Daily Mom Guest
When it comes to average Americans, how come it's always Joe? What about Jane? Or Jill? Or Joan or Josie or Julie?
How come we never get to represent the American dream?
With a couple of dozen mentions in the last McCain-Obama debate, Ohio plumber Joe Wurtzelbach's tax worries got a lot of media play. With all this chat about Joe, iVillage wanted to bring the conversation 'round to the other half of the earning population.
Some of us even own our own businesses, which is more than Joe can say. (He's not even a licensed plumber, but that's another story.)
These days women control more than 10 million businesses. They either own them outright or have a majority stake. They provide 13 million jobs.
In the last 25 years, the number of women-owned businesses has jumped 824 percent.
Some of these entrepreneurs are moms, too. They might be soccer moms. Hockey moms. Heck, some are probably single moms. Or grandmoms.
But somehow no one ever thinks of a woman as representing the average, hard-working Josie who dreams of making it big someday. It's always Joe.
In the swing states like Florida and Georgia, women-owned business are on the rise. And the growth rates are highest in industries like construction, agriculture and transportation.
So we're pretty certain one or two of them is a plumbing business.
Here's looking at you, Jane. We'll give you a call when our kitchen sink is leaking. And don't forget to invite us to the party when you start your own business.
-- Heather M. Graham
5 Comments
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Let your kids can help get your house in holiday shape. Lord knows they've got the energy!
'Jane the plumber' is shall be!
Elect USA Senator John McCain and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, as our next USA President and USA Vice President 2008 -- and ever girl and every woman will at last know that we are able to lead America. That says it all.
Oh, yes -- it may be wise to go into your County Election Offices,
and Re-Register to Vote, to be certain that your votes are counted.
Pray, for our Earth and our nation, these United States of America -- that we be lead well, and stay as safe and strong as we must to survive and to thrive!
May G-d continue to bless us all.
--GenieT
It is hysterical that you think Sarah Palin represents women. Hillary Clinton would have been an excellent representation of the way women should be respected in our society. In case you haven't noticed Democrats in the government are the ones fighting for women's rights, NOT Republicans. Feminists are LIBERALS!
"Annoy a conservative, think for yourself!"
Obama/Biden '08
I hope when Obama makes it to the White House that at least half of what he wants to change happens. One thing Obama needs to look into is Workmans Compinsation. I was injuried on the job June 25, 2006. I still have not received anything I have had an attorney since 08/06 and I applied for social security in 09/06 I am still waiting for a hearing date. I am totally disabled I had surgery on 1/26/2007 to L3-4 and L4-5 they did a Fussion of both dics which failed now they want to do more surgery until this is setteledI have no insurance and already owe to date $130,000 in medical bills. I can't even get Medicaid until I am approved for social security.I have had to get people to move into my home to keep from being homeless I only charge them enough to pay just what is needed I own my moble home is paid for so it only takes $400.00to pay the utilitiesand I get $176.00 in food stamps.
This is such a wonderful commentary, Heather; and a brilliant insight into the shifting power of women in this country. At Be Jane, we help every woman become a Jane--a strong independent woman who takes control of her life, starting with managing the economic power in her home and inspiring her to grab her tools and try her hand at home projects. We want women to bond together and understand their growing power in this country and created the following video to galvanize the female vote in this election:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7gT9751hkw
(watch in High quality--click link below the screen)
So rock on, Janes, and grab that power drill when you want to feel more energized in your life!
Cheers,
Suzanne
I own a construction company that specializes in remodeling.
My plumber is JANE who owns her own plumbing company and she has a license and she pays her taxes! She also helps with lots of Habitat for Humanity houses. We both support Senator Obama and are hoping for better days ahead!
Katie in Iowa