inspire2think

My husband and I listen to NPR on our way home from work. We have interesting conversations, kind of a cerebral ‘date night’ 3 afternoons a week. It’s nice to listen to news and discuss issues that are important to us, free of interruption.

Yesterday was no fun, though. I was upset. The station host was talking about how ridiculous Pete Hegseth is to repost Christ Church senior pastor Doug Wilson’s video saying women shouldn’t have the right to vote. Now this isn’t just a personal—albeit strange—belief of Wilson’s. This is something he and his followers believe should be enforced. Law. A law stating that women can’t vote.

My husband thinks that’s ridiculous. He is furious and outraged. Many Americans are. But I couldn’t even stand to talk about it. “Turn it off,” I asked of him. I felt stomach sick. It was insulting to even discuss this as an actual issue. It was embarrassing and shameful in a strange, deep-seated way. I am stunned that this is even an issue. It’s disgusting.

How have we come to this? Perhaps it was by taking away a woman’s right to decide what’s best for her own body. Maybe it was by watching a video of a man admitting to sexual abuse, stating he “grabbed women by the p*ssies”, and then electing him to run our country. (Meanwhile interviewer Billy Bush was fired—wtf?!) Could be that it was D.E.I. being crippled and used as an excuse to strip women of merit-earned advancements in the military and business.

We’re going backward. And it’s happening quickly. Women have fought for our rights, every single one of them; nothing has been handed to us. We cannot ever stop being watchful. Unbelievably. Who knew there were so many men so willing to trample us down? I’m blessed to be married to a man who uplifts women. But even he, in his unwavering solidarity and empathy, cannot grasp how degrading this feels. I’m tired and shocked and sickened and very sad. But we all need to stay vigilant and informed.

I should have kept the radio on.

Please, share your thoughts. And, hey, if anyone really thinks women shouldn’t vote, please respond and let me know why. I am truly curious. Keep it respectful please.