Why isn't she the poster girl for N.O.W. or the NAACP?

I admire, worship, and love this woman. She is the epitome of brilliance, grace, charm, and professional feminity. She is everything every young woman should look up to and strive for.

Congratulations Dr. Condolezza Rice!

For those who have been living in a cave, yesterday Condi was confirmed and sworn in as our Secretary of State. She has had a ridiculously stellar and illustrious career that should have N.O.W. and the NAACP doing somersaults trying to take credit for her. But both camps are silent. I just don't get it. The fact that she is a Republican and the President's right hand "man" makes them all mute and filled with ravenous hatred. Again, I just don't get it.

Growing up, education, determination, and ambition were things that we were taught to embrace, excel at, and admire. It was about accomplishment, not about what party you belonged to. We had respect for each other and acknowledged each others talents and intellectual gifts. Party was not an issue. When did this all change?

When did being a woman who rose to the top rung of the academic and political ladders not have Democrats, Liberals, and women's groups screaming with cult-like adoration? Throw in that the woman is single and an African-American who rose from segregated Alabama to the greatest heights and you have the poster-child for N.O.W. and NAACP. The NEA should also jump on the bandwagon with Condi's skipping 1st and 7th grade, entering the University of Colorado at age 15, graduating at 19, then receiving a Masters from Notre Dame in Political Science and a Doctorate in International affairs from the University of Colorado, all by the age of 27.

Where is the respect? Where is the admiration? Definitely not from ex-Klansman Sen. Robert Byrd who, in his recent diatribe against Dr. Rice from the Senate floor, referred to "separate but equal" and quoted from the Articles of Confederacy. (A Queenly nod and Knightly accolade to Lt. Smash.) Byrd is loathesome and it is shameful. Also, may I get over my rage that is hotter than the white hot intensity of a thousand Suns for the following: Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.), Mark Dayton (D-Minn.), Carl M. Levin (D-Mich.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), and James M. Jeffords (I-Vt.) all who voted against her confirmation.

*SHRUGGING OFF THE NEGATIVITY*

Anyhoo ... enough time on the soapbox. I am thrilled with our new Secretary of State. So, all you little courtiers and ladies-in-waiting out there, remember that February is Black History Month and March is Women's History Month, so don't forget Condi! Kiddies, she is a perfect subject for those school projects. You need look no further for inspiration! A fabulous on-line biography may be found HERE

Stay cool and safe!