10 Reasons Mothers are More Political in 2009
As I discovered last year by reading a lot of blogs, and from the wonderful essays all that Mothers of Intention contributors wrote at my place, moms are a lot more political than the we get credit for. Politicians think they know us and give us labels that make it easier for them to find pat stump speeches they are convinced will appeal to the stereotype they've devised.
If politicos and future candidates really want to know how to get our votes, it's not rocket science. Instead of yammering at us, take a minute to read and to listen. I know that's not their forte, so I'm going to make it easy for those establishment types.
In one convenient post, here are ten reasons mothers have become more political in 2009:
1. Issues are important, but there are still plenty of us invested in seeing a woman president before we die. Really. But she has to be qualified.
2. We're tired of candidates who mix religion and politics. Please don't pander. Some of us are devout and others are still sorting out our spiritual lives. But we're smart enough to know when you cross the line and try to combine the two.
3. We want all mothers to have quality, affordable child care. You're not giving it to us and we will elect people who feel the same way we do.
4. We want you to know we really do pay attention to the candidates' positions and who they are as people.
5. We've got well thought out opinions and we want you to pay attention to them instead of just giving us a virtual pat on the head and taking our votes for granted.
6. We know the importance of local politics. And we're getting in on the ground floor.
7. It's time to stop messing around with health insurance.
8. We've always been political. You just weren't paying attention.
10. We're tired of all the men pundits getting all the coverage. No matter how good they are, if you're not listening to women, you're not getting the whole story.
So for candidates running in 2010 and beyond, here's your primer on what to think about when you're trying to win that all-important mom vote. Print it out, laminate it and tuck it into your wallet. Just don't come up with any more cute monikers like soccer moms and security moms for mothers who are up on their political news.
Those tags are a tad condescending and they make us a little testy!
Cross-posted from MOMocrat Joanne Bamberger's place, PunditMom, where she's thinking there have to be at least ten more reasons to add to this list.
I've always considered myself to be political but I have to admit that since becoming a mom my drive is much stronger and my reasons for getting behind certain causes and issues goes way beyond just doing "the right thing" but this incredible need to make life better for my kids. Very cool post!
Posted by: Meghan Harvey | April 10, 2009 at 04:33 PM