Today I spent darn near all of 3.5 hours listening in on MT Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Dan "I love Rush Limbaugh" McGee's SB46 A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONTANA AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE II, SECTION 10, OF THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION PROVIDING THAT THE PROTECTION OF UNBORN HUMAN LIFE IS A COMPELLING STATE INTEREST; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE."
Yup you read that right, constitutional amendment stating that the state has a compelling interest in protecting unborn human life.
All of my feelings aside, those anti-choicers lined up like it was free aborted fetus photo day to spill their guts at the capitol.
Some of my favorite quotes - which won't make the news highlight reel - I just need to share. Now these aren't verbatim, but as close as I can remember.
Abortionists target minorities, and given that our president is a minority, he could have been aborted because of his mother's situation.
Montana has a law that it is illegal to kill baby eagles. Aren't people more important than eagles.
Abortion industry must be stopped because they are making money off the tissues for research.
Montana needs ban abortion to increase population to create jobs, revenue and social security for seniors.
One woman said that she was there to testify on behalf of herself and Jesus and her lord the creator.
McGee even asked if the committee thought that the unborn child is a grizzly bear.
So many of them passed out photos of aborted fetuses to the committee.
Oh and there were so many more. Kathy is going to help me.
My point, and you knew this was coming is that these people are completely off their rocker crazy, nuts, crazy. Don't believe me, listen for yourself.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
And They Are At It Again
The 2009 Legislature is teeming with attempts to take out our right to choose.
The list is a long one, but let's start with Dan McGee's attempt to pick up where Jore left off, by constitutionally defining a person in SB406. Apparently he missed the 2008 Montana primary where signature gatherers for Jore's amendment couldn't come close to getting on the ballot. He also must have missed Colorado's similar amendment getting the ultimate smackdown. He is also running SB46 as a constitutional amendment. Stating that the state of Montana has a compelling interest in the unborn. McGee is gunning for us ladies. These two are not just aimed at banning abortions, but could be used to control birth choices, ban certain birth controls (AKA the pill), punish women who have miscarriages and outlaw some infertility treatments.
Update ** Tomorrow morning, state Senator Dan McGee is having a hearing on SB 46, an amendment to eliminate the right to privacy for pregnant women in Montana. If this amendment passed, the state would have an interest in every pregnancy whether a woman chose to access abortion care, had a miscarriage or stillbirth, or was making decisions around pregnancy care and birth. I hope you will join us in asking Montana's Senators to vote "no" on this dangerous amendment by clicking the link.
Then there is Gerry Perry taking a stab at parental notification. In Montana, we already have a parental notification law on the books, but it was struck down as unconstitutional based on Montanans constitutional right to privacy. Perry thinks that SB374 can fix all of that. Parental notification is NOT a good idea. It comes across as a moderate compromise in the abortion debate, and it pulls at the heartstrings of parents, but most teens will talk to their parents about having an abortion, and those that won't have a compelling reason not to, to have them go in front of a judge to get permission is not going to help, especially in small rural communities, like ah hem, ALL OF MONTANA. Don't teens have an equal right to privacy that adults do?
There are more. . . Check back later.
I will add this, what can you do? E-mail, call, go up to the capitol to harass the members of the Senate Judiciary committee (scroll down) and beg them not to pass these bills out of committee. Or show up and testify.
The list is a long one, but let's start with Dan McGee's attempt to pick up where Jore left off, by constitutionally defining a person in SB406. Apparently he missed the 2008 Montana primary where signature gatherers for Jore's amendment couldn't come close to getting on the ballot. He also must have missed Colorado's similar amendment getting the ultimate smackdown. He is also running SB46 as a constitutional amendment. Stating that the state of Montana has a compelling interest in the unborn. McGee is gunning for us ladies. These two are not just aimed at banning abortions, but could be used to control birth choices, ban certain birth controls (AKA the pill), punish women who have miscarriages and outlaw some infertility treatments.
Update ** Tomorrow morning, state Senator Dan McGee is having a hearing on SB 46, an amendment to eliminate the right to privacy for pregnant women in Montana. If this amendment passed, the state would have an interest in every pregnancy whether a woman chose to access abortion care, had a miscarriage or stillbirth, or was making decisions around pregnancy care and birth. I hope you will join us in asking Montana's Senators to vote "no" on this dangerous amendment by clicking the link.
