Women’s Rights Blog

Mike Vass asks why women support N.O.W.

Written by Michael Vass

Ok, I need to ask the female readers for help on this.

I was checking back on the website of the National Organization for Women (www.now.org) to see if they had finally made a comment about the ‘death panel’ decision of the Government in regard to the change in policy for mammograms. To my surprise, not really, I found instead a post about something Glenn Beck said.

The title, Want to Insult a Powerful Woman? Call Her a Prostitue, is very direct. And it goes on to state at the top of the article

“Beck called Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) a “high-class prostitute” on his radio show.”

Which he did. In reference to the fact that Sen. Mary Landrieu gave a yes vote to the liberal and N.O.W. supported Health Care Reform Bill after receiving $300 million dollars for her state. For the record the Senator denies that the much needed money was a bribe for her vote. But the fact that Louisianna only got the money due to a last minute add-on to the Bill, and that right up until then she was on the fence does not help her defense. Politically, there is almost no one that would argue the money was not a bribe, and an expensive one, except the Democrat leadership.

The definition of prostitute is ” to devote to corrupt or unworthy purposes : debase”. There is no male or female to the word. In it’s use among pundits describing politicians it is used on men and women. And that definition seems completely accurate to what seems blatantly obvious to the nation. Sen. Landrieu sold her vote for money. Effectively making her a prostitute.

But N.O.W. is all up in arms. They are losing their minds because Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh used this term as is often used against any politician acting in the same manner. As the word is defined.

So where was N.O.W. when Rep. Alan Grayson called a Republican woman a whore for doing her job? When I checked at the time there was no comment. In fact this article on Beck is the first time that I noticed Grayson being referred to on the N.O.W. site. And that’s what, a month after the fact. Plus he seems to have been referred to as an after thought.

But my point is this. N.O.W. responded to the comments by Beck and Limbaugh in 24 hours. N.O.W. has yet to comment on the change on the breast cancer issue after a week. They only mentioned Rep. Grayson after a month. They still have not mentioned anything about the actions of ACORN to this day to my knowledge. And there are several other issues they seem oddly quiet on, like the sexist depiction of Sarah Palin on the Newsweek cover. And almost every attack on her by pundits and others like David Letterman (until he attacked the underage daughter and everyone else chided Letterman for it first).

So they have the ability to make a comment when they want to. They have been blasting comments in favor of the Health Care Reform Bill on their site repeatedly. But when it comes to providing an equal examination and repudiation of males that are Liberals and Democrats, N.O.W. has other things to do.

They are hypocrits. They are a mouthpiece for the Democrat Party and the left wing. They are the least likely organization to truly look out for the rights of women, unless those women completely agree with exactly whatever partyline N.O.W. is advocating at the time.

That’s how I see it. Am I wrong? Does N.O.W. stand up for conservative women? Do they break with the Liberals and Democrats on issues where most women disagree (like the change in mammogram guidelines)?

And I have to ask, why would any woman support such an organization that does not truly support them? I’d really like to know.

N.O.W. is at best a joke, at worst an insult

Written by Michael Vass

Yes I really do believe that. But before the screaming starts, let me tell you why I feel like that.

Given that I am a man, I look over the N.O.W. website from time to time. Generally where there is a major issue in the news cycle that affects or involves women. Like the recent change in policy of the Government in regard to women getting mammograms. Or the sexist photo of Sarah Palin on Newsweek’s cover.

Given moments like that, and others, I like to see what an organization that states they are for the rights of women has to say. But again and again I note that the National Organization for Women fails to say anything that is not seemingly Democrat approved. They consistently fail to comment on Democrats and Liberals that viciously attack women, that denigrate women. They consistently fail to notice media institutions that belittle women and reinforce stereotypes.

Top Priority issues for N.O.W., according to their own site include:

and many others.

So given that these are among the top issues for this group, that claims to be for women, why is it that they have yet to say anything about the new breast cancer guidelines? How about the implications of how the guideline may cause women, especially low income and minority women, to lose insurance coverage for mammograms. Thus increasing the number of later stage breast cancer cases and decreasing the chances of survival.

