Young Women For Sanders Not to Be Underestimated

by Donna Smith

Normally, I would just stay silent if Gloria Steinem said something with which I did not agree. I admire her so much. She has shown so much courage on behalf of women's issues throughout the years that it is a bit absurd for someone such as me to even consider challenging any comment she makes regarding women.

So when I read that she thinks young women who support Bernie Sanders for president are doing so because they want attention from boys, I was angry. The young women I have met in Iowa, in Colorado, in Arizona, and in Maryland who are supporting Bernie certainly do not appear to be seeking male attention or favor. That sort of diminishment of any woman's decision to support Bernie seems beneath us all in terms of the sort of discourse the Democratic presidential race has provided thus far.

When I read Gloria's comment, I thought of the young women I met in Iowa who supported Bernie because of his record on climate issues. Those young women were clear-eyed and intelligent, not boy-hungry, attention seekers. I thought of the young women at the Fight for 15 rally who sewed together onesies to illustrate how difficult it is for single mothers to afford basic living expenses when they don't earn a living wage. Those young women were strong and passionate about Bernie being the only candidate (Martin O'Malley was still in the race at that time) who has stated his support for a $15/hour minimum wage. I thought of the young woman and her children who stopped to chat about Bernie and his support of free college and improved and expanded Medicare for all. What a huge difference those issues would make in her life and in the lives of her children.

It is not helpful to anyone for Gloria to make those kinds of comments about women who support Bernie -- young or not. Now that I am in my 60s, I have well earned the right to support the candidates for public office that I believe best represent my views on the issues that matter to me. I have labored against a system that has oppressed me for many years, and I am ready for systemic change. I believe Bernie Sanders offers the best hope for the change I want to see during my lifetime, and that is what I heard from younger women too.

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http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/02/07/young-women-sanders-not-be-underestimated