Reply #68: If anyone makes a play on words with

[murielm99]

Obama's name, or points out that he used to call himself Barry, you all scream racism, at the very least. And while I agree that those using his middle name are using it as a slur, it is his name.

I could do something like Clinton has done with my name. I have a maiden name, and two married names that I have used in my life. I could use my middle name or initial. I could use a nickname that has been a holdover from my childhood. I considered legally changing my first name to that nickname at one time. I decided against it, because I was named for my grandmother.

There is nothing sexist about her varying her name. It reflects how women have been regarded in our society. They have been treated as subordinate to a husband, and in the past, required to merge their identity with his. Look at how many older women used to sign their names "Mrs. Dan Smith," rather than "Susan Smith."

Some of you will grasp at any straw to criticize Clinton.