That does fall under Health right? Maybe even Mothers economic rights? And when you consider that African American women are the most likely to have breast cancer found at late stage, and the highest number of deaths in the 30- 54 age group directly affected by the new guideline, that falls under Affirmative Action and Ending racism. At least to some degree.

But according to the N.O.W. website that isn’t an important issue. Because days after the news hit and everyone has spoken for or against the guidelines, N.O.W. still hasn’t said a word. Check out their news section for yourself http://www.now.org/news/whatsnew.html . They are definitely interested in healthcare, the Democrat Health Care Reform Bill. But noticing that the new guidelines is errily the same as the often disputed “death panels” seems trivial to N.O.W.

How about Sarah Palin. There is little question that the Newsweek photo on their cover is meant to belittle and diminish theis successful mother of 5. The cover photo, which is not Newsweek’s (they used a photo from a running magazine), has nothing to do with politics or the issues in Palin’s book. It is hyper sexual in a way that Newsweek has never dared do to Nancy Pelosi or Hillary Clinton. In fact, Newsweeks cover is pretty blatant in its sexism and political agenda.

So a group that is for Mothers rights, and media activism surely would have something to say about this. They would never let someone insult a woman in such a manner. Yet, according to their site, they have nothing to say.

N.O.W. is a bunch of hypocrits. They don’t care about women, I’m left to conclude. They care about the political status they can bestow on Democrats and Liberals due to they projected image of being for women. They are effectively using women, it’s almost a political prostitution.

I know that some would say, “but they are so busy, they didn’t get a chance to post news on these things.” Sorry but that doesn’t hold water. I write for multiple blogs, maintain about 200 websites, and work on investor relations every day. My company is tiny. yet I and every political group that catres and has fewer employees was able to comment on these items days ago. So if its a matter of personnel, that means N.O.W. is incompetent because they have the people.

I don’t think they are since they can handle interviews on television, speak with Congress, write press releases, and a dozen other thigs all in the same day. Thus they just don’t care. Theyu have a political agenda to support, even at the cost of the women they purport to be looking out for. They have an intention of gaining and maintaining power, which does not have much to do with helping any group unless it benefits them directly.

That makes the mission of the National Organization of Women a joke. But if N.O.W. wants to correct me on this, I’m all ears.

Senator Gillibrand talks tough defending special interests

Written by Michael Vass

I noticed that Senator Gillibrand has recently been drumming up support to defeat an amendment to the Health Care Reform Bill called the Stupack Amendment.

Now here is something I have not heard. Senator Gillibrand responding to questions about the Health Care Reform Bill itself. Just like letters to Senator Schumer, and Rep. Hinchey, I sent letters asking about specific portions of the Health Care Reform debate. Just Like Senator Schumer I received a form letter (only once) that in no way responded to a single question I asked, nor indicated that she has actually read a page of the actual Bill.

The above video might give the impression that Senator Gillibrand has read the Bill. Then again, as the junior Seantor of New York and her high dependancy on the Democrat Party plus Senator Schumer to provide her funding to get re-elected in 2010, I can’t say she has. Just that it seems she has read this one add-on part to the Bill. Which is not good enough.

Why is it so hard for a politician to say they have read a piece of legislation they want to vote for that will effect their constituents? Why have so many politicians avoided talking to the public on a Bill the majority of people reject and only special interest groups support? Why won’t this Senator respond to a member of the press and media?

It’s just like how Senator Gillibrand voted to pass an extention of unemployment benefits by 20 weeks. She wants all kinds of press coverage for this. But she won’t address why she and almost every other Democrat voted for the Obama Stimulus without reading that Bill either. And the Obama Stimulus has failed in every possible manner.

So far it has been repeatedly proven by press in every medium, in every State, that the official Government “success” of the Obama Stimulus is falsely indicating jobs. Unemployment has rocketed past the promised upper limit, with expectations that both the number of unemployed will increase as well as the fact that job growth and creation will not occur for perhaps years.

