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Dr. Santorum Speaks
First, we have Senator Dr. Bill Frist dubiously, and as it turns out, incorrectly, practicing medicine by videotape in the Terri Schaivo case (and later lying about it).
Now we have Senator Not Doctor Rick Santorum making sociological and medical claims about birth control, women's health, societal health, and a host of other things he is not qualified, from his position of authority in the United States Senate, to make pronouncements about.
Let me be clear here-this has nothing to do with Rick Santorum "candidate for re-election". This has everything to do with the increasing role that some people are taking in using the instruments of government and power of public office to make decisions which, ultimately, seek to control and intrude upon the privacy of a person's physical body.
Frankly, I don't care whether the people who wish to do this are doing it out of the most altruistic reasons on the face of the earth. It's wrong. And the fact that they are attempting to use their position as public officials to do it, is about as far away as you can get from the intent of the Puritans who came to America fleeing religious tyranny, or the framers of the Constitution who valued the rights of the individual above almost all else, or the spirit of rugged individualism with which America has long been associated.
Now, maybe those are lofty ideas or historical concepts that can only be debated in the upper eschalons of academic and political thought.
So, I'll put it more simply--I don't care what opinions Santorum may hold about birth control. What I care about is whether or not he intends to impose them on my health and my body. I care about a Senator who is clearly set on using his power to make decisions about my health and choices which are equally clearly none of his business.
Why is it that it's always the same people who say they want small government, that we learn are, in reality, interested in expanding it exponentially to intrude in the private lives and personal health of over 50% of its citizenry?
And what's it going to take for some interviewer, to start asking follow-up questions of Senator Santorum, such as what the effects of population explosion are, or the impact on AFDC funding, or healthcare for all of these new children and pre-natal care, and childcare for the working parents, or public school enrollment, or other infrastructure and public services, et cetera? Or how about the simple question of, "Senator Santorum, if we remove all methods of birth control from use, except the "natural" ones, what is your estimate for the increase in population and how do you arrive at that figure?"
The only thing I find more irritating than Mr. Santorum acting on his medically uninformed opinions, is the media which refuses to hold him accountable for them. Since Mr. Santorum's main raison d'etre for his birth control opinions is "holding people accountable for their behavior", wouldn't it be nice to have some thinking reporter hold Mr. Santorum "accountable" for the effects of the implementation of his ill-advised and medically, socially, ecologically and environmentally idiotic viewpoint?
But, hey, this is just the opinion of one uterus owner. Feel free to post yours below.
First!
Casey -
Unbelieveable - or maybe believable - it is Santorum after all. My friend Jason, who is running for Congress in Pittsburgh, thinks that Santorum knows he will lose his Senate seat in '06, so is not even trying to moderate at all, but is in fact moving to the Right even further to court neocons for his presidential run in '08.
I'd like him to get his politics off my body, thank you very much. Can you imagine him as President?
YIKES.
THE SOUND OF SILENCE
-by Simon and Garfunkle
Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence
In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
'Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence
"Fools", said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed
In the wells of silence
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls"
And whispered in the sounds of silence
I took the time to write to Senator Santorums re-election campaign site. Several times. And, I was not complimentary. Today, I received an e-mail asking me for a contribution. His re-election site doesn't READ any of the e-mails he gets, or they would NEVER have asked me for $300.00 bucks. YES, that's what they are asking each contributor for. I think he is really running, and really running hard. And, his current craziness over his book is an attempt to raise money, and tailor his appeals to the middle of the state. He is doing super rallying for his base. There is no way he is giving up, I just don't see it.
Tutter -
I don't know. Isn't he able to move left over funds to his presidential campaign? I think he is making his move for that now - getting his name out there to anyone who may somehow not know him. His name seems to be dirt in Pittsburgh.
They're all jockeying for position at this point - Santorum, Frist....
Tutterfly:
Whose going to oppose Santorum again?
Chuck in Houston
PS: You are in PA, right?
Chuck:
It's Bob Casey. Son of long time PA Gov. by the same name.
Thanks, Carol. My sense of it is that that race is going to be extremely important in the larger picture and the longer term.
Chuck in Houston
Bob Casey Jr. Son of a former governer. Currently in state government. I'm in Pittsburgh.
If you're wondering why I posted that song upthread, well...Ye Olde Blog was being silent today, and, I am listening to Simon and Garfunkle today.
Casey, interesting that you would bring the issue of birth control and Santorum up today. I was at one of our favorite satire blogsites last night, and I happened upon an article on this very subject. Santorum was interviewed on Aaron Brown's CNN Newsnight this past week, on August 25th. I read the humour on the Patriot Boy blogsite, then followed the links until I got to the transcript of the interview. Santorum was
asked and talked about Griswald v. Connecticut.
Patriot Boy suggested that Santorum meant that the federal government should dictate our access to, and methods of birth control. At least that's what I thought he was suggesting. When I read it, I had a different take. See what you think:
For those interested, here is the first link:
http://patriotboy.blogspot.com/
Enjoy the humour, then click the links all the way through to the transcript.
Or, here is the link to the transcript itself:
http://transcripts
.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0507/25/asb.01.html
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0507/25/asb.01.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050729/ap_on_go_su_co/roberts_46
Roberts Hearing to Start on Sept. 6
By JESSE J. HOLLAND, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Supreme Court nominee John Roberts will face the Senate Judiciary Committee's questions about his candidacy for the nation's highest court beginning on Sept. 6, congressional officials said Friday.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-roberts29jul29,0,2013562.story
Democrats Pinpoint the Files They Want
They call their request for Roberts' documents 'limited'; Republicans say it's a delay tactic.
oops, follow the bottom link I think.
Now, I MUST get back to work!
TSP - the song was perfect!
