Distaff note

In olden times, women would sit at the spinning wheel, performing their work by using a notched wooden tool called a distaff. Early writers seeking another term to refer to the fairer sex thus adopted this word. (When this writer was a youngster, the term was used so often we were warned it had become a cliché. No longer, professor!)

Certain prominent figures, who happen to be women, captured my attention this week, and they are herewith offered for your edification --- and/or your annoyance, for which I offer early apologies.

Sarah in Wonderland, attending her first "Tea Party," sounded "curiouser and curiouser" as the night in Nashville grew longer and longer while she read the notes she had scribbled on her hand. Low note of the evening was struck when she insisted we need a "Commander-In-Chief," not a "law professor delivering a lecture," while demeaning our president. (One can almost hear John McCain's sigh of relief, remembering their ill-fated campaign as running-mates.) One has the feeling Sarah Palin will be baaaaaack!!!

Candy Crowley, newly promoted to head up CNN's "State of the Union" show on Sunday mornings, interviewed Hillary Clinton, the most notable and hard-working Secretary of State I can recall since Cordell Hull. She was as articulate and up-front in knowledgeable data and instincts about every level of our foreign policy as one could hope had happened since her unsuccessful run for president.

I am proud to have served my country, which for 20 years provided me with the leadership which led to and fashioned the emergence of such a remarkable distaff side. She is a worthy successor to another First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, who is and ought to be appropriately revered.

May we continue to be blessed.