Rep. DeGraaf and the Inevitability of Rape

I am never completely surprised at the level of hatred leveled at women in my state, but every once in a while someone says something so colossally stupid - that I feel I have to put my two cents out there. This time, that person is Rep. Peter DeGraaf of Mulvane.

As most of you reading this are aware - our overwhelmingly heinous legislature has been on an anti-choice crusade since the beginning of this session. In one particularly draconian piece of legislation - the legislature decided that women should not have abortion covered as part of their health insurance policy (even in the case of Rape) - unless of course they purchase a rider to their policy. This was an exchange between Rep. DeGraff and Rep. Barbara Bollier (a Republican, btw!) when she challenged his assertion that rape victims should be denied coverage:

Rep. Pete DeGraaf, a Mulvane Republican who supports the bill, told her: "We do need to plan ahead, don't we, in life?"

Bollier asked him, "And so women need to plan ahead for issues that they have no control over with pregnancy?"

DeGraaf drew groans of protest from some House members when he responded, "I have a spare tire on my car."

"I also have life insurance," he added. "I have a lot of things that I plan ahead for."

First, let me say - Abortion is Health Care. Period.
Second, When did we get to the point where a state representative (and pastor!) feels that rape is so inevitable - that a woman should "plan" for it?
If you drive a car - eventually, you are going to have a flat. If you are alive, you are eventually going to die - you better plan for it. This is what he is saying about a crime!

Just to make this clearer:
If you have a vagina: plan on it, spend your hard earned dollars buying an insurance rider - because, like death, taxes and flat tires - rape is inevitable.

No woman PLANS to be raped. No woman PLANS to become pregnant from a rape.

Rep. DeGraaf and the Inevitability of Rape

Reading CNN today I saw an article about how this is the first election cycle in sometime that there has not been an increase of women in Congress. It was accompanied by a Quick Poll asking if it was a big deal or not - the overwhelming response was "No".

So, readers...what say you? Is this a big deal?

On a related (kind of) note - I listened in on a conference call last week, while home sick from work (yes, I am that big of a nerd - why do you ask?). My cold medicine might have caused a misunderstanding, but the emphasis of the call was that more women need to run for office of all political stripes. Part of me agrees - a congress that is actually representative of the populace would be great, but I wonder if groups that simply believe more is the answer - ever take into consideration the anti-woman woman. They exist. They run. And they can win. There was a female Kansas state Senator that didn't think women should have the right to vote - or more accurately, shouldn't be forced to vote. (Don't believe me?)

Candidates like Sarah Palin, Sharron Angle and Christine O'Donnell do a huge amount of damage to all female candidates, to all women, really. At this point, with the level of crazy in the country, I just want good candidates. Candidates that respect a woman's right to choose (and are willing to stand up for it!), that believe in equal pay for equal work, that believe rape is a crime and should be prosecuted (thank you, Colorado for beating that asshat, btw) and understand the economics of lower and lower-middle class families. If the candidate happens to be a competent woman - that's just gravy.

Warning of Future Blog Post

I've been trying to write this post for about 3 hours now. Nothing I am writing adequately conveys my feelings on this subject. Just so you know - I have never supported the war in Iraq. I have been called un-American, un-patriotic - even a traitor. I have been told that it is impossible to be against the war and support the troops. Those people were wrong then...and they are wrong now. I have a lot to say on this...and I'm having trouble not crafting a message that simply says F&%$ YOU! to all the ribbon-magnet waving, ignorant, uber-asshats that got us into this mess. So I need to take a step back and write something that isn't completely offensive to EVERYONE! So be on the look out tomorrow evening for a WikiLeaks post - with information about the Ethan McCord event I attended tonight.

I leave you with this link...sign this letter.

Warning of Future Blog Post

Potential vs. Actual

Conservative Christian groups won a major victory Monday (Aug. 23) when a Washington judge halted federal funding of embryonic stem cell research to allow a suit challenging the practice as illegal to go forward.

The suit, by a group of doctors and Nightlight Christian Adoptions, says federal funding of embryonic stem cells limits the number of fertilized embryos the agency can make available to couples seeking to "adopt" them from fertility clinics.

This case was brought by an organization Nightlight Christian Adoptions, because research was competing with them for embryos. Now lets look at this Nighlight Christian Adoptions and their Snowflakes®. At the very least NCA is getting $8,000 per attempted snowflake adoption. Now obviously if they are suing because research is using all their embryos they must be placing a whole lot of them, right?

