So, here we are. I was just getting used to writing 2008 on my checks, and now it’s 2009. Usually, I’d be sitting here getting ready to watch at least a little bit of the Tournament of Roses parade, a family tradition from way back, but I seem to be stuck in neutral.
I’m having a hard time getting into gear. It doesn’t feel like a new year. It just sort of feels like the same one, and I don’t want to hold on to 2008 — too much tumult economically, politically and personally. But, it still feels like the moment to do a little reflecting before things get too crazy.
There’s so much I’d like to accomplish in 2009 — a new look for PunditMom is coming and some new projects are percolating. But I can’t help wondering whether there will be an audience for them. Once Barack Obama is sworn in and what little electoral hoopla is left starts to fade, will we go back to not thinking about our political world until the next campaign season starts?
There’s been so much momentum in women’s online activism, that I would hate to see it end, but I’m getting the sense that interest is waning — now that we have a Democrat in the White House, all those things we put on the back burner are beckoning.
But, here are a few things I hope a political 2009 will bring:
1. Passage of the Lily Ledbetter Act. It’s hard to imagine that there are people against fair pay, but apparently there are.
2. Expand the benefits if the Family & Medical Leave Act. Is it really so hard for employers to believe that if mothers and fathers have a little slack to deal with family issues, they’ll be more productive and loyal employees who save employers money in the long run?
3. More women pundits! Sure, I have a vested interest in this one, but aren’t we all just a little tired of all those white guys on the cable news networks pontificating about what the rest of us want? And things like items one and two aren’t going to change without more women’s voices calling for change.
4. Get more women on board to run for political office. Our voices don’t carry far without some real muscle and now is the time to start recruiting for 2010 and 2012. And, give some money to those candidates. That’s where real power starts.
5. And, of course, there’s the whole world domination thing, like I say at the top of my blog! But it’s a benign type of world domination I’m after — one to be shared with like-minded women!
So, I guess I’d better get off the couch and out of this comfy robe, even though the Rose Parade is getting underway. In addition to the more mundane things like trying to stay on top of that pile of laundry and taking down the Christmas tree, I’ve got some work to do.
January 1st, 2009 at 11:31 am
new jodifur coming in 2009 too. It’s the year of blog redesigns.
January 1st, 2009 at 5:25 pm
World dominating female pundits. A nice goal.
January 1st, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Ditto. I like your list but I’d add many more women seriously engaged in advocating on behalf of women and girls. Not – yawn – looking the other way. Not just talking about it. But writing letters and making phone calls and a few even hanging out at the State Capitols pushing bills that will improve the status of women here and around the world. Happy 2009!
January 2nd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I was just thinking that I hope political interest amongst women does not decrease because Obama is in office. I know for myself I am more interested in politics now that I know that I have concrete evidence that women make a difference.
Here’s to a WoPowerful New year!
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:39 pm
It’s not just the cable networks – ABC, CBS, and NBC all have Sunday morning pundits that look much the same – white males. I was disappointed with David Gregory’s appointment at NBC. I like him okay but he’s more of the same. I’ve heard it said that he put in his time…but so have many qualified women who would do as well, or better, in that chair and who would more accurately reflect the legislative leadership in Maine – our State Senate President and Speaker of the House are women. And we have two women U.S. Senators, albeit Republicans. The issues you mentioned are front and center in Maine as our legislature prepares to convene. For my part, I will continue to be involved.
January 4th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
More world domination in 2009!
Plus renewed political activism!
Happy New Year!