Tutterfly,
Where are you in the Burgh? We have family in Lower Burrell, Kiski, Allison Park and others. Our friend Jason is running in District 4 to unseat Melissa Hart - is that where you are?
Posted by: tutterfly at July 29, 2005 01:11 PM
IMHO, Santorum has the worst kind of chutzpah... as illustrated in the story of the man who was on trial for killing his parents and asked the court for mercy because he was an orphan....
Casey -
I agree with you completely..... My thoughts about Santorum and/or people like him who pontificate about birth control for women and/or abortion: If you were not born with a uterus, you have no right making laws that control anyone who was born with a uterus. Only those beings who were born with a uterus have the right to make decisions regarding their own bodies. So, to Santorum and other control freaks who get off on telling women what they may or may not do regarding organs that they were born with (thus treating women like children, among other insulting things like forcing them to be brood mares for unwanted pregnancies resulting from rape or incest): Mind Your Own Business!!!
tutterfly-are you sending that request back with a note?
Perhaps one written accross the face of the request....
Oops, Casey, I have to admit, I didn't go into your link, or I would have seen that you had the CNN interview there, too.
Am doing this on the run today.
I'm actually in the city itself. Right across the Liberty Bridge out of town, thru the Liberty tunnel, up West Liberty Avenue, and right into the neighborhood known as Beechview.
I grew up in Penn Hills, actually went to grade school with Mrs. Santorum.
I've lived all over the eastern suburbs, have family all over the various burbs. Being a native, I pretty know my way around the whole region. I have lots of favorites places and great memories of places like West View Park, the old Syria Mosque, the roof open over the Civic Arena, Kennywood, Ohiopyle, Keystone Lake, Glenns Frozen Custard in Cheskwick, Arsenal Park in Lawrenceville, going to the Big Butler Fair, Renzi Park fireworks in McKeesport, Demolition Derby at the New Alexandria Lions Club, Boyce Park Wave Pool, Good Ship Lollipop rides on the rivers.
I love it here. It's my town.
Carol,
He can keep moving to the right all he wants, but frankly, very few people believe the "right winged" religious actually won the vote. Most believe fraud and supression happened. So it they win again, it's because they've made rigging elections an artform--2000, 2002, 2004! Hopefully, we can stop them at 2006 and bring honesty back to our government and integrity back to our elections.
Hey Tutt,
Just came back from a week there. Lived there for five years before moving to MA. Kennywood is an annual trip for us. My husband has great kid memories of Glenns Custard!
Small world.
Posted by: sparrow at July 29, 2005 03:41 PM
Sparrow - I'm with you 110% on that. That's one of the things that makes it all so frustrating - how do we know they won't do that again?
BTW - I never received the stuff you sent me re: someone in MA. Try again?
Carol,
I'll try again.
Carol,
I sent it to you through a pm in the forum.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/29/opinion/29krugman.html
French Family Values
Excerpt:
American conservatives despise European welfare states like France. Yet many of them stress the importance of "family values." And whatever else you may say about French economic policies, they seem extremely supportive of the family as an institution. Senator Rick Santorum, are you reading this?
And more "family values" -
http://www.msnbc.com/comics/daily.asp?sfile=db050729&vts=72920051251
Doonesbury....
Carol,
We are all frightened that Diebold and corrupt party officials have already made fair elections impossible.
But we still have to fight back and hope that when people are sick of seeing exit polls say one thing and the machines say another, they will step in and say, "Stop the fraud!"
It has to be more than just the left saying it. It has to be the right and the repubicans too. Because, unfortunately, some republicans recognise the fraud and are ashamed of it, but they haven't really had it hurt their own lives enough to really care that much. Until they do, the pain will get worse and worse, I suppose.
CIA Blocks Book on Tora Bora, Author Says
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/072905M.shtml
The CIA is squelching publication of a new book detailing events leading up to Osama bin Laden's escape from his Tora Bora mountain stronghold during the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, says a former CIA officer who led much of the fighting.
{{{{{ Sniff! Sniff! Methinks I smell more Bu$hLIES in White House propaganda's revisionist history...!}}}}}
Helen Thomas | Bush Won't Block Abuse of Detainees
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/072905O.shtml
Last week, Bush dispatched no less an emissary than Vice President Dick Cheney to warn members of the Senate Armed Services Committee against any congressional intervention on detainee interrogations, writes veteran columnist Helen Thomas.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050729/boltons_abscess_appointment.php
Bolton's Abscess Appointment
Don Kraus and Sam Stein
July 29, 2005
As Congress prepares for its upcoming August break, signals have emerged from the White House that President Bush will give John R. Bolton a recess appointment to the post of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. For a while now, it has been clear that such a move would be damaging to both Bolton and the United States. Now, however, the appointment seems likely to have harmful ramifications for President Bush as well.
The reason is straightforward. According to reports from MSNBC, John Bolton has testified to the grand jury investigating the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame. Not only is it possible that Bolton may have lied about this testimony in a questionnaire he filled out for his confirmation hearing, but the linkage to the Plame affair places Bolton, yet again, into a scenario in which intelligence was doctored for the sake of political gain. In fact, according to an investigation by the State Department Inspector General, Bolton’s office was responsible for the placement of the Niger uranium claims in the State Department’s December 2002 “fact sheet” on Iraq’s WMD program; claims that have since been exposed as baseless.
For the Bush administration, this means prolonged attention to the Karl Rove saga and yet another member of its “inner circle” associated with an emerging conspiracy. For Bolton—whose credibility is already so damaged it couldn’t possibly be made worse—the Plame linkage is yet another reason why he would do more harm then good at the United Nations. Undoubtedly, Bolton’s primary diplomatic asset—his proximity to the president—will be diminished as the administration distances itself from those involved in the leak.
