Originally Posted by r0x0r

I was very kindly asked to clarify where I stand on this topic - Do I think a female President is a good way to show men that the title "President" is not synonymous with "Man," and to prove women have the same rights as men?

The boiled down answer: I think a strong, clear headed, intelligent woman would make an excellent President. But my personal criteria for a strong President is complex, extending beyond intelligence and strength, and is difficult for both women and men to meet.

I believe the confusion stemmed from my comment about the use of the term "rights."

In this case, "rights" can mean two things: legal rights and civil rights. I have to discard civil rights. The only aspect of civil rights addressed in this case is equality for all sexes under the law, and there is NO LAW barring women from running for the office of President of the United States. Civil rights is not an issue here.

As for legal rights, a "right" is a legal or moral entitlement to choose your own actions, and the ability to gain possessions or recognition in society. Again, this is not an issue. Women already have the right to run for President, and clearly have the right to own property and gain recognition in society (we have a lot of famous women).

If you think women have not exercised their right to run for the oval office, you're wrong:

Victoria Woodhull put in a bid for Presidency in 1872. Though the movement and candidacy did not stick, nor did it gain momentum, it was a stepping stone for women.

In 1984 the democratic party ran a race for Presidency with Geraldine Ferraro as the candidate for Vice President. She ran on a ticket with Walter Mondale. They lost to President Reagan - his second win for office.

The right to run for President exists, and no one denies it. The reason we don't have a strong female presence on election tickets lies not in a denial of rights, but in an apathetic society. Society on the whole seems unconcerned with the present and the future. Voting is down. Activism seems "tedious" to many. But times are changing.

- The blunders of President Bush have sparked a renewed activist spirit in America.

- Women's applications and admissions to colleges nationwide are steadily up, where men's are down.

- There is a movement stirring for the "8 in '08" campaign, featuring 8 women who have what it takes to become possible Presidential candidates in 2008. Though I wouldn't agree that all 8 women are good ideas, several are very interesting; and two, who I won't name, would have my vote.

Like I said: the right for women to run for President exists. It's not an issue, and it doesn't need to be proven. The issue is whether the public is ready for a woman to take command on a large scale.