April 24th, 2012
Rachel Maddow on the GOP's new normal; attempting to force victims of rape and incest to give birth to children conceived during such crimes.
Showing posts with label birth control. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birth control. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The Right Goes From "Religious Freedom" To "Slut Shaming" In Just Two Weeks
Mar 4th, 2012
by F. Grey Parker
When the GOP made the bright decision to attack the Obama Administration's new contraceptive requirements, they framed their argument as one of "religious freedom."
by F. Grey Parker
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
How Social Conservatives Are Derailing The GOP, cont...
Feb 21st, 2012
Josh Holland notes that one of the interesting things to come out of the GOP's war on contraception is a fracture in messaging:
"Most progressives have come to hold a grudging admiration for the conservative movement's message discipline. We're often impressed by the way the entire movement repeats and reinforces its preferred narrative on most issues – from the most obscure bloggers in the fever swamps of wingnuttia to the Republican caucus in the senate. There's real power in that discipline."
At first, the arguments against the so-called "contraception mandate" were framed exclusively as an issue of "religious liberty." I thoroughly debunked this nonsense HERE. My expectation was that the establishment would keep order, the wing-nuts would follow and, as usual, I would have to keep making my point in an attempt to expose the underlying hypocrisy.
However, when you use a dog-whistle you can't always control how the hounds respond. From the recent disgusting pronouncements of Dana Loesch to the extreme proposals of Republican Senator Roy Blunt which would expand conservative demands for exceptions beyond the religious and into the "moral," the discipline of GOP propaganda which we once expected is showing signs of collapse.
The real and underlying fear among "conservatives" over changes in women's roles over the last two generations has erupted and is "throwing them off message and making it clear to the public at large that this fight is first and foremost about women's role in society, and not “conscience” or “liberty” or any of the other talking points that might have won the American people over to their side in the debate.
And that clarity will play out in this election cycle. As Greg Sargent notes, over the past three months pollsters have seen a dramatic, 18-point swing from Romney to Obama among unmarried women, and the president now leads the supposedly “moderate” contender by a stunning 65-30 margin among that group. When it comes to this bizarre fight over contraception, social conservatives are proving to be their party's own worst enemies."
And it's still only February.
Josh Holland notes that one of the interesting things to come out of the GOP's war on contraception is a fracture in messaging:
"Most progressives have come to hold a grudging admiration for the conservative movement's message discipline. We're often impressed by the way the entire movement repeats and reinforces its preferred narrative on most issues – from the most obscure bloggers in the fever swamps of wingnuttia to the Republican caucus in the senate. There's real power in that discipline."
At first, the arguments against the so-called "contraception mandate" were framed exclusively as an issue of "religious liberty." I thoroughly debunked this nonsense HERE. My expectation was that the establishment would keep order, the wing-nuts would follow and, as usual, I would have to keep making my point in an attempt to expose the underlying hypocrisy.
However, when you use a dog-whistle you can't always control how the hounds respond. From the recent disgusting pronouncements of Dana Loesch to the extreme proposals of Republican Senator Roy Blunt which would expand conservative demands for exceptions beyond the religious and into the "moral," the discipline of GOP propaganda which we once expected is showing signs of collapse.
The real and underlying fear among "conservatives" over changes in women's roles over the last two generations has erupted and is "throwing them off message and making it clear to the public at large that this fight is first and foremost about women's role in society, and not “conscience” or “liberty” or any of the other talking points that might have won the American people over to their side in the debate.
And that clarity will play out in this election cycle. As Greg Sargent notes, over the past three months pollsters have seen a dramatic, 18-point swing from Romney to Obama among unmarried women, and the president now leads the supposedly “moderate” contender by a stunning 65-30 margin among that group. When it comes to this bizarre fight over contraception, social conservatives are proving to be their party's own worst enemies."
And it's still only February.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Maddow On The GOP's Birth Control Insanity
Feb 17th, 2012
The amount of daylight between GOP elites and most ordinary Americans continues to increase.
The amount of daylight between GOP elites and most ordinary Americans continues to increase.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Obama & The GOP War On Birth Control
Feb 16th, 2012
The GOP has terribly misfired. There is little discernible damage to Obama even among American Catholics.
