Is it 1984 again?

In 1984 Walter Mondale selected Geraldine Ferraro to be his running mate (VP). They lost to incumbent Pres. Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. Before Ferraro lost, there was such a feeling of hope, and elation. Women thought that they would make more inroads, be on more equal footing with men. We thought that things would be forever changed. But they weren't. Ferraro lost, and there were no changes. It was like nothing of significance ever happened. It would be almost 25 years before we had another chance. If you don't remember that. If you didn't feel elated, and hopeful. If perhaps you're to young to remember. Then with all due respect, you will not understand this post, or my feelings.

Last night Senator Obama became President elect, yet I didn't feel happy. In fact I feel a bit bitter, and marginalized. He could have taken women with him in his victory by choosing a female running mate, but he didn't. Hillary would have been the ideal running mate in my mind, but another woman would due. You're probably thinking that there weren't many women to choose from because there aren't many women in politics. Well, that's my point. Although women have made progress there still aren't as many women who hold high paying, (or power), jobs as men like lawyers, physicians, executives, and engineers. "Women and men are taxed at the same rate, but female workers are still paid only 77.8 cents for each dollar made by a man for the same job, according to the National Committee on Pay Equity...The vast majority of minimum-wage paying service jobs are still performed by women." We are the majority, slightly over 50% of the population, who are still being treated like a minority.

Last night and today I feel like I, (and women kind), have been kicked to the curb by a man. A black man, yes, but still a man. I feel marginalized. Was it one step forward and two steps back for women? Did Hillary & Palin make any lasting difference, or are we back to 1984?

I'm sure that in the months, and years ahead that I will be glad that Obama is my president. I voted for him, and have a similar beliefs. I will be thrilled when he brings our troops home from Iraq! I think that he will do a lot of good. But when I go to work I will see nurses who are predominately women, and doctors who are predominately men. I may be payed less then male CNA's. And my life will not be changed. He could have changed my life too, but he chose not to take me along for the ride.

So if I don't do cartwheels at this time. If I act a bit bitter over the next few days or so, you'll know why. To me this is a bitter/sweet victory, and I'm feeling the bitterness right now. Allow me to have my feelings. Allow me this moment. Please understand that I remember 1984.

I don't want to get into an argument. This is just how I feel. Thank you!