What utter drivel.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/i-am-woman-hear-me-sob-20161109-gslkov.html
I am woman, hear me sob. For today's US election has broken my heart.
Surely, I believed we had made some progress. I knew feminism has a way to go but the world was ready for a female President. Especially one with such experience, such conviction and such a sexist, narcissist, megalomaniac oaf as an alternative.
Women across the United States voted for Hillary Clinton in hopes of elevating the first woman to the presidency. They were later met with disappointment when Donald Trump triumphed instead.
I believed, or make that hoped at least, that Donald Trump was an aberration, a distraction that we would look back in horror on. He was the close call we all would be relieved to see put back in his penthouse box, his ego broken, his scary bluster a hot wind that was extinguished by good sense.
But no. I have watched today as I did 9/11, with my hands over my eyes in shock, disgust and horror and cries of "this can't be happening!" on constant rotation.
Democrat voters react while watching the election results. Photo: Darrian Traynor
But it has.
As I sit here, I'm aware Trump will soon accept his victory. It is something I don't think I can watch. Because I know there will be cheering for a man who I believe is mentally unstable. A man who is dangerous. And a man who will divide this world at a time when unity is needed more than ever.
What's more, I know I will see women applauding his victory, women who should know better.
Women who voted for a man who is intent on not just taking back our right to choose, but advocating punishment for having control over our own bodies. A man who ridiculed women for their looks, who boasted he can grope at will and it will be enjoyed. A man with no respect.
I have already witnessed Sarah Palin gloating, Pauline Hanson sending her regards, Julie Bishop attempting to hose down the catastrophe. I don't think there is much more I can take.
There are events in history that deserve a black line put through them and I believe this is one of them.
America should be ashamed. For ignorance has triumphed over reason.
To every woman who voted for Trump, I say good luck. Because you have voted against equality. And you will now have to pay for your folly.
What today has proven is that hate sells. And America has bought it. And the rest of the world will pay the price.
Wendy Squires is a Fairfax Media columnist.