What is the success rate of pregnancies among Snowflakes families who have had embryo transfers?
To date, our families have completed 528 transfers resulting in a pregnancy success rate of 43%. So far, 225
children have been born and 25 more moms are due with 32 babies. There are always families with recent
transfers awaiting pregnancy test results and more families scheduling transfers.

By conservative estimates there are somewhere around 500,000 embryos out there.
So their placements account for what, 1% of the current embryo supply?

Maybe I should throw in a little primer here:
In Vitro Fertilization treatments consists of creating embryos outside of the body and implanting them into the uterus - in hopes of creating a successful pregnancy. Depending on the circumstances, MANY embryos are created for each potential pregnancy. Not all embryos will implant - or in some cases they do (Octomom). In either case, there is generally many embryos left over. Sometimes they are used for future pregnancies, sometimes they stay frozen for years and are finally destroyed, sometimes they are "adopted" and sometimes they are used for research. Snowflake adoptions occur when genetic parents relinquish rights to their embryos so that they can be implanted in another womb. That is the basis for this lawsuit.



Stem Cell Research has the potential to be lifesaving, life-improving and life affirming - all for the living, breathing, thinking humans that are already here. The anti-Stem Cell crowd is basically just the anti-choice crowd wearing a different t-shirt. "Destruction of human life"...blah, blah, blah...how many times do we hear this and allow them to dictate the debate? How many social programs do these pro-potential life folks support? How many are the same teabagging asshats that scream about welfare or medicaid? The fact is every year embryos are destroyed. If they truly were against the destruction of embryos they would say that IVF should be illegal - but THAT would be very unpopular, so like the fetus before - now it continues to the snowflakes.

Potential vs. Actual

Obama the Muslim? *Sigh*

A new national survey by the Pew Research Center finds that nearly one-in-five Americans (18%) now say Obama is a Muslim, up from 11% in March 2009. Only about one-third of adults (34%) say Obama is a Christian, down sharply from 48% in 2009. Fully 43% say they do not know what Obama’s religion is.

So let me interpret this for you. 1 in 5 people that answered this survey are morons. They believe Muslim = Bad Christian = Good
Obviously, Obama must be a Muslim because he feels that people of all faiths or no faith deserve respect and he doesn't believe that being a Muslim is the same as being a terrorist. This is yet another strategy to make an "Other" of the President. (See last blog about Rep. King's comments)

The last guy was someone everyone wanted to have a beer with - keep in mind where that got us.

Here's the truth:
1) Religious tests for elected office are UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
2) The correct answer to the question: What religion does Obama follow?
IT DOESN'T MATTER!
3) The people of this country should be ashamed of themselves.

We are becoming a nation of religious bigots. While there has been so much progress in the realm of race, gender and sexual orientation (although a lot of work remains in all of these areas) - we are becoming more entrenched in our attitudes about religion. How many of these same survey respondents think "terrorist" when the word Muslim is mentioned? I would bet a good number - they don't think neighbor, doctor, friend, family...they think enemy. How sad. How is it that a small number of radical adherents have defined a religion for us? Somewhere around 1.5 BILLION people on this rock are Muslims, yet so many people define them based on the actions of a relative few.

How would Christians like it if we decided all Christians are child molesters because of the actions of a few priests (okay maybe a lot of priests) and some breakaway Mormon sects?


Now repeat after me:
"The United States is a SECULAR nation! The United States is a SECULAR nation!"

Obama the Muslim? *Sigh*

American Experience....

King Panders To Town Hall Bigots: Obama’s ‘A Marxist’ Who ‘Doesn’t Have An AmericanExperience’

Rep. Steve King (R-IA)

"However, when a nearby constituent called President Obama not just a “Marxist,” but a “Muslim Marxist,” King tacitly agreed. King went further, pandering to the town hall attendee and repeatedly saying that Obama “does not have an American experience”:

KING: I’ve just started to think about what we need to do and I have made this argument for a long time now that I am in the business of seeking to embarrass the administration into enforcing the law, particularly with regard to immigration.

BYSTANDING CONSTITUENT: He won’t do that. He’s a Marxist! He’s a Muslim Marxist.

KING: He’s at least a Marxist. And he surely understands the Muslim culture.

