For those of us who are not American, we can watch with dispassionate interest the polarization of the United States. However, many, if not a majority, of Americans feel a deep shame and embarrassment regarding the direction their country is taking.
Through the ages, women have been nurturers, peacemakers and developers of consensus. Not anymore-politically active American women are taking sides. And it’s not a pretty sight.
Two Women's Groups: NOW vs CWA - Which Side are You On?
Concerned Women for America (CWA) and the National Organization for Women (NOW), each have an active membership list of approximately 500,000. However, that's where their commonality ends. They are at polar opposites of the American political and cultural spectrum.
In 1972, NOW lost its struggle to add equal rights to the U.S. Constitution and the struggle for guaranteed equality remains an elusive dream. The fight continues.
Despite the fact that CWA is a women's organization, it doesn't address the issue of equal rights for women. For them, it's a non-issue.
NOW is a proponent of reproductive rights, and struggles to ensure women of all ages continue to have access to legalized abortions and birth control. CWA believes in the sanctity of life, which they believe begins at conception and continues until a natural death occurs. CWA has gone as far as accusing Planned Parenthood organization of using "mafia tactics,” and has stated that there are only two choices, abstinence and sex within the sanctity of marriage.
Yet another dichotomy, between the two organizations, is their positions on the rights of gays and lesbians. As a women's organization, NOW focuses on lesbians, lobbying for equal rights in all areas including child custody, housing, job opportunities and media image portrayal. On the other hand, CWA tends to link gays and lesbians with pedophilia, regarding their sexual preference as an illness that needs to be cured.
Two Women's Groups: Where their Platforms are not Opposed they Veer in Different Directions
Although CWA remains relatively silent on issues such as discrimination, economic justice and human rights, it is very focused on other areas.
CWA is a strong proponent of family values, and loudly proclaims marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The organization also believes that the state should not control what children are taught, and proposes the delivery of education into the hands of parents.
Indeed, the battle between the left and right happens within the American public school system: evolution versus creationism, reproductive rights versus family values. There is no end in sight.
CWA carefully bases its platform on scripture from the King James Version of the Bible. Perhaps, just as the Bible contains contradictions, so do the core values of CWA.
The CWA position on religious freedom: "Supports the God-given rights of individuals in the United States and other nations to pray, worship and express their beliefs without fear of discrimination or persecution."
However, when reflecting on their idea of national sovereignty, their statement is as follows: "Neither the UN nor any other international organization shall have authority over the United States in any area. We also believe the United States has the right and duty to protect and secure our national borders."
So, the United States has the God-given right to ensure religious liberties throughout the world. Yet, no governing body can interfere with what is going on inside U.S. borders.
Two Women's Groups: Can They Find a Common Meeting Ground?
Both NOW and CWA have been around for a long time. CWA was formed thirty years ago, and NOW in 1966. NOW has firmly established its place to the left of center, and CAW is on the right. Issues like abortion, what is to be taught in public schools and the rights of gays and lesbians are all but impossible areas to develop consensus. However, perhaps it's time for CWA and NOW to try to accomplish the impossible.
Sources
Oreen Scott - After twenty-two years in the newspaper business, three years ago Oreen sold her house, car and almost everything she owned. A Canadian by ...
