Much has been said about the idea of women's issues in this election. Yet, women's rights are not just the concern of women, but all people. Women's rights are human rights, and everyone in this country has a stake in the empowerment of women. We as a nation are only as strong as our weakest link, and if women are not living up to their full potential, we all suffer. U.S. Sens. Barack Obama, D-Ill and Joe Biden, D-Del., understand women are equal partners in this election, this country and the world.
Even though conservatives originally claimed former Sen. Hillary Clinton supporters would flock to Palin, the opposite is obviously true. Any woman who voted for Clinton in the primaries understands a McCain-Palin presidency would turn back the clock on women's rights.
Clinton's historic campaign for the presidency put 18 million cracks in the nation's highest glass ceiling. Yet, women still have enormous obstacles in the workforce. Women have been moving up the ranks for decades, yet today only make 77 cents to every dollar made by a man. Obama and Biden understand the daily struggle for millions of women and are fully committed as equal partners to the economic empowerment of women.
Obama's past record in the Illinois State Senate reflects his commitment to empowering women, as he championed the Equal Pay Act, which eliminated pay discrimination for 330,000 women. As a U.S. Senator, Obama has continued his commitment to women's rights by co-sponsoring the Fair Pay Restoration Act. McCain voted against the same piece of legislation, sending the message to women everywhere their hard work is not valued as much as that of a man's.
Healthcare is another pressing issue facing all Americans. Over 19 million women are uninsured, and are less likely than men to obtain health insurance if it is not offered through employment. If employers do not provide health insurance, it presents yet another financial burden on families as women are more likely to be the chief caretakers of children. Obama and Biden have pledged in their first term to provide healthcare for all children, and access to government health insurance for all Americans who want it.
McCain's plan will leave over 30 million people uninsured, and those who manage to keep their insurance will have their benefits taxed. When people can choose a career based on their interests and talents instead of one that will give them healthcare, it promotes a healthier, more productive workforce and opens up endless possibilities for all workers, whether female or male.
Obama and Biden have made women's health issues a priority. They know heart disease, ovarian cancer and HIV/AIDS are the leading worldwide health concerns for women, and they have plans to address and combat these diseases. Biden, who wrote the Violence Against Women Act, will continue to be a champion for women. McCain and Palin have yet to address any of these health issues, which affect millions of American families every year.
Obama supports the right to choose for all women, and he respects those who disagree with him. In 2007, Obama co-sponsored legislation that will increase access to contraceptives, fully fund comprehensive sex education in schools and provide compassionate care to rape victims. McCain and Palin do not support comprehensive sex education, which is one of the main preventative measures for unwanted pregnancy. By addressing the root of the problem - unsafe and unprotected sex - and educating America's youth, the number of unwanted pregnancies that result in abortions will decrease. McCain and Palin refuse to acknowledge the benefits and success of comprehensive sex education. Their abstinence-only sex education plan is short-sighted and completely oblivious to today's sexual norms refusal to educate safe sex practices is detrimental to the health of America's youth altogether.
Republicans are certainly excited to see a female vice presidential candidate, but the McCain-Palin ticket is not right for America. Palin's record shows she is simply a tool used by the Republican Party to try to capture the female vote. Women's best interests lie with Obama, who has been a constant champion for equality. An Obama-Biden presidency will continue to respect women's rights and promote the best interests of women everywhere. Vote for equality on Election Day. Vote Obama-Biden.
Alyssa Mirsberger is a sophomore majoring in journalism, and a member of College Democrats of Madison. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
