She The People - Women writing on politics, culture, and news.

Posted at 06:10 PM ET, 01/31/2013

Don't want your graduate living in your basement? Listen to Sister Ellen Marie

By Melinda Henneberger

Some of my friends whose kids have degrees from all kinds of good colleges are living at home again not quite, as Paul Ryan put it at last summer's Republican convention, staring up at their fading Obama posters -- but yes, working retail or waiting tables.

By Melinda Henneberger | 06:10 PM ET, 01/31/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:18 AM ET, 01/31/2013

More housework means less sex for hubby, says study. What's that, again?

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | As women's roles in everything from combat to the office are being debated, research says 'looking under the hood' not only sounds sexier than washing dishes, it is sexier.

By Mary C. Curtis | 11:18 AM ET, 01/31/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:47 PM ET, 01/30/2013

Giffords tells Congress 'Too many children are dying' from gun violence

By Joann Weiner

Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing on what to do about gun violence; Rep. Gabby Giffords says too many children are dying

By Joann Weiner | 11:47 PM ET, 01/30/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Gabby Giffords, gun violence, NRA, Wayne LaPierre

Posted at 06:31 PM ET, 01/29/2013

The politics of Downton Abbey: Down with the patriarchy!

By Melinda Henneberger

The PBS show is no less a liberal sledgehammer than HBO's "The Newsroom," and as plainly feminist in theme as any mainstream hit since "Designing Women" went off the air.

By Melinda Henneberger | 06:31 PM ET, 01/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:33 AM ET, 01/29/2013

Boy Scouts may reverse national ban against gays as members, leaders

By Diana Reese

Boy Scouts of America may change its long-standing policy banning gays as members or leaders in the iconic organization.

By Diana Reese | 08:33 AM ET, 01/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/28/2013

The GOP on its minority problem: Don't call it 'outreach,' but ‘engagement'

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | In a come-to-Jesus moment at the RNC winter meeting in Charlotte, the message was: Republicans cannot scare people and expect to win; Republicans have to invite people and include people and that's how you win.

By Mary C. Curtis | 07:00 AM ET, 01/28/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:20 PM ET, 01/27/2013

Young love, still: 'The bride, 97, is keeping her name.'

By Karen Tumulty

Those words appear in the New York Times wedding announcement for Ada Bryant and Robert Haire -- a notice that tells us so much about what it means to keep open the possibility for happiness, no matter what our age.

By Karen Tumulty | 01:20 PM ET, 01/27/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:22 PM ET, 01/25/2013

Murder-suicide disturbing trend among the elderly

By Diana Reese

Murder-suicide is on the increase among the elderly -- and it's not the romantic suicide-pact variety.

By Diana Reese | 03:22 PM ET, 01/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 01/25/2013

Does Obama's presidency improve the lives of everyday African Americans?

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | There was no shortage of exhilaration at the inauguration. But has King’s dream been fulfilled?

By Mary C. Curtis | 11:00 AM ET, 01/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:15 AM ET, 01/25/2013

N.C. Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan has a task ahead in 2014 reelection campaign

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | In a state where Republicans did well in 2012 and have high hopes for the next election, she carves out her own path on issues from guns to energy.

By Mary C. Curtis | 09:15 AM ET, 01/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:50 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Proposed New Mexico law would send rape victims to prison for having abortions

By Diana Reese

In the latest volley on the war on women, a New Mexico representative proposes a bill to send rape victims to prison for "tampering with evidence" if they have abortions.

By Diana Reese | 08:50 PM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 01/24/2013

With women in combat, will military finally address epidemic of sexual assault?

By Michelle Bernard

With woman in combat, will military finally address epidemic of sexual assault?

By Michelle Bernard | 11:38 AM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:44 AM ET, 01/24/2013

Hillary Clinton's guardian angel reappears

By Karen Tumulty

Cheryl Mills is a rare figure in Washington, one who put loyalty and discretion ahead of ambition.