And yet, as reported in The Washington Post and all but confirmed by Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, the White House will likely go ahead with a recess appointment of Bolton, potentially as soon as this Saturday (July 30, 2005). Such a course of action, now more than ever, will be an utter blow to U.S. foreign policy interests and America’s position within the international community.
{{{ More on link. Excellent analysis on what a Bolton appointment could mean for the US - to our detriment....}}}
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/072905Z.shtml
State Dept. Now Says Bolton Interviewed
By Mark Sherman
The Guardian
Friday 29 July 2005
Washington - John Bolton, President Bush's nominee for UN ambassador, mistakenly told Congress he had not been interviewed or testified in any investigation over the past five years, the State Department said Thursday.
Bolton was interviewed by the State Department inspector general as part of a joint investigation with the Central Intelligence Agency into prewar Iraqi attempts to buy nuclear materials from Niger, State Department spokesman Noel Clay said.
The admission came hours after another State Department official said Bolton had correctly answered a Senate questionnaire when he wrote that he has not testified to a grand jury or been interviewed by investigators in any inquiry over the past five years.
The reversal followed persistent Democratic attempts to question Bolton's veracity just days before Bush may use his authority to make him United Nations ambassador after Congress adjourns for its summer recess. For months, Democrats have prevented the Senate from confirming the fiery conservative to the post.
The new information does not change the Bush administration's commitment to Bolton's nomination, said a senior State Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the political sensitivity of the subject.
When Bolton filled out a Senate questionnaire in March in connection with his nomination, "he didn't recall being interviewed by the State Department's inspector general. Therefore, his form, as submitted, was inaccurate," Clay said. "He will correct it."
Clay said Bolton, formerly undersecretary for arms control and international security, had no role in a separate criminal investigation into the leak of an undercover CIA official's identity.
The response came after Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., wrote to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asserting Bolton had been interviewed and suggesting he had not been truthful in his questionnaire.
. . . . . . . . . .
~*~ mistakenly told Congress
~*~ "he didn't recall being interviewed by the State Department's inspector general. Therefore, his form, as submitted, was inaccurate," Clay said. "He will correct it."
~*~ suggesting he had not been truthful
Question: Wouldn't it just be so much easier to simply say ~ 'Bolton lied.' ~ ?!?
And, no, 'correcting' his lie is not sufficient.... He lied about a recent event, so there's not even wiggle room to say he didn't remember something that happened 30 or 40 years ago.... He lied to Congress about a situation that has national and international repercussions involving national security. That alone should disqualify him for the UN post (although, IMHO, his unpleasant personality with coworkers should have been enough to keep him from a post where diplomacy and good manners are required).....
The American Progress e-newsletter had more to say about this story, including a commentary about the pResNitwit considering a recess appointment of Bolton, and they additionally had a commentary about the CAFTA vote 'in the dead of night,' and more on DeLay, etc. I think everyone here gets their e-newsletter ~ ?
Bush Running from Federalist Society
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/072905K.shtml
The growing influence of the Federalist Society has coincided with the rise of a network of conservative research organizations and public interest law firms that together have challenged hot-button issues such as affirmative action and prohibitions against publicly funded school vouchers.
THE MEDIA'S ROVING EYE
Tom Engelhardt, Tomdispatch.com
Connect some recent media 'dots' to a few forgotten ones and you have framework for understanding the Plame case.
http://www.alternet.org/story/23790/
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050729/our_socialized_energy_system.php
Our Socialized Energy System
Ok, so let me get this straight. Our energy system is 96 percent dependent on coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear; coal and oil are the main drivers of climate change; nuclear energy is the main contributor to WMD proliferation; natural gas terminals are prime terrorist targets and we're building more near cities; the oil industry has not built a new refinery for 30 years but energy companies, like Exxon, are reporting record profits—and Congress just gave all four industries close to $15 billion in subsidies.
(More on link.)
Nominee Is Linked to Controversy
Bush's choice for deputy attorney general worked with a lobbyist, now being investigated, in an effort to shield offshore firms from U.S. taxes.
WASHINGTON — The Bush administration's pick for deputy U.S. attorney general supervised a lobbying campaign two years ago by controversial lobbyist Jack Abramoff to block legislation aimed at offshore companies escaping American taxes, records and interviews show.
Timothy E. Flanigan, 52, chief counsel of Tyco International Ltd. since 2002, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week and acknowledged supervising Abramoff's work for the Bermuda-based firm. However, he declined to answer questions describing what the lobbyist did for the company.
. . . . . . . . . .
Flanigan was White House deputy counsel under Alberto R. Gonzales, now attorney general, before joining Tyco in November 2002.
. . . . . . . . . .
Flanigan, the father of 14, previously served as a clerk to former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren E. Burger. He was in private law practice before becoming deputy to then-White House counsel Gonzales. Earlier, Flanigan volunteered his legal services to the Bush-Cheney campaign during the Florida recount of 2000.
His nomination is not expected to be voted on until after the Senate returns from a summer recess.
. . . . . . . . . .
{{{ Well.... pResNitwit gets marks for consistency... Consistently nominating people who helped get him Selected in 2000, people who have ties to other disreputable individuals in his administration, individuals with questionable legal and moral and ethical philosophies..... Same ol' Bu$h*t, Different Day.}}}
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-flanigan29jul29,0,2489546.story
Oops! Link to last post....
CAFTA: DEMOCRACY SOLD OUT
Deborah James, AlterNet
The trade bill was approved by a razor-thin margin, and it's sparking dramatic protests -- and progressives' ire. Did it pass on merit, or pork barrel politics?
http://www.alternet.org/story/23788/
Excerpt:
Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., pushed back hard against the Bush hypothesis that CAFTA would increase national security. "Trade alone, devoid of basic living and working standards, has not and will not promote security, nor will it lift developing nations out of poverty," she said. "Our national security will not be improved by exploiting workers in Central America."
