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

Posted at 07:30 PM ET, 02/28/2013

No, a nun won't be pope -- but there could be female cardinals, without changing any church law

By Melinda Henneberger

If Boston's Sean O'Malley were chosen, it would send the message at long long last that the church's leader truly understands what the victims of priestly abuse have been through.

By Melinda Henneberger | 07:30 PM ET, 02/28/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:16 PM ET, 02/28/2013

There's nothing wrong with Mayer asking Yahoos to work at the office

By Joann Weiner

Yahoo CEO Mayer says that employees should come into the office rather than work from home, but she didn't say they could "never, ever, ever work at home again."

By Joann Weiner | 01:16 PM ET, 02/28/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 02/27/2013

Dear Melissa King, I wish you the best.

By Bonnie Goldstein

Miss Teen Delaware denies she made porn video but nevertheless resigns from pageant.

By Bonnie Goldstein | 02:10 PM ET, 02/27/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:50 AM ET, 02/27/2013

In her 100th year, is it time to take Rosa Parks off that pedestal?

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | She was the respectable symbol that was needed at the time, even though the flesh-and-blood activist was far more interesting.

By Mary C. Curtis | 08:50 AM ET, 02/27/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:46 AM ET, 02/26/2013

Berlusconi is back. What were Italian voters thinking?

By Bonnie Goldstein

Italians nearly re-elect corrupt, scandal prone, former PM.

By Bonnie Goldstein | 11:46 AM ET, 02/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:21 PM ET, 02/25/2013

The FLOTUS, the Oscars, and the art of ‘leaning in'

By Melinda Henneberger

What Oscar host Seth MacFarlane called "every woman's innate inability to never ever let anything go," I call knowing when not to back down. And I think it's what Sheryl Sandberg, who's already been annoying lots of us with a book that isn't even out yet, calls 'leaning in.'

By Melinda Henneberger | 08:21 PM ET, 02/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:19 PM ET, 02/25/2013

Fifty years of feminism in 'Makers: Women Who Make America'

By Annie Groer

By Annie Groer | 02:19 PM ET, 02/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:17 AM ET, 02/25/2013

The House now turns to the Violence Against Women Act

By Mary C. Curtis

An advocate says the bill not only provides needed services and reforms for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, but also serves as "an incredibly powerful, potent, meaningful symbol."

By Mary C. Curtis | 09:17 AM ET, 02/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:07 PM ET, 02/24/2013

A bone to pick with the Oscars

By Michelle Bernard

The Academy Awards can teach us so much about who we are as Americans and as citizens of the world. So why did the Academy ignore Kerry Washington's portrayal of Broomhilda von Shaft in "Django Unchained"?

By Michelle Bernard | 03:07 PM ET, 02/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:48 AM ET, 02/23/2013

AIG's former chief Greenberg suing Feds for bailing out his company

By Joann Weiner

Former AIG head Hank Greenberg insists that the federal government shouldn't have bailed out AIG and is now suing because it did.

By Joann Weiner | 09:48 AM ET, 02/23/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: AIG

Posted at 05:55 PM ET, 02/21/2013

The NRA's David Keene: 'There will be votes' -- and consequences

By Melinda Henneberger

At Harvard, the questions were all along the lines of, "Are you still beating your wife?"

By Melinda Henneberger | 05:55 PM ET, 02/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:06 PM ET, 02/21/2013

In North Carolina, a civilized gun debate fails to change minds

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | While everyone was in favor of reducing gun violence in America, there was little agreement on the best way to accomplish that goal.

By Mary C. Curtis | 03:06 PM ET, 02/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:40 AM ET, 02/21/2013

Betty Friedan and black women: Is it time for a second look?

By Michelle Bernard

I have never met a black woman who admits to having read The Feminine Mystique.

By Michelle Bernard | 08:40 AM ET, 02/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: The Feminist Mystique; Betty Friedan; Women's Right's; Black Feminist Thought; Black Feminist Movement; African Amerivan Women; Civil Rights; Gender Discrimination

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 02/20/2013

#LiberalTips2AvoidRape: How about, just don't do it?

By Aly Neel

What do you get when you mix gun control on college campuses, "rape prevention" and Twitter? Apparently, rape jokes.

By Aly Neel | 03:00 PM ET, 02/20/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:56 PM ET, 02/19/2013

Missouri lawmakers defend 2nd Amendment: A bill to ban bills; bullets on YouTube

By Diana Reese

One Missouri lawmaker proposes law to make it a felony for legislators to introduce laws restricting gun rights, while another lawmaker posts a YouTube video that takes shots at a bill to ban assault weapons.

