Reflections on the Primary Elections
The voting in the early primary states is much easier to understand than many of its interpretations. That young people are voting for Senator Obama is easily comprehensible; similarly, voters above a certain age are favoring Senator Clinton. No mystery. Where the mystery arises is in the analysis (or its errors) which some commentators advance. Remarks have emphasized new public attitudes to nonwhite candidates. Why not towards non male candidates?
The fifteenth constitutional amendment which says that "The right of citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude" was enacted March 30, 1870. The nineteenth amendment, which says ''The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex" did not take effect until August 26, 1920. Half a century later!
Historically, it is more remarkable that a woman is running for president than it is that an African American is running for president. Yet we find many commentators full of criticism for the woman while showing admiration for the talented young biracial senator.
Is it possible that this country is ready to accept a nonwhite male in the Oval Office, but not ready to accept a female there? Are American voters unaware of Margaret Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, Angela Merkel, Indira Ghandhi, Goida Meir , and so many other women who have been elected leaders. of their diverse countries? Do these women's records of service seem especially negligible, a series of cautionary tales?
Please, guys, don't feel threatened. let those of us whose mothers could not vote have a candidate to do honor to them and us.
RECRUITS FOR THE EMERITUS ASSEMBLY
The following is an edited version of a piece that Mary Rogers wrote in October.
Every year there are new retirees from many or all of the colleges and universities in Connecticut. All such individuals are eligible for membership in the Emeritus Assembly. Sometimes their names have been made known to officers of the Assembly, but in many cases the Assembly has difficulty in learning their identities and addresses. This circumstance provides an opportunity for all members to help both their organization and their former colleagues.
Do you know of someone who has retired recently? Has that person received a copy of our Newsletter? It is our policy to send the Newsletter to all retirees for two years after they retire, forgiving them the annual dues payment of ten dollars during that period; thus you can encourage your acquaintance to make a risk-free request for a sample of our output and details about our programs. Suggest a contact with one of our officers. Bear in mind that membership is open to retired faculty from all colleges and universities in Connecticut, whether or not they had a previous connection with AAUP.
Help us to sustain and replenish our membership, and you will ensure the continuation of our programs of interesting meetings and gatherings, where you can meet and make friends and congenial acquaintances, the colleagues of a lifetime. .
Please note the above items in their original form are available here at webommentary_files/rogerscom.
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