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-cafta29jul29,0,729286.story
11th-Hour Brokering Paved Way for Bush's Trade Pact Triumph
An Alabama lawmaker switched his vote in late bargaining. Critics call the dealings unseemly.
Some blogs have Friday Cat Blogging.
Over at The Democratic Daily, I started Appletini Blogging--make sure you see the end of the post after that boring stuff on Frist, DeLay, and the Supreme Court.
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=103
Carol: tutter and I wish you were right about Santorum but we know we will be in for the fight of our lives.He will not go down without a fight, an ugly fight. That is why Santorum has been on every available show in the last week including the Dailey show. Bloggers, remember today's Santorum story for next year please ,when we implore you to move in with tutter next summer as Casey volunteers.
I am going to have to lay in a serious supply of adult beverages, aren't I?
I'll come back to town to work against Santorum any day. Looking forward to it with relish!
This information was emailed to me from Congresswoman Louise Slaughter of New York. Hope some of you will find it helpful.
Get Out the Vote for Paul Hackett
Special Volunteer Event
What: Canvass Kick-off Rally with special guests Former U.S. Senator John Glenn, Former U.S. Senator Max Cleland, Congressman Ted Strickland, Mayor Michael Coleman, State Representative Tyrone Yates and the next Congressman from the 2nd District, Paul Hackett.
Where: Old Kerry HQ, 1523 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45206
When: Saturday, July 30th 10AM
Weekend Canvassing & Phone Banking
Canvass Locations:
Adams County - Sat. 10am, 1 Courthouse Square at Roy Gabbert‚s Law Office
Brown County - Sat. 10am, 707 Mt. Orab Pike, Bail Bonds Office (Cut-N-Up Barber Shop)
Clermont County - Sat. 10am, Sun. 2pm, Clermont County Democratic Party North 2nd Street, Batavia OH (next to Hackett's HQ)
Hamilton County - Sat. 10am, Sun. 2pm, Old Kerry Headquarters Parking Lot, 1523 Madison Rd., 45206
Pike County - Sat. 10am, Boilermakers Hall on US 23 in Piketon, OH and parking lot of Waverly Police Dept., 202 S. Market St.
Scioto County - Sat. 10am, New Boston Community Center, 3980 Rhodes Ave., New Boston 45662
Warren County - Sat. 10am, 6775 Park Lake Dr, Mason 45040, in Village Lakes subdivision AND 228 S. Mechanic St, Lebanon 45036
Phone Bank Locations:
Hamilton County Democratic Party HQ - 615 Main St., Downtown Cincinnati (Sun. 12-8)
Hackett HQ - 27 N. Second St., Batavia (Sat 10-9, Sun 12-8)
Crowley HQ - 1523 Madison Rd., East Walnut Hills (Sat 10-9, Sun 12-8)
Warren County Democratic Party HQ - 8 East 5th St., Franklin (Sat 10-9, Sun 12-8)
Zimmeran CPA - 1080 Nimitzview Dr., Suite 400, Anderson (Sat 10-9, Sun 12-8)
Out of District Volunteers
If you are interested in coming from out of town or even out of state to help with the campaign please feel free to come to any of the above events. If you need a place to stay or plan on coming Monday and/or Tuesday please send us an email at ohioinvasion@gmail.com.
Hackett for Congress
27 N. Second St.
Batavia, OH 45103
Phone: 513-735-4310
Ira and Tutter:
Don't get me wrong - I'm not suggesting that Santorum won't run for his seat, or even try to win, just that he doesn't care that much because he knows he's going to run for Pres. in '08. I think both he and Frist claimed stakes on their territories today. Santorum courting the far right, and Frist trying to moderate a bit.
The more I'm here, the more clear things become about how it works inside politics - people adjust their positions to give them the best chance to win, rather than sticking to what they believe. Both sides do it, and maybe it is necessary, I don't know, but it isn't pretty.
I guess it's thaqt old politcal science argument - do you do what you beleive to be right, or what your constituents want you to do?
I guess it's thaqt old politcal science argument - do you do what you beleive to be right, or what your constituents want you to do?
Posted by: Carol at July 29, 2005 07:34 PM
Carol,
There's that, but there is also the fact that each candidate is fighting apathy and cynicism. So they try to get elected rather than follow the road to an honest government--that's where lobbyist come in and where power-radio stations come in too.
NOW with David Bronccacio
ON NOW CST on PBS!!!
About abortion and right to birth control.
In a controversial reading of the state's statutory rape law, Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline has pushed to mandate reporting of any sexual activity of people under the age of 16 and subpoenaed medical records of abortion patients. Kline maintains he just wants to enforce the law and protect children, but critics charge that he's attacking a woman's right to an abortion and putting more kids at risk. NOW examines Kline's policies, which have made Kansas ground-zero for the reproductive rights debate in America. The report looks at both sides of the issue and at the implications for the nation.
Posted by: Indy at July 29, 2005 08:34 PM
Thanks for the reminder, Indy! :-) I do want to watch that particular show....
NOW comes on at 9 p.m. in my local market, and I remember getting the email reminder from NOW, but had forgotten about it. NOW also airs in the middle of the night about 1 a.m. or after as a rerun....
I do want to watch that particular show....
Posted by: NonnyO at July 29, 2005 08:51 PM
Hey Nonny-O!
Have a bottle of vallium on the coffee table...you'll need it. =[
Got Self-righteousness?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050730/ap_on_he_me/india_female_condoms
India to Fight AIDS With Female Condoms
BANGALORE, India - India will introduce female condoms later this year to help fight the spread of AIDS among its billion-plus population, with cheap supplies available to commercial sex workers, the state-owned contraceptive maker said Friday.
