This will not be as lengthy nor as well researched as I would truly like because, as the title implies, I'm BUSY.
But I am sick to death of the pigeon-holing by the Conservative movement when it comes to Women's Rights, and Women's sensibilities.
Recent case in point:
Washing machines as not only a suggested 'liberating' vehicle, but one worthy of legitimate discussion?! Did I miss a fucking memo? I'm so offended I hardly know where to begin, but I'll leave it to my like-minded 'Liberated' sisters to take this one to the next step.
I'll take on the other argument of Kathryn Lopez. Does she have daughters, I wonder?
I am unquestionably anti-abortion. Meaning, I could not personally have one. (Though I honestly admit I do not know how I would feel about a vehemently unwanted pregnancy--as in from rape or incest-- because I have not experienced that.) But I believe strongly, both from my own sensibilities and from research facts, that Abstinence-only Ed DOES NOT WORK.
Let the Palin family be the highly publicized evidence of that, whether they like it or not.
It is only the Pro-Choice movement that has provided policy and methodology to PREVENT unwanted pregnancy and to my mind, as the mother of a teenage girl, that is a no-brainer. I have yet to read/hear a single 'Pro-Life' methodology that strategizes how to effectively reduce the rate of unwanted teenage pregnancies. And let's face it, those are the abortions we're all focusing on.
Yes, as a matter of civil rights/libertarian principle I am against any body of Legislation or Executive Power dictating to me, or my daughter, what we can or cannot do with our own bodies. And yes, I have conflicted feelings about whether or not my daughter might be required, under law, to advise me of an intended abortion. I freely admit I'd like to know. She doesn't tell me everything. There are all kinds of sticky wickets in this issue.
But ultimately, I recognize there are daughters whose parents may not be as supportive as I. Or may even have been abusive. If I must sacrifice my right to know of my own daughter's decision to protect those other daughters, then so be it. I am part of a society, not an island unto that of my own making; as in, legislation that benefits me and those who think like me alone. I support those daughters whose choices aren't necessarily supported by their parents, no matter how 'loving' they may be.
Know that there are vocal and loud 'Womb to Tomb" advocates out there who understand that protection of life extends so much further beyond the polarizing issue of abortion as defined by the Right: www.sojo.net
Lend your support. Share with your contacts that Pro-Choice is not tantamount to Pro-Abortion. So far, 'Pro-Life' has a monopoly on that view. Let's not let that continue.