Good morning, Tom--

My definition of "feminist" is anyone, male or female, who recognizes the need for political, economic and social equality of opportunity regardless of gender. That is, the opportunity to try and fail or succeed independent of someone else's preconceived notion of what you are capable of on account of chromosomes. It has nothing to do with politics, unless you are willing to posit that the left thinks equal opportunity is a good thing and the right thinks it's not. (I don't believe this.) There are many feminists in this country. The first time your daughter hits the glass ceiling, don't be surprised to discover that you, too, are a feminist.

People had better care what academics think and say. These are rhetorically very effective people, and they publish a lot more than your average plumber. You have spent a lot of time here caring very much what academics say. You don't think this is unimportant, Tom. We've been at this war for almost two months. That's not long. People are fickle.

I recognize that there are, to understate, physical differences between men and women. Nevertheless, there are certain minimum standards that can be met by women, unless the standards are raised specifically with the notion of eliminating women. In that case, some small men would not be able to make it either.

Single mothers going off to war: not OK. Single fathers going off to war: OK. Hmmm.

I too would like to hear the opinions of vets. I would especially like to hear the opinions of vets who have served with women in combat situations. Their remarks would not have to be prefaced with phrases like "I suppose", "I surmise", and "I guess".

We could, as you say, not open this can of worms right now. But this particular can of worms has been in the tackle box for some time, and some of the worms have turned now that there's a war on. Tell you what: if you lay off the militant Feminists, I'll lay off the military feminists. I mentioned it in the first place because the lack of one has contributed to allowing the other to flourish. Kind-of like a yeast infection in the body politic. ;) Time for a little yogurt.

Regards--
Mary Anne