Via Gallup
The GOP has terribly misfired. There is little discernible damage to Obama even among American Catholics.
Via Gallup
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
"World's Holiest Sausage Fest"
Feb 14th, 2012
Stewart calls out the bullshit, all male, anti-contraception gathering hosted by Sean Hannity and spots a pretty ridiculous Godwin violation.
Stewart calls out the bullshit, all male, anti-contraception gathering hosted by Sean Hannity and spots a pretty ridiculous Godwin violation.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Revoking The Church's Tax Exemption?
Feb 12th, 2012
A few days ago, I quipped that if we are to conflate churches with businesses then we ought to reexamine the tax exempt status of the former. I was being facetious at the time. Today, PoliticsUSA actually makes a strong argument to do just that:
"It was reported in this column that the USCCB sent out letters to be read in parishes around the country informing Catholics of the Obama Administration’s alleged “war on religious liberty.” When parish priests read the letter to their congregations, they politicized the pulpit and violated their tax-exempt status as a religious organization. Senator Rubio is complicit in not reporting the violation to the IRS, and for following the bishops’ orders and drafting legislation imposing the Vatican’s ban on contraception. It is time to revoke tax-exempt status from all Catholic churches and end their taxpayer-funded entitlements once and for all. There is no doubt the USCCB violated their agreement with the IRS and Rubio’s statement that he directed his staff to draft legislation after an officiant read a letter from the Catholic archdiocese opposing the administration’s decision proves it. Rubio claims he was ignorant of the issue prior to hearing the archdiocese’s letter and his willingness to obey the USCCB precludes him from serving as a U.S. Senator. Either Rubio follows Vatican law, or he follows U.S. law and the Constitution; he cannot do both."
Agreed.
A few days ago, I quipped that if we are to conflate churches with businesses then we ought to reexamine the tax exempt status of the former. I was being facetious at the time. Today, PoliticsUSA actually makes a strong argument to do just that:
"It was reported in this column that the USCCB sent out letters to be read in parishes around the country informing Catholics of the Obama Administration’s alleged “war on religious liberty.” When parish priests read the letter to their congregations, they politicized the pulpit and violated their tax-exempt status as a religious organization. Senator Rubio is complicit in not reporting the violation to the IRS, and for following the bishops’ orders and drafting legislation imposing the Vatican’s ban on contraception. It is time to revoke tax-exempt status from all Catholic churches and end their taxpayer-funded entitlements once and for all. There is no doubt the USCCB violated their agreement with the IRS and Rubio’s statement that he directed his staff to draft legislation after an officiant read a letter from the Catholic archdiocese opposing the administration’s decision proves it. Rubio claims he was ignorant of the issue prior to hearing the archdiocese’s letter and his willingness to obey the USCCB precludes him from serving as a U.S. Senator. Either Rubio follows Vatican law, or he follows U.S. law and the Constitution; he cannot do both."
Agreed.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
CPAC Round Up, cont...
Feb 11th, 2012
The day 1 round up is HERE
The Presidential contenders arrived and gave their speeches yesterday.
Newt Gingrich brought the crowd to their feet by attacking unemployment insurance, going so far as to call it a "violation of the Declaration of Independence." We're aren't making this up.
Rick Santorum continued his crusade against the evils of birth control and further ginned up the controversy over insuring women's health with an argument that should make every educated human being shake their head in disbelief:
Igor Volsky responds:
"In reality, oral contraceptives or “The Pill” range between $35 and $250 for the initial provider visit and the cost of a monthly supply of pills ranges between $15 and $50 a month, which amounts to between $180 and $600 a year depending on woman’s medical coverage. This means some women without insurance coverage for contraception may pay over $850 the first year of their prescription. Other forms of birth control are far more expensive. For instance, the cost for a monthly supply of birth control patches ranges from $15 to $80 dollars, or between $180 and $960 a year. Combined with the doctors visit, uninsured women could spend over $1,200 dollars in the first year."
Ron Paul, the unlikely star of CPACs past, was noticeably absent from his year's festivities. However, he sent his son in do some dirty work for him.
Which brings us to the "frontrunner."
