Oct

31

Democrats Still Backing Anti-Choice Candidates

Filed Under 2008 election, Democrats, abortion, anti-choice extremism, politics, reproductive justice, social conservatives, women’s health | 19 Comments

A few days ago the NY Times published an article about the unusually high number of anti-choice candidates the Democratic Party is running this election year:

In fact, Mr. Bright is one of a dozen anti-abortion Democratic challengers the party has recruited to run for the House this year and has aggressively supported with millions of dollars and other resources in culturally conservative districts long unfriendly to the party.

That is the highest number of anti-abortion candidates the party has fielded in recent memory to run either for open seats or against Republican challengers, according to party strategists and a leading anti-abortion organization. It is a strategy that that has received little attention in an election year dominated nationally by a grim economic picture and an unpopular president.

But Democratic Party strategists contend that in Congressional races, in which local sensibilities and attitudes often play as a big a role as national trends, candidates like Mr. Bright could potentially deprive Republicans of the one realm where they have enjoyed a significant advantage: social issues.

The Democratic effort to seek out candidates like Mr. Bright has not been without tensions, given the party’s reliance on abortion rights groups for fund-raising and get-out-the-vote efforts. And there is the fundamental reality that the Democratic Party’s platform explicitly embraces abortion rights.

As the article notes, this is an ongoing strategy for the Dems since 2004 and it seems to be slowly expanding.  So while I’m not hugely surprised by the development, you better believe that I’m pissed off.

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Oct

30

Woman Stoned For Adultery in Somalia

Filed Under Africa, International, feminism, human rights, misogyny, patriarchy, rape and sexual assault, religious fanaticism, violence against women and girls | 12 Comments

Trigger Warning

In Somalia, insurgents have stoned a woman to death. The woman, who relatives named as Asha Ibrahim Dhuhulow, was buried in the ground up to her neck and pelted with rocks until she was dead. The “crime” of which she was accused was adultery.

The 23-year-old woman was placed in a hole up to her neck for the execution late on Monday in front of hundreds of people in a square of the southern port of Kismayu, which the Islamist insurgents captured in August.

Stones were hurled at her head and she was pulled out three times to see if she was dead, witnesses said. When a relative and others surged forward, guards opened fire, killing a child.

“A woman in green veil and black mask was brought in a car as we waited to watch the merciless act of stoning,” one local resident, Abdullahi Aden, told Reuters.

“We were told she submitted herself to be punished, yet we could see her screaming as she was forcefully bound, legs and hands. A relative of hers ran toward her, but the Islamists opened fire and killed a child.”

The European Union’s presidency condemned the stoning.

“The EU … condemns a particularly vile execution, which the Islamist insurgents who took control of the city deliberately publicized,” it said in a statement.

The Islamists last carried out public executions when they ruled Mogadishu and most of south Somalia for half of 2006. Allied Ethiopian and Somali government forces toppled them at the end of that year, but they have waged an Iraq-style guerrilla campaign since then, gradually taking territory back.

According to this NY Times blurb, Somali human rights officials say that the woman did not in fact commit adultery, but was raped.

Originally, I felt like this factor mattered. It’s an instinctual response, to think that this murder was even more unjust if the reasoning regarded a violent act committed against her. Of course, it does matter and we should care if she was raped in the sense that it would be another tragedy and human rights violation stacked on top of this one. And if Asha said that she was raped, I believe her.

But in the end, whether she was killed because of a rape, because of consensual sex, or because of sexual contact neither consensual or non-consensual because it was entirely imagined, it’s not the point. To emphasize that Asha was murdered because she was raped, and that’s why her death is a tragedy is to suggest that it would be less tragic if she actually had committed consensual adultery.

Asha’s life was taken from her, quite simply, because she was a woman. And a child was killed, it seems, because someone dared to even suggest with their body language that the murder was unjust.  It’s a human rights violation, regardless of the details, and we should be saddened and outraged.

As I came up pretty empty-handed: if you have information on any feminist or human rights groups, particularly those from the region, working on crimes like this one, please leave that information in the comments or email me and I will add it to the post.

cross-posted at Feministe

Oct

30

Beatles!!! Rock Band!!!

Filed Under Gratuitous Beatles Blogging, fun, random | 13 Comments

OMFG OMFG OMFG OMFG

Oct

29

Strip Club Holds Sarah Palin Lookalike Contest

Filed Under 2008 election, Republicans, beauty myths, feminism, media, misogyny, objectification, patriarchy, politics, pop culture, pornography, sex and sexuality, sexism, slut-shaming | 8 Comments

Via Sociological Images — a truly great blog I discovered recently — comes this story about a Sarah Palin lookalike contest held at Vegas strip club (oh, sorry, “gentleman’s club”).  Lots of bikinis, sexualized use of guns and sexism abound.  You can view more photographs of the event here.

