'Reality has no place in Mr. Hoy's perceptions

Claire Hoy doesn't like dictators who try to ram things down our throats. The ramming in question belongs to those who wish to increase the number of women elected to parliament. Mr. Hoy specifically rebuffs Rosemary Speirs, founder of Equal Voice , who is in favour of the idea of "women only contests" in some ridings. In defence, Ms. Speirs reasonably notes that men have been favoured in the riding nomination process for donkeys years.

Bristling and rushing to the chivalrous defence of women, Hoy replies:"Those ridings are not reserved for men. The vast majority of women are also out in the work force and just as capable-and as free- as men are to seek political nominations."

Oh ,really.

Though times have changed somewhat, most married women, even today, are still expected to be the dominant children lookers after, meal fixers and button sewers. Rare men will take on these jobs on a consistent basis, but most won't. Old stereotypes persist: men are breadwinners and politicians, women are apolitical and caregivers. Exceptions abound, of course, but don't seriously affect entrenched attitudes.

Mr. Hoy may find it easy to dismiss Stephane Dion as just another grandstanding politician. He is on thinner ice in sloughing off Ms. Speirs, a successful woman, in her thoughtful attempts to introduce greater gender balance into Canadian political life.

Geoff. Rytell

Toronto