Then there is Gerry Perry taking a stab at parental notification. In Montana, we already have a parental notification law on the books, but it was struck down as unconstitutional based on Montanans constitutional right to privacy. Perry thinks that SB374 can fix all of that. Parental notification is NOT a good idea. It comes across as a moderate compromise in the abortion debate, and it pulls at the heartstrings of parents, but most teens will talk to their parents about having an abortion, and those that won't have a compelling reason not to, to have them go in front of a judge to get permission is not going to help, especially in small rural communities, like ah hem, ALL OF MONTANA. Don't teens have an equal right to privacy that adults do?
There are more. . . Check back later.
I will add this, what can you do? E-mail, call, go up to the capitol to harass the members of the Senate Judiciary committee (scroll down) and beg them not to pass these bills out of committee. Or show up and testify.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
People of Laurel - Seriously?!?!?
Sorry it has taken me so long to post this. Last week I enjoying myself some Beartooth NBC when dear god in heaven, I was exposed to this gross gross gross old man (warning clicking on this link will pull up a photo and potentially burn your retinas out) blathering on about how human cloning for stem cell research will over tax women's' ovaries. Seriously.
Here are my problems with this.
1. Krayton, I cannot believe that you are opposed to human cloning/stem cell research because it may potentially harm women.
2. WTF? Why is it okay to talk about women's reproductive organs in the MT legislature? It would be a cold day in hell before someone got up and started talking about their concerns about overtaxing gonads.
Here is my message to you. Krayton, you are kreepy and you are a liar. Just be honest and say why you are really opposed to stem cell research and let us worry about our ovaries.
The other thing that impressed me was the news coverage showing Dianne Sands and Arlene Becker sitting quitely listening to his vile. Diane, jump up and punch him in the enlarged prostate!
Here are my problems with this.
1. Krayton, I cannot believe that you are opposed to human cloning/stem cell research because it may potentially harm women.
2. WTF? Why is it okay to talk about women's reproductive organs in the MT legislature? It would be a cold day in hell before someone got up and started talking about their concerns about overtaxing gonads.
Here is my message to you. Krayton, you are kreepy and you are a liar. Just be honest and say why you are really opposed to stem cell research and let us worry about our ovaries.
The other thing that impressed me was the news coverage showing Dianne Sands and Arlene Becker sitting quitely listening to his vile. Diane, jump up and punch him in the enlarged prostate!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Blog For Choice
Happy Roe V. Wade Anniversary! What better way to celebrate the return to the Red Basement than a blog for Choice? Roe Rally at the Montana Capital Today at 1:00 PM!
Kathy and I have fought tirelessly for the last few years to ensure that our sisters here in Montana have the right to access reproductive health care of any variety. While this battle has had its highs and lows, it is days like today, Roe V. Wade 36th anniversary that make us sigh and smile.
36 years of saving women's lives.
36 years of ensuring that women have the right to choose health care that is appropriate for themselves, their families and their gods.
I have a son now and this morning as I sit on the floor of his bedroom and type this (he is busy unpacking his basket of books) I appreciate now more than ever the freedom of choice. I am so lucky to have carried to term a very healthy baby. The pregnancy went swimmingly and now every day I am blessed with dirty diapers, crying, smiles, naps, noisy toys, and nursing.
Someone I love very much was not so lucky. After trying FOREVER to get pregnant, they found out that 20 some weeks into the pregnancy that the baby boy in her belly was missing substantial organs including part of his heart. 0% chance of survival outside of his momma. Without Roe she would have had to carry that baby to term. While her options seemed so grim, she can now focus on trying again to have a healthy baby. My heart is still broken for her, and will be forever.
This is why it makes me insanely angry to hear the right to lifers (AKA mouth breathers) talk about women who have abortions as irresponsible teenagers using them as birth control. Or they claim that women who have to make this brutal decision are heartless and callus and compare it to choosing a hair or nail color. Now we all know that is not true.
I have seen these people, I have stared them in the eyes, they don't care about saving lives, if they did, they would be fighting side by side with us to prevent unplanned pregnancies, or guaranteeing all women's access to affordable health care especially pre-natal care. But oh no, it is the opposite.