Thus Senator Gillibrand wants to look good enough to get votes, but won’t take responsibility for actions that have hurt the people of New York State. She wants your vote, but won’t talk to the public directly. She will support special interest groups that fund Democrats, but won’t reveal how that support might appear in legislation she won’t even admit to having read.

Last I checked, Senator Gillibrand wouldn’t even explain why she was one of 7 Senators that voted to continue to fund ACORN, after it was revealed how they abused taxpayer funds, were in courts in multiple States for voter fraud, were willing to promote illegal activities, and were suspected of bilking tens of millions of dollars. Oh by the way, though Senator Gillibrand won’t mention it, ACORN also gave her their support in the upcoming 2010 mid-term elections in June.

So when I hear her on the floor of the Senate, stating that an Amendment to a Bill I question her having read that also happens to be against the interest of special interests that have pledged to her continuation in the Senate, I have my doubts to her veracity. When the Health Care Reform that Senator Gillibrand supports is factually incapable of doing the basic cause it was created for (it is a fact that it will fail to cover roughly 20 million Americans or more), that it will violate its purpose (it is a fact that the Government has stated it will increase healthcare costs and the national debt by 100’s of billions of dollars), that it is so poorly written that in 2000 pages it is unclear what it will actually do and for whom, I have serious doubts.

Given all of this, and the fact that Senator Gillibrand expects New Yorkers to blindly re-elect her as she blindly follows Democrat Party leaders that have effectively show their inability to spend public tax money responsibly (Obama Stimulus), make indecisions on matters they directly stated were of national interest (Afghanistan), and are committed to programs that will directly harm the livelihood of millions of Americans (Cap & Trade), I have to wonder why anyone would consider re-electing her.

But I would love for Senator Gillibrand to explain any of this to my readers. It’s only my 5th time asking for an answer. How many more times will I ask, and write letters that will not be responded to, and be denied interviews, before Senator Gillibrand plasters the airwaves with request for re-election?

Michael Vass questions N.O.W.

Written by Michael Vass

Perhaps it’s me, but I have noticed a trend lately. I’m sure this is nothing new, and that others have noticed it before me. But it’s something I wanted to address.

The National Organization For Women (N.O.W.) is a very vocal supporter of women and women’s issues. Or so they say. Yet I notice a severe lack of commentary from this organization when women are attacked from Democrats and Liberals. Effectively, they just give a pass to those that are on the same political side that they are on.

I summed up my observations in the following video.

So my question stands. Am I wrong. I really look forward to hearing from N.O.W.

Where is N.O.W. on ACORN videos?

Written by Michael Vass

I was just thinking about all the writting I’ve been doing as more and more is being shown about ACORN in the past week. And then it hit me like a brick. Where is N.O.W. (National Organization for Women)?

Now is hardly a silent voice when it comes to women’s issues. Well, let me restate that. It is an organization that apparently is very vocal on liberal women’s issues. Which is fine if you agree, but I hardly would define it as an organization for all women in America.

My reasoning comes from 2 things. First is the relative inaction by N.O.W. to all the attacks against former Gov. Sarah Palin. They may not agree with her views (though she is the prime example of a regular woman acheiveing success), but they hardly said a word as she has been attacked by a multitude of male liberals. Which contrasts starkly to the way they were screaming at the hilltops on any imagined or real attack against say Hillary Clinton when she ran for President.

But being a man, I may have missed the hoards of responses defending Palin as a woman from sexist attacks in the media and political circles.

Still I did not miss this item. Not one word from N.O.W. about the ACORN videos.

Imagine that. An organization has employees that advocate and willfully help to reduce women, some of them minors and illegal aliens, to a life of prostitution, and N.O.W. has nothing to say about it.

On thier website they have spoken about the ills of vitamins promoting sex stereotypes, backing a single-payer healthcare plan and/or the President’s health care reform, and repealing the Defense of Marriage Act all this month. They even had several items discussing domestic violence. But not one word on the ACORN videos.

