Blog Post Featured in the Times Union Takes Tasteless Jab at Elise Stefanik

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(LISTEN TO THE DOUG AND KELLY PODCAST BELOW ON THIS STORY)

So a blog post on the Times Union’s website attempted to take a “satirical” jab at North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik, pretending that the representative was reading to a group of school kids.

“I see there are only a few of you in class today, and I just want to assure you that there is nothing to be afraid of. That’s why I am not wearing a mask. Because Kung Flu is a socialist hoax, a term that will mean more to you when you grow up and have children of your own. I myself am childless because I am a rising star in the Republican Party…”

“I myself am childless.” I can’t imagine ever using that word to describe anyone, let alone a woman. One, some people have children, some don’t. And? Two, I can’t possibly know why someone is “childless”, if it turned out that situation was due to medical reasons, then what an awful thing to point out about someone.

But here’s the thing, has that author, or any author for that matter, ever referred to a male as “childless?” The phrase in and of itself reeks of sexism. Also, has that author, or any author, ever referred to a liberal politician or celebrity as “childless?”

Kamala Harris was just sworn in as VP, she has no birth children of her own but she does have step children, but would one satirically offer that she has no “biological children” of her own? Of course not. Lady Gaga was at the inauguration, no one referred to her as “childless”, because it would be stupid to do so. 

Rep. Stefanik said the phrase was “sexist, hateful, abusive, and heartless.” Indeed it is. She has demanded an apology from the Times Union, and she should get one. 

Jay Leno once said that “if hate is at the front of a joke, then maybe you shouldn’t tell that joke.” 

The same is true of a blog post. If hate is driving it, don’t post it. Elise Stefanik is certainly open for criticism, but not tasteless, sexist criticism. 

The Times Union removed the blog post, but they should acknowledge that. -Doug

Here’s Stefanik’s statement about the blog post:

“As a young married couple, we have developed a thick skin over many years as we have become accustomed to repeated sexist smears in media coverage. However, the Times Union’s decision to publish an article that mocked us as “childless” is a new low and is truly heinous and wildly inappropriate. This shameful statement is not only inherently sexist, but also hateful, abusive, and heartless. The Times Union publisher, editors, and staff have clearly let the paper’s standards sink so low that they have chosen to embrace sexist scum and content under the masthead. They should be ashamed.

We not only require a complete retraction, but we also demand an immediate public apology and explanation as to how this was allowed to be published in the Times Union and who will be held responsible and accountable.

We are grateful to the thousands of constituents who have encouraged and prayed for us over the years. Thank you for your kind words and best wishes. Like millions of families, we hope and pray that we will be blessed by becoming parents.”


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