It was an invitation from the Bronx Democratic County Committee. (But, in actuality, it was a "dis-invitation.")
Apparently, the borough's "female elected officials & Democratic leaders" are having a luncheon on Sunday, November 4, 2007, at Maestro's (a catering hall up in the Bronx).
The honorees are:
Hillary Clinton , U.S. Senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate
Christine Quinn , New York City Council Speaker
Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez , New York Secretary of State
What caught our eye were the following words which appeared at the bottom of the invitation, in bold type:
BY WOMEN & FOR WOMEN ONLY
"Men" may not attend (or are not welcome).
Why would any political leader, particularly a presidential candidate, participate in an event which discriminates on the basis of gender?* Hypocrisy?
And, the luncheon's sponsors -- which include some of New York State's highest ranking female elected officials -- should be chastised for lending their names to such an exclusionary forum.
No matter how you slice it, the Bronx Democratic County Committee is sending the wrong message.
The honorees should not condone this idiocy and should boycott the luncheon, unless this shameful invitation is withdrawn and the reception is opened to all who wish to attend.
To download a copy of the invite, please click on the following link: "Bronx Women on the Move"
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* Senator Clinton's website portrays her as a champion of civil rights and as a presidential candidate who seeks to end discrimination. (Right.)