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

Posted at 10:20 PM ET, 03/31/2013

After Newtown: What mental health system?

By Diana Reese

Liza Long struck a nerve with her blog post gone viral on mental health. It also inspired two of my friends to share their stories, about how the system has failed their families.

By Diana Reese | 10:20 PM ET, 03/31/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:29 AM ET, 03/31/2013

Stroganoff and rocket science: For Yvonne Brill's obit, Douglas Martin must be punished

By Melinda Henneberger

This perceived slight is irony gone awry, not a literal exaltation of stroganoff over science. But as the great Mary McGrory once warned me, "Nuance is overrated; clarity is the thing."

By Melinda Henneberger | 11:29 AM ET, 03/31/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:07 PM ET, 03/29/2013

Moms demonstrate for gun control, armed men stage counter-protest in Indiana

By Diana Reese

Members of Moms Demand Action demonstrate for improved gun control measures while men, armed with assault weapons, stage a counter-protest in Indianapolis.

By Diana Reese | 12:07 PM ET, 03/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:44 PM ET, 03/27/2013

"A message of respect" video responds to Steubenville rape and goes viral

By Diana Reese

A video by University of Oregon students responding to Steubenville rape goes viral.

By Diana Reese | 02:44 PM ET, 03/27/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:34 PM ET, 03/27/2013

'Legitimate rape' comment resurrected on 'Law and Order: SVU'

By Diana Reese

Former Rep. Todd Akin's phrase, "legitimate rape," is featured in an episode of "Law and Order:SVU' that's "ripped from the headlines."

By Diana Reese | 01:34 PM ET, 03/27/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:05 AM ET, 03/27/2013

Syracuse hires string of women -- but is it progress if it looks like nepotism?

By Diana Reese

The Syracuse Post-Standard reports that six of the seven city attorneys hired just happen to be daughters of city employees or Democrats that supported the mayor's campaign.

By Diana Reese | 10:05 AM ET, 03/27/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:58 AM ET, 03/27/2013

A 'military spouse of the year' closely watches the Supreme Court

By Mary C. Curtis

'Regardless of how someone feels about same-sex marriage or their religious convictions, we can't have second-class citizens, especially people defending our country and our constitution.'

By Mary C. Curtis | 08:58 AM ET, 03/27/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:27 PM ET, 03/26/2013

Cyber debate continues over Adria Richards's firing

By Vanessa Williams

Adria Richards was fired from SendGrid Inc. after exposing what she considered to be sexist behavior by two men sitting behind her at a conference.

By Vanessa Williams | 05:27 PM ET, 03/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 03/26/2013

For political strategist Hilary Rosen, same-sex marriage debate is also personal

By Vanessa Williams

On the day that the Supreme Court begins hearing oral arguments on two same-sex marriage cases, Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen describes how the quest for equality for gays and lesbians has affected her personally.

By Vanessa Williams | 11:24 AM ET, 03/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:14 PM ET, 03/25/2013

Rep. Slaughter introduces bill to allow abortions for service women at military hospitals

By Diana Reese

Service women are denied their right to a privately funded abortion from military hospitals, but a bill proposed by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) would change that.

By Diana Reese | 05:14 PM ET, 03/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:25 PM ET, 03/25/2013

No answers yet in daughter-father suicide in Kansas City

By Diana Reese

The dramatic suicide of a daughter and father in Kansas City remains a mystery to family and friends left behind.

By Diana Reese | 12:25 PM ET, 03/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:26 AM ET, 03/25/2013

Do black women need lessons on 'leaning in'?

By Mary C. Curtis

As women decide which points in her message to hold close and which ones it might be wiser to disregard, they are taking at least one piece of advice from Sheryl Sandberg. They are speaking up.

By Mary C. Curtis | 08:26 AM ET, 03/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:32 AM ET, 03/25/2013

Sen. Claire McCaskill announces support for same-sex marriage

By Diana Reese

Sen. Claire McCaskill announces her support for same-sex marriage in a post on the social media web site Tumblr.

By Diana Reese | 05:32 AM ET, 03/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:44 PM ET, 03/23/2013

The Dallas murder that 'sparked changes' on domestic abuse

By Melinda Henneberger

But it's both too late for the victim and too early for us to be congratulating Dallas officials on the shift.