By Diana Reese | 03:56 PM ET, 02/19/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:58 AM ET, 02/17/2013

Perfect Holiday Reading: "The Smithsonian Book of Presidential Trivia"

By Annie Groer

In an era of Google, Bing and Yahoo! instant research, "The Smithsonian Book of Presidential Trivia" offers 240 pages of dishy White House lore.

By Annie Groer | 09:58 AM ET, 02/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:10 PM ET, 02/15/2013

Did Oscar 'Blade Runner' Pistorius murder his girlfriend on V-Day?

By Michelle Bernard

The alleged murder of Reeva Steenkamp by boyfriend Oscar Pistorious coincides with the 15th anniversary of One Billion Rising (V-Day) global protest of violence against women and girls.

By Michelle Bernard | 04:10 PM ET, 02/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:16 PM ET, 02/15/2013

The State of the Wal-Mart Moms

By Karen Tumulty

In focus groups, a set of bellwether voters discuss President Obama's State of the Union speech.

By Karen Tumulty | 12:16 PM ET, 02/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: state of the union, walmart moms, women voters

Posted at 12:10 PM ET, 02/15/2013

Why Obama always returns to North Carolina

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | In many ways, the Southern state that has not quite made up its mind about this president, is America in miniature, with a diverse economic, social and political profile.

By Mary C. Curtis | 12:10 PM ET, 02/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:08 AM ET, 02/15/2013

With our bodies, we take action

By Aly Neel

One in three women worldwide will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. That's one billion, one billion too many.

By Aly Neel | 10:08 AM ET, 02/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:16 PM ET, 02/14/2013

Blaming Benedict, and missing the point

By Melinda Henneberger

Benedict didn't head the conspiracy, for one thing because there was no conspiracy. The truth is even worse than that, because they didn't need one.

By Melinda Henneberger | 10:16 PM ET, 02/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 02/13/2013

The GOP's savior will be a woman

By Michelle Bernard

The GOP's savior will be a woman

By Michelle Bernard | 10:00 AM ET, 02/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:52 AM ET, 02/13/2013

Will the next pope in a new world change the Catholic Church?

By Mary C. Curtis

The next pope will take over the Catholic Church in a political world with dissenting voices, and try to satisfy those who would be faithful but not silent.

By Mary C. Curtis | 08:52 AM ET, 02/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: catholic church; new pope in changing times; gay marriage; homosexuality and catholic church; pope benedict; who will next pope be?

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 02/13/2013

Congressional women key to giving gun victims the vote they deserve

By Joann Weiner

Women in Congress with a personal connection to gun violence may hold the key to the vote on gun control measures President Obama called for in his State of the Union address.

By Joann Weiner | 07:00 AM ET, 02/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:12 AM ET, 02/12/2013

No more free passes to famous men who abuse women

By Aly Neel

The problem is bigger than the Rihanna and Chris Brown Grammys cuddlefest. It's the message the entertainment industry continues to send.

By Aly Neel | 09:12 AM ET, 02/12/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:52 AM ET, 02/12/2013

Sarah Palin tries to stay relevant

By Suzi Parker

Sarah Palin offers a cautionary political tale.

By Suzi Parker | 08:52 AM ET, 02/12/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 02/11/2013

Pope Benedict XVI will go down in history for modernizing?

By Melinda Henneberger

I see all these looks back at Benedict's papacy that have him down as someone known for his opposition to gay marriage, abortion and women's ordination and think well, yes, but that's like saying such and such rabbi is known for not eating pork.

By Melinda Henneberger | 05:00 PM ET, 02/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 02/11/2013

Sen. Robert Menendez should enjoy foreign relations chairmanship while it lasts

By Bonnie Goldstein

Will the embattled New Jersey Democrat hold on to his post?

By Bonnie Goldstein | 10:31 AM ET, 02/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: 113th Congress

Posted at 10:16 AM ET, 02/11/2013

Rihanna and Chris Brown are proof that domestic violence is everyone's business

By Michelle Bernard

Domestic violence, the propensity of some to accept it, its causes, and its aftermath is everyone's business.

By Michelle Bernard | 10:16 AM ET, 02/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Chris Brown, domestic violence, Grammy's, Rihanna

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 02/10/2013

Soldier dies of breast cancer, but her widow won't get benefits

By Andrea Stone

On Sunday morning, the New Hampshire National Guard soldier succumbed to Stage IV breast cancer after a long battle against the disease and the Defense of Marriage Act.

By Andrea Stone | 12:21 PM ET, 02/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 02/10/2013

With CBS breast ban, the Grammy Awards take a leap back in time

By Suzi Parker

Rock stars like provocative clothing so deal with it.

By Suzi Parker | 10:20 AM ET, 02/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:38 AM ET, 02/09/2013

Escape from Westboro Baptist Church: Is fresh start possible for Phelps's granddaughters?

By Diana Reese

Two granddaughters of founder Fred Phelps have left the cult-like homophobic Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka.

