Women, office politics, and reality---Business Week and others are leading a chorus of "flex time" for "moms" and women and trumpeting how successful it all is. Where? Our company has a real problem with two "moms" who are working flex time at home on their PC's and their bullshit. The facts are that these women have put their clients at risk---and thus the firm; everybody's job in the firm; and the stockholders of the firm---because they don't know what is going on. There is such a thing as the "feel" of a business; the pulse; the scent in the air, plus a variety of energies produced at work that are missing for the mommies at home doing the whatever. The interactions with guys at other companies, people on the trading floor, and the gossip---the gossip is very important---that mommy can't get at home. Of course a HORRIBLE MAN in the office now has to manage their accounts over the phone, consult with them, and do all kinds of other hand holding BECAUSE THE OTHER WOMEN IN THE OFFICE FLAT REFUSED to "help mommies." Mommies can't be fired, can't be told to show up at work once the "flex time" has been given, and---in our firm--- has added to expenses because another person has to hold their hands. Being a mom is important. So is working at a work place. You have to decide which you think is most valuable. As an aside, you can bet the suits will think twice before hiring another woman, now that we have our quota of them for the bean counters in D.C.