There I go, focusing on the negative. Let us look toward the future and say thank you to all of the reproductive justice advocates for ensuring that all of us can manage our own freedom. Now, let's hope that Obama celebrates the anniversary of Roe to reverse the Global Gag Rule!
Kathy and I have fought tirelessly for the last few years to ensure that our sisters here in Montana have the right to access reproductive health care of any variety. While this battle has had its highs and lows, it is days like today, Roe V. Wade 36th anniversary that make us sigh and smile.
36 years of saving women's lives.
36 years of ensuring that women have the right to choose health care that is appropriate for themselves, their families and their gods.
I have a son now and this morning as I sit on the floor of his bedroom and type this (he is busy unpacking his basket of books) I appreciate now more than ever the freedom of choice. I am so lucky to have carried to term a very healthy baby. The pregnancy went swimmingly and now every day I am blessed with dirty diapers, crying, smiles, naps, noisy toys, and nursing.
Someone I love very much was not so lucky. After trying FOREVER to get pregnant, they found out that 20 some weeks into the pregnancy that the baby boy in her belly was missing substantial organs including part of his heart. 0% chance of survival outside of his momma. Without Roe she would have had to carry that baby to term. While her options seemed so grim, she can now focus on trying again to have a healthy baby. My heart is still broken for her, and will be forever.
This is why it makes me insanely angry to hear the right to lifers (AKA mouth breathers) talk about women who have abortions as irresponsible teenagers using them as birth control. Or they claim that women who have to make this brutal decision are heartless and callus and compare it to choosing a hair or nail color. Now we all know that is not true.
I have seen these people, I have stared them in the eyes, they don't care about saving lives, if they did, they would be fighting side by side with us to prevent unplanned pregnancies, or guaranteeing all women's access to affordable health care especially pre-natal care. But oh no, it is the opposite.
There I go, focusing on the negative. Let us look toward the future and say thank you to all of the reproductive justice advocates for ensuring that all of us can manage our own freedom. Now, let's hope that Obama celebrates the anniversary of Roe to reverse the Global Gag Rule!
Friday, April 04, 2008
Really? Duh.
Helena, oh how quaint you are some days. Business Leaders Weigh Sprawl Vs. Development. I mean, those little sillies in Helena need to discuss what is better for the environment and the community - to chew up open spaces and build build build or to renovate already existing vacant buildings/acres inside town.
And I say Duh. I have always said duh to this. How hard is it to add up the difference between walking 4 blocks (or drive) to Safeway vs. drive 6 miles out to Costco for groceries. You don't have to be a Greenspan to push the calculator buttons on this one.
For developer Jeff Rhoads, president of the Argonaut Company that’s planning the densely-developed Artisan Park subdivision northwest of the city, building downtown beats building on the outskirts for environmental as well as community-focused reasons.
“With gas approaching $4 a gallon, sprawling development is not sustainable,” he said. “People in walkable mixed-use areas use 30 percent less fuel.”
Blame it on fuel prices, I don't care, growing "up" is always always always better than growing out. Or maybe I just know this because I spent 7 years watching Bozeman destroy itself from the outside out.
If you will excuse me, I need to go give Al Nicholson a big hug. God bless that man.
And I say Duh. I have always said duh to this. How hard is it to add up the difference between walking 4 blocks (or drive) to Safeway vs. drive 6 miles out to Costco for groceries. You don't have to be a Greenspan to push the calculator buttons on this one.
For developer Jeff Rhoads, president of the Argonaut Company that’s planning the densely-developed Artisan Park subdivision northwest of the city, building downtown beats building on the outskirts for environmental as well as community-focused reasons.
“With gas approaching $4 a gallon, sprawling development is not sustainable,” he said. “People in walkable mixed-use areas use 30 percent less fuel.”
Blame it on fuel prices, I don't care, growing "up" is always always always better than growing out. Or maybe I just know this because I spent 7 years watching Bozeman destroy itself from the outside out.
If you will excuse me, I need to go give Al Nicholson a big hug. God bless that man.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Not Every Day. . .
. . .Can you cast a vote for a former young republican (he has been reformed) Great Falls High debate team member for Montana's Lt. Governor. Or as I call it, Governor Jr.
Jason Neiffer, an old buddy of mine from back in the high school debate team days is running in Montana's democratic primary for Lt. Governor. I wish him the best of luck. He told me last night that his goal was to get 4% of the statewide vote in the primary. He also told me that if elected I could get a position in his cabinet as Soils Ombudsman. I wasn't sure what an ombudsman was, but he explained it to me.