By Diana Reese | 09:38 AM ET, 02/09/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:01 AM ET, 02/08/2013

It's time for women to take back the word 'feminism'

By Suzi Parker

Feminism means women deserve equal rights for women.

By Suzi Parker | 09:01 AM ET, 02/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:39 PM ET, 02/07/2013

Out, damned spot: The 'mindbugs' of bias that sneak into our brains

By Melinda Henneberger

Today, one of the most common forms of acting on an unconscious bias is less likely to involve hurting "the other" than helping someone with whom we identify, or unconsciously favor as a member of the dominant group.

By Melinda Henneberger | 05:39 PM ET, 02/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:17 AM ET, 02/07/2013

Postal Service can deliver mail in snow, rain, heat but not on Saturdays -- and jobs will be cut

By Diana Reese

Thousands of letter carrier jobs will be cut if the Postal Service follows through on its announcement to drop Saturday delivery.

By Diana Reese | 07:17 AM ET, 02/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:10 PM ET, 02/06/2013

Michelle Obama and the broadsides on the black woman's backside

By Michelle Bernard

What will Bob Grisham, the high school football coach who referred to the first lady as Fat Butt Michelle Obama, do if he finds out that one of the hottest selling items on the internet is the Brazil Butt Lift ?

By Michelle Bernard | 03:10 PM ET, 02/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:58 PM ET, 02/06/2013

Boy Scouts of America delays vote on allowing gay members, scoutmasters

By Diana Reese

The decision to allow gays members and scoutmasters in the Boy Scouts of America has been postponed until voting members meet for the annual meeting in May. Meanwhile, some local troops continue to defy the ban.

By Diana Reese | 01:58 PM ET, 02/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:28 PM ET, 02/06/2013

David Kuo invites you to work a miracle

By Karen Tumulty

As he battles cancer, he reminds us that everyday moments are the greatest gift.

By Karen Tumulty | 01:28 PM ET, 02/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: david kuo, facebook

Posted at 08:13 AM ET, 02/06/2013

Sarai Sierra's body found, but four Turkish women remain uncovered

By Aly Neel

You've probably heard of American murdered in Turkey. But what about Aynzeliha, Damla, Fatma and Irem?

By Aly Neel | 08:13 AM ET, 02/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:32 PM ET, 02/05/2013

Strom Thurmond's black daughter: a symbol of America's complicated racial history

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | Thurmond's daughter was for years kept on the outside looking in, a pattern that mirrors the lives of many African Americans.

By Mary C. Curtis | 07:32 PM ET, 02/05/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:48 AM ET, 02/05/2013

How will the Violence Against Women Act fare in Congress?

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | A bill reauthorized twice since its inception in 1994 stalled last year. Will a new version gain bipartisan support?

By Mary C. Curtis | 08:48 AM ET, 02/05/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 02/05/2013

Five black women brought their ‘A game' to the Super Bowl

By Michelle D. Bernard

And few commentators looked at it that way; does that show how far we've come?

By Michelle D. Bernard | 07:00 AM ET, 02/05/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:25 PM ET, 02/04/2013

Malala, the Muslim miracle, educates us all

By Bonnie Goldstein

Malala Yousufzai demonstrates the power of courage.

By Bonnie Goldstein | 04:25 PM ET, 02/04/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:16 PM ET, 02/04/2013

Janet Napolitano: A woman to watch for 2016

By Karen Tumulty

SHE THE PEOPLE | So, what happens if Hillary Clinton doesn't run in 2016?

By Karen Tumulty | 03:16 PM ET, 02/04/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:03 PM ET, 02/04/2013

Marine suspect in Chris Kyle shooting is getting death threats

By Lori Stahl

We have an idea that that's why they were at the range, for some kind of therapy that Mr. Kyle assists people with, the sheriff said.

By Lori Stahl | 02:03 PM ET, 02/04/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:21 PM ET, 02/01/2013

Making sense of the Ankara embassy bombing from Istanbul

By Aly Neel

In the past, I've been able to alleviate my chronically worried mother's fears about my safety in Istanbul by pointing out that none of our diplomatic missions had been targeted like in the Middle East.

By Aly Neel | 06:21 PM ET, 02/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:18 AM ET, 02/01/2013

Hillary Clinton exits stage left, but not for long

By Suzi Parker

Hillary Clinton leaves her post as Secretary of State on Feb. 1, but she won't say goodbye forever.

By Suzi Parker | 09:18 AM ET, 02/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:17 AM ET, 02/01/2013

All-female American Legion posts: A place for women vets to share their stories

By Diana Reese

This is not your father's American Legion Post: Women are forming female-only posts to address their unique needs.

By Diana Reese | 09:17 AM ET, 02/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

She The People: February, 2013