In comments, Kochanie, who guest blogs at Literate Perversions made a suggestion for a post that seemed so to the point that… well, I’ll just let her say it.
...your posts have focused on the real issues of the Foley debacle, rather than the sensationalism or partisan politics.
However, I do have a favor to ask. I think it is time to stop discussing Foley, and time to remind your readers that the 2006 election is not that far away. I know yours is not a political blog, but I do know you are a strong supporter of contraception as a way to avoid unwanted pregnancies. The 2006 mid-term elections will decide the following: all U.S. House members, 33 senators and 36 governors. This election will have far more impact on reproductive rights than any presidential election.
The local elections can prove to be just as crucial as the congressional, senate and gubernatorial races. Policies and appropriations that determine the availability of reproductive services to the poor are determined at the local level (remember — federal funds cannot be used to pay for abortions). For example, depending upon which candidate wins the post of a county board president, abortions that had been made available to poor women may be stopped by the veto power of that new president — without the approval of the county board or the voters.
As one pro-choice organization stated: Pro-choice candidates only lose their elections when pro-choice voters stay home on Election Day. So I would consider it a personal favor, Figleaf, if you could point your readers to the various sites, such as the Planned Parenthood affiliates, which provide information on pro-choice candidates for the upcoming election.
Although it’s a truth I take to be self-evident, I’m willing to provide equal time to someone who imagines they disagree with Kochanie’s proposition that enfranchised American adults who are concerned about the direction of reproductive rights should vote in the upcoming election.
If any of my readers wishes to submit links to related voter information sites, pro or (I say this reluctantly) con, I’ll be happy to promote them to the main body of this post.
Thanks, Kochanie.
Update:
- In comments Kate recommends Voice4Choice.org
- Kochanie adds Planned Parenthood Affiliates
and NOW PACS
Submitted by 977 (not verified) on Mon, 2006-10-16 15:03.
Figleaf,
From this 54-year old woman who, 36 years ago, went to a deserted office building on a cold November day for a illegal abortion -- thank you.
Kochanie
[Yup. And from a 51-year old man who also remembers, back before Roe, volunteering for an "underground railroad," providing cover for women who had to sneak off to D.C. or New York for abortions. I also helped smuggle fellow high-school students to the local health department for birth control. Major lesson I learned: none of the girls who got birth control pills got pregnant again. So yeah, those weren't good old days and people who think we'd be better off back then are pitifully mistaken. Thanks again, Kochanie. --fl]
Submitted by 977 (not verified) on Mon, 2006-10-16 15:52.
I don't have links from the other side to post (yet, anyway) but it rocks that you even made the offer. Thanks
[Hey, I can't agree with the anti-contraception side but I can't in good conscience participate in denying that side a chance to be debated. (I *will* moderate with a heavy hand, however, in the event of disrespect or abuse from either side.) Thanks, PL. --fl]
Submitted by 977 (not verified) on Thu, 2006-10-19 08:19.
To learn more about the how you can help support the women's reproductive rights battle, check out this amazing site!!! http://www.voice4choice.org
[Thanks, Kate. I'll add your link to the main post. --fl]
Submitted by 977 (not verified) on Thu, 2006-10-19 11:37.
Figleaf:
Here are links to two sites which may be helpful to your readers.
Planned Parenthood Affiliates
The lower section of this page includes links to the Planned Parenthood public affairs offices, which provide information on candidates.
NOW PACS
This page of the website of the National Organization for Women provides a Voting Guide for all Federal candidates endorsed by NOW PACS.
Thank you.
[Thanks, Kochanie. I'll add 'em to the list. --fl]