Not only am I buying a t-shirt, but you bet he will be getting my vote. I am going to help take him to the 4% statewide he is looking for.
"Can we win? It's certainly a long shot. But in a state that elected Conrad Burns three times, isn't anything possible?"
Jason Neiffer, an old buddy of mine from back in the high school debate team days is running in Montana's democratic primary for Lt. Governor. I wish him the best of luck. He told me last night that his goal was to get 4% of the statewide vote in the primary. He also told me that if elected I could get a position in his cabinet as Soils Ombudsman. I wasn't sure what an ombudsman was, but he explained it to me.
Not only am I buying a t-shirt, but you bet he will be getting my vote. I am going to help take him to the 4% statewide he is looking for.
"Can we win? It's certainly a long shot. But in a state that elected Conrad Burns three times, isn't anything possible?"
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Critically Devastated
This is my type of "compromise".
Wisconsin state appeals court upheld sanctions against sanctimonious (and sexually discriminating) pharmacist.
Here is the compromise. You discriminate against women and you get "Noesen said the discipline "critically devastated" his business as a traveling pharmacist because some pharmacies refused to hire him and he lost his liability insurance, court records said."
Wisconsin state appeals court upheld sanctions against sanctimonious (and sexually discriminating) pharmacist.
Here is the compromise. You discriminate against women and you get "Noesen said the discipline "critically devastated" his business as a traveling pharmacist because some pharmacies refused to hire him and he lost his liability insurance, court records said."
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Another Creepy Old Man.
Ahhhh, Idaho. How I love thee. Your politics are so awesome.
Creepy old dude changes name to call attention to his woman hating beliefs.
Creepy old dude changes name to call attention to his woman hating beliefs.
Friday, March 14, 2008
I am SORRY - no wait, I am not!
Compromise in Broadus.
What I was going to say is I am SORRY, but I completely disagree with PP on this one. Stop compromising with these dudes and force them to stop discriminating against women! I mean what other drugs do pharmacists deny because of religious beliefs? None, they hate women and hide behind god to prevent them from getting basic health care. What is a fair compromise on sexual discrimination?
What I was going to say is I am SORRY, but I completely disagree with PP on this one. Stop compromising with these dudes and force them to stop discriminating against women! I mean what other drugs do pharmacists deny because of religious beliefs? None, they hate women and hide behind god to prevent them from getting basic health care. What is a fair compromise on sexual discrimination?
Balk! Gag!
In 'Horton' Movie, Antichoicers Hear an Ally.
Inappropriate - yes. Tacky, yes, but I mean they are anti-choicers, what do you expect? Dr. Seuss' widow says not to hijack his characters for political purposes.
Exactally.
Inappropriate - yes. Tacky, yes, but I mean they are anti-choicers, what do you expect? Dr. Seuss' widow says not to hijack his characters for political purposes.
Exactally.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
I Heart Pat
It is no great secret that I am totally pro the 1872 mining law reform. Here is Pat Williams' testimony in front of congress. Holla!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Teen Girls
Sadly, it is teenage girls bearing the brunt of abstinence only sex education. Not only are they knocked up in record numbers, but one in four has an STD. Not just ANY STD, but HPV, the cancer causing kick you in the F! STD.
“Those numbers are certainly alarming,” said sex education expert Nora Gelperin, who works with a teen-written Web site called sexetc.org.
“Sexuality is still a very taboo subject in our society,” she said. “Teens tell us that they can’t make decisions in the dark and that adults aren’t properly preparing them to make responsible decisions.”
Sad day indeed.
“Those numbers are certainly alarming,” said sex education expert Nora Gelperin, who works with a teen-written Web site called sexetc.org.
“Sexuality is still a very taboo subject in our society,” she said. “Teens tell us that they can’t make decisions in the dark and that adults aren’t properly preparing them to make responsible decisions.”
Sad day indeed.
Good Ole Knee Slapper
I am pretty sure that our governor is the most hilarious in the nation.
Click on "Listen Now" and get ready to laugh.
Makes me even more proud to be a Montanan.
Click on "Listen Now" and get ready to laugh.
