Although legislation doesn't instantly get rid of problems, it's an important starting point. And let us not fall into the trap of trying to derive legitimacy from our own contact with the military machine. We need not present ourselves as the wives, daughters, sisters or mothers of paratroopers to be listened to. The Four Mothers organization which helped crystallize the national debate over our withdrawal from Lebanon was successful because the activists were women living in the North who would be most affected by our leaving Lebanon, not because of their sons' uniforms. And let us dispel any notion that we are far removed from the front lines of this conflict.
Terrorism is gender-blind, as the tragic events of recent month have proven.
Each of us must demand representation within the parties we support - not as an embarrassed afterthought, but now, as lineups are chosen. This is the time to sign up for political parties, an inexpensive and straightforward way to have our voices heard. Being active doesn't even take much time. First, in certain parties, you get to vote in the primaries. That means candidates and their spokespersons phone you and court your vote.