. . . . . . . . . .
A government study in 2004 showed that despite annual sales of 1.6 billion male condoms, cases of HIV in India had reached 5.1 million, second only to South Africa, and that a third of them were women.
According to the study, 15 percent of cases were sex workers and another 22 percent housewives with a single partner.
. . . . . . . . . .
"Female condoms will transfer the power of decision-making to women," Ayyappan said.
He said the company's aim was to provide every sex worker with the right to use a condom every time with every client.
HLL will initially import condoms from the London factory of Chicago-based Female Health Co. and start selling them in September, Ayyappan said, without detailing how many would be imported. He said the company would start manufacturing their own condoms at a later date.
A female condom is a lubricated shield that is slipped, closed-end first, into the vagina. The open end remains outside, partially covering the labia.
. . . . . . . . . .
{{{{{ I bet Santorum would have a problem with women empowering themselves.... This is a good idea.... I also note the company is based in Chicago.... Anyone else on the blog ever heard of female condoms being sold in the US? I have heard of them mentioned in passing a very long time ago, but I think that was when it was in the R & D stage. I haven't heard mention of them since.... Is this another one of those taboo subjects that MSM fails to mention and that our anti-birth-control legislators aren't talking about for fear of upsetting the fundies???}}}}}
Posted by: Indy at July 29, 2005 09:02 PM
Oy! That bad, eh??? And me with no valium and allergic to most alcoholic beverages....
I apologize in advance for the sonic screams I may be emitting.... I did see previews sometime this past week for the NOW show coming up in half an hour (my time, local market), and knew it would be something that would pi$$ me off....
I find the lack of common sense regarding sex and birth control and/or abortion and the right of women to have personal autonomy over their own bodies absolutely deplorable....
It's a simple equation: if you want to reduce abortions, then support contraception.
Abstinence doesn't work for adults, either Democratic or Republican adults.
If Ricky Santorum feels that people should have to come to grips with the consequences of their actions, tell him to begin with Karl Rove and Scooter Libby. Then we can move on to charges against Paul Wolfowitz for outright lying to Congress about Iraqi oil revenues paying for that nation's reconstruction - at a time when he knew full well from an internal Defense Department report that the sanctions had so damaged Iraq's production capacity that they were YEARS away from being able to generate sufficient income.
And then he can get on board with the impeachment effort against the President who talks about Jesus, but more often acts like that snake in the Garden of Eden.
Posted by: Cyrano at July 29, 2005 09:30 PM
Matt,
That is just it...the hypocrisy.
The judgement of religiosity against the reality of the situation.
Frist now supporting Stem-Cell research while in the same breath admitting he disagrees with it.
What IS the matter with Kansas?!?!?
Or the rest of the Nation for that matter?
Abortion is between the parents of the child conceived and their God...if they choose to have one.
Incest, statutory rape and sexual abuse of minors is indeed another story, but each must be reviewed as to the circumstances.
Forcing a child to bear a child that was forced upon them by an adult is just SICK!!!
Demented even...
If there were a clearer case of separation of Church and State I cannot find one.
As Jefferson states in the Statute of Religious freedom that is the basis for the First Amendment to the Constitution:
Article II:
Be it enacted by the General assembly, that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, not shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, that that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.
"Nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his (or her) body or goods..."
Clear cut and simple...
None of any GOVERNMENT's or other citizens bidness...
Word.
Indy,
These people don't read Jefferson anymore. And even though they call their judicial group "The Federalist Society", they certainly don't appear to be reading Adams or Washington either (the two Federalist Presidents).
In fact, considering that most uber-conservatives support States rights, and the Federalist supported an extension of Federal power (like Hamiliton's National Bank, which so ticked off Jefferson, Madision, and later, Andrew Jackson), I have no clue how they even chose the name for their damn society!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050729/ap_on_re_eu/un_us_human_rights
U.N.: U.S. Late in Filing Rights Report
GENEVA - The United States will be late in filing a report on its anti-terrorist measures, including the treatment of detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan and at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a U.N. human rights body said Friday.
Congress Set to Block EPA Use of Human Tests
http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/072905EB.shtml
In a rebuke to the Environmental Protection Agency, Congress is blocking the agency from relying on tests that expose pregnant women, infants and children to pesticides. The pesticide controversy arose after the EPA in 2003 lifted a moratorium on testing that had been in place since 1998.
{{{ This comes under the header of "What were they thinking?!?" Worthy of a read and a letter to one's legislator.... I saw part of a speech in the House on C-SPAN on this, and it's horrifying to contemplate. One of the most insane things I've heard about since pResNitwit's toady Gonzilla "re-defined" torture..... IMHO}}}
Tom Engelhardt | A Thief on the Court?
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/072905Q.shtml
Engelhardt considers why the widening story of the role of Supreme Court nominee John Roberts in the Republican effort in the Florida 2000 election recount has had next to no impact so far on his prospects, and why the Democrats haven't taken this up as the issue of issues.
{{{EXCELLENT article.... and it touches upon the much-noted do-nothing apathy that has seized our Dem legislators since the Selection of 2000....!!!}}}
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050729/ap_on_go_pr_wh/un_ambassador
Sources: Bush to Appoint Bolton on Recess
WASHINGTON - President Bush intends to announce next week that he is going around Congress to install embattled nominee John Bolton as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, senior administration officials said Friday.
. . . . . . . . . .
An end run around the Senate confirmation process would certainly annoy senators — particularly Democrats — at a time when Bush's nomination of John Roberts to serve on the Supreme Court hangs in the balance. It also could hamper Bolton at the United Nations, by sending him there as a short-timer without the Senate's backing.