Makes me even more proud to be a Montanan.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
And the nuts just keep getting nuts-er
I mean, I get it. The Montana R's are splitting down the seams. It started in Kalispell and is ripping through the state. In Kalispell though, it was all about not letting the evangelicals take over the Rep. values/name.
I am not sure exactly what Krazy Legs Koopman is getting at here. I mean, this list is kind of baffling to me.
Republican House incumbents targeted, in what Koopman said was “in rough order of priority,” are Reps. Llew Jones of Conrad, Walter McNutt of Sidney, Duane Ankney of Colstrip, Jesse O’Hara of Great Falls, Harry Klock of Great Falls, Bill Glaser of Huntley, Bruce Malcolm of Emigrant, John Ward of Helena, Carol Lambert of Broadus, Elsie Arntzen of Billings, Gary MacLaren of Victor and Mike Milburn of Cascade.
The only person on that list I like is McNutt. That guy is cool.
Hey, if he wants to take down assfaces like Jesse O'Hara and Elsie Arntzen - I fully support that. I bet the only reason some of those names made the list is because they have someone "conservative" enough to run in their place. I am still at an utter loss about what those two f-ers did to categorize them as “. . .a Republican who has essentially betrayed them by morphing into a Democrat. . .”?
Dave Lewis' quote is priceless.
I am not sure exactly what Krazy Legs Koopman is getting at here. I mean, this list is kind of baffling to me.
Republican House incumbents targeted, in what Koopman said was “in rough order of priority,” are Reps. Llew Jones of Conrad, Walter McNutt of Sidney, Duane Ankney of Colstrip, Jesse O’Hara of Great Falls, Harry Klock of Great Falls, Bill Glaser of Huntley, Bruce Malcolm of Emigrant, John Ward of Helena, Carol Lambert of Broadus, Elsie Arntzen of Billings, Gary MacLaren of Victor and Mike Milburn of Cascade.
The only person on that list I like is McNutt. That guy is cool.
Hey, if he wants to take down assfaces like Jesse O'Hara and Elsie Arntzen - I fully support that. I bet the only reason some of those names made the list is because they have someone "conservative" enough to run in their place. I am still at an utter loss about what those two f-ers did to categorize them as “. . .a Republican who has essentially betrayed them by morphing into a Democrat. . .”?
Dave Lewis' quote is priceless.
Monday, March 03, 2008
And Yes
We were in Missoula this weekend - it was a great weekend and this was icing on the cake!
Catholic Biships Won't Support CI-100!
Because it is crazy!
I like the GF Article even better - check out the big brain in charge at MT NARAL!
Catholic Biships Won't Support CI-100!
Because it is crazy!
I like the GF Article even better - check out the big brain in charge at MT NARAL!
Friday, February 22, 2008
My President
I am so sick, only this could make me feel better. Bill Clinton poops on anti-choicers.
Thank you Feministing!
God, I love Bill Clinton.
Thank you Feministing!
God, I love Bill Clinton.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Valenti Rocks Montana
Excellent Article in the Missoulian about Jessica Valenti's visit to Montana.
How cool is that?
So sad I missed it. We were on our way to the Carribbean.
How cool is that?
So sad I missed it. We were on our way to the Carribbean.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Montanans Love Momos!
Despite all of the McCain chatter going around the state for the last few weeks, yet Montana Republicans pick Romney.
I guess I was shocked. Shocked and mildly pleased. I think it is going to be easier to beat a mormon than an evangelical (or fake evangelical) in the main election. Although, they both share one fundamental value - woman hating.
In other news - Ron Paul showed up in Montana whereas he is not even on the radar in other states. What is up with that?
I guess I was shocked. Shocked and mildly pleased. I think it is going to be easier to beat a mormon than an evangelical (or fake evangelical) in the main election. Although, they both share one fundamental value - woman hating.
In other news - Ron Paul showed up in Montana whereas he is not even on the radar in other states. What is up with that?
Monday, February 04, 2008
My Favorite Feminist
Is coming to Montana. So sad I won't get to go see her speak.
Check her out in Missoula this Wednesday!
Check her out in Missoula this Wednesday!
The Montana Republican Party is just mean
Bohlinger is easily one of the most beloved politicans in the state of MT. Let the MT Republican party hang themselves with this b.s.
Chairman swap may win McCain conservatives
Chairman swap may win McCain conservatives