Which seems odd considering that prostitution often leads to violence against women. And they are against that right? They want women to have options well beyond crime and sex for money? They want all women, even illegal aliens, to never suffer being a sex slave?

I’m not against the issues that N.O.W. advoctes (well not all of them - we definitely disagree on health care reform), but I am shocked by the lack of concern they seemingly have on this issue.

So is this becuase they don’t care about the idea of creating illegal brothels? They don’t care about women that are from El Slavador? I doubt that.

Thus I am left with the thought that they are either afraid of ACORN, or they won’t say a word against a liberal organization. No matter how corrupt they might be, or what that organization would do to women in cities across the nation.

I would love for N.O.W. to prove me wrong. To cite statements in articles, on their site or anywhere, with their organization stating how dispicable ACORN has been in advocting prostitution. I want them to let me know where they are rebuking this kind of treatment of women. I’d even be happy if they made the statement some time today.

But it won’t happen. Because they are just like NBC and the rest of the major media. They will ignore it. They will hope it just goes away. And they won’t even think about asking Senator Gillibrand what she was thinking when she voted to continue to fund ACORN as its branches across the nation enable making women little more than a sex toy.

So for every woman that reads this and is pissed off, don’t be mad at me. I haven’t stopped N.O.W. from writing a single word. Hopefully, if you circulate this it might even get them to say something.

But I would really be pissed if they continue to be silent. Because what else would they let slip by, as long as it came from a liberal and/or Democrat?

Is your mom/sister/girlfriend/wife/daughter ok? Are you sure

Written by Michael Vass

Not long ago I interviewed Cynthia Basinet. In that interview the topic of humanitarian aide came up. In particular were comments about the needs of Africa. Shortly after that I posted about an event that was targeting aid to women around the world and in Africa that have been victims of violence and rape.

And few paid attention, sadly.

But just days ago Chris Brown was arrested in connection to charges about violence against Rihanna. And the internet is abuzz. And I have to wonder.

Is it only when a celebrity endures a hardship that we care as a nation. Are we so cold-hearted as to ignore the suffering of millions of women simply because we don’t know their name or country. Has the media so blinded the masses that unless something happens to someone famous we don’t think it happens at all?

I despise the thought of what Chris Brown has been accused of doing. There is no justification, and I believe punishment is in order if the facts are as have been blasted across the media. Yet there is a bigger issue.

The odds are that 1 in 3 women, across the globe, will be the victim of a rape or violence. That means out of you mother, wife/girlfriend, sister, daughter 1 will definitely be a victim and more than a chance of another as well. That’s not something that I would wish upon even my enemy.

This is not just an issue of what celebrities do. It’s not just something that happens in movies, or to “those people” whoever you wish to define it. It’s happening in every part of the globe, every day. And the chance of you knowing a woman that this has happened to is better than you remembering what will be on TV tonight.

We should never let this pass without thought. We should never allow this to be a secret. This needs to be addressed and confronted.

No man ever needs to place a hand against a woman. It’s just not needed. There is no justification unless you are in a pool of your own blood. It is the act of a coward and a small child to lash out in such a manner. It is the action of a weak and pitiful boy, never a man regardless of age.

I am glad that Cynthia Basinet brought up the issue of violence against women in Africa. I am happy to heard of women like Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington, Charlize Theron, Camryn Manheim, Anne Archer and Sherry Lansing among many others are making this a reality to the millions of Americans that have turned a blind eye and deaf ear.

I hope that before I die I never need to read about the atrocities that Dr. Denis Mukwege tries to heal each day. Because they don’t happen any more. I hope that before I die I never have to fear for my sisters, mother, and every woman I have ever known.

But that means that you have to act, and not forget this post or the articles in the news. Because tomorrow it could be a woman you love.

M V Consulting, Inc. presents an interview with Nobel Peace Prize nominee Cynthia Basinet

Written by Michael Vass

Recently I had the good fortune to come into contact with Cynthia Basinet. Some of my readers may be familiar with Ms. Basinet from her rendition of Santa Baby – a song by the late Eartha Kitt that has become a Christmas staple, Ms. Basinet’s version often mistakenly credited to Marilyn Monroe.

