It stretches the imagination to think what, by virtue of being a parent, that specifically adds to one’s resumé.
So it was a cheap shot when Andrea Leadsom targeted Theresa May for being the lesser candidate in the race for British prime minister because she does not have children.
“I am sure Theresa will be really sad she doesn’t have children,” Leadsom assumed in a speech Saturday. “I genuinely feel that being a mum means you have a real stake in the future of our country, a tangible stake.”
The public outcry to Leadsom’s insensitive remarks was quick, spurring the energy secretary to withdraw from the PM race Monday.
As Britain’s home secretary, Ms. May, 59, is now poised to become England’s second female prime minister, following Margaret Thatcher, who served from 1979 to 1990.
In regards to their childlessness — as if it needed to be addressed — May has said that she and husband Phillip, an investment banker, have learned “to accept what fate has in store for you.”
Such equanimity is dearly needed these days.
After the vote to exit the European Union, Great Britain must now renegotiate its relationship with the rest of the world as well as avoid a recession.
PLAYING the mom card failed so spectacularly for Leadsom because of its superficiality as a measure of one’s abilities.
What makes a good leader, male or female, parent or not, is good judgement, a healthy dose of humility, compassion and vision.
As for Leadsom, her mother’s intution was way off the mark.
— Susan Lynn
