As a man I don't feel entirely qualified to weigh in on a group that calls itself the Women's Equality Party. And there is a party in the UK by that name which is fairly small (with a larger media profile) but reputable. I've been really shocked by what I've learned about the Women's Equality Party of New York, though, from my colleague Patricia McConnell at News Growl.
It's barely a real party. It has automatic ballot access thanks to a quirk in New York law, but it was started by a man (Governor Andrew Cuomo), is funded by his supporters, and as far as anyone can tell has no real purpose other than to endorse him for Governor every four years and to allow his name to appear on the ballot an additional time (making four times in total in 2014). Seriously? Why is this legal? Or why is it politically sustainable for a man to start his own party that exploits the good name of women's rights in a cheap gimmick to advance his political career? I really don't understand New York politics I guess. But I do understand this: exploiting the sympathy of a downtrodden group for political game is wrong. Imagine if Cuomo had stared a new Black Panther Party and endorsed himself for Governor — everyone would be up in arms! Why is this different? It must be because Cuomo simply has less respect (or fear) or women politically. So really, the Women's Equality Party is just proof that Women are not equal in politics — they are safe to exploit. Thanks for making this loud and clear, Governor Cuomo.
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AuthorSteve has many disparate and unconnected interests. This, he thinks, entitles him to claim the label "Renaissance Man." Archives
March 2019
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