For Women only: John McCain supports wage discrimination (the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.feministing.com/archives/009085.html

Posted by Ann - April 25, 2008

John McCain supports wage discrimination

I added an update to my post on Wednesday about the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- noting that Senate Republicans blocked the bill from passing. John McCain wasn't there for the vote, but he opposed the legislation: (via Scott)

"I am all in favor of pay equity for women, but this kind of legislation, as is typical of what's being proposed by my friends on the other side of the aisle, opens us up to lawsuits for all kinds of problems," McCain told reporters yesterday. "This is government playing a much, much greater role in the business of a private enterprise system."

To summarize: McCain's not against women and people of color being paid the same as white men for doing the same work -- heck, if businesses want to pay fairly, that's great! -- but he doesn't think we should make businesses do so. And not holding businesses accountable for wage discrimination is the same thing as endorsing it.

In my interview with Lilly Ledbetter, she actually responded to McCain's position on the legislation:

We've had a lot of opposition that said this would just open up a multitude of lawsuits, and it would be tough on corporations to fight these cases. But that's not true. If a person or individual thinks they have a case, they can't even go to EEOC unless they have proof. You can't just waltz into EEOC.

Right. It's not exactly like it was easy for Ledbetter -- and others in her situation -- to prove they were discriminated against. In fact, there are some very high barriers to getting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to recognize your complaint as valid.

So the "I hate lawsuits" defense is bullshit. McCain is really saying that he values the rights of corporations over the rights of women and people of color who work for them. Thanks, buddy.

[inthebrain]

1. Why is this "For Women Only"?

When one group is oppressed WE ARE ALL OPPRESSED!!!!!

Ya know, "first they came for the trade unionists, I said nothing because I was not a trade unionist"

[kayell]

4. To make everyone look? In any case, k&r.

Your point is totally valid though.

[Omaha Steve]

6. Exactly

:-)

[AuntPatsy]

2. I was very surprised to find out my sister, a business women was so unaware

of the issues regarding the candidates...you would think that such affecting her would make her sit up and take notice, it didn't but I did, she is now going to push the information out there , ground game, it is very important, even those you would think would be knowledgeable are not, they need help, we need to ensure they get that help.

[iamjoy]

3. I Don't Understand

I really don't understand why Reid and Pelosi aren't bringing up the bill again now. While they're at it, they should also bring up increased C.H.I.P. funding.

I know they don't want to be seen as doing it for political purposes, but it's mere weeks before the election - EVERYTHING is for political purposes and if you aren't playing to win, you're letting yourself to lose.

I would think even if they were asked if they just brought up these issues for political purposes, they shouldn't run from it but say, "We feel these issues are important to the American people. And we want the American people to know there is a clear difference between the two parties and their goals/vision/etc. for our country."

Hey - if the political pressure makes a vulnerable Republican vote for C.H.I.P. or Ledbetter's act to help keep his (or her) seat - so much the better. I would rather a million more kids have health insurance than for the Democrats to pick up a few more seats. I would rather women have equal pay than to increase our majority in Congress.

Not putting these bills up could be playing politics too, as well as some form of cowardice.

The Republicans darn sure didn't care about politicizing a national tragedy, or playing politics in the wake of the past three elections. Oh no, they ran ads comparing a triple amputee Vietnam Veteran to a terrorist because the Senator voted for T.S.A worker protections. We need to stop playing nice against people who play dirty.

[An Intellectual]

5. BE CAREFUL!

Libertarians/fascists can easily jump on this argument as a way to oppress women in a different way; if we say they "support" wage discrimination, they can say we "support" abortion.

It's best to focus on other issues and then quietly implement fair-pay laws once in office.

[kayell]

7. Like they don't say that already?

:eyes:

[ClarkUSA]

8. New Obama ad hits on this issue. Transcript --->

OBAMA: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

UNKNOWN: Women earn just 77 cents to the dollar a man makes for doing the same work. John McCain must think
that’s OK, because he opposes a law to fix the problem.

McCain’s equal pay proposal? Women need more education and training. He just doesn’t get it.

McCain says making corporations pay women the same as men for the same work would be a burden on business.
Standing with business, not our families. We can’t afford more of the same.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/14/154018/586/363/598660