PHILADELPHIA — Despite major economists (and the White House) acknowledging that the gender “wage gap” is actually an “earnings gap” caused by the different life choices women make, the idea of gender discrimination ran through many speeches at the Democratic convention.
Now, those bringing up the gap don’t specifically say it is due to discrimination, but when speakers refuse to acknowledge that the gap is due to choices, and say it in the context of inequality for women, they imply the gap is due to discrimination against women.
“Equal pay” is mentioned twice in the Democratic Party platform. The first mention, “We believe in at last guaranteeing equal pay for women,” ignores the fact that the Equal Pay Act of 1963 already guarantees that employers can’t discriminate against women when deciding pay.
The second mention actually notes that factors are at play other than discrimination.
“We will fight to secure equal pay for women, which will benefit all women and their families, particularly women of color who are disproportionately impacted by discriminatory pay 5 practices, and against other factors that contribute to the wage gap,” the platform reads.
Of course they don’t mention what those other factors are, because to do so would expose the lie of the “wage gap” and show that it is actually an earnings gap created by the different choices men and women make in their lives.
In addition to the platform, speakers were quick to mention equal pay, even if it was only included in long lists of Democratic proposals.
Maine delegate Diane Russell said during her remarks “ensuring equal pay for women.” Paul Booth of the Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees mentioned that “equal pay” was in the Democratic Party platform.
California Sen. Kevin de Leon said: “We fight for equal pay for all women” and Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said: “We have moved toward equal pay by making compensation more transparent.”
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, one of the most vocal supporters of the myth that the gap is due to discrimination, said: “Donald Trump thinks that women should just work harder because — and I’m quoting — ‘You’re gonna make the same if you do as good a job.’ Every woman in America knows that’s not true! Hillary believes that women deserve equal pay for equal work.”
She also said that “we still don’t have equal pay for equal work.”
Actress Eva Longoria said that Hillary Clinton had been fighting her whole life “for equal pay for women.” New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker mentioned paid family leave and equal pay, claiming that “when a single mom earns an equal wage for equal work, it empowers the most important building block this nation has for our success — the family.” Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison mentioned “wage justice,” but it was unclear whether he was referring solely to a higher minimum wage or also included equal pay.
Finally, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said: “We believe — and I can’t believe I have to say this in 2016 — in equal pay for equal work and a woman’s control over her own body.”
I can’t believe that in 2016 I have to continuously point out the falsity of the equal pay remarks. Democrats know they’re just stoking the fears of women, but that seems to be the point.
Ashe Schow is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