By Melinda Henneberger | 05:44 PM ET, 03/23/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:59 PM ET, 03/22/2013

Women vets groups missing from Hagel meeting

By Diana Reese

Women veterans organizations were missing from a meeting with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and representatives from more than 20 military organizations.

By Diana Reese | 12:59 PM ET, 03/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:39 PM ET, 03/21/2013

The ultimate Easter egg hunt: 'Ivy League couple' seeks donor with 'highest scores'

By Melinda Henneberger

The least we can ask is that the health risks be spelled out, perhaps especially for the non-blue-eyed, non-Ivy women who 'donate' eggs for stem-cell research.

By Melinda Henneberger | 07:39 PM ET, 03/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:43 PM ET, 03/21/2013

Beyonce's new song challenges her image

By Vanessa Williams

One line in particular that has caused some to gasp is her use of the b-word in reminding haters that she is Queen Bey.

By Vanessa Williams | 06:43 PM ET, 03/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:43 PM ET, 03/21/2013

Rainbow house fights Westboro Baptist with love

By Diana Reese

Aaron Jackson painted the house across the street from Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka the colors of the rainbow -- and of the gay pride flag -- hoping to fight hate with love.

By Diana Reese | 01:43 PM ET, 03/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:35 AM ET, 03/21/2013

Tearing down Any Griffith's N.C. coastal home: should anyone care?

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | Would it make a fine museum? Could it one day rival Graceland?

By Mary C. Curtis | 10:35 AM ET, 03/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:43 PM ET, 03/20/2013

Steubenville, Ohio rape victim threatened by 'mean girls'

By Diana Reese

Two teenage girls in Steubenville, Ohio have been charged with sending threats on Twitter against the rape victim after her assailants were arrested Sunday.

By Diana Reese | 01:43 PM ET, 03/20/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:37 AM ET, 03/20/2013

Clinton, Feinstein and standing up to bullies

By Mary C. Curtis

With the country fatigued by bluster and gridlock, 2016 may be the year for a woman in the White House.

By Mary C. Curtis | 08:37 AM ET, 03/20/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:29 PM ET, 03/19/2013

Was Pope Francis a bystander in Buenos Aires?

By Melinda Henneberger

The new pontiff doesn't have to be a hero. Though if he did tell us the truth, we'd see him as one.

By Melinda Henneberger | 06:29 PM ET, 03/19/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:12 PM ET, 03/18/2013

Hillary Clinton announces support for same-sex marriage

By Diana Reese

Could Hillary Clinton's support of same-sex marriage point to a run for the Presidency in 2016?

By Diana Reese | 01:12 PM ET, 03/18/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:03 AM ET, 03/17/2013

In crisis-ravaged Greece, 'laughter clubs' are booming

By Anthee Carassava

Huddled in a nondescript basement in central Athens, a group of wildly diverse strangers work up a sweat.

By Anthee Carassava | 07:03 AM ET, 03/17/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:38 PM ET, 03/16/2013

What an unusual Swedish mannequin reveals about body image

By Delia Lloyd

Sometimes, all you need is an Internet hoax to generate a “teachable moment.”

By Delia Lloyd | 02:38 PM ET, 03/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:46 AM ET, 03/15/2013

Authentically black and Catholic with something to say about Pope Francis

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | The rich history of African American Catholics is woven through the growth of the church. Their voices should be heard at this time of important transition.

By Mary C. Curtis | 09:46 AM ET, 03/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: nextpope

Posted at 07:30 PM ET, 03/14/2013

When Francis chooses a secretary of state, we'll know how serious he is about reform

By Melinda Henneberger

The last two Vatican secretaries of state, Cardinals Tarcisio Bertone and Angelo Sodano, played significant roles in the abuse scandals, and are perfect examples of whom not to pick, and what not to do.

By Melinda Henneberger | 07:30 PM ET, 03/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:41 PM ET, 03/14/2013

Steubenville rape trial begins

By Jamila Bey

Steubenville rape trial begins

By Jamila Bey | 04:41 PM ET, 03/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: boys, football, rape, Steubenville, trial

Posted at 11:36 AM ET, 03/14/2013

When will real action be taken to end sexual assault in the military?

