Throughout the 2010 campaign I heard Republicans campaign on jobs, jobs, jobs, but mow that they own the House, they aren’t about jobs at all. During the campaign, we seldom heard a peep about abortion, but now that’s the focus of their agenda. This betrays a dichotomy in the Republican persona. As much as they campaign on the freedom undisturbed by government interference, that only applies to the freedom of millionaires, billionaires and criminal corporations to exploit the poor and middle classes. When it comes to individual freedom, like same-sex marriage, women’s reproductive rights, or any other choice not approved by their pseudo-Christian dogma, forget freedom. Big Brother is watching.
All but invisible during the midterm elections, the abortion debate has returned to Congress.
Invoking the mantra of fiscal restraint that has dominated House action since lawmakers reconvened last month, Republicans began committee work this week on two bills that would greatly expand restrictions on financing for and access to abortions. Another bill, one that would cut off federal dollars to women’s health care clinics that offer abortions, is expected to surface later this year.
“This House is more pro-life than it’s ever been,” said Representative Joe Pitts, Republican of Pennsylvania and the author of one of the bills to limit money for abortions.
Democrats in both the House and Senate immediately fought back Tuesday, working closely with reproductive rights advocates. They have appropriated the Republican charge from last year that Democrats were working on a liberal policy agenda instead of on job creation and the economy, and turned it on its head.
“This election was about the economy,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who joined with other Democratic senators Tuesday to decry the House bills Tuesday as needless and intrusive.
Over and over, Democrats said that by bringing up the abortion issue now, Republicans were going back on their word to focus on the budget… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <NY Times>
Rachel Maddow had an excellent piece last night that covered this issue and other, discusses the difference between what Republicans say and what they do, and wonders if the Tea Party will make a difference. She interviews Harpers’ Thomas Frank.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
In my opinion, it is the Neocon, Corporocon, and Plutocon wings that own the party. The Tea Party is more of an inconvenience than the leaders expected, but are still a flea biting the elephant’s ass for now. If they become too problematic, they’ll be under the bus.
I think we need to keep hammering on the difference between Republican freedom for thr rich and criminal corporations, while micromanaging the rest of our lives.
10 Responses to “Instead of Jobs, War on Women”
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GOP has been talking—endlessly—about abortion every since Roe v Wade was decided. They’ve had plenty of chances while they held power, but they prefer a distracting discussion to tackling real issues.
Billie, I think that was true with the Neocon,Corporocon and Plutocon wings of the party, when they were just appeasing the Theocons. But now that the Theocons have been joined by the InsaniTEA wing, it has evolved beyond mere distraction.
When I heard about this my first thought was that they’re doing this now (in addition to needing another distraction to keep from actually doing anything with real issues) because they are making good on some pre-election promises they made to their donors. The so-called religious, so-called right was upset with Dubya and Dubya’s Daddy for not making legal abortions disappear. So this time, I suspect, some back-room deals were made prior to the last congressional elections about that. Just my gut feeling. Great article as always, TC. 🙂
Candace, I think you’re probably right. Also see my reply to Billie. The Republican Party has to keep all their sheeple enthused.
If you don’t want an abortion, don’t have one. But DO NOT tell any other American female what she should or should not do in any case. Budget cutting my ass. These holier-than-thou right wingers make me want to puke. We’ve got a mother and daughter here in Knoxville stirring the pot on Planned Parenthood being invited to speak at a Health & Sexual Reproduction program at a high school. What a bunch of crap they’re spreading. Going to have a rally and all that nonsense. I’ve worked in OB/GYN offices for MANY years, and the ignorance of these “religious” types and their meanness really gets me angry. The GOP plays to this crowd. This country is doomed anymore. 😈
Thank you Judi, I’ll opt not to have one. 😉
A professional evaluation, like yours helps!
The zealots from time immemorial have been obsessed with women’s behavior ; preoccupied with issues of sexuality and reproduction; It is more of the same ; Mean and destructive–
It is really an issue separation of church and state; A issue of religious belief—as well as the subjugation of women—-all religious-;
Phyllis, I agree. The subjugation of women as chattel is part of the pseudo-Christian dogma od Supply-side Jesus, the Republican invention to justify their gospel of hate, greed, and power.
A most bizarre aspect, that law professor Sara Rosenbaum pointed out while testifying before Congress, is that since H.R. 3 goes after abortion coverage via the tax code, it could very well mean that the IRS will be the final arbiter in defining what rape is.
http://politicalcorrection.org/blog/201102090002
But according to the present wording in the bill, we know what Teapublicans do NOT think constitutes rape:
http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/01/republican-plan-redefine-rape-abortion
Teapublicans are very scary people, indeed!
If they are right, none of the people in prison today for committing those crimes should be there and must be released immediately. Would Republicans agree? They would soil their undies at the very thought of it!
Don’t get me wrong. Everyone deserves a chance to rehabilitate themselves and rejoin society AFTER doing so.