OPINION: Women need to tell men to back off when it comes to deciding what we can or cannot do

Tom Watkins’ mother had children and a second job, his mother-in-law had children and did not have a second job. For Watkins’ mother-in-law to state "No, the difference is your mother gets a paycheck for the work she does" is not correct. Neither woman got a paycheck for being a mother. Watkins’ mother received payment from an outside source compensating her for work she performed providing services at their business. There is a big difference.

Men in America need to stop trying to tell women what we can and cannot do. Stop comparing stay-at-home moms to working moms. There is a huge difference.

Men need to focus on their own issues. Stay away from our bodies, choices and, ultimately, decisions.

Men are not qualified in the area of what women want or need so they need to stay out of the decisions that so greatly impact our lives.

It is time for women across America to speak up and tell our husbands, sons, fathers, neighbors, employees, and politicians to back off. This disturbing position that men are going to start telling us what choices we have and decisions regarding our bodies, homes or opportunities will have dismal results.

If you want to see this country in turmoil, then piss off 51 per cent of the population and see how that works.

I am mother of four, wife and a senior partner in a law firm. Both of us attended law school and pursued careers while we raised our children. Neither one of us received a paycheck for being a parent.

Michele D. Kelly
Ann Arbor