"There's just too much unanswered about Bolton and I think the president would make a truly serious mistake if he makes a recess appointment," Sen. Joseph Biden (news, bio, voting record) of Delaware, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview.
Two officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the president had not made the announcement and Congress wasn't yet in recess, said Bush planned to exercise that authority before he leaves Washington on Tuesday for his ranch. The House recessed on Thursday and the Senate's break was scheduled to begin later Friday.
. . . . . . . . . .
Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee (news, bio, voting record) said he would vote against Bolton — if given the chance — and would oppose a recess appointment if it is accurate that Bolton's form was originally incorrect. "Any intimidation of the facts, or suppression of information getting to the public which led us to the war, absolutely should preclude him from a recess appointment," said Chafee, of Rhode Island.
Also Friday, 35 Democratic senators and one independent, Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont, sent a letter to Bush urging against a recess appointment. "Sending someone to the United Nations who has not been confirmed by the United States Senate and now who has admitted to not being truthful on a document so important that it requires a sworn affidavit is going to set our efforts back in many ways," the letter said.
The Bush Administration is the likely the most dishonest of the modern era.
It's a quite an achievement to be both self-righteous and fundamentally dishonest at the same time.
Oxy-Moron
Jumbo Shrimp
Military Intelligence
Compassionate Conservatism
Christian America
The Neocons have one agenda...
World Corporate-Militaristic Domination
Moral Government?
Add that to the list of oxy-morons...
Freedom Calls be it by the pen or the sword...
Freedom calls...
Can you hear it?!?!?!
Re: Kansas and abortion....
Tha fallacy behind Kline's alleged agenda to "protect children who have been victims of rape or incest" has one fatal flaw: Those are criminal matters that need to be investigated by police departments - yet Kline never once talks about police officers investigating the crime of rape or incest, but only talks about how abortion clinics, psychologists and counselors need to report it when sex of any kind is talked about by a young person (Kline means girl children, since he's implying it's little girls who are victims, and he's conveniently forgetting that sometimes little boys are victims of sexual abuse, too). So why isn't Kline mandating the records be turned over to the police departments for criminal investigation?!? Why is Kline mandating those records be turned over to the state government?!?
As the Planned Parenthood director reported, the majority of the 90 files Kline has asked to be turned over are not for children - they are for adult women.
All Kline is doing is trying to scare young girls senseless by harping on the subject of rape and incest, and that will result in some very ignorant young people who dare not ask questions or get honest answers from adults regarding the topic of sex, birth control, and ordinary normal parts of an intimate relationship with someone which can include sex, and not just emotional intimacy.....
Dr. Freud, where are you? I have some questions regarding the mental condition of men like Kline and people who support him.... a very, very long list of questions, as a matter of fact....
~~~~~~~~~
Next week's show on NOW is going to be a topic near and dear to the minds of people on this blog - as well as that of other blogs and web sites: mainstream media and its failures.... I plan to try to catch that show, too!!!
The Angry American
By DOUG THOMPSON
Jul 29, 2005, 07:39
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You hear a lot of words used to describe the mood of America today: Wary, apprehensive, nervous, pessimistic, cautious, etc. Another word says it best: Angry.
Americans are angry: Conservative Americans, Liberal Americans, Democrats, Republicans, loony left-wingers, rabid right-wingers. Young, old, male, female, heterosexual, homosexual: They all have one thing in common – they’re pissed.
Any reasonable person can’t help but get angry when they look at what’s happening to them. You need a second mortgage to buy a tank of gas, Americans die in a war that polls say a majority of us do not support, we don’t have confidence in our leaders and every piece of legislation that comes out of Congress seems to create more problems than it solves.
Road rage incidents increase daily across the country and police report serious injuries or death occur far too often from the anger that spills out of such encounters. A popular baseball player will sit out 20 games and pay a hefty fine for getting into a fight with fans. Brawls break out at sporting events.
The Vice President of the United States tells a Senator to “fuck off.” A senior administration official tries to get even with a critic of the President by leaking the name of his wife – a CIA operative – to the media.
Polls say most Americans believe the President lied to gain approval for the war in Iraq and also believe the majority of members of Congress are corrupt and don’t serve their constituents. They don’t believe what they read in newspapers or see on the evening news. Most say they turn to the Internet for news, which is ironic since the ‘Net is the source for most incorrect news, biased coverage and urban legends.
Congress gridlocks over the simplest pieces of legislation, special interest groups flood the airwaves with angry advocacy ads that are mostly lies or twist the facts to make a non-existent case. Political rhetoric is all-to-often filled with hate and partisan bile.
Most couples with young children worry that they won’t have enough money to send their children to college, which may well be true, and that Social Security will be bankrupt long before they retire, which is even more likely to be true.
Americans today don’t feel good about their country, about their leaders or about their future.
Our leaders have failed us because they have forgotten that their first duty is to serve the country, not their party or their personal political agendas. Too many Americans have forgotten that as well, choosing to blindly support a specific political party or philosophical agenda without thinking of the effect such support might have on their country, their way of life or their future.
Both sides hypocritically condemn actions of their opponents while condoning the same actions by members of their own party or philosophical group. Both sides strike out angrily when criticized but then don’t hesitate to level the same hyperbole towards the other side when it suits their purposes.
Yes, we’re angry, but the anger will only get worse as long as partisanship controls our lives, drives our decisions and defines our government. We cannot, and will not, control our anger until we stop thinking confrontationally as Democrats or Republicans, conservatives or liberals, right or left and start working together as Americans.
Angry people always look for someone to blame for the anger. Democrats blame Republicans. Republicans blame Democrats. Independents blame both. But, in a democratic republic, the ultimate responsibility falls on the people. In the end, the only people who can change things are you, me and the rest of the angry masses.