By Karen Tumulty | 10:44 AM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:23 AM ET, 01/24/2013

In her Capitol Hill swan song, Hillary Clinton shines

By Suzi Parker

SHE THE PEOPLE | The outgoing secretary of state conquered the Capitol on Wednesday.

By Suzi Parker | 06:23 AM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:38 PM ET, 01/23/2013

Outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Lifts Military Ban on Women in Combat

By Annie Groer

Over the past decade, thousands of women have fought — and many have been gravely wounded or killed — in front-line warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan.

By Annie Groer | 08:38 PM ET, 01/23/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:37 PM ET, 01/22/2013

Kay Bailey Hutchison on women in politics: 'It stopped being an issue.'

By Melinda Henneberger

SHE THE PEOPLE | If other women want to keep focusing on challenges we're up against, she does not.

By Melinda Henneberger | 10:37 PM ET, 01/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:18 PM ET, 01/22/2013

Michelle Obama to John Boehner: 'Whatevs'

By Bonnie Goldstein

Speaker Boehner fails to impress the first lady at the inaugural luncheon.

By Bonnie Goldstein | 06:18 PM ET, 01/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Inauguration Highlights

Posted at 04:28 PM ET, 01/22/2013

Hair we go again: Michelle Obama's bangs

By Melinda Henneberger

And why is it we care?

By Melinda Henneberger | 04:28 PM ET, 01/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 01/22/2013

For Southern Democrats, all politics are local

By Mary C. Curtis

A lot more people would be Democrats, an organizer said, 'if they understood the issues better' and if the party let them know it wants their votes.

By Mary C. Curtis | 12:04 PM ET, 01/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:12 PM ET, 01/17/2013

Five bad ways to solve the debt ceiling crisis

By Joann Weiner

The federal government's spending obligations will exceed its cash on hand and borrowing authority as soon as mid-February.

By Joann Weiner | 04:12 PM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: debt ceiling, default, platinum coin

Posted at 11:52 AM ET, 01/17/2013

At Notre Dame, a fake tragedy gets more tears than a real one

By Melinda Henneberger

Why does Notre Dame find it easier to shed tears for a fake dead girl than for a real one?

By Melinda Henneberger | 11:52 AM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:06 AM ET, 01/17/2013

A rare bipartisan inauguration celebration

By Annie Groer

On Sunday night at the Madison Hotel, not far from the White House, any toxic talk of guns and budgets, Benghazi and Hurricane Sandy, will be checked at the door along with the furs.

By Annie Groer | 09:06 AM ET, 01/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Inauguration

Posted at 02:27 PM ET, 01/16/2013

The award-winning performance of Hillary Clinton's husband

By Bonnie Goldstein

The hardest job in Washington is "political spouse."

By Bonnie Goldstein | 02:27 PM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:29 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Not all cancer survivors 'mesmerized' by Lance Armstrong

By Melinda Henneberger

Keep your tacky bracelets, Lance

By Melinda Henneberger | 10:29 PM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 01/15/2013

French protest against gay marriage plan: An unexpected view from the Eiffel Tower

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | The issue has exposed divisions, such as rural vs. urban, in a society that supports legalizing same-sex marriage but has reservations when children are involved.

By Mary C. Curtis | 10:52 AM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:43 PM ET, 01/14/2013

In Istanbul, street harassment is a constant

By Alyson Neel

While we're on the subject of rape following two brutal and public cases in India, let's talk about "lesser" violations that happen virtually everywhere -- and come out of the same mindset.

By Alyson Neel | 03:43 PM ET, 01/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:14 PM ET, 01/13/2013

Getting married? See 'Amour' first

By Delia Lloyd

The Academy-Award nominated Amour is a refreshingly honest, unvarnished and difficult-to-watch film about love and aging.

By Delia Lloyd | 03:14 PM ET, 01/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Oscars

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 01/12/2013

Would Hagel stay the course for women in the military?

By Natalie Jennings

It's unclear whether he'd lead the Pentagon as a conservative or fall in line with the administration's priorities.

