WHY???? Why are we some how less? Why are we objectified, demeaned, patronized, minimized, overlooked, snickered at, and first in line to have rights denied? WHY????????? WHY are we first-to-be-held-back? First to be talked over? First to be interrupted. First to be shoved aside. First to be paid less. First to be passed over. First to be ghettoized in "mommy tracks" and other lesser-than-thou categories? I find that whole tradition rather offensive. Always did. So who was it long ago who decided the men get to speak first, walk ahead first, get chosen first, get preferred first, get the benefits and the privileges first? Why did it have to be "all MEN are created equal?" And what about us women? What are we? Chopped liver? Invisibles? Nonessentials? Back-of-the-bus'ers? Lesser-thans? Inferiors?

Inferiors indeed! The "weaker sex" indeed! I defy ANY man, here, there, or ANYWHERE to withstand the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. YOU try squeezing that big thing outta that little tube through YOUR pelvic bone structure, 'eh? I personally think women are entitled to be called "the stronger sex" - for that reason alone.

I remember being laid off and told - "well, hey, at least YOU have a husband, so..." And I had to break the news to this clown - "yeah, that's true. But he isn't working at the moment. I'm the only one bringing home a pay check. Well - at least I WAS. Until TODAY."

And you know you've got 'em when they have no comeback. They have nothing but a funny look on their face, busily wracking what there is of their "brains" looking for some template or cheat-sheet or Cliffs Notes or something so they can come back with a cute and semi-relevant response that will somehow excuse them and nullify the thoughtless dumb-ass lunk-head insult they just tossed your way.