CONSTITUENT: He surely does. That’s where he grew up with, that’s his culture.

KING: He doesn’t have an American experience. He does not have an American experience.

CONSTITUENT: He didn’t grow up in America.

KING: Mmhmm."

The thing is...Barack Obama's experience IS uniquely American. Much more so than his rich, legacy predecessor. How many of us were products of "broken"***homes? How many of us were raised with the help of our grandparents? How many of us were exposed to different faith traditions on our paths to adulthood? The correct answer is more than most people know. Is it the fact that Obama lived overseas that makes his experience less American? If his step-father had been a Christian missionary - would it be okay with you Rep. King? (His step-dad worked as a government liaison for Mobil - by the way - good 'ol Oil...).

And for the record....I wish Obama was half the "Marxist" they claim he is. Oh and that he "understands Muslim culture" is a GOOD thing.

***Broken homes...I really HATE that expression. For many of us - the best thing our parents ever did - was separate.

American Experience....

Empire Ave

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Empire Ave

The Hypocrisy of Sarah

So, let me get this straight...

Sarah "Fear the Death Panels" Palin's own grandson uses *gasp* socialized medicine.

And guess what - Sarah's entire family (minus herself) would qualify for it. You see, Todd Palin comes from Native Alaskan stock, meaning that up to a certain point his progeny are entitled to health benefits provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Now, let me be absolutely clear - I do not begrudge the Palin children their entitlement - I do however have serious problems with a woman that will bad mouth the Government teat, while her grandson is feeding on it.

Our health care system is an unequal, unfair mess...people like Sarah Palin do not help this. Like many other decisions Queen Sarah has made, she doesn't want to grant the peasants the same opportunity. Sarah never has to worry about money for medication for Willow or occupational therapy for Trig, partially because of her mega-book deal and her shady dealings as an elected official, but also because her children were born into a system with a safety net - we all should be so lucky.

The Hypocrisy of Sarah

The Trouble with Tebow

The Super Bowl is a time for cheesy, silly often stupid commercials interrupted by generally a marginal football game. Don't get me wrong - anyone that knows me, knows that I'm a huge football fan. Usually the Super Bowl is a let down - that's just the way it works out.

Unfortunately, it seems the conservative evangelical group Focus on the Family feels the need to interrupt a mindless day of sports and junk food consumption with an ad about Tim Tebow and his family.

Here's the story in a nutshell - Tim Tebow's family were missionaries in the Philippines, Mrs. Tebow got very ill and even slipped into a coma. The medications that were administered caused pregnancy complications and could have caused fetal defects. According to Mrs. Tebow - she was told that an abortion might be the best way to proceed. Because of her faith, abortion was not an option for her - she "chose" life. That's where it gets sticky - the truth is abortion is, was and has been illegal for a VERY long time in the Philippines, just suggesting one put the doctor at risk. He could have been imprisoned for actually administering a therapeutic abortion. Whether or not the details of the Tebow story are made to seem more "pro-life" than they really are - is up for the reader to decide.

My "right to life" supersedes anything that might reside in my body, until I DECIDE IT DOESN'T. If I decide to risk my life to continue a pregnancy that is my decision - however, to make that decision in an environment where abortion is illegal or within a religious community that condemns abortion as evil - really makes it a false choice. The truth is from Mrs. Tebow's mindset - she had no true choice at all.

The Trouble with Tebow

My Weekend of Activism

As those of you that read this blog are aware, an assassination took place in my community a week ago today.  Like many I have sat on the sidelines and watched as our rights have been eroded.  Bill after bill has been passed restricting abortion.  Pharmacists refused to fill valid prescriptions.  Clinic after clinic has closed.  Doctor after doctor has been vilified and harassed.  Our lone clinic in this area is now closed because a zealot decided to execute Dr. George Tiller.  Let me be clear for my readers that might not get it.  I see no difference in what Scott Roeder allegedly did and what the Taliban, Al Qaeda, Hezbollah or Hamas do.  There is NO moral justification for this crime.  This type of fanaticism is unacceptable no matter which religion’s brand is on it. 

In a statement to the Associated Press today, alleged assassin Scott Roeder claimed "I know there are many other similar events planned around the country as long as abortion remains legal," Roeder said. He would not elaborate.”  That is terrorism my friends.

