When I was at the rally I ran into my neighbor. I had my giant Vinehout sign and she had her little Falk pin. Neighbor stated that she couldn't get behind Senator Vinehout because of her views on birth control. What she said made me realize was that Kathleen Vinehout has a battle on her hands with women. And some may not be able to get past it.
The conversation with the neighbor, the Isthmus article and the views from naral were the reasons for going to the coffee meeting at the Goodman Center. I had to find out what the controversy was all about and if I wanted to stand with this woman.
From the Vinehout website
What was the controversy over filling prescriptions for contraceptives?
I support a woman’s ability to have her prescription filled without delay. The controversy is related to a bill that came before the Senate Health Committee late in the session in 2008. When the bill was first introduced, there was a difference of opinion whether the pharmacist or the pharmacy should have the duty to fill the prescription. The 2008 bill died because the Assembly had already gone home when the Senate passed the bill. The fight was resolved in 2009 to require the pharmacy, not the pharmacist to dispense birth control. I helped craft this language and voted for the solution.
And from her website
As a recent Wisconsin court decision stated, the pharmacist “is allowed to work as a pharmacist and to exercise his beliefs about contraception; he is merely prevented from doing so in a manner where he deprives patients of their legal health care rights. … The imposition of the proposed discipline, training and practice guidelines strike the appropriate balance between the interests of an objecting pharmacist and the need for protection of the public in this action.”
In 2008, the way she
voted , in my best interpretation, was the wording in the amendment was going to lead to court challenges if the vote was no. This was a bill that was given for review at 6pm and voted on the next noon. In doing her fast research she found a case from Planned Parenthood supporting her view that the distinction between pharmacist and pharmacy was going to lead to court cases. Also in her view, voting against one
conscience clause was a vote against any conscience clause as stated in the WI Constitution. That means you can hold true to your conscience if it is about birth control OR going to war or anything else. What she further clarified in the amendment she wrote the following year was that the pharmacist may have these objections but the PHARMACY had the obligation to fill any script.
Hope I got that correct.
At the meeting with the delicious coffee, another woman was first to ask about this. After a round of Q and A, I could see she just wasn't satisfied. It made me wonder if there was going to be anything that would make her or my neighbor decide that this vote wasn't done against women. Kathleen Vinehout had said several times that day that she was pro-choice, pro birth control, and pro women. When the meeting was over I just had to go back and find the woman and see where and what the dissatisfaction actually was. (Frankly, quite unlike my shy self. This is what Scott Walker has done). After talking for a bit, we finally decided that part of the question of the issue was in the 2008 vote, was she voting that women should defer to the pharmacists wishes? Senator Vinehout came over and once again took the time to explain that it was about having the ultimate responsibility with the pharmacy, but the pharmacist could have his/her own views. Her view was in upholding the Constitution. We all seemed to agree that having the conscience clause was undeniable, even for things we may not like. Another gentleman seemed to think this was related to how she would stand for gay marriage, which she emphatically stated "Oh Yes!" all for it.
Somehow, finally, we all walked out happy and satisfied.
My little mother was surprised at how personable this Kathleen Vinehout is. Ya know, for a person in politics. She liked her lack of sound bites and the way she would answer the question thoroughly. Almost too thoroughly, like President Obama. She loves the fact that she is for the people and willing to work for the citizens of Wisconsin and not the politicians or Koch bros.
Here are some of her endorsements if you would like to peruse. She is having meetings in librarys and bars and community centers all over the state. Ask her direct questions, not only will you get an answer but you will get the best hug of your life.
I am planning to go to a Falk event, and will drag my little mother around with me as she is the better judge of character. Personally, it looks like the Dem party has chosen Falk for me, and that is not why we were standing in the cold all last year. That is another dairy for another day. Though I like Barret, but he spent so much time this past year saying, No, I want to be mayor of Milwaukee, and five days before that election he decides to run for guv, that I just don't think he has his feet in either place. Lafollette seems to be a very good man,but I am not seeing him fighting for this position.
Please check your listings for your favorite Wisconsin diarists, and tune in for more of As the Cheddar Turns.
I welcome your feedback.
12:28 PM PT: Update... from the comments by MaryRW. Kathleen Vinehout will be at Madison Drinking Liberally tonight at the Brink Lounge 6:30. At 701 East Washington Avenue.
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