By Natalie Jennings | 10:50 AM ET, 01/12/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Chuck Hagel, Defense

Posted at 10:06 PM ET, 01/10/2013

Demand a plan on gun violence, but don't imagine the answers are obvious

By Melinda Henneberger

SHE THE PEOPLE | It's important to know all we're up against -- so we don’t get discouraged.

By Melinda Henneberger | 10:06 PM ET, 01/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 01/10/2013

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory balances hometown expectations, GOP austerity

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | “He’s got a very difficult balance to strike,” said Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx. “The expectations that are there within his party may not mesh well with the expectations people in this state have.”

By Mary C. Curtis | 06:00 PM ET, 01/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:34 PM ET, 01/09/2013

Late-night TV's white guys club lags in political progress

By Mary C. Curtis

With a black man in the White House and a woman perhaps on deck, is late-night TV a comforting throwback?

By Mary C. Curtis | 03:34 PM ET, 01/09/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:24 PM ET, 01/08/2013

Al Gore's petrodollars once again make him a chip off the old block

By Melinda Henneberger

Now that the former vice president is without any question writing his own script, and can follow any path he likes, the one he's chosen is not just hypocritical, but awfully familiar to those who remember what his father did after leaving public life.

By Melinda Henneberger | 06:24 PM ET, 01/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:47 AM ET, 01/08/2013

Black family life the reality, and the reality show

By Mary C. Curtis

Black family life the reality, and the reality show

By Mary C. Curtis | 07:47 AM ET, 01/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 01/07/2013

"Downton Abbey's" ugly American

By Melinda Henneberger

Too lively by half, her Martha Levinson never really came alive, or for a second let us forget, "Oh, there's Shirley MacLaine not only chewing the scenery but eating like she's never before seen food, and talking with her mouth full."

By Melinda Henneberger | 12:22 PM ET, 01/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:06 AM ET, 01/07/2013

Father of New Delhi rape victim: Tell the world my daughter's name

By Diana Reese

The father of the New Delhi medical student who died after a brutal gang rape wants the world to know her name. "My daughter didn't do anything wrong," he told a British newspaper.

By Diana Reese | 08:06 AM ET, 01/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:59 AM ET, 01/07/2013

In Al Gore's third act, the second banana finishes first

By Bonnie Goldstein

SHE THE PEOPLE | After a lifetime of playing second fiddle, he’s in a position to put his passions first.

By Bonnie Goldstein | 07:59 AM ET, 01/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:51 PM ET, 01/05/2013

Baby Veronica: White or Native American? Which parents have the right to raise her?

By Diana Reese

The U.S. Supreme Court has been petitioned to hear the case of Baby Veronica, who was returned by her white adoptive parents to her Cherokee biological father under the jurisdiction of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

By Diana Reese | 12:51 PM ET, 01/05/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 01/03/2013

Bev Perdue, North Carolina's ‘thin blue line,' makes way for a GOP wave

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | As Gov. Perdue makes the most of her last days in office, progressives lament possible plans of the GOP statehouse majority.

By Mary C. Curtis | 10:50 AM ET, 01/03/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:29 PM ET, 01/01/2013

Questioning Hillary Clinton's concussion

By Melinda Henneberger

SHE THE PEOPLE | Head injuries are no joke, but the backlash against those who questioned whether Clinton's concussion was for real seems like an overreaction, too.

By Melinda Henneberger | 09:29 PM ET, 01/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:42 PM ET, 01/01/2013

Massacre message management is new PR task

By Bonnie Goldstein

How do relatives of mass murderers apologize for their damaged loved one's acts?

By Bonnie Goldstein | 02:42 PM ET, 01/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adam Lanza, Aurora, Aurora theater shootings, Colo., Conn., Gabby Giffords, Jared Loughner, Nancy Lanza, Newtown, Sandy Hook elementary, Ted Kaczinski, Tucson shootings, unabomber, Virginia Tech shootings

She The People: January, 2013