Jim Webb's "Woman Problem"

[demnan]

I know the bloggers at Raising Kane do not want to address this but Jim Webb does have a serious woman problem. How do I know? I use Jim's own way to scope out how people feel, I ask my family - and my 85-year-old mother has serious reservations about Jim Webb. This was after I told her about "Born Fighting" - the book he wrote about her own heritage, the Scots-Irish. Even after I told her that he had Hodges in his family (one of my Mom's family names) she didn't come around. My mother doesn't like the stuff Webb wrote about women in the military. His statements today during the debate were not quite enough to sway her.

To give some background, my mother's family was from the mountains of Southern New York State and her parents came down to the DC area after WWI to make a living. My Mom's family was poor people very similar to the Southern Appalachian people, and they lived in the Catskill town of Liberty, NY. The women worked as seamstresses and the men with whatever trades they could get. Later the Jewish community came to this area to establish tuberculosis sanatoriums, which was before the comedy clubs so popular there today.

My grandfather's family was from Binghamton, NY. He left home at 13 to join the circus, because from a family of 11 and being the eldest, he had to go out and fend for himself. Eventually he went to plumbing school in NYC. My grandfather was the first plumbing inspector for Alexandria, VA. He also put in the plumbing for Fort Belvoir and was a Mason who had a hand in building the famous Masonic Temple in Alexandria that sits near where the King Street metro goes today.

When my father went off to war as an Army officer and spent 2 years on Guadalcanal as an Army Captain of a trucking company, my mother got a job in the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA - the same as its called today, but it was actually a Torpedo Factory - my teenage mother helped make torpedoes there during WWII. The women worked so hard in that factory that the men (those who didn't go off to war) complained that the women had increased production too much. That good old Scots-Irish spirit to fight the war had invaded them too. They were fighting along side their men as best they could.

So this is the background from which my Mother perceives - and so with all the things I've told her about how similar Jim Webb is to our own family's life in working our way up, she still has trepidations. She needs Jim Webb to understand that when their men go off to war the women continue fighting, in what ever form they need to. And I hope someone will send him this blog and he will read about my family as I have read about his and understand where we come from.

At the rally at Robinson Middle School I was happy to greet again the first woman to be elected to the US. Congress from Virginia, Leslie Byrne. And I had worked on her campaign with a dozen Woodbridge housewives and schoolteachers in 1992 and we were rewarded not only with our Congresswoman but also with a wonderful articulate President who turned things around economically and actually helped me get a new career in IT and independence from my family.

So this is where I come from, Mr. Webb. I esteem you but you have a problem with women, so you need to address this. Ask your good friend Leslie Byrne. She'll guide you along the way.

[Captain Hilts]

1. My friends are ardent feminists and they support Webb.

And they hated his ass back in the 80s. In part because of his and the military's approach to women.

That was nearly 30 years ago and we're over it.

Besides, he hates Allen even more than we do...

[Catchawave]

2. I'm not a feminist, but I support my sisters.....

However, this is not one of those times. Allowing women into the service academies was a HUGE debate back in the 70's, Webb was one small voice that perhaps 95% of the military agreed with **at that time**. Otherwise, this "non-forgiving" (or as Kathleen Murray stated "apology that came too late") is nothing more than "swiftboating".

Just curious, how does Leslie Byrne feel about this? Also, remember, Webb was pretty hard on Kerry during the 2004 campaign, but Kerry did endorse him in the Senate primary.

We must move on :hi:

[demnan]

3. I would be curious to know how Leslie deals with this

and my reason in posting is not to go against the campaign but to help it address some of these negative items that will continue to be put forth till election day. I think the best thing Webb can do is fully apologize and to reach out to more women. I hope he does this.

[Catchawave]

4. But, I don't see this as a negative....

What happened in the 70's stays in the 70's :shrug: Only because I know ladies in the military have evolved since then and doing great in their leadership roles today! However, they're still not "leading" rifle companies in foxholes, why is that, and why hasn't that been brought up before Webb signed on to challenge Allen?

I see this as s.w.i.f.t.b.o.a.t.i.n.g and the only negatives are coming from the Allen team. I just hate to see that *item* missed.

