I remain uncertain if our societal attitudes toward menopause are sexist. They are certainly misguided and largely inaccurate. A little bit like our silly beliefs in the ways PMS affects women's behavior, too. During "the change" it seems to me that women are perfectly capable of controlling their emotions and are well able to make sound decisions of great magnitude. But, as with PMS, the public in general, including very many women, remain largely uneducated on menopause ... not only on its many unpleasant effects, but also on its many lack of effects. It does not cause a woman to become stupid, nasty, or erratic. Education of all the public becomes the key.

As for "bitch" being used, and cited as evidence of rampart sexism, I disagree. While specific words and terms are used from time to time on the trail, neither candidate is immune from severe and blatantly unpleasant criticism from the other. Just this week, Clinton vented much anger and dark innuendos at Obama for his criticism of her written health care policy. She clearly cast many aspersions on his character.

At 57, I still cringe at the "bitch" label--I'm a southern woman who's been hard-wired to do anything possible to avoid it. But, I have come to see that any woman who's a leader, has strength of character, intelligence and integrity will have somebody referring to her as a "bitch".

The proper response when calumnied as a "bitch" is just to smile and say "Thank you!"

It makes me cringe, too, and specifically because it is used pejoratively. Using it for women and expecting them not to react doesn't make sense. Every other minority population is given, at least in public, the ability to protest the use of pejoratives and be taken seriously.

Why can't we?

Ladies;

Haven't you heard? The acronym, B.I.T.C.H. stands for Beautiful, Intelligent, Talented, Caring and Headstrong. So, yes. Thank you! I am a member of the club!