“It is capitalist America that produced the modern independent woman. Never in history have women had more freedom of choice in regard to dress, behavior, career, and sexual orientation.”

It's safe to say Paglia wasn't marching in DC wearing a vagina costome.

Capitalism is but one element of freedom and liberty. A recognition of inalienable rights is a much greater enabler of independent women than the single component, capitalism. In regard to dress, behavior, career, and sexual orientation, the demoralizing effects of a socialistic statist theocracy has had a much greater effect than capitalism.

Mike makes the correct distinction. In the context of a dialog about capitalism vs socialism, the quote rings true. Which begs the question, why isn't LIBERTY the rallying cry around the world?

Historically, the nobility of the American Experiment, even as as it relates to the experience of the nation's women, has been predicated upon, primarily, the civilizing influence of Judeo Christian instruction, particularly that of Reform Christianity.

Patrick, well said.

To Paglia: What has sexual orientation got to do with anything? Are you referring to perversion?