Laura Bush: First Feminist?

May 14, 2006 — -- First lady Laura Bush identified herself as a "feminist" on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," tacitly agreeing with noted historian Carl Anthony, who has suggested her efforts to educate women in all parts of the world have sparked a new kind of "international feminism."

"A lot of what I do internationally does have to do with women's issues, with women's rights, with the education of women and girls," the first lady said in a Mother's Day appearance on "This Week," "because it's so important and because women -- as we saw in Afghanistan -- and girls have been left out, actually forbidden to be educated."

The former librarian has used much of her clout during her husband's administration to advocate education and reading intiatives for girls and boys, alike.

"You can't tell me that mothers and fathers don't love their daughters," she said. "I know they do and want the best thing for their daughters and their sons the world over. I truly believe that. And if women are educated, then they're more likely to be able to make wise and healthy decisions for their children."

The 43rd president's wife has also been busy at home, most significantly traveling to the Gulf Coast 11 times in an effort to rebuild 1,100 schools devestated by Hurricane Katrina.

"It's certainly among the most important work that I'm doing right now, the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast," she said. "If there are good schools, then families can start coming back, put their kids in school there."

Schools, she said, may be one of the best means of bringing lost communities back together.

"Schools can supply counselors," she added. "Schools are a very good site for counselors to come to work with children that need help. There are a lot of problems of every kind."

Not surprisingly, Bush deflected criticism of her husband, who is currently experiencing the worst approval ratings of his presidency.

"We've had a very, very difficult year, starting with the hurricane last September," she said.