonable or vicious than this type of misguided female politician. My experience shows that a woman gone bad is capable of being far worse than any bad man.
In Conclusion.
It is the rare male or female politician who enters public service with a firm understanding of the proper role of government, and the strength of character to stand by it. Even more rare is the lady legislator who is comfortable with her womanhood and her conservative, constitutional beliefs.
This ideal was personified in the late former Congressman Helen Chenoweth-Hage. Yes, “Congressman†was her title of choice, and her commitment to smaller government and personal freedom was unshakable. Yet no one was more gracious, more comfortable being feminine and professional, or more articulate in expressing and defending her positions. Her great character received universal respect and she gained rapid recognition in Congress as a leader. Even though she had already left public service at the time of her premature death, she and her example are sorely missed.
Fortunately, in our own Idaho Legislature we have been blessed with more such women including Lenore Hardy Barrett, Dolores Crow (now retired) and Shirley McKague.
Yes, it is possible to be a lady, and to stand on constitutional principles. But how rare is such a woman in politics.