January 28, 2009
I found this article interesting because of the title: "Lesbian to Be Iceland's First Female PM". Like "lesbian" supersedes the fact that she is a woman and will be the first female PM. Like the story is only interesting and noteworthy because she is a lesbian. Would it not make the headlines if she were a non-lesbian? Polls show her to be the most popular politician in Iceland (approval rating 73%), so why isn't it Most Popular Politician to become Prime Minister? First Female PM of Iceland? Woman to become Iceland's PM?
AP's DAVID STRINGER & Valur Gunnarsson:
Johanna Siguardardottir, 66, Iceland's social affairs minister, is set to become the country's interim prime minister. A former flight attendant and union organizer, she is openly gay.
Then it goes on to mention her platform: domestic violence, the disabled and the elderly and her qualifications - none of which hinge on her sexual preference.
After acting as a labor organizer when she worked as a flight attendant for Loftleidir Airlines — now Icelandair — in the 1960s and 1970s, Sigurdardottir was elected to Iceland's parliament in 1978. She served as social affairs minister from 1987-1994 and from 2007.
Protest in Iceland consists of the usual mass gatherings (this time requiring tear gas) and pelting the PM's limo with eggs. Have to say the shoe slapping, placing of them on a pole and then dancing and chanting has to be the most ridiculous. I'll have to see what the shoe thrower is up to...
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