Mitt Romney gave a speech that addressed the burning issue of our time; No, not the ongoing economic decline of the middle class. As everyone at CPAC knows, the real threat to America is "the gay." Bragging about having used an early 20th Century law originally intended to prevent interracial marriage in his fight against marriage equality today, he said:
Although Ron Paul won the previous two CPAC presidential straw polls, the powers that be gave Mitt Romney the victory today with 38% of the vote. Santorum was a close second with 31%.
The day 1 round up is HERE
The Presidential contenders arrived and gave their speeches yesterday.
Newt Gingrich brought the crowd to their feet by attacking unemployment insurance, going so far as to call it a "violation of the Declaration of Independence." We're aren't making this up.
Rick Santorum continued his crusade against the evils of birth control and further ginned up the controversy over insuring women's health with an argument that should make every educated human being shake their head in disbelief:
"...here is what they are forcing them to do, in an insurance policy, they or forcing them to pay for something that costs just a few dollars. Is that what insurance is for?"
Igor Volsky responds:
"In reality, oral contraceptives or “The Pill” range between $35 and $250 for the initial provider visit and the cost of a monthly supply of pills ranges between $15 and $50 a month, which amounts to between $180 and $600 a year depending on woman’s medical coverage. This means some women without insurance coverage for contraception may pay over $850 the first year of their prescription. Other forms of birth control are far more expensive. For instance, the cost for a monthly supply of birth control patches ranges from $15 to $80 dollars, or between $180 and $960 a year. Combined with the doctors visit, uninsured women could spend over $1,200 dollars in the first year."
Ron Paul, the unlikely star of CPACs past, was noticeably absent from his year's festivities. However, he sent his son in do some dirty work for him.
Which brings us to the "frontrunner."
Mitt Romney gave a speech that addressed the burning issue of our time; No, not the ongoing economic decline of the middle class. As everyone at CPAC knows, the real threat to America is "the gay." Bragging about having used an early 20th Century law originally intended to prevent interracial marriage in his fight against marriage equality today, he said:
"On my watch, we fought hard and prevented Massachusetts from becoming the Las Vegas of gay marriage. When I am president, I will defend the Defense of Marriage Act, and I will fight for an amendment to our Constitution that defines marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman."
Although Ron Paul won the previous two CPAC presidential straw polls, the powers that be gave Mitt Romney the victory today with 38% of the vote. Santorum was a close second with 31%.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The GOP War On The Separation Clause
Feb 8th, 2012
by F. Grey Parker
I regard myself as a Christian. I believe in the Gospels. I generally keep it to myself and out of my writing because I have the right to do so. In America, no one may tell me what, how, when or where to worship.
I am protected from litmus tests or societal demands to prove my faith by the Constitution. That's what the separation clause provides for.
What I am not guaranteed is special status to impose my religion when I participate in public markets. I am also (supposed to be) Constitutionally disallowed access to taxpayer monies while simultaneously demanding the right to implement policies driven by a theological agenda in those markets.
Period.
Contrary to popular GOP propaganda, there is no war on religion in the United States. That is absurd. What we do have currently is a coordinated effort to attack the bedrock principle of separation. Nothing illustrates this more than the current brouhaha over the Obama Administration's new birth control guidelines.
by F. Grey Parker
I am protected from litmus tests or societal demands to prove my faith by the Constitution. That's what the separation clause provides for.
What I am not guaranteed is special status to impose my religion when I participate in public markets. I am also (supposed to be) Constitutionally disallowed access to taxpayer monies while simultaneously demanding the right to implement policies driven by a theological agenda in those markets.
Period.
Contrary to popular GOP propaganda, there is no war on religion in the United States. That is absurd. What we do have currently is a coordinated effort to attack the bedrock principle of separation. Nothing illustrates this more than the current brouhaha over the Obama Administration's new birth control guidelines.
Godwin Alert - Anti-Contraception Edition
Feb 8th, 2012
HuffPo reports:
"Conservative commentator Eric Metaxas took thereligious lobbyists' argument against birth control coverage to a new extreme on MSNBC Tuesday morning, comparing the Obama administration's new contraception mandate to the rise of Nazi Germany."
Let's be clear; this employer provision has nothing to do "religious freedom." It's about making corporations, profit or non, that participate in our markets and feed at the public trough follow the same rules as everyone else.
