It’s absurd and very below the belt to suggest that as a childless woman, Condoleezza Rice did not understand the sacrifices made by families of U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

She was told bluntly by Democrat Senator Barbara Boxer during a hostile Senate hearing:

“You’re not going to pay a particular price, as I understand it, within your immediate family. Who will pay the price? I’m not going to pay a personal price. My kids are too old, my grandchild is too young. So who pays the price? Not me, not you.”

The same could be said about our Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, who is also childless, and making decisions about our soldier’s fate in Iraq. Although I am no fan of Beckett, I would not support a tasteless swipe like that.

I do admire Condi’s skills and strength of character, her response later said it all:

“Gee, I thought single women had come further than that.â€?

And hopefully, they have.

Meanwhile, America is waiting for Senator Boxer to apologise, but it doesn’t seem to be forthcoming. Do you feel she should apologise, or do you agree with her views? Couldn’t the same be said about childless men in equally influential positions?