Others may be aware of the humanitarian work that Ms. Basinet has done for the Saharawi people and Africa. That work includes an appearance before the U.N. in 2008 and a nomination for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize (she was 1 of the 1000 women nominated together that year).

I found Ms. Basinet to be an interesting, compelling, and intelligent woman. She has had a life of many achievements and challenges. She has made strides to improve the world, created a career in music, film, and modeling, and is a mother. In talking with Ms. Basinet I learned many things I would never have guessed about her. And that compelled me to ask her for an interview to share with you. She graciously agreed.

I hope that this interview will entertain you and spark a desire to know more. About Ms. Basinet, Africa and humanitarian aide, and the choices in life that you can make.

“There are no limits beyond those you set for yourself.”

I was told that long ago. I believe it. And Ms. Basinet is proof of it. And so I present my interview with Cynthia Basinet.

Michael Vass: For a bit of background for those not familiar with you, please share with us where you were born, what growing up was like, and your early influences.



Cynthia Basinet: One day, my son then much younger was looking at a photo album of my childhood… and asked if life was like the photos or was that just the film?

You know, life was like that. I was born in the Valley ( Los Angeles ) and raised in Silicon Valley (the Bay Area). My parents drove Peugeots, an orange Volvo and host of other car oddities. My father also rode a motorcycle and had a vintage, “retired” MG TD. He used to smoke a pipe or sneak a cigar outside. Talk to me about the White Owl girl but mostly, he listened to jazz. Every moment of my childhood was filled with music and art. Mom with her classical AM station in the kitchen and jazz on Dad’s. Later, he added country. Mom a BA in the Arts. My earliest influences were three things, all from posters in the house.

First, the serenity prayer. The second, a poster shot in Harlem with all these kids holding instruments. Third, the infamous Indian poster.

MV: You started your career as a model, working mostly in Paris and London . How did that happen?

C: Got on a plane and expatriated for various reasons nearly five years.

MV: Education is a theme I’ve always felt as being important in life. How has your education affected your life?

C: There are two kinds of education. One you give yourself and the other one [life] gives you. Two of the best things that ever happened to me were the education of music in public schools and private catholic high school. A school that within its walls thought was allowed and diversity respected. I truly thank my parents for both.

MV: Music is something that seems to have always been a part of your life. You are trained as a flautist and play the saxophone (I learned the Alto sax myself). How did you transition from modeling to music?

C: First, kudos on your sax education. Second, music never left me but it was in this safe little box deep inside, ‘till I could finally pursue it. Think a lot of moms can agree… following your dreams kinda comes after you drop the kids off at basketball practice.

MV: What drew you to Jazz?

C: Well, other than being raised on Jazz… and it racing like a language in my veins? Would say the second time around was love.

MV: What first brought the needs of the Saharawi people to your attention?

C: It’s no secret that my music career, like so many others, required self-determination. This concept intrigued me when applied to whole societies. That perhaps my experiences could help others on a larger scale.

MV: In 2001 you visited the Western Sahara and those living in refugee camps there. What compelled you to do this?



C: Wanted to give a voice to their society living under a peaceful resolution, that were also self-determined and under represented.

MV: You have been an outspoken advocate for the Saharawi people and Africa in general for almost a decade now. What drives you in these causes?

C: Believe Oprah said it best when she basically stated if you are a woman born in America, you are among the luckiest. That during my entire life… there was no struggle that didn’t lead me to realize others had it worse and they needed to be heard. They needed access.

MV: In 2005 you were recognized as 1 of 1000 women nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. How was that experience?

C: Being included with such amazing women that literally have done such “nobel” work; many times working in danger to achieve what is necessary for improvements in others lives, was incredible.

MV: What has that recognition allowed you to do?

C: The recognition allowed me to speak on behalf of the Saharwian people and other political activities.



