“Much of the demand for women in combat comes from female officers who are eager for medals and promotions.” ~ Phyllis Schlafly

While reading the news this week of 19-year-old Army Specialist Monica Lin Brown being awarded the Silver Star, I thought of this quote and another came to mind too, by the notorious Ms. Schlaffly. In it she states, "History offers no evidence for the proposition that the assignment of women to military combat jobs is the way to win wars, improve combat readiness, or promote national security." Well, we do have evidence now Phyllis. I bet if you ask those soldiers who made it that day, due to Monica's heroism, if they thought she should be out there with them, they would gladly tell you what they think of your opinion. Truth be told, some of them may have thought the same as you before she saved their lives. Now they have a reality to base their feelings on rather than a fear. It's truly unfortunate that in 2008, so many people can still have fears like these about women. It hurts to know that this could be the same fear that keeps the first truly viable woman candidate from seeking the highest office in America. My opinion being that of not only a woman, but a mother of a young teenage girl AND as a veteran who served her country proudly. It's time to move past fear and embrace truth. Truth is, anything you can do, I can do equally as well. Gotcha.