By Michelle Bernard

Until the investigation and prosecution of allegations of military of sexual abuse are outside of the chain of command and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, rape will continue within the military.

By Michelle Bernard | 11:36 AM ET, 03/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:58 PM ET, 03/13/2013

Pope Francis is in some ways a cautious choice

By Melinda Henneberger

Since the former Jorge Borgoglio never worked inside the Vatican, he's seen as less likely than some other candidates were to overhaul the way its government functions, and doesn't -- the thinking being that to truly reform the Curia, it helps to know how it works.

By Melinda Henneberger | 06:58 PM ET, 03/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:59 AM ET, 03/13/2013

A voter ID battle in North Carolina

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | Republicans tread carefully as they look to change voting rules with an eye on the state's and their own futures.

By Mary C. Curtis | 07:59 AM ET, 03/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:45 AM ET, 03/12/2013

Harvard, heal thyself

By Bonnie Goldstein

After suspending students for collaborating on a take home test, university secretly snoops into emails of their resident advisers.

By Bonnie Goldstein | 09:45 AM ET, 03/12/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:16 AM ET, 03/11/2013

Sandberg and Oprah show how women can help women become billionaires

By Joann Weiner

Five women are self-made billionaires, but all women, Sandberg included, rely on other women to succeed.

By Joann Weiner | 09:16 AM ET, 03/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:47 AM ET, 03/11/2013

Remembering J.R. Ewing: 'Dallas' says goodbye to Larry Hagman

By Diana Reese

Before the funeral of J.R. Ewing is broadcast on Monday's episode of "Dallas," cast members shared stories about actor Larry Hagman during a live Q

By Diana Reese | 08:47 AM ET, 03/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:04 PM ET, 03/09/2013

Dear Sheryl Sandberg, Congrats on your new book, but

By Peg Tyre

I know you don't control the investment banking industry but it seems to me that if you are the boss at Facebook and Facebook is handing Morgan Stanley $1.2 billion you might have asked a few top dogs there to "Lean In" a little, get over their institutional sexism and name another two or three woman to the board.

By Peg Tyre | 02:04 PM ET, 03/09/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:27 AM ET, 03/08/2013

I have news for Mark Zuckerberg

By Bonnie Goldstein

As a business model, it's a good idea, but Zuckerberg shouldn't confuse his product with journalism.

By Bonnie Goldstein | 11:27 AM ET, 03/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 03/08/2013

International women's day: Violence isn't always black and white

By Aly Neel

This International Women's Day, let's take the opportunity to talk about not only rape but also "lesser" forms of violence against women and girls, all rooted in the same culture.

By Aly Neel | 11:00 AM ET, 03/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:43 AM ET, 03/08/2013

'American Idol' needs more contestants like 'adorkable' Charlie Askew

By Suzi Parker

In its 12th season, the show doesn't have to be so bland.

By Suzi Parker | 08:43 AM ET, 03/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 03/07/2013

An Ashley Judd candidacy? Women voters may be the key.

By Michelle Bernard

Judd has survived the gender politics of Hollywood and if she chooses to do so, can navigate her way through political high jinks and gender politics of a campaign in Kentucky..

By Michelle Bernard | 12:00 PM ET, 03/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 03/07/2013

Taylor Swift, lighten up!

By Patricia Murphy

"There's a special place in hell for women who don't help other women," Swift said of jokes from Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at her expense.

By Patricia Murphy | 10:00 AM ET, 03/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:26 AM ET, 03/07/2013

Valerie Harper on life before, during and after 'Rhoda'

By Diana Reese

A former CBS executive shares the story of interviewing Valerie Harper, known for her nine seasons of playing Rhoda Morgenstern on television, for the Archive of American Television. Harper announced Wednesday she's been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

By Diana Reese | 08:26 AM ET, 03/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:56 PM ET, 03/06/2013

Blaming football in Lauren Astley's killing

By Melinda Henneberger

Attorneys for 20-year-old Nathaniel Fujita, who played high school football, have blamed multiple concussions, 'stressors,' and a psychotic episode in the killing of Fujita's 18-year-old ex-girlfriend, Lauren Astley.