On Friday, the Kansas chapter of the National Organization for Women organized Speak Out: a Community Discussion on Choice.  State board members from Kansas NOW, Attorney Pedro Irigonegaray and Attorney Gloria Allred participated.

Ms. Allred felt the need to be here in Wichita after hearing of the “horrific assassination of Dr. Tiller”.  Having been forced to endure a pre-Roe illegal abortion – and almost dying from it.   Ms. Allred is acutely aware of what is at stake.  She was very nice, by the way (I even got my picture taken with her). Many there  just wanted to know – what do we do now?  And many of us are still trying to figure that out.

Saturday was Dr. Tiller’s funeral – I arrived at the church at 8:30 a.m. thinking that a hour and a half before would be enough – but the parking lot was already nearly full.  Members of the American Legion Riders (many of whom are also part of the Patriot Guard) were already there with their motorcycles and their American Flags.  When word spread that Fred Phelps and his band of morons would be making an appearance and out of fear that other groups might choose to disrupt the service – KS NOW organized a “Martyr Guard” to protect the friends and family of Dr. Tiller.  Nearly 100 of us stood at the curb attempting to shield them as much as we could from those driving by with a bible out the window, the press and protesters.  ******EDIT:  I should say that people came from Iowa, Colorado and New York to take part in the forum, as well as stand in the Martyr Guard with us.

Luckily, the service was not disrupted, the press while pushy was not particularly bad – and Phelps cult was relegated to a corner about a block or so away.  I have only seen that many security personnel in one place before and that was the Democratic convention in 2004 – they were everywhere.  And it’s sad that they had to be.

I guess what I take from this weekend is that those of us that value our reproductive rights have a responsibility to step up and fight for them. 

Here are some statistics that I bet you didn’t know: (emphasis added – info is global in nature not just U.S.)

World Health Organization research shows that abortion rates are consistent regardless of prohibitive law, and demonstrates that where the procedure is illegal, women turn to unsafe means. Women in lower income brackets, who cannot afford the high prices of underground providers, or the travel costs to countries where abortion is legal, are especially vulnerable.

Complications due to these unsafe methods - for example inserting coat hangers into the uterus or drinking turpentine - cause upwards of 67,000 deaths and 5 million hospitalizations, and orphan a quarter-million children, every year. These statistics suggest that the global abortion debate is not about whether or not abortions happen; it is about whether or not they happen safely.

My Weekend of Activism

Speak Out: a Community Discussion on Choice

Kansas NOW hosted a forum this evening discussing the assassination of Dr. George Tiller and where we go from here.  Attorneys Gloria Allred (yes, that Gloria Allred) and Pedro Irigonegaray (Fmr Atty for Dr. Tiller and Planned Parenthood), as well as Marla Patrick (State Coordinator for NOW) and Kari Rinker (State Lobbyist for NOW) were on the panel.  I will have a full rundown of the forum, plus some info on my Saturday, later.

I leave you with this thought:  Make-up worn by famous people is way better than what we get at the store. 

Speak Out: a Community Discussion on Choice

R.I.P. Dr. George Tiller

Today, Dr. George Tiller was gunned down in the church he attended every Sunday with his family.  Dr. Tiller is survived by his wife, his four children and his ten grandchildren.  This is a day that many of us feared was inevitable – but always hoped to be proven wrong.

I wish that I were more eloquent, so that I could adequately convey the outrage, anger, sadness and hopelessness I feel by what has transpired today.  Sadly, I’m not.  My anger clouds my ability to write this in a way that is uplifting.

After his clinic was bombed, he was shot, his name and address was listed on right-wing websites, his clinic vandalized and he was targeted for prosecution – he still came to work everyday and provided a service that women needed, that they requested.

Dr. Tiller trusted women.  He felt they were competent to decide the direction of their lives.  He was compassionate enough to understand that for some women, giving birth to a dead or dying baby was worse than having a late-term abortion.  He was one of only three doctors providing these procedures.

Women came from far and wide for the services that Dr. Tiller courageously provided. 

Tonight they came from far and wide to pay tribute to an assassinated champion of women’s rights.

I think it is important to call this event what it is.  This murder was a political assassination.  Dr. Tiller was gunned down in his house of worship for the beliefs he held, as much as for the services he provided.

