Rationally, one would think that if you opposed abortion, you would want to do whatever possible to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Unfortunately, the truth is quite different. Many within the Republican Party oppose access to contraception as much as they oppose abortion. Wanting to overturn Roe vs. Wade is just the beginning. The next stop is Griswold vs. Connecticut. If you don't already know, the Griswold case essentially legalized access to contraception nationwide. It is a dirty little secret on the right that after they curtail abortion rights, the next target will be contraception itself. I know it sounds far fetched and a little crazy, but look at the actions of Arizona's own Rick Renzi. Renzi voted to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood Clinics while claiming to want to see fewer abortions performed.
Here is the problem: we do not live in fantasy land. In public policy, you make choices. You can promote contraception, which can have a lot of positive outcomes. You can spend your money on an organization that provides much needed and quality services that people both need and want (Like Planned Parenthood). Or you can pretend that abstinence only education works.
I know some of my more libertarian readers will think that we should not spend tax dollars on contraception at all, but I respectfully submit that this is another debate. Renzi and his ilk are not against federal funding for abstinence programs that do not work ($1.5 billion since 2001) . They are against spending money on a needed services because it violates the delicate sensibilities of a far-right wing faction that holds sway in their party.
It is time to send Renzi packing. This is just the latest reason...
Here is more information:
Amendment
Floor Debate
Pence statement
Help out Planned Parenthood!
http://www.saveroe.com/pence/Renzi.pdf
Abstinence only info:
since 2001, when President George W. Bush created a Faith-Based and Community Initiative, made the abstinence programs one of the initiative’s hallmarks and advanced the funding for the programs to $1.5 billion.
Link here
http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2004/02/24/abstinence/index.html
2 comments:
I would argue that Planned Parenthood should remove itself from jeopardy by privatizing itself, and eliminating any government control of it's actions, statements, policies, and procedures.
It should then join with us in the Libertarian Party to remove government from all facets of medical care, reproductive or otherwise, in order to help us achieve true freedom and self ownership, and once and for all, to get their laws off our bodies.
There is one good bit of news. I do not donate to Planned Parenthood because they are on the dole. But it sounds like I can start donating in one state, at least!
I find myself drawn to Libertarianism at times, but unfortunately for all of the logic seemingly rapped up in the philosophy, I think government is necessary.
When it comes to rights and freedom, I am with you, just not eliminating government. I guess that is why I am a Democrat and not a Libertarian. I do notice that my most frequent commenters are Libertarian which is curious.
Thanks for comment...
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