The saddest thing is that it’s not the most offensive display of sexualized misogyny that has been directed a Palin.  The sex doll came close, but I’d say that award goes “Nailin’ Paylin,” the Larry Flint pornographic film starring yet another Palin lookalike, the existence of which all of us should have seen coming.

There are two problems with both the porn film and this strip club contest, and neither one of them is about porn and stripping in general.  The first issue is consent.  Sarah Palin did not consent to having her image used in this way.  Portraying her sexually like this without her consent is a violation — and contrary to what many people apparently think, existing as a woman in public is not the same as consenting to use of your body as public property.  This isn’t satire or parody; it’s just sexist and degrading.

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Oct

28

More Ballot Updates: No on Prop 4

Filed Under 2008 election, abortion, anti-choice extremism, legislation, misogyny, paternalism, patriarchy, politics, religious fanaticism, reproductive justice, social conservatives, violence against women and girls, women’s health | 5 Comments

Yesterday I provided an update on anti-choice ballot initiative Measure 11 in South Dakota — today it’s time for an update on anti-choice ballot initiative Prop 4 in California. Prop 4, a piece of legislation which will appear on the ballot for the third time in four years, would instate a parental notification requirement for minors seeking an abortion. This is dangerous legislation, which would violate the rights, health and safety of teens if it were to be passed — teens like Becky Bell.

Below is No on Prop 4’s latest ad, pointing out the reality of illegal abortions sought by teens too afraid to tell their parents, whether because they’re in an abusive situation or simply terrified of a reaction:

Kathy Kneer from Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California explained concisely in an email to me the huge flaws in the initiative’s so-called “bypass procedure”:

It’s deceptive to call this “family notification.” Right now a teen can go notify another adult, but Prop 4 would close off that option. Under Prop 4 before a teen could notify another family member, she must first accuse a parent of mistreatment and sign written statement saying she fears physical, sexual, or severe emotional abuse – no matter what her circumstances really are. This would trigger a family investigation by authorities. This so-called notification is nothing more than a form letter sent to another person who may not even live in the same state. There is no requirement for counseling and no requirement that the substitute adult help her when she is in crisis.

Alternatively, a teen could avoid parental notification by appearing before a judge. However, this is unrealistic. If a teen is pregnant, unable to go to her parents, and already desperate, she isn’t going to navigate court bureaucracy to reveal the most intimate details of her life to an unfamiliar judge in an impersonal courthouse. She doesn’t need a judge; she needs a caring counselor and safe, quality medical care without delay. Proposition 4 provides none of this.

At least 37 newspapers have rightfully come out in opposition to Prop 4. But No on Prop 4 still desperately  needs your help.  A new poll shows that there is currently a statistical tie among voters — with 46% saying they’ll vote Yes, and 44% saying they’ll vote NO.

That’s way too close exactly one week out from Election Day.  If you’re in California, please do what you can — and the first step is to Vote No on this dangerous initiative.  Sign up to volunteer now, or view list of volunteer events.  Also, please donate what you can.  The lives, health and safety of teen girls are on the line.

cross-posted at Feministe

Oct

28

Same-Sex Marriage: Violating Your Right to Free Speech

Filed Under 2008 election, LGBTQ, assholes, bigotry, discrimination, fun, homophobia, politics, religious fanaticism, sex and sexuality, social conservatives | 13 Comments

I was reading an article yesterday about the arguments being made by those on both sides of Prop 8 — the California ballot initiative that would outlaw same-sex marriage — and found this intelligent argument from those supporting the family-protecting legislation:

In television advertisements, rallies, highway billboards, sermons and phone banks, supporters of Proposition 8 are warning that if it does not pass, churches that refuse to marry same-sex couples will be sued and lose their tax-exempt status. Ministers will be jailed if they preach against homosexuality. Parents will have no right to prevent their children from being taught in school about same-sex marriage.

[. . .]

“When you have laws that make homosexual marriage a protected class, then the government has a compelling interest to normalize that and must declare anything in opposition to that hate speech,” said Mr. Garlow, who hosted both the recent simulcast and regular conference calls with as many as 2,000 pastors, to motivate the ranks.

Do you so-called “marriage equality” liberals even understand what you’re doing? You’re trying to take away the inalienable right of Good Christian Families ™ to preach openly about how much better they are than you! If this legislation passes, they might just have to accept that there is nothing morally superior about being straight. How dare you?

