Please distribute a copy of this column to every woman you know who is in or has been in the Armed Services. Let us celebrate the honor of the women who have served so bravely in the face of enemy fire and "friendly sexual harassment" by ENDING THE SILENCE! And maybe some decent men will step forward and tell the truth, also. <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> ........Catt's Claws # 133 ... November 14, 1996......... ........ A Feminist Newsletter by Irene Stuber......... <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> <^> When a woman blew the whistle on the Tailhook pilots whose members included then President George Bush who did NOT attend that particular convention, the officers and gentlemen bonded together, lied and covered up. Eventually a few men were punished but on the whole, they got away with it except for a few cosmetic fixes. The experiences of women in the Armed Forces continued to be a nightmare for many. Some women handled it - some couldn't. Seemingly there was oversight on harassment, but the predatory males found the ideal conditions (as they do in civilian life) - and were again helped by officers who choose to look the other way. The predatory male geeks in uniform have always preyed on the woman who is almost completely without the support of powerful women. That chick is in the Army now and the Army is run by MEN! The uniformed geeks always pick on women who are vulnerable to their authority. The men sign your papers, judge your promotions, etc. The uniformed geeks pick out women who are TRAINED to obey their orders. YES, SIR! Yep, the ideal picking grounds for the slime among us are recruits - usually away from home for the first time. Thrown into a situation where there are three man to every woman and where there are no women of authority to help them, to answer their questions, to give them protection. And yes, the geeks in uniform who masquerade as men but who are actually predatory filth do what they do best: take advantage of those unable to protect themselves. And thus, yet another sex scandal in the Army - which is desperately, AGAIN - trying to cover its naked ass. . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . Friday night 20/20 is going to have a segment on the latest and burgeoning sexual misconduct scandals in the Army. The Veteran's Administration said it would be fielding calls from Friday night to sometime on Saturday. The regular VA number is 1-800-827-1000 which is the number they are scheduled to give out. The number may be used during regular business hours at any time, not just Saturday. Women who have suffered sexual harassment in the service(s) are requested to report the incidents. But many women in the service are afraid of reprisals - look what happened to the Tailhook woman. Even RETIRED women veterans are afraid of reprisals if they tell the truth about what happened to them and their friends in the service because they can be called back to active duty (even though she has her 20 years in) and face disciplinary action of some sort. Such a thing would probably never happen unless too many men are frightened of what may be revealed and the male news media covers it up - as they did with Tailhook. Well coverup isn't quite the way it's done. They just ignore it into a non-happening. Unlikely or not, the fear of retribution remains a powerful deterrent to many women veterans. BTW, it is the same kind of fear that hangs over the head of many lesbians who don't dare tell the truth about what is going on it the services. One prominent feminist leader was really upset when she was outed a few years back. She could have been called back to active duty and court martialed for being gay until President Clinton changed the rules. . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . A woman veteran who is in an institution because of harassment and rapes while she was in the service went ballistic when she heard about the Aberdeen scandal. Her breakdown that took several people to restrain her was witnessed in part by Capt. Barbara Wilson, USAF (retired) who now can no longer be silent - and she is calling for all vets to break the silence: To tell the truth about what is REALLY going on it the Armed Services. Capt. Barbara wrote us: "With respect to the abuse of female enlisted women at Aberdeen, and probably Army wide at training centers, - if not service wide - why are we blaming the chickens for being in the hen house? Who is looking at the foxes? "Military instructors should be inexorable. If a trainee throws herself at an instructor, a drill sergeant, or an officer, he should be intelligent enough, and morally strong enough to act like an adult, a gentleman, and a leader and resist. "Would he behave that way and assault a friend of his daughters? "Stop blaming the women and find out who is training the trainers. Are they given psychological evaluations or need only the lechers and the lewd apply for these positions of authority and trust? "What standards, if any, do they have to meet? "Why has the Army done so little about harassment - all they do is render lip service. "And I seriously doubt that this is just an "army thing". Watch for incidents to surface in the other services as well. The sexual harassment of young women in the military has been swept under the rug, into the corners and out the back door for decades. How can the military be proud of a 55% rate? "Where are women officers and NCO's in this equation to provide surrogate leadership to young, naive, troops who are thrown into macho land with no guidance and no female leaders. "Women still need women mentors, even in an integrated military --or has the world done away with mothers, grandmothers and aunts??? "It's time to rethink total integration and provide young military women with some kind of lifeline, redress, counselor or mentor. Total integration is not the way of the world and Maslow's hierarchy of needs is still valid. "The male troops have a group with which to identify - the young women are the interlopers. They are still considered by many, including senior military and congressional men, to be anomalies. "How dare women try to become an integral part of the last bastion of the country's largest private mens club - the military establishment! "Maybe we should reverse the process and train the boys with all women D.I.'s - then they might enter the adult world with some dignity, manners, respect and values for life! "And hopefully, as these latest rounds of slings and arrows against womankind are made increasingly visible by the media, this time military men will get the message that we are not going away! . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . Here is what Capt Barbara is saying at http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb "Women Veterans - Act Now "Please break the silence on sexual harassment and assault. "Let's unclassify sexual secrets and light the way for the young women of tomorrow. "If you are one of the multitude of women veterans who experienced sexual trauma while on active duty in the military, you may need help. Counseling and treatment is available. You may have what is called PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - which is not limited to combat stress, or even having been in a combat zone. "Signs of PTSD "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a lot of things. "*It may be the reason you drink too much alcohol. "*It may be why you feel down in the dumps more than you should. "*It may be what causes your nightmares. "* It may be causing those feelings of fear you have - that seem to happen for no reason. "*It may be causing problems during your most intimate moments with a partner. "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a recurrent emotional reaction to a terrifying, uncontrollable or life threatening event. "This does not mean that you have to have been ten thousand feet in the air without a parachute when the plane lost an engine. "This does not mean that you have to have been in a foxhole under artillery fire with fifty enemy troops charging you. "You could have been told by a senior male sergeant to perform oral sex in the file room or you wouldn't get promoted. So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden in your mind and went on with your life. "You could have been told by a general that if you didn't have sex with him he would have you discharged as a homosexual. So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden in your mind and went on with your life. "You could have been told by a civilian supervisor that if he couldn't perform oral sex on you he would have you shipped out. So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden in your mind and went on with your life. "You could have been told by an instructor that he'd wash you out of school if you didn't have sex his way. So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden in your mind and went on with your life. "You could have been flying space available and been forced to "join the mile high club" or lose your ride. So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden of your mind and went on with your life. "Or you could have had an equally shattering experience under different circumstances. One that you have carried with you for years. "You are not alone and help is out there for you. "No, it won't be easy and yes, talking about it will be difficult - but not impossible. It was not your fault! "Talking about your experiences with sensitive and trained professionals will help reduce many of your problems. "And don't think you have to have reported the incident when you were on active duty...you were probably too upset, or were threatened by your antagonist. There is no requirement for a past report in order for you to get counseling with the VA. It's there, it's available and you are eligible by virtue of your service - NO MATTER WHEN YOU SERVED! "Women Veterans are eligible by law: Public Law 102-585 "Public Law 102-585, Veterans Health Care Act of 1992, Title I - Women Veterans Health Programs, as amended by Public Law 103-452, Veterans Health Programs Extension Act of 1994, established programs to improve health care services for veterans including priority counseling and treatment for sexual trauma for eligible veterans. "VA may provide counseling and treatment to veterans who VA determines require such counseling, care, and services to overcome sexual trauma. The trauma may result for a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while serving on active military duty. Public Law 102-585, defines sexual harassment as repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character. Break the silence. Make the call. Help yourself and the young women who will follow you. Contact the Women Veterans Coordinator at your nearest VA center. Or call 1-800-827-1000 for more information." If you have a problem getting an answer e-mail Istuber@CSWnet.com or Captain Barbara A. Wilson, USAF (Ret), MA, MBA. at captbarb@aug.com or see her web page on the subject of women in the service: http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb Women Are Veterans, too. "Woman has stood like a rock for the welfare and the glory of the history of the country, and one might well add ... unwritten, unrewarded, and almost unrecognized. --Clara Barton 1911 . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . Charlie Cole Chaffin, 57, was defeated for the Lt. Governor's spot in Arkansas by Win Rockefeller, the nation's 127th wealthiest person, in a blatant anti-woman, pro-money move by Democratic and Republican men alike, yet she lost by the slimmest margin in Arkansas history, slightly over 0.05 percent. Charlie was elected to the state Senate in 1985 and served 10 years as its only female member. A state-wide newspaper male columnists came out in favor of MR. Win Rockefeller saying that Charlie had too much experience to be Lt.Gov! (BTW- the last two Lt. Govs of Arkansas were upped to governor when the top spot became vacant.) Win Rockefeller has never held a political office and spent at least seven times as much as Charlie. The Democratic woman had trouble raising money from the Arkansas Democratic *male* big pockets. In his ads touting his qualifications, Rockefeller had to list that he was on the board of Ducks, Unlimited and the Boy Scouts of Arkansas to make it look like he has done something in his life except show up to be born. . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . Remember tearful U.S. Representative Enid Waldholtz (R-Utah) who couldn't believe her beloved husband committed bank fraud in managing her political career? Well, the once crown princess of the Republican party divorced poor Joe, taken back her unmarried name of Greene, and chosen not to run for re- election. She was in the courtroom a couple of weeks ago as poor Joe took the fall and was sentenced to three years in prison. There was a $3 million check-kiting scheme involved. Many feel that she should have been indicted too. Yet Tom Brokaw did a "poor Enid" interview on national TV ... "do you think you'll ever trust another man with your heart..." . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . To help prevent the spread of HIV, Kenya will install condom dispensers in all public places such as bars, hotels, etc., FREE of charge, but they will still not empower MARRIED women to refuse to have sex with their husbands without a condom although MARRIED women are the ones most at danger to contract HIV-AIDS from their adulterous husbands. And while Kenya is stepping up its defenses against HIV for men, the Indonesian government refuses to advocate condoms publicly because such "birth prevention" is not part of the "approved social culture." Again MARRIED women will suffer because the hypocrites that make up the boyz of government will, however, distribute condoms (free?) in those areas where prostitution is prevalent while refusing education for married women. . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . O.J. Simpson was seen "hitting" on an 18-year-old court intern during his civil trial. He was warned by a bailiff after Simpson was reported to have made a gesture as if to raise the girl's dress. Amy McGrath, a high school senior is blond and 18, the same age and appearance as Nicole was when O.J. started to pursue her. Amy quit (maybe was forced to quit) her job because of the incident. As usual, the woman pays. O.J. who is 49 years old said the girl was flirting with him! "I flirt with everybody," Simpson said. "That's me. Never in my 49 years has any woman complained." Wonder if he ever listed to the 911 tapes ... "Here he is at the trial involving the death of his ex-wife who he's supposed to be in love with and he's hitting on me," Amy said. The judge's hearing on O.J.'s actions toward the girl were sealed. . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . Jeffrey Nichols who has made up more stories than the Brothers Grimm is serving six months in jail for crossing state lines to avoid paying child support. Nichols, 48, fled New York to avoid paying for three children, moving to Florida and then Vermont. He remarried, claimed the children weren't his own, hid his money and said he was broke, etc., etc., etc. Judge Loretta Preska of U.S. District Court in Manhattan said Nichols was particularly deserving of punishment pointing out that Nichols has made it a point for the past six years of avoiding court orders and his familial duties. Nichols (Oh, play that tune again along with the choir of all the other men who refuse to honor the actions of their penises) tearfully told the court that he was a changed man (sic!) and wanted the respect of his children - that a Florida court ruled were his after he denied them in an attempt to avoid paying support. Oh, barf. . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . Generally we like to put a joke into Catt's Claws and Senator John Warner of Virginia provided us with one. He said he would not challenge for the Armed Service Committee chairmanship because (hang onto your seats) "I never saw a man more full of life and vigor," Warner said describing the incumbent 93-year-old Sen. Strom Thurmond. Don't you feel safe to know that ole Strom is overseeing our defense? Of course who were are defending from is another question. Can you just see Strom Thurmond, a lecher of munificent proportions, presiding over an investigation of sexual misconduct in the military - of course, pretty-boy Warner may not be much better. . . . . . . . ^c^c^ . . . . . . . ....................... * ........................ From a June, 1996 UNICEF report: About 585,000 women die worldwide each year during pregnancy or childbirth...and about 17.5 million suffer injuries, infections or disabilities related to pregnancy and childbirth, many of them humiliating and painful problems or morbidities that will continue for life. That comes to 1,600 women dying worldwide because of pregnancy or childbirth EVERY DAY! May of these death are preventable according to Carol Bellamy, UNICEF director. In the U.S. the death rate of women due to pregnancy is 2.5 EVERY SINGLE day or approximately 950 deaths a year. And since nearly 25% of all deliveries result in serious complications for the mother, that means almost ONE MILLION women suffered serious medical problems because of birthing. ONE MILLION !!! And our church fathers, our medical profession, our society proclaims refuse to acknowledge the pandemic. SHAME ! ....................... * ........................ Women's rights are young and tender and we must protect them from the plagues of holy hypocrisy and newts. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- >>> Send your ideas, comments, and news to istuber@cswnet.com for inclusion in the Catt's Claws feminist newsletter which will be emailed up to three times a week. This is NOT an interactive discussion net but an exchange of information. Catt's Claws is NOT sponsored by any organization. We are accepting *limited* donations (only what can be spared) to help offset the online costs of posting Catt's Claws. Copyright 1996, Irene Stuber. PO Box 6185, Hot Springs, AR 71902.<<<< To receive Catt's Claws by email, write and in the body of the note We thank Jennifer Gagliardi for handling the madding subscription list through her listserv.