First, we all have to accept the blame for what’s happened to this country. Then we have to work together to resolve our anger and get to the more important job of fixing what’s wrong.
Don’t get mad. Don’t get even. Instead, let’s get together and get results.
Rick "Man on Dog" Santorum, eh?!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2003/04/22/national1737EDT0668.DTL
Rick "Man on Dog" Santorum, on homosexuality
Posted by: not my president at July 29, 2005 11:19 PM
I have no problem with conservatism. I have a problem with conservative acts.
Posted by: Indy at July 29, 2005 11:15 PM
Damn Indy...haven't you been saying the same thing for over a YEAR?!?!?!
Why yes...yes I have...
Vive la Revolution!!!
Be Americans DAMMIT!!!
In fact, considering that most uber-conservatives support States rights, and the Federalist supported an extension of Federal power (like Hamiliton's National Bank, which so ticked off Jefferson, Madision, and later, Andrew Jackson), I have no clue how they even chose the name for their damn society!
Posted by: Cyrano at July 29, 2005 09:50 PM
Cyrano,
As you know, this ultra conservative group has no desire to have states rights. Instead they want to concentrate all power in a government working for multinational corporatism. I believe that conservatives want to impose their beliefs and therefore States rights directly contradicts their lust for domination. If possible they want Federal law to supercede any and all laws which the States may pass. That is why I don't believe for a minute that conservatives believe in "States Rights". Instead they believe that those in control should have absolute control. They are the "dark side".
Posted by: oncall at July 29, 2005 11:45 PM
I would also like to add that the "moral" conservatives that want State's Rights are the gullible victims of the Federalists.This theory is well documented in What's the Matter with Kansas?
Chuck in Houston for Oncall:
I'm going to be reading that this week.
Chuck in Houston
Indy (ll:29) Great post!
Everyone else...
Suspicious? Democrats.com and the pen were directed to my junk mailer on yahoo. Anyone else have that happen?
Chuck from Houston
I've gassed up my car & I'm going to get up at 6 AM and head for Portland! Marc from Paris is standing out waiting for a Greyhound in Boise Idaho (comes in middle of the night) and I'll pick him up at the beautiful red Portland bus station. There is some kind of "Beerfest" going on. I'll let you know how it turns out! He called from a phone booth - $2.60 for 60 seconds - so I called it back. He has survived NYC to Chicago to St. Louis to Denver to Salt Lake City to Boise - it's taken about 10 days because he got out & explored the cities - wanted to see the "real America."
Best statement so far:
Without trucks, America stops.
He also wanted to know why Greyhound and Amtrak monopolize the bus and train service so have no competition, when American capitalism is supposed to be based on competition, and why the Greyhound is slow, but its logo is fast. He also said Chicago was unfriendly, and he blamed it on Milton Friedman! St. Louis was "dangerous" but "interessante," Denver was "beautiful," Salt Lake City had the "Mormmons" and Boise is "boring" (the students are gone). I think he'll love Portland - we'll do the NW & the Saturday Market. There should even be good blues, if there's a "Beerfest."
Sparrow
Remember what Comcast was doing with After Downing Street?! It's getting like China.
DiAnne
If you are still up, take him to ... let me think ... oh the rose gardens in the West Hills and then to Pitock Mansion if it's a clear day. And maje sure he sees the Columbia!
Chuck in Houston (missing the Great NW)
DiAnne:
Anothe neat thing is the Rhododendron (sp?) test garden across from Reed College (Reed ain't that bad either).
Chuck in Houston
DiAnne:
Tell Marc from Paris that Chuck from Baku and his wife and daughter had a WONDERFUL time in Paris and I hope that my town will reciprocate!
Chuck (ex-PDX) in Houston
PS: And my mom's cousin was in Bastogne in 1944 around Christmas
Chuck
That's why I mentioned it! Thanks for the suggestions. There is also the Arboretum. We have a cheap place near the University. I'm really looking forward to it! I love Portland and Seattle both and will definitely hit the NW, which is cool, & the Waterfront but hes, you've reminded me of the West Hills! Maybe we'll even get to Multnomah Falls. It'll be nice for him to have a shower & a good meal after the cross-country bus trip. He has only 32 shots left on his camera, with a 1 gig memory chip! (So has taken over 700 shots of the "real America")
DiAnne:
One moe suggestion: Dodge Park or Oxbow Park on the Sandy River. That would be interesting for him. In my day, that was redneck kegger country (me). Now, the demographics have changed (yo no hablo espanol, which is too bad for me). But the rivers still run to the sea (where is Wild Salmon when I need her!).
Chuck, homesick, in Houston
DiAnne:
And while Multnomah Falls is great, Timberline Lodge is a great example of US 1930's architecture.
Chuck in Houston
DiAnne:
So is Crown Point, on a lesser scale. So if you do the gorge, make sure and take the old highway (I think Stark turns into it).
Chuck in Houston
PS: And have some Zeppelin or Beatles or Stones or CCR or Dylan or Marley for the drive!!!
Americans losing in Iraq and Lebanon is on brink of civil war
British MP George Galloway
“I believe that the resistance will grow stronger and stronger, and the occupiers will pay dearly”, he said referring to foreign forces in Iraq. He added that the situation in Iraq is extremely dangerous. “No one can predict if the occupiers will leave on their own accord, or if the resistance has come closer to achieving its goal (of driving the occupying forces out).”
