In the diary currently at the top of the rec list, eugene has called for us to make phone calls to Henry Waxman, demanding that he provide $200 million for contraception in a $825 billion stimulus bill.
I think this is the wrong approach. Follow me after the jump to learn 3 solutions that I think will work better.
Update: Here's a link to donate to Planned Parenthood. Let's make a difference - this is why Planned Parenthood needs to exist.
Update 2: Thanks to all of you for your comments so far. TPM has a great blog post debunking the idea that Democrats are pushing the family planning thing. The original program was approved in 1972 ... by Nixon.
Here are three better ways to handle this situation:
- Focus on organizing in your community to discuss how totally impotent the Republicans are. They're trying to win a $200 million victory in an $825 billion spending bill. Is this the "cutting out the pork" they were hoping to do? It's like a drop in the bucket.
Republicans "strain a gnat and swallow a camel". Are they serious about being "pro-life"? Then why do they continue to authorize the expenditure of hundreds of billions of dollars to wage wars that cannot be won? If the Republicans are serious about being respectful to religion, then why did they engage in an unjust war? They are arguing about $200 million for condoms, but they decided to rubber stamp torture, deny civil rights, and spend $110 billion a year on war.
Just let them win their pyrrhic victory.
- Focus on private-sector efforts to provide family planning funds. Donate $100 to Planned Parenthood in honor of John Boehner, James Dobson, Sarah Palin, or the wingnut of your choice.
The private sector is where these private health decisions are ultimately made. Rather than just handing out a condom, let's invest in sex education and counseling that helps empower people.
Condoms don't prevent pregnancy. People who use condoms prevent pregnancy.
- Focus on your state and local health departments. The need is great, and from my understanding, healthcare programs are on the chopping block. We know that family planning is smart policy. We know that every effort should be made to provide that. But let's focus locally - targeting the efforts where they are most likely to have a positive impact. Coordinate a local campaign in your neighborhood. It's much more likely to have a lasting impact - not only on perceptions, but on outcomes.
Don't get me wrong - I'm all for giving people the tools they need to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
But let's not fight over federal funding that amounts to only 0.24% of the total stimulus package.
Let the impotent Republicans win their pyrrhic victory - and then make them pay for it for the next 8 years.