Conservatives are outraged over the role of women soldiers at or near the frontlines in Iraq. Seems to me that it is foolish to pretend that men and women are identical, but equally foolish to think that women don't have the toughness to fight. The professional military can probably evolve this sensibly, if mostly left alone by various pressure groups.
With one single mother from the U.S. Army killed in Iraq and another wounded and captured, some conservatives are urging the military to halt its march toward gender equality and restrict the deployment of mothers in war zones. "Healthy, responsible nations do not send the mothers of small children to or near the front lines - that violates the most basic human instincts," said Allan Carlson, a historian affiliated with the Family Research Council.
For now, the cause has found few champions in Congress or at the Pentagon; politicians and commanders are pleased by the all-volunteer military's performance in Iraq and proud that three ambushed servicewomen became national heroes. But the critics - mostly from groups opposed to the feminist movement - vow to maintain pressure in hopes the Bush administration might one day review deployment policies.
Bush, asked about the matter Thursday, said it will be "up to the generals" to determine if any changes are warranted.
Posted by Alan at May 10, 2003 08:58 PM