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9603.htm
{{{ I know it's too much to wish for, but... still... I wish we had a Dem politician like Galloway....}}}
White House Redefines The Meaning Of "Torture"
By Chris Floyd
Congress may rubber-stamp the gulag ("a buy-in to Guantanamo"); that's allowed. And Congress may approve funding for the gulag. But the people's representatives must have no say whatsoever in the gulag's operations. To give way on this point would reintroduce the rule of law and genuine democracy to U.S. government. And the Bush militarists have gone too far, waded through too much blood, to return to such "quaint" notions now.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9608.htm
{{{So, was that the second re-definition of torture?}}}
Lets Not Forget: Bush Planned Iraq 'Regime Change' Before Becoming President :
A SECRET blueprint for US global domination reveals that President Bush and his cabinet were planning a premeditated attack on Iraq to secure 'regime change' even before he took power in January 2001.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article1221.htm
New 'Theft' Charges in Ohio's 2004 Election
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/072905B.shtml
New charges filed against Ohio Governor Bob Taft's former top aide have blazed a new trail between "Coingate" and the GOP theft of the 2004 presidential election.
People for the American Way: Emerging Portrait of Roberts Affirms Need for Full Disclosure of Records
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0729-04.htm
Paul Rogat Loeb | Speaking Truth to Roberts
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/072905P.shtml
How has a seemingly nice man like Roberts supported a politics of contempt for the voice of anyone but the wealthy and powerful? ... Roberts is also disturbingly loyal to dubious corporate interests, or at least to principles that allow these interests to run roughshod over ordinary citizens and communities.
Arianna Huffington | Judy Miller: How Deep Do Her Connections Run?
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0729-25.htm
Saree Makdisi | Brutality That Boomerangs
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0729-26.htm
Joan Chittister | When Language Grows Darker and Darker
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0729-21.htm
NOW: FDA Endangers Women's Health With Silicone Breast Implant Decision
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0729-02.htm
Or is that Zepellin? I never could get that right.
Chuck in Houston
Posted by: DiAnne at July 30, 2005 01:25 AM
You may run into my husband and me at the Portland Beerfest! You could also cross the river to Esther Short Park where we're having our Progressives Picnic! I'll be there with bells on!
DiAnne, # 1 Portland attraction - Eagle Creek hike. Don't miss it!
Amy
Thanks - got that! About to leave the house! I'll be wearing a red t-shirt with McDonalds golden arches on it, only it says "McMerde"
I'll also be in Vancouver WA tomorrow. I'll
send the # by email.
Have fun - gotta go - cat keeps hitting my keyboard.
Good News For America!!!
Poll: Bush approval ratings hit lowest point of tenure
WASHINGTON (USATODAY.com) — President Bush's job approval ratings have hit the lowest point of his tenure and the number of Americans with an unfavorable opinion of him has reached 50% for the first time, according to a Gallup poll released Friday.
Forty-four percent of Americans approve of the way Bush is handling his job, according to the poll, while 51% disapprove. That is a four-point drop from Bush's approval rating of July 22-24 and 1% below his previous low of 45% in a poll taken June 24-26. Bush's approval ratings have now been at 50% or lower since mid-March.
The poll also puts Bush's unfavorable rating among Americans at the highest level of his presidency — 50%. Forty-eight percent of Americans had a favorable opinion of the president, marking the first time in Bush's tenure that his unfavorable rating is higher than his favorable rating. In contrast, a Gallup poll in late November of 2001, less than three months after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, put Bush's favorable rating at 87% and his unfavorable rating at 11%.
Bush's previous low favorable rating came twice in October 2004, when 51% of Americans had a favorable opinion of the president and 46% had an unfavorable opinion.
The poll also indicated the public had a pessimistic outlook about the general direction of the country and the economy. Forty percent of Americans said they were satisfied with the way things are going in the United States, and 58% said they were dissatisfied. Those numbers are close to the lowest measurements of Bush's presidency in April, when 38% of Americans said they were satisfied with the country's direction and 58% said they were dissatisfied.
On the economy, 32% of Americans said conditions were in excellent or good shape, with 67% saying they were in fair or poor shape. Fifty-three percent of Americans said the economy was getting worse, while 35% said it was getting better and 9% said it was about the same.
The poll was based on telephone interviews with 1,010 adults. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 to 5 percentage points, depending on the question.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-07-29-gallup-poll_x.htm
Posted by: Indy at July 30, 2005 10:21 AM
Time for some more "terra" news-don't you think?
Posted by: Indy at July 30, 2005 10:21 AM
Lower the boom.
Posted by: DiAnne at July 30, 2005 01:25 AM
Chicago unfriendly? I can prove that wrong.
Posted by: oncall at July 30, 2005 10:29 AM
Da Bears
With Ditka for a spokesman how can you loose...
Ahem,ahem...
Mr. Congeniality...
Or was that Mr. Congenital Heart Disease from all the sausages...
Got Beef?
Lower the boom.
Posted by: monkey at July 30, 2005 10:25 AM
Is this a reference to DARPA's new "non-lethal weapons" programs?
Don't worry...the depleted uranium fries the brain first...and does not make a sound...
Silent Killers.
Question:
How does one "de-plete" uranium anyway?
I have enough trouble keeping the pleats in my pants!
Badum-bum...
More Oxy-Morons
Election Reform
Responsible Journalism
Devout Christian
Oh Brother...where art thou?
indy go to the irc
Oxy-moron
Bush's brain
Even though Bush's approval ratings are tanking,it's still too many people that must have an IQ of 90 to "approve"!
Excellent discussion on Air America today (on way home from Portland) re stem-cell research. Unbelievable how people don't/won't read,take "pastor's" word for the truth when in fact they come from fear. What about their own opinions?? My hubby made the comment: "These men that are calling in, in oppostion of this research need to search their own souls and figure that they too then are committing "sin" when masterbating and preventing life...or killing it." LOL and LOL to Santorum,and the rest of this freak right wing!!