MV: October 2008, you petitioned again to the UN to gain help against the difficulties to life in the Western Sahara including: Diabetes, Tuberculosis, Acute Malnutrition, Landmines, and many others. How was that experience?

C: It’s frustrating. They, the UN, are paid stewards of the Saharwian people amongst others and yet…

MV: You have used your jazz recordings to highlight your humanitarian efforts, especially your acclaimed rendition of the late Eartha Kitt’s Santa Baby. Was this always your intention or did it grow out of your compassion?

C: Originally, had always entertained the idea to release a song that all could sing to at the Millennium (inspired by the Coke jingle, “If I Could Teach The World To Sing“). Then as it was “Santa Baby” that gave me the exposure, figured [I] should do something that she would have done. So when the invitation came to help raise awareness for the Saharwian people, did not skip a beat in accepting their plea.

MV: As a woman what challenges have you faced in your life?

C: It’s all in my mind. But will say, that being a mom, specially a single mom, is so isolating and requires endless pools of unconditional love and care… that that challenge alone needs us all working together. Like a village. That is what my time in France gave me.

MV: You have also had a career in movies; is that something you will pursue more in the future?

C: Sure be nice.

MV: One of the humanitarian efforts that I find important is the ongoing actions to end the genocide in Darfur. How do you feel about this tragedy?

C: Truly a tragedy. It is so difficult in these modern times where we can see the problem in real time, but we can’t seem to really stop it. I am truly horrified by the continued barbarity perpetuated on the already demeaned, demoralized and displaced citizens of Darfur. If this new century and millennium could be about one thing, it needs to be humanity. The right to live a humane life. And in peace.

MV: How about the Child Soldier Prevention Act?

C: I am so impressed this is one of your featured causes because these are the future fathers of Africa. No amount a pain and suffering inflicted in one area of the World, does not eventually affect us all. Whether it be the prevention of child soldiers in Africa, street children in Brazil or children sold into various forms of slavery [it] has no place. We are all too aware and affluent to do nothing. We can boycott, petition and finance so much change. We can stand as a shining example for other leading nations, like China to follow suit.

MV: In recent years women have taken important positions in business and politics. For my female readers what might you advise them about following their passions?

C: I know… what a trip the past few years have been. Interesting because it’s also a time when so much media and advertising attention is played to the distractions in women’s lives. Weight, beauty… and the unclearness of the opposite sex. Like SO much time is spent, derailed. No product or ideas produced. The key is to be of good mind and form and you can accomplish anything.

MV: What might you suggest for those looking for more information or ways to provide humanitarian aide?



C: Pick a cause or a country, look for non-profits that aid your cause or contact directly the embassy near you for your country of interest. So much can be found by research through the Internet.

MV: Among your many accomplishments you have found the time to have and raise a son. Is their any secret or technique you can pass on to mothers that wish to balance their career and family?

C: Every mom needs time for a good bath. Seriously, believe moms can ask for more help from their children, partners, etc.

MV: And finally what is the next project my readers can look forward to see and/or hear from you?

C: In the studio now… stay tuned.

I want to thank Ms. Basinet for taking the time to share her thoughts with me, and you my readers. I hope that this has helped spark an interest in education, humanitarian aide, self-improvement, and at the same time given you some entertainment.

If you would like to know more about Cynthia Basinet please click here.

Click here to learn more about Darfur, and the on-going genocide there.

And here for commentary on the Child Soldier Prevention Act.

You can read the full transcripts of Ms. Basinet speaking at the UN.

Pfc. Monica Brown - Modern Day Women’s Rights

I’m really surprised that this story is not getting more attention. Imagine being in the middle of a hail of bullets, receiving a Silver Star for your bravery, but then being told that you shouldn’t have been there in the first place. That’s what happened to PFC. Monica Brown, an 18 year old medic who grabbed her bag and ran through a hail of a gunfire to help her fellow male soldiers in a disabled and burning vehicle.

Shortly thereafter, Vice President Cheney pinned PFC. Brown with a silver star for her bravery. Now, she’s being told that she shouldn’t have been there anyway.

Note: She gets to keep the Silver Star