Of course, if you still want to be angry, that's your right, but the more that anger is misdirected, the more it helps Allen. I hope you understand my POV, I'm a military wife, and that m'dear, is the hardest position in the military.

Oh, and I saw your diary at rk...some great responses there too, even if you only changed rk to du :evilgrin:

[magnolia]

9. He has....

....fully apologized many times! Not only has he apologized, but he has CHANGED HIS MIND. Who hasn't changed their mind about anything in 30 years?

[magnolia]

8. Leslie Byrne....

...was among the very first to endorse Webb back in the primaries. Her husband, Larry Byrne, works with the Webb for Senate campaign.

[beachmom]

5. Allen just sent out a targeted flyer to women

It basically said that Jim Webb was going to take ALL rights away from women!! Really dirty, kinda reminds me of that "Democrats are going to ban the bible" flyer that turned up in West Virginia in '04.

I was talking to someone who thinks Mrs. Webb should get out there to counteract this stuff.

We can't afford to lose this race. The idea of Allen back on the foreign relations comittee and running for prez is just too hard to bear.

[Captain Hilts]

7. Didn't Webb's ex-wife introduce him at one of the rallies?

Now THAT's impressive.

Kind of like how Bob Kerrey's ex said he'd be a great president.

[magnolia]

10. Jim Webb's ex-wife....

...has been campaigning for him, even giving speeches. That IS impressive.

[bluedogyellowdog]

6. 1979 was a long time ago...

Hi, this is my first post. I have to respond.

Those were James Webb's views in 1979. That was a long time ago. There's a lot of water under the bridge since then. I don't believe Webb's writings on women in the military in 1979 are any more reflective of his views today than what I believed in 1979 reflects what I believe today. Please, everyone should look at what Webb and Allen believe in 2006 - and Webb is miles ahead of Allen no matter how you look at it. It was the Webb campaign that got me involved in politics again after swearing politics off. James Webb just plain rocks! He thinks very much like I do, and I'm talking 2006, not 1979.

[captain disgruntled]

11. 1979 WAS a long time ago--it was the year I went

to boot camp at Fort Dix, New Jersey. My mother had to sign for me because I was 17. I went through boot camp in one of the first sexually-integrated training units (we were one platoon of women in a four-platoon company), and I was acutely aware of the resentment of many of the men--one sneeringly declared that boot camp had been made so much easier to accommodate the wimpy girls that it was no longer any challenge and was virtually pointless.

I remember looking around our barracks bathroom, and noting that the only concession made to the fact that it was going to be occupied by women was the black plastic trash bags taped over the urinals. Nice commitment. Welcome to you too.

I remember one of my drill sergeants barking instructions at us before we packed up for our first field exercise, and advising us to bring adequate quantities of "sanitation napkins and tampoons ".
And I also remember, very acutely, the hysterical assertions that permitting woman to be present during combat would mean the end of the effective use of the military: the nation would be so horrified at the sight of the first female killed in action that any support for war would evaporate and the country would be emasculated and enfeebled to the point of helplessness.
I wonder how Lori Piestawa would feel about that declaration.

I am dismayed that Jim Webb was not a revolutionary enough thinker in 1979 to fully support women's equality, but I believe him when he says he changed his mind--I've changed my mind about a few things since 1979 as well. I also think it's a little more important to know what he would do with the military NOW--and in that regard, I trust him a hell of a lot more than Allen.

[Frances]

12. Loved your post

I have to admit that I have changed my thinking about what women can do too (and I'm a woman).

[Catchawave]

13. Women For Webb Luncheon Oct 3

You are Cordially Invited to a
"Women for Webb"
Kickoff Luncheon

Co-Chairs:
The Honorable Leslie Byrne
First Lady Anne Holton

With Special Guest
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

Honoring:
Secretary Jim Webb
Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate in Virginia

Tuesday, October 3
12:30 PM

La Bergerie
218 N. Lee Street
Alexandria, VA

Host Committee: $2,100 or $1,000
Luncheon Supporter: $500 or $250

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Laurie Syms at [email protected] or phone [phone], ext.212

Contributions or gifts to James Webb for U.S. Senate are not tax deductible.

Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle. Federal law permits individuals to contribute $2,100 for each primary and general election of a federal candidate for a total of $4,200 (married couples can contribute up to $8,400 from a joint checking account with both signatures). Federal PACs can contribute $5,000 for each primary and general election of a federal candidate for a total of $10,000.

Corporate contributions are prohibited.


Paid for by James Webb for U.S. Senate

[Catchawave]

15. Hillary's luncheon is "Sold Out"

Yay team !

[AnnieBW]

21. They're Pulling Out Tailhook

In their latest ad. "Webb in 06 - 1806". Yeah, right. Like Sen. Macacawitz doesn't want to take women back to 1806?

If I was voting in Virginia, I'd hold my nose and vote for Webb, too. He's not as much of a "male chauvinist pig" as a lot of former military guys, but he certainly sounds less of one than Macacawitz.

[Captain Hilts]

25. Tailhook thrived in an environment that John Lehman created.

That's what several aviators in the navy at that time told me. They said when Lehman came to town, he would really go out and drink and yell.

That's just not Webb's style.

[Catchawave]

14. Military women endorse Jim Webb:

Great diary at Raising Kaine:

http://www.raisingkaine.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4813

[LetsThink]

16. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton Endorses Webb Candidacy....

Today Senator Clinton had words of encouragement and acceptance for Jim Webb's bid to be the next senator from Virginia. She spoke highly of his work during the time he was SecNav- when he opened jobs and created opportunity for many, many women in the defense department.

Jim Webb is the only candidate who will follow through with campaign trail promises to help women struggling to survive - struggling to hold together their family when they may be the only bread winner and also the only cook, trying to fill several hungry young stomachs.

I know these things because I am a single mom to a special needs child....... I've read Jim Webb's positions on the issues and listened to him speak about policy details. I think Mr. Webb does understand many of the obstacles facing all families today. I think he understands the increasingly difficult struggle of middle class families, as well as those of us just getting by daily. I feel certain Mr. Webb understands a LOT more than the other candidate for senate......! And, I think he'll bring policy relief, once elected......

First-- it's key that we get Mr. Webb elected !

So-- let's each contact one neighbor daily. Identify which ones are supporters and encourage them. Get everyone who is a supporter out to the polls in November..... Those who can not make it, due to work or other issues, contact your local voter registration offices for absentee ballots- do this NOW. And, VOTE ! Take your neighbors, family, friends to VOTE !

Let's take back control over our lives! Let's vote to protect troops overseas with the equipment they need to do the job..... let's vote for healthcare reform so our children can get the healthcare they need.....Let's change our world for the better.

Only six weeks left....... We can make a difference !

[LetsThink]

18. ..oooops....... only 4 1/2 or 5 weeks remaining.......not 6.!

[greyl]

17. That's a pretty damn weak argument against Webb.

Seven paragraphs of nothing, really.

Additionally, I've heard that Allen has serious problems treating his wife with respect which haven't "made the news". Nevertheless, there are many other issues which make Allen a lousy candidate for public office in this country.

[Ashy Larry]

19. Webb's Response

Jim Webb sets the record straight on CNN:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn1bIycOogc

[LetsThink]

20. Webb was dignified and spoke of the important issues.....

....He responded to Wolf Blitzer's questions with dignity and candor. There are more women in Webb's top campaign staff than Allen's, I'd bet and as Secretary of the Navy, Webb opened a historic number of operational billets to women.

Secretary Webb also pointed out that his campaign is about some other pretty important issues: National security - the war in Iraq and global terrorism; Economic inequalities and a systematic weakening of our Constitution brought about by the abuse of presidential power.

Virginians need this competent public servant working for them in the Senate!

[LetsThink]

22. DEAR MRS. ALNNEN.......WE REALLY NEED TO TALK.......

Dear Mrs. Alnnen:

We really need to talk. I don't quite know how to say this. It's a little embarrassing, well it's embarrassing to me and I don't want to hurt you. But, you are a neighbor in Virginia politics so, after much thought and careful consideration... I just feel we need to have this talk.

I ...... well, earlier today I turned the corner just outside our local library-- you know that branch down by the park, where everyone goes just to relax a little? Well, there was a large group of people, kind gathered up, surrounding a man who was reading out loud. Of course, I was curious, you know? After all it isn't everyday I see that kind of thing. So, I went over there to see for myself what was going on. As I came closer, I noticed some folks were leaving the group, walking away, shaking their heads and mumbling something. So, I got a little closer - just out of curiousity, to hear what the man was reading.

