Mike - I don't expect everyone to agree with me but I didn't appreciate your initial post or the fact that it provided an opportunity for others to pile on.

And yes, Peace, this is a woman's issue. It may not be every woman's issue but it is part of radical feminist theory. Language and how it is used has been dictated by men for a very long time. If men do not approve of the way a woman talks or if they think women talk too much there are very subtle but effective way for men to silence them. I am not playing any cards, here, but I am telling you that I am hip to these methods and men should begin to be aware of how they abuse their power.

Expectations play a big role in this. When someone says, "we should always expect things like this from you," it means I do not appreciate your contribution or the fact that you linked this article. You bore me. Please shut up. Fine, don't read it but don't think its going to shut me up. And don't think for one minute that I will let you get away with it. Its called tit for tat.

I agree that his message could have been sent to anyone, regardles of sex, but it wasn't. Like you said, he's a nice guy. Well, guess what, lots of nice guys do and say things to women without realizing they are patronizing and lots of men say things to women that they would never say to men.

Like I said before, its your choice to read or not to read. I did not insult anyone on this thread and I don't believe I have ever insulted Georgiansilver. If I feel insulted, I have a right to defend myself and I will.

On the other hand, Peace, we have both insulted each other plenty of times and I know that you are only to ready to chime in when the opportunity arises. Its typical of you to "gang-up" when you have the chance. I will refrain from using harsher terminology which most radical feminists would use. I am surprised at the others who jumped on top of me. What I have posted is not particulary offensive. Others have also quoted Pilger. Why is that they are not attacked?

And actually, Peace, the reason I put lady in quotes is because I don't consider myself a lady. I consider myself a woman. As a woman I have the same rights as a man. 'Lady' is something men want a woman to be. I don't buy that role anymore. In other words, just like most men, I don't take crap from anyone, including you. Do not try categorize me according to your own needs. If you have gender issues, deal with it.

I talk tough because in public I am not allowed to. As a woman it would be very dangerous and would put me at risk. The internet gives me the freedom to speak without any harm to my real-life persona and I will continue to do so because its the only place I can.

Thanks for the opportunity to rant and Mike, I'm sorry if your words provided the catalyst but they certainly did. I hope you remember this when speaking to other women. Language is who we are and when we are told to shut up, we are being told that we are worthless.