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We can decide for ourselves.
After seeing the syndicated column by Rich Lowry in the May 21st paper, I thought I would respond -- and no, Butker was not right about men and women, not even close. Many Catholics, including the sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, who put out a statement regarding the speech, do not agree with Butker's divisive and sexist comments.
Women do not need Butker, or anyone else for that matter, telling them how and where they will find fulfillment or vocation in their lives.
Women are fully capable of defining for themselves what brings them joy and satisfaction. Every day women make decisions for themselves just fine.
I fully support women that want to go into their chosen career field, to raise a family or not, to marry or not--most importantly I want women to be able to choose what is right for them in their unique and personal situation. That is one of the benefits of being an American--we have the freedom to pursue our happiness.
In terms of staying home to raise children, it is quite difficult for most families, even when there are two parents working. I know there was a time when my paycheck went to the babysitter, to pay for health insurance, and gas to get to work, while my husband's went to the bills.
Some parents are trying to juggle two or three part-time jobs to pay the bills and if they must be off work when their child is sick they lose a day of pay. Unless you are independently wealthy, being a single stay at home mom or dad, is not even a consideration. Butker's comments are certainly from a place of extreme privilege.
Let us not forget about Social Security earnings. What kind of retirement does a stay at home parent earn? Your Social Security is based on your work history and if you are out of the workforce for prolonged periods of time--let's say for caregiving for your children, parents, or other family members, your Social Security will be significantly less. You can only draw on your spouse's Social Security if you were married for over 10 years.
For those that return to the workforce after prolonged absence it can be very difficult. It is not that they have not been working. I can assure you there is a lot of work involved in managing a home and raising children, but appealing to employers in a dynamic and changing workforce with a large resume gap, can be a challenge.
So, to the Butkers of the world, thanks but no thanks. Women will continue to be the captains of our own ships. We will lead, we will be change makers, we will succeed, and in the words of Taylor Swift, we will shimmer.
Mandy Smith Weirich
Democratic Candidate for WV Senate District 11