Period.
HuffPo reports:
"Conservative commentator Eric Metaxas took thereligious lobbyists' argument against birth control coverage to a new extreme on MSNBC Tuesday morning, comparing the Obama administration's new contraception mandate to the rise of Nazi Germany."
Let's be clear; this employer provision has nothing to do "religious freedom." It's about making corporations, profit or non, that participate in our markets and feed at the public trough follow the same rules as everyone else.
Period.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
After The Iowa Caucus - ANOTHER Lurch To The Right?
Jan 4th, 2012
It's official; Mitt Romney is in serious trouble. Sure, he "won" the Iowa Caucus by an entirety of eight votes. But, he is still in very serious trouble.
It's not merely the near-upset by Santorum that we predicted might happen yesterday which endangers him. Nor is it the strong likelihood that Romney will be unable to resist pandering to the Dominionist voters who nearly defeated him.
No. What Romney should be very afraid of is Newt Gingrich.
It's official; Mitt Romney is in serious trouble. Sure, he "won" the Iowa Caucus by an entirety of eight votes. But, he is still in very serious trouble.
 |
| Screengrab from the Des Moines Iowa Register |
It's not merely the near-upset by Santorum that we predicted might happen yesterday which endangers him. Nor is it the strong likelihood that Romney will be unable to resist pandering to the Dominionist voters who nearly defeated him.
No. What Romney should be very afraid of is Newt Gingrich.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Dominionist's Dream Candidate
Jan 3rd, 2011
Rick Santorum spoke with ABC's Jake Tapper today and declared that the states should be allowed to ban all birth control. I hate to say it, but this might make it even more likely that he wins tonight's Iowacaucus circus.
Igor Volsky writes:
"Santorum has long opposed the Supreme Court’s 1965 ruling “that invalidated a Connecticut law banning contraception” and has also pledged to completely defund federal funding for contraception if elected president. As he told CaffeinatedThoughts.com editor Shane Vander Hart in October, “One of the things I will talk about, that no president has talked about before, is I think the dangers of contraception in this country,” the former Pennsylvania senator explained. “It’s not okay. It’s a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be.” EMPHASIS OURS
But an overwhelming majority of Americans — virtually all women (more than 99 percent ) aged 15–44 have used at least one contraceptive method — rely on contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancies and limit the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases. In fact, the Guttmacher Institute estimates that contraceptive services provided at publicly funded clinicshelped prevent almost two million unintended pregnancies. Without funding from Medicaid and Title X, “abortions occurring in the United States would be nearly two-thirds higher among women overall and among teens; the number of unintended pregnancies among poor women would nearly double.”
The sound you hear might more of those Bachmann voters running over to Santorum's camp.
Rick Santorum spoke with ABC's Jake Tapper today and declared that the states should be allowed to ban all birth control. I hate to say it, but this might make it even more likely that he wins tonight's Iowa
Igor Volsky writes:
"Santorum has long opposed the Supreme Court’s 1965 ruling “that invalidated a Connecticut law banning contraception” and has also pledged to completely defund federal funding for contraception if elected president. As he told CaffeinatedThoughts.com editor Shane Vander Hart in October, “One of the things I will talk about, that no president has talked about before, is I think the dangers of contraception in this country,” the former Pennsylvania senator explained. “It’s not okay. It’s a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be.” EMPHASIS OURS
But an overwhelming majority of Americans — virtually all women (more than 99 percent ) aged 15–44 have used at least one contraceptive method — rely on contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancies and limit the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases. In fact, the Guttmacher Institute estimates that contraceptive services provided at publicly funded clinicshelped prevent almost two million unintended pregnancies. Without funding from Medicaid and Title X, “abortions occurring in the United States would be nearly two-thirds higher among women overall and among teens; the number of unintended pregnancies among poor women would nearly double.”
The sound you hear might more of those Bachmann voters running over to Santorum's camp.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Uh Oh, Steve King Is Talking Again
August 4th, 2011
Rep. Steve King (R-IA) never disappoints. The new birth control insurance requirements are, of course, the end of the country as we know it.
Rep. Steve King (R-IA) never disappoints. The new birth control insurance requirements are, of course, the end of the country as we know it.
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