While Operation Rescue and other groups scramble to absolve themselves of responsibility for this tragedy, my hope is that they are not allowed to.  Many of them (Randall Terry I’m looking at you!) are just as guilty in this as the shooter. 

I can only hope that this tragedy will end the complacency regarding reproductive rights.  Everyday, every legislative session – the ability for women to control their destiny is under attack.  We must stand, we must fight.

R.I.P. Dr. George Tiller

Confessions of a SCOTUSphile

I have been fascinated by the Supreme Court since I was a kid.  Yes, even then I was a political nerd.  Between the nomination of Sandra Day O’Connor, the Bork and Thomas hearings, the Pelican Brief – I watched it all! 

Now brings us to another such pivotal moment in our nation’s history.  As you are all aware David Souter has decided to hang up his robe and bid the town he despises adieu. 

Souter’s tenure has been interesting.  Nominated post Bork and Thomas – Daddy Bush, was looking for an easy sell.  He found a judge that he thought was pretty conservative, but one that had very little in the way of a paper trail.  In the end, Bush was very surprised by the judge he got.  Honestly, it was a lucky mistake for those of us that prefer a progressive court.  Souter has never liked D.C., and if you believe certain reports he was brought to tears by the deciding of Bush v. Gore (as anyone with a shred of judicial integrity should have).  So it really shouldn’t be a surprise that Souter would wish to cut his time on the bench a bit short. 

What we all should be asking ourselves now is – Who will it be?  Not that President Obama probably cares, but my advice would be to make this a “swing for the fences” kind of pick.  This is a situation where you have a near filibuster proof  majority – go for it.  The court tilts conservative – balancing the court is very important.  While he will probably have the chance to nominate at least one, probably two more justices, but who knows what the congressional make up will be at that time or how support will be for the President at that time. 

Here’s what I want:  Sorry guys, but I want a female justice.  I want an unashamed liberal, who will reaffirm Roe and that believes in the rights of people.  Who believes in the Separation between Church and State.    Basically, I want the kind of justice that will make Eric Cantor’s nog pop off. 

So Mr. President, Swing for the Fences. 

Confessions of a SCOTUSphile

Please Veto! (A.K.A. Huelskamp is a Tool!)

  The healthcare of Kansas women is once again imperiled by men with an agenda.  I wish I could say I’m surprised, but I’m really not.  Well – I’m not surprised by the action, so much as the lack of rationality displayed by the supporters. 

State Senator Tim Huelskamp again brought an amendment to the budget that defunds Planned Parenthood.  This time instead of being removed in committee, it is in the final bill that our new (and somewhat questionable) Governor will be signing.  The only hope now is that Governor Parkinson realizes the damage this will do Kansas women.

Huelskamp’s reasoning for offering this amendment was clear, Planned Parenthood provides abortion services (at limited clinics and as far as I know only one in the state) and being the good little zealot he is – he doesn’t want a dime of state money going to the big, evil Planned Parenthood.  What seems to be lost on Sen. Huelskamp is that funding from the state is used for education services only.  I’m sure Sen. Huelskamp is a member of the abstinence-only crowd, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. 

If Governor Parkinson doesn’t veto this bill – Kansas will become the 7th state to defund Planned Parenthood.  Wow, we should be so proud (yes that was sarcasm). 

At times of economic hardship family planning services become even more vital.  Studies have shown a strong uptick in abortion rates at times of economic struggle – how is this so hard to understand?  We are having a severe downturn in our state and they pick now to defund family planning education?  If they are as anti-abortion as they claim, they should be increasing funds for family planning.

“I am excited that both chambers of the Kansas Legislature have approved my amendment to remove taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood. With Kansas facing a budget crunch, this would be a big victory for the taxpayers," he told LifeNews.com.

Senator Huelskamp obviously doesn’t understand (or is willfully ignoring) is that unwanted pregnancies cost the taxpayers of Kansas way more than funding education services at Planned Parenthood.

I strongly urge my Kansas readers to reach out to Governor Parkinson and urge him to veto.

It is disgraceful that one man’s vendetta against women’s reproductive freedom has gotten this far.

Please Veto! (A.K.A. Huelskamp is a Tool!)

Beating a Dead Horse?

I realize that I tend to talk a lot about healthcare on this blog – I really feel like it’s one of the most important issues facing our nation.  I also realize I’m preaching to the choir for most of you – so thanks for humoring me.  LOL

Senators Baucus and Grassley held committee hearings on Tuesday.  On the agenda was “Expanding Health Care Coverage”.