I could see the back of the book was something about Geography... with lots of photos and all. I think it was that magazine about cultures from all over the world. Well, then I noticed it was -- well, it was your husband! It was Geo! So, I thought to myself: "...how nice of him to read out loud to this group. Must be something pretty important though...."

Mrs. Alnnen, do you know what he was reading? I was kind of shocked! Do you know what your husband, Geo was reading? Well, now I'm really embarrassed but I think you should know. He had taken these reports - kind of scientific reports by a cultural anthropologist and well, he was reading only certain portions of the reports. Only certain SEXUAL portions-- and he was reading them AS THOUGH THEY WERE well, provocative or something. He had a funny look on his face. But, well, he's always smiling anyway so...But this was a little different. You know - I was pretty darn shocked, to tell you the truth, Mrs. Alnnen!

Mrs. Alnnen, does your husband do this often? Well, most everyone left- just some conservative-looking men stayed around-- I think they, well they looked a little as though they were ENJOYING the way your husband, Geo, was reading that material! Now, I'm not a prude or anything- my husband will tell you that! But, this didn't look at all right. Why, I always thought they were all such nice men, too.....

Sorry to be the one telling you this. But, well, as your political neighbor I just thought you'd want to know. Guess I'd want someone to tell me if it were my husband out there reading stories out of context in that particular manner! It puts such wild notions in the minds of good folk. Hope you're not offended, dear. I do hope everything is OK. To tell the truth, It's caused me to be a little worried about your husband....

Well, bye dear. Have to go get dinner started and the kids working on their homework. Bye-bye, now.

[demnan]

23. I'm surprised the old post from September got resurrected

Actually I believe Webb has addressed the women issues and that the campaign has responded. In my phoning from home for Webb I still get women who hesitate, but I can show them things on the Webb-site that show support of women now. Things change a lot in a month's time.

I hope someone at the campaign picked up on my posts here or more likely at RK because I definitely see an improvement. I still say they should bring out an ad with Leslie Bryne in it. That would be way cool.

Phone from home for Webb:
http://webb.bluestatedigital.com/page/s/homephone

[LetsThink]

24. Yeah-- Webb has in truth supported WOMEN & FAMILIES......

....Webb has done more for women and families than his campaign opponent.

As time goes forward, it's clear that Webb has been good to women and families and that he stands for all those things which will strengthen them in the future:

-Family and Medical Leave Act
-Family planning
-Sound fiscal and economic policies
-Tax relief for middle and lower income tax folks, funded by closing corporate tax loopholes

And-- I think the message is getting out to the public in general.

This most recent stuff from the opposition- reading portions from Mr. Webb's books out of context only serves to underscore Mr. Webb's more in-depth understanding of the horrors of war -- both outright and seductive and how these things destroy the fabric of society, if left unchecked.

"Mr. Allen, yes we all know that sex and violence both reside in that area of our brains responsible for basic survival. We also know the extreme pressure of combat will cause these traits to manifest in unthinkable behaviors.... In fact, there are sad stories reported by the press as recently as a few days ago, about our young troops falling victim to these very stresses of war. Yes, Mr. Allen, hasn't anyone told you: war is horrible, horrible ! Awful beyond ways you and I would never know. But, this is another reason why Mr. Webb-- who, clearly understands these horrors and their destructive power in society- this is another reason why Secretary Webb was an early and outspoken critic of the war in Iraq!"

Signed,
A mom next door.

Mr. Webb has been there and is showing us, showing Virginia the way forward!

[demnan]

26. So true, Webb is the best candidate for anything

regarding women and men. God knows! I refuse to allow those who haven't been to war to send my relatives. Cousin just got back from Dubai, no problems. But I went through all this in Vietnam my brother was there when I was in grade school and Kerry didn't defend himself and all the other guys! So fucking wrong! So we have a great candidacy going. We had a little problem in perception that was corrected.

[Catchawave]

27. "Women Choose Webb" event diary on RK...

You'll enjoy this :hi:

http://www.raisingkaine.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=5519