MUSINGS and other writing by Mark Kolke

I have a granddaughter who can do anything she wants in this world.

I have two daughters who can do anything they want in this world.

I have two ex-wives who can do whatever they want.

This can be a day for deep thinking of joke making – but the reality ought to be that we don’t need a day. One day, perhaps women will get equal rights and responsibilities along with their male counterparts. A day when everyone respects everyone reasonably, peaceably and in a courteous manner.

While we’ve seen so much progress over the last 50 years in this regard, I’m sure nearly everyone agrees that we’ve only just begun.

Opportunities existing does not mean equality has arrived, and I mean more than a glass-ceiling reference.

Opportunities should be equal and equivalent. 

As someone who works in a sales environment where the commercial market is male-dominated and the residential market is female-dominated, I see something every day that isn’t reflected in the politically correct vernacular …

People hire, work with, contract with, promote, collaborate with and achieve great things when they work with others – and no matter what we do, there is someone else on the other side of the equation/transaction. 99% of the time, that counterpart is someone with the skills, reputation and experience required, and they are someone we can get along with – and that has nothing to do with gender.

Men should not skate along with a sense of entitlement without deserving their role and responsibility.

Women should be afforded the same opportunity and responsibility. Get where you are going based on who you are, what you know, and what you bring to the table. That’s not about gender. Having said all that, I celebrate women and cheer on those I respect and care about. As for those who try, and I admit there are few, who try to get something because of a gender entitlement, they don’t have me cheering for them.

Everyone else, YYYYAYYY!