After living through the eight miserable years of the Bush Administration, it is understandable that women's groups want a seat at the table with Barack Obama. So, when I saw this article from the Politico, I was not surprised.
After Barack Obama’s election, some in the women’s movement thought big – pushing for a Cabinet-level office, or even a blue-ribbon Presidential Commission on Women.
But when Obama announced his plans Wednesday, he brushed aside those requests
The White House confirmed officials considered and rejected the idea of creating a presidential commission. "They looked at a variety of options but ultimately they decided to go with the council that was announced," said one official, who asked not to be named.
.......Several women’s leaders in attendance at Wednesday’s event said they were pleased with Obama’s move, even as they acknowledged that it was not what most outside groups recommended.
"We have a commitment from the administration that they are determined to make this work and that, if it doesn’t work in the way they and we hope, they’ll take another look at it," said Kim Gandy of the National Organization for Women. "It has not been given short shrift in any way....I’m satisfied with that."
In December, nearly 50 women’s groups sent a letter urging President-elect Obama to create a White House office to address women’s issues. "The director would hold Cabinet-rank and report directly to the President," the letter said. "The restored program should be strengthened in rank, staffing and function.....A Cabinet-level office is the most effective way to accomplish this goal."............
My question, however, is do we really need another commission? Looking at our national obesity, it's safe to say that the White House Council on Physical Fitness has not done a lot of good. Barack Obama has, as his Secretary of State, a former First Lady who spoke out on women's rights to the Chinese government. Obama lifted the global gag rule on family planning/abortion and entusiastically signed the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and surely he will not stop with those actions. What can a commission accomplish that he cannot? Does the son of a single mom somehow not understand their everyday concerns? I understand that some want women's issues elevated with a formal office, but the single stroke of a president's pen will always do more than anything ten people can do meeting on a quarterly basis.