By Melinda Henneberger | 06:56 PM ET, 03/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:31 PM ET, 03/06/2013

Condi Rice, Valerie Jarrett and Lesley Stahl on, inevitably, 'having it all'

By Mary C. Curtis

SHE THE PEOPLE | 'Men sometimes just hide it better, that they want to be liked.' said Rice. 'But when you enter a position of power, you have to want to be respected.'

By Mary C. Curtis | 05:31 PM ET, 03/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:57 AM ET, 03/06/2013

Surrogate mother refused abortion: Right? Wrong? Damned to hell?

By Aly Neel

At one point -- in a weak moment, she has said -- she said it would take $15,000 to make her do something that was against her religious beliefs.

By Aly Neel | 11:57 AM ET, 03/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 03/06/2013

My son, the stereotype

By Donna Britt

In that split-second, framed on a 37-inch screen, Darrell's beloved features seemed chilling, suggesting things antithetical to what I knew about my son, but that viewers who'd never laid eyes on him could instantly perceive: The threatening scowl of a dangerous young black man.

By Donna Britt | 10:20 AM ET, 03/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:29 AM ET, 03/06/2013

Wishing rape on campus away won't make it so

By Aly Neel

One in six female undergrads experienced non-consensual vaginal penetration, according to a Princeton University survey. The kicker? The survey, conducted in 2008, was never published. When will schools open their eyes to sexual assaults on their campuses--and effectively address them?

By Aly Neel | 09:29 AM ET, 03/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:10 AM ET, 03/05/2013

Crazy for Patsy Cline: Still popular 50 years after her death

By Diana Reese

It's been 50 years since singer Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash, but her popularity now is higher than ever.

By Diana Reese | 09:10 AM ET, 03/05/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:44 PM ET, 03/04/2013

Remembering Elizabeth Glaser's fight for a childhood AIDS cure

By Bonnie Goldstein

Elizabeth Glaser, a young mother, married to 1970s TV heartthrob Paul Glaser, became infected through transfused blood during delivery of her baby and unknowingly passed the disease on to her daughter via breast milk.

By Bonnie Goldstein | 02:44 PM ET, 03/04/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:16 AM ET, 03/04/2013

Dear Americans: Don't work at home, work less

By Delia Lloyd

As the debate over working from home rages on, the real problem isn't where we work; it's how.

By Delia Lloyd | 08:16 AM ET, 03/04/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:47 PM ET, 03/03/2013

Despite the tremendous risk, African American women marched for suffrage, too

By Michelle Bernard

The gender gap was born as a result of the black and white women who marched in Women's Suffrage Parade of 1913 in Washington, D.C., 100 years ago, forever changing the American political landscape.

By Michelle Bernard | 11:47 PM ET, 03/03/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:12 AM ET, 03/03/2013

Ashley Judd: Will she run against Sen. Mitch McConnell?

By Annie Groer

Does she have what it takes to knock off potentially vulnerable five-term Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell (R), who happens to be the Senate Minority Leader?

By Annie Groer | 10:12 AM ET, 03/03/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:28 PM ET, 03/01/2013

Bonnie Franklin, who played a mom for our times, dies of cancer

By Donna Trussell

Actress Bonnie Franklin, who died today at age 69, played a mom that resonated with a generation.

By Donna Trussell | 06:28 PM ET, 03/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:55 PM ET, 03/01/2013

Obama plays catch-up with bid to strike down ban on same-sex marriage

By Anthee Carassava

Reaffirming the humanity of gay Americans, the Obama administration has signaled its strongest support yet for same-sex marriage.

By Anthee Carassava | 01:55 PM ET, 03/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:39 AM ET, 03/01/2013

Why is Michelle Obama praising Wal-Mart in Springfield, Mo.?

By Diana Reese

The first lady travels to Springfield, Mo. to praise Walmart for its commitment to healthy food at affordable prices. But not everyone shares the love for the Arkansas-based retail giant.

By Diana Reese | 08:39 AM ET, 03/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

She The People: March, 2013