The misogyny of the defense secretary

On Friday, Aug. 8, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth displayed his full misogynist colors to America and the world. Rather than creating a social media post on a national security matter, Secretary Hegseth decided to repost a video clip of several far right-wing, ultra-nationalist pastors advocating the disenfranchisement of women. Was anyone surprised?

Prior to becoming Secretary of Defense, Hegseth called for the elimination of women from combat roles as “women cannot physically meet the same standards as men.” His provocative statements, which amount to nothing short of sexist slurs, belie the facts. Women, who account for approximately 17% of U.S. active forces, have not only proved their mettle in combat but they have actually raised military standards, according to studies.

After decades of personal and professional misogyny, no one should have been surprised when Secretary Hegseth reposted a video supporting the repeal of the 19th Amendment (1920) — a landmark achievement by women to win the vote. For our mothers, our grandmothers, our wives, our sisters, our daughters and our granddaughters, we must condemn all forms of misogyny and advance the rights of women throughout society.

Jeff Roquen

Palatine