From Senator Baucus’s prepared statement: (Emphasis Added)

“First, the U.S. is the only developed country without health coverage for all of its citizens.  Approximately 87 million people – one in three Americans – went without health insurance for some period during 2007 and 2008.  And the situation is only getting worse.

Second, the economic climate has caused even more people to become uninsured.  According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, for every one percent increase in the unemployment rate, Medicaid and CHIP enrollment increases by one million.  And the number of uninsured Americans increases by one point one million.

In today’s economy, that means a lot of folks are affected.  In March 2009, the unemployment rate rose to eight point one percent.  According to the Center of American Progress, 14,000 more people lose their health insurance coverage every day.

Third, why is covering all Americans so critical?  It is because people without health coverage generally experience poorer health and worse health outcomes than those who are insured.  The Urban Institute reports that 22,000 uninsured adults die prematurely every year because they lack access to care.

In addition to the uninsured, another 25 million Americans are “underinsured”.  They don’t have enough coverage to keep their medical bills manageable.  Despite their insurance coverage, medical debt keeps these Americans from feeding their families, paying their rent, or heating their homes.”

From that statement – it would seem that Senator Baucus “gets it”.  Unfortunately, the Senator chose to ignore the possibility of a single payer system.  He and Senator Grassley refused to allow a representative of a single payer system a seat on their panel. Several organizations decided to protest this “oversight”, resulting in a minor disruption of the events.

The most popular argument against government sponsored single payer healthcare is “I don’t want the government choosing my doctor!”  How exactly is this different that the current insurance system?  Doctors credential themselves with insurances in order to be “in network” – if the doctor you “choose” is not in network your benefit is severely reduced.  The best example would be an employer provided health care plan that locks you into a Catholic hospital system.  Your access to reproductive healthcare (hysterectomy, vasectomy, tubal ligation, etc.) is reduced because of this “choice”.  

Of course single payer detractors never mention that.

Beating a Dead Horse?

Sick and Tired

I really don't even know where to start this post.  I'm a big ball of frustration and that doesn't lend itself well to eloquent writing, but well here goes.

When will our elected officials get it?  While we all expect our Government to accomplish things, if it requires completely abandoning the principles that got you elected - it probably shouldn't be done.

For example: Healthcare.  Tomorrow (well actually later today) there will be hearings on the hill regarding our healthcare crisis.  Unless the line up has changed - single payer healthcare will not be represented.  Why?  Because it isn't popular with politicians that line their pockets with insurance money.  (Ben Nelson - you are a tool!)

For those that don't get it:

1) A lot of people cannot afford the astronomical premiums charged by the insurance companies.

2) Not everyone's employer assists them with healthcare costs. (In fact more and more companies are not offering group coverage)

3) Most insured people do not understand their policies and will be in for a rude surprise, should they actually have to use it.

4) If you have a pre-existing condition - you are probably S.O.L. in finding your own coverage.

The people of this country NEED help!  It is the responsibility of our elected officials to work for US - not for their re-election or for their next campaign donation.

Our Congresspeople do not understand the issue as it effects average Americans.  

How many of them are worried about paying for food because they need to get a prescription filled?  

How many of them have missed a check up because they just didn't have the money/coverage? How many of them are one illness away from losing everything?  

Not a single one.

Sick and Tired

H1N1...A Wake Up Call

Picture courtesy of Whack'd.com

While I will not pretend to be an H1N1 (Swine Flu) alarmist, I must admit the possibility of a virus of unknown (at least officially) origin bothers me a bit.  Otherwise healthy people dropping dead from a flu virus is odd - so while not panicked I am concerned.

However, I am more troubled by the fact that cases in the U.S. are probably greatly under-reported.  Not because of a lack of testing equipment, but because of an inadequate healthcare system.  

How many people are suffering but will never see a doctor and be counted?  

How many people could be saved if we had universal health care?  

How many infected will forgo Tamiflu because they need to buy food? 

How many people will go unvaccinated because they have no healthcare coverage?  

Obviously, this is an exercise in "what if", but we are kind of in that type of situation.  While the number of infected is relatively low, we are being warned that a pandemic is imminent.  

Why don't we the people have access to all the weapons we need to fight?

