For the first time, the Academy Award for best screenwriter went to a woman. It amazes me to think that we are supposed to be living in an advanced civilization. A civilization that took over one hundred years to give women a vote. A civilization for over two hundred years has yet to elect a female President. It seems we are closer to changing our Constitution, to allow a foreign born man to become President, than we are to electing a woman who is a descendent of over five generations of Americans. But tonight I watched a small bit of history. Women Power!

What is power? The dictionary defines it as:

• Possession of control, authority or influence over others.

• A controlling group: ESTABLISHMENT – the powers that be.

•  Ability to act or produce an effect.

• Ability to get an extra base hit.

• A source or means of supplying energy.

All of the above were absolutely necessary for Sofia Coppola’s accomplishment.

Why is Power important?

Everyone wants to be powerful. I do not know anyone alive who does not want to be in control of their career, their health, their hobbies and their love life. In truth, if it were possible, all people want to be in control of their life. Of course this desire may not always be fulfilled, especially, if you are a woman. Today, women in Iraq protest the recently signed constitution that does not allow a place for them in government. They are not even allowed the right to vote. What would happen if the situation were reversed? Peace?

How do we get Power?

First: You need to control what power you possess if you plan to succeed.

A Powerful Image: Who controls our image of our self? We do. So then, why do women fear to be a woman? Is it because women have accepted the idea that it is unprofessional to act like a woman? Why are women afraid of their femininity? Why are women afraid of dressing like a woman? Why are women afraid of looking, acting, and working like a woman? Since the beginning of recorded history women have been blamed for man’s transgressions. Adam was tempted by Eve. Had it not been for Eve’s wickedness man would not have fallen. Therefore, women are to blame for man being expelled from the garden. Or so the books say. Following that logic, women are blamed for everything wrong with the world. Perhaps, that is why few women in the world have the right to make their own decision on what to do with their body, mind and liberty. Women are to blame for being so beautiful and tempting. Women are too aggressive in the workplace, too distracting and encourage lewd and lascivious acts. Women bring mankind down to their gross and insensitive actions. What is wrong with this picture? Is it wrong to wear a dress with color? Is it wrong for a woman to look and act like a female?

Point of View: Is it important to hear the women's point of view? We hear the man’s point of view everyday. There are enough tough guys and bullies who are insensitive, controlling, and stubborn. Without a good example, how does mankind learn to be nurturing? To nurture, as defined in the dictionary, means to provide the upbringing, care and training of a child. Let’s face it. Mankind is still in its infancy when we think of the life of the universe, which has been in existence for over 6 billion years. As an infant we need nurturing to progress. Women Power is an absolute necessity for the survival of human life as we know it. Women are needed for the nurturing of mankind.

If it takes Hollywood to put out the woman’s point of view, then by all means do it. Women do not need to become like men. Today, over  three billion people equaling over half the population of the world are women. Not one of them has recently started a war. It seems therefore a simple conclusion that a woman’s point of view may be beneficial to the survival of mankind.

What do we do with Power once we have it?

This is not a MAN vs. WOMEN article. Powerful women have a responsibility, similar to powerful men. There are men who are good examples of what a powerful person can do to improve the human condition. Here are examples of what it is to be powerful.

Frank Capra believed it was his mission to tell the world about the struggles and successes in the quest for human rights, dignity and liberty for all in the great American experiment. Thus, he made movies to exemplify the great struggle for human rights – for man, woman and child. Saeed Fazli, a dear friend of mine from Pakistan, told me that Frank Capra’s movies were the most powerful force in showing people in other countries what it is to be an American. Frank did not show one point of view. He showed bad people and good people in America. But he