Now, I don’t agree with those supporting Prop 8 entirely. Oh, I think that gay marriage is wrong (WRONG!), but I don’t in fact think that straight marriage is superior. You see, I oppose all marriage — only, because it’s legal, I can’t tell you that! So, in order to show my support for Prop 8, and because I believe so strongly in the argument above, I’m going to put my own ass on the line to prove how very right Mr. Garlow is.

Read more

Oct

27

What The Election Means

Filed Under 2008 election, Democrats, politics, race and racism | 4 Comments



Elle’s post on the topic, and the pictures she posted along with it, just made me get all teary-eyed. Go check it out.

Oct

27

It’s Crunch Time in South Dakota

Filed Under 2008 election, abortion, activism, anti-choice extremism, legislation, misogyny, paternalism, patriarchy, politics, reproductive justice, women’s health | 1 Comment

The good news is that a new South Dakota poll on Initiated Measure 11, the proposed abortion ban, shows the public is opposing the ballot initiative. The bad news is that we’re only ahead by a hair:

On behalf of Daily Kos, Research 2000 conducted a South Dakota Poll about Initiated Measure 11 from October 22 through October 24th. 600 likely voters who vote regularly in state elections were interviewed statewide by telephone.

42% say they’re voting “yes.”

44% say they’re voting “NO!”

Remember that in a state with about 500,000 voters, a poll of 600 people is actually rather representative of the population, and much more so than most political polls. But chances are that this is still within the margin of error, and even if it weren’t, it’s too close for comfort.  Additionally, a previous poll conducted by the Argus Leader showed its 800 respondents spit evenly with 44% on both sides.

So what does that mean? It means that we can win this thing, but it’s going to be close. And so SD Healthy Families — and women all over South Dakota and all over America — need your help now.

If you’re in South Dakota, email sstevens AT ppmns DOT org now to sign up for a volunteer shift.  In a race this close with a voting population of this size, your time really will make such a big difference.  And wherever you are, donate now.  In the past week, Daily Kos has raised over $1,750,000 — a breath-taking amount for this campaign.  Let’s see if we can help them reach their $2,000,000 goal. Remember that time is quickly running out!

cross-posted at Feministe

Oct

26

Six Random Things About Me

Filed Under fun, personal and self-promotion, random | 5 Comments

Renee tagged me for this thing:

6 Random Things About Me:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself. (See below)
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them. (See further below…)
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

1. We just got Rock Band 2, and the first thing I did was make The Beatles as playable characters.  George looks totally awesome.  Paul didn’t work out so well.

2. As a follow-up, if I spent any more time talking/thinking about The Beatles, I’m quite sure it would be considered some kind of disorder.

3. I could happily live off of pizza and birthday cake.  Yes, I am five-years-old.

4. Ever since I started blogging, I never get the time to read books.  I’m displeased about that but have yet to find a way around it.

5. If I could, I’d probably spend every dollar I have at Etsy.

6. My cat is in charge around here.  This should be considered nothing unusual by those who have cats.

7. My eyes change color quite dramatically based on what I’m wearing.

8. I’m on my way out the door to phone-bank for Alice Kryzan.

I hate tagging people and I’m not good at following rules. I’m a rebel like that.

Update: oh crap, Genevieve tagged me for this one too.

Where would my 8 homes be?

1. San Francisco

2. New York City. Preferably in the Dakota. Hehe.

3. Along the same lines, in London on Abbey Road :)

4. Boston

5. Sydney. I miss it there.

6. Paris. Obviously anyone who has 8 homes is doing something wrong if they don’t have one in Paris.

7. Washington D.C. I like politics and political people.

8. I don’t know. Who the hell needs 8 homes? Dublin. I hear it’s nice there. Why not?

Oct

25

McCain Doesn’t Seem Sure About Why McCain Should Be President, Either

Filed Under 2008 election, Barack Obama, Democrats, Republicans, politics | 4 Comments

It looks like even McCain’s arguments for why he should be president are actually arguments for why he shouldn’t.

John McCain kicked off a campaign swing in two Western states Friday with a new warning that electing Barack Obama could create unchecked Democratic control in Washington.

Republican incumbents and challengers are facing stiff battles in numerous congressional races, including in Colorado. Democrats expect to pick up seats in both the House and Senate and may reach a veto-proof majority of 60 in the Senate.

“The answer to a slowing economy is not higher taxes, but that is exactly what is going to happen when the Democrats have total control of Washington,” McCain told about 3,000 supporters in Denver’s National Western Arena. “We’ve already seen a preview of their plans,” added the four-term Arizona senator. “It’s