Women and Men

I got on the elevator yesterday morning with a family I know had voted for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. They were with their two younger daughters. They were angry, more so at a country who could vote in a man who is "a terrible example for my young girls." He proceeded to share his feelings about this election, a conversation that went beyond thirty-six floors.

"As a father of two young girls, I want them to look up to our country at a president who represents dignity, integrity and respect. As a Dad who truly respects women, they should know that men think of them as equals, as young women who can do and be anything, not just in the kitchen at home, minding the children. If they select not to do that, and not have children, they are not 'childless cat women.' Men who respect their mothers, wives, daughters, nieces, could never vote for a man who assaulted and insults women, perversely rates them based upon their appearance, uses profanities on stage (as he will in meetings and with his staff; he has already done so) and says he will protect women whether they like it or not, though women are strong enough to protect themselves. This is so condescending.

You want to talk policy? What is his policy aside from deporting millions of immigrants; taxing millionaires and billionaires at a lower rate; tariffs to possibly increase the deficit; withdrawing aid from Ukraine; doing away with the affordable care act; taking away women's reproductive rights. More women who have obstectrical issues, miscarriages, for example, will die while not being treated. This is a man who cares nothing for the needs of poeple who are suffering on the grorcery lines. I know people like that in the midwest--family--all of whom recently started doing better and still voted for Trump. He is a charalatan, a liar, a convicted felon--everything I don't want my daughters to be. I would never allow this man ten feet near my girls when they grow up. Only a weak, insecure man who needs to prove he is 'macho' would vote for him. If he were a man of color, he would already be behind bars. He couldn't even vote, let alone be president. These men were SCARED of a strong, intelligent woman of color."

His wife chimed in, "What about families with sons? Wouldn't they want a president who is stong, while vulnerable, does the right thing for the public good, is humane and doesn't talk with a sewer mouth? Don't they want their boys to know how to treat people, without the bully pulpit? Don't crimes matter, crimes like lying, causing an insurrection and calling poeple who smashed windows, defecated on the floor and screamed to 'kill Mike Pence' in the capital? What about women, yes; is it okay for your boys to speak and act this way? Is this the model you want for your sons or daughters? As a mother, I am feeling constant, chronic grief, and can't figure out how any self-respecting woman could vote for him. He put you down, women, as did his vice president. Where is your pride in who you are as a female?"

The conversation ended in the lobby of the building. It ended with a hug and the final comment from the five year old, "He is a mean and ugly man."