First, let me say this: How many debates do we really need to have? Second, how encouraging is it to see a woman running for president who isn’t afraid to pray for her country? I know I am not the only one overjoyed to see a woman standing her ground. It’s refreshing to finally see female leaders, like Michelle Bachmann and Sarah Palin, unashamed of their faith. But Bachmann displayed extraordinary courage when recently asked if she’d be willing, as president, to lead the nation in prayer. She stated, “I think that a president doesn’t lose their First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expression and religious worship and liberty … I would be most pleased to do that – to lead the nation in prayer.” Of course, her remark sent critics into a tizzy, with many of them babbling on about “separation of church and state.”
Now, I haven’t decided who I will vote for, and it surely won’t be based on gender, but we have to respect the place and purpose of women in our country today. While there are more men on the debate platform this year, there are more women at the polls. These women are everyday wives, moms, and friends, and they have been the largest voting bloc in this country since 1964. Women are America’s ultimate decision-makers – from what foods to pack in our kids’ lunches to who should be president, women call the shots.
Besides bold national female leaders, our country needs courageous leadership from everyday women. As the CEO of the largest public policy organization for women, I know they can swing this election and the direction of our country for the greater good. A relatively new phrase, “Wal-Mart moms,” has gone viral. According to Reuters, a Wal-Mart mom defines America’s middle class wives and mothers who choose to shop at the discount superstore in order to save for their households. It is reported that the Wal-Mart mom represents 16 percent of the electorate. If women can choose the fate of the most powerful political leader in the world, imagine what they can do for our school systems, neighborhoods, and society at large.
America is at a tipping point. Our country is $14.6 trillion in debt, the school dropout rate is one out of every three children, 40 percent of today’s babies are born out of wedlock (many who never know their father), child abuse is reported every 10 seconds, and 1.37 million children are aborted each year. What’s worse, we have yet to witness the consequences resulting from these tragic events. What could lie ahead is a generation that lacks stability, discipline, and moral guidelines.
Women play a big role in solving these social problems. Through their experience, personal choices, and willingness to stand up and speak out for their moral values, today’s women can solve these social ills and change the course of history.
So, ladies, ignore those loud-mouth critics and speak out loud. It’s time to stand up on behalf of our children and grandchildren. But before you do, remember to say a little prayer.