President Obama has been quoted as saying that universal health care would be his preference if we were building a system from scratch.  I would humbly submit to my President that sometimes you have to cut your losses and raze the house.  Our system is inherently corrupt (see Donald Rumsfeld's profits off of the SARS scare if you don't believe me), it rewards greed and that is not healthy for those of us subjected to it.

I have mentioned in previous posts my wish that our Congresspeople relinquish their tax-payer funded healthcare, if they feel that we do not deserve the same.  I stand by that demand.  If they feel that their constituents should face a pandemic on their own - well then they should be down in the trenches with us.  

H1N1...A Wake Up Call

An Answer...

I have been trying to figure out a way to write this, so that I don't alienate or offend anyone, well anymore than I usually do...

In regards to the torture argument, I have heard two things repeatedly.  1) It worked, 2) There are bad people and we have to protect ourselves.

For the first argument,  there is little evidence to say that "torture" worked in any substantive way.  Maybe we got a couple names, but I really haven't seen evidence of anything more than that.  Now there was a lot of bogus information extracted - which is the real problem with these illegal tactics.  Our own military warned the powers that be against torture, they were also concerned that it would increase the chance of our soldiers experiencing poor treatment if captured.

"The unintended consequence of a U.S. policy that provides for the torture of prisoners is that it could be used by our adversaries as justification for the torture of captured U.S. personnel," says the document, an unsigned two-page attachment to a memo by the military's Joint Personnel Recovery Agency."

For the second argument, it's a bit more difficult.  Yes, there are people that would love to see the American way of life damaged - there always have been.  That's one of the prices we pay for being a superpower.  

"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Benjamin Franklin

It's important not to forget that a number of the people that were subjected to these "enhanced interrogation techniques" or to the degradation of Abu Ghraib were nobodies, they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or were sold out by some greedy warlord.  

Consider this:

Someone you know does something bad - lets say they are a drug smuggler.  Would you support the Federal government knocking down your door, throwing a hood over your head and sending you half a world a way so that they can "extract" information from you?  Now imagine that you repeatedly tell them that you don't know where the person is or what they do - you haven't seen them in years.  They tell you they have witnesses that you have been seen with this person.  They decide that the only way to get the information they need will be to use harsher techniques - they keep you awake for days, they strip you of your clothes and your dignity, they keep you in a small, cramped box, then they strap you to a board and pretend to drown you.

Is this right?  Is this what you would want done to you or your family?  Is that American?  I honestly think that very few Americans would wish this on any of their neighbors - so why do we have so little regard for those around the world?

When I was little, my mom always used to tell me "Two wrongs, don't make a right".  I think the Government and the American people could use a refresher on that lesson.

An Answer...

No Excuses

Today in defense of both her father and the techniques outlined in the "torture memos", Liz Cheney said something rather interesting:

CHENEY: Everything that was done in this program, as has been laid out and described before, are tactics that our own people go through in SERE training.

Thanks to Thinkprogess.org for the video!

SERE is an acronym for Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape.  The program was developed as a way to prepare our soldiers for the possibility of capture.  Soldiers are subjected to simulated interrogations to prepare them for what could happen.  This includes the use of questionable and torturous techniques - so that our soldiers are prepared for what the "bad guys" do.  

So let me spell this out for Ms. Cheney - if you are going to say that we are not "bad guys" then we can not be seen doing in anger what the "bad guys do".  Got it?  

How hard is that concept for the Hannitys, O'Reillys, Limbaughs, Becks, Scarboroughs to understand?  Do they have such a low opinion of our nation that they feel this isn't something to be ashamed of?  Or are they so scared that something might happen to them or their gated communities that they are blind with fear, rage and hatred?  Or is it that they are just perverse fratboys that get off on the idea of humiliating, breaking down and hurting another human?  

These memos illustrate a battle for the soul of our nation.  

Either you believe that we must rise above the tactics of madmen and be what we say we are.  

Or you feel that the ends justify the means, no matter how barbaric.

Which side are you on?

No Excuses

Shep Smith...a voice of reason

Shep Smith gave a rather passionate response to the possibility of our nation torturing people, while he straddled the fence a bit - his reasoning is correct.  You can not claim the moral high ground, while wallowing in the gutter.

Here's a link to an uncensored Shep Smith:  NSFW, but EXCELLENT! (it's the 2nd video)

Shep Smith...a voice of reason