The other day, police in armor arrested 31 women at the State Capitol in Richmond. The women were protesting recent legislation concerning women's health issues. Denouncing the arrests and the manner in which they were carried out, Sen. Chap Peterson (D-Fairfax) said in part, "Men of Virginia - men of Virginia --- do we want our wives, our grandmothers, our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, our nieces treated this way? ... Speaking to the gentlemen in this body, we as men, take exception when we see our womenfolk treated this way. It's not right,'' --from news accounts

Greetings George,

As one of the womenfolk of the Commonwealth, I do not take exception to Senator Peterson's quaint phraseology. I suspect that Senator Peterson most likely does not speak that way in normal circuumstances and situations, but rather tailored his remarks and wording to fit the patriarchal and old fashioned nature of the Virginia General Assembly. In this instance, I thought his choice of wording rather fitting, unfortunately.

I am thankful for Senator Peterson's willingness to stand up for the women if Virginia - and of course, to David Toscano as well. In these trying times, we are lucky to have David's wise and reasonable representation.

Cheers,

Terri Di Cintio

(Electronic mail, March 11, 2012)