Michelle Obama on work-family balance
Yesterday Michelle Obama delivered a speech on work-life balance, a topic she has said would be an important priority for her as First Lady. The Moms To Work blog has a transcript.
Obama acknowledged that one income often can't support a family any more; that even if one parent wants to stay home, both often must work. She talked about the need, even in these times when all of us fear for our jobs, for companies to create greater flexibility to hold on to talented employees. Even if it's something as simple as helping them get out to pick up their children at school.
And she pointed out that many companies are a long way from that -- that many don't even provide their workers with paid sick days, leaving working parents with terrible choices when their children are ill.
What do you think about what she said? Are we likely to see these hopes realized any time soon?
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Comments
I think what she said is typical blame-shifting by the left. Let's blame those nasty corporations for not allowing parents to leave work early or not paying for sick days.
Maybe if Michelle's husband would stop spending us into oblivion, parents could afford to do the things they need to/want to do.
How can anyone take her seriously - when she is unwilling to attack ALL the angles of this problem? Simply ridiculous.
Posted by: Frank from Parkville | May 8, 2009 10:54 AM
I truly believe that mothers should stay home with their children and not remain in the workplace. I realize that this is unrealistic to many families but I also think that it is important to discuss how material sacrifices could be made to make the situation possible.
Posted by: NotableM | May 8, 2009 1:49 PM
Oh man ... where to begin?
Posted by: Dahlink | May 11, 2009 5:11 PM
I'm with NotableM
Posted by: Ward Cleaver | May 12, 2009 9:02 AM
I would do just about anything to stay home with my soon to be born child. I would sacrifice any material good I could to be able to do that. But I married a social worker with student loans so now amount of sacrifice would get us into a place where we could be able to support our child without having to resort to food stamps. (And by support I mean roof over head, clothes on back, food in belly. That's it.) Therefore... I will go back to work. So THANK YOU to the Obama administration for recognizing that it is NOT always a choice, or a selfish act to work, and that those of us that are already devestated by not having a choice could use a little help and support.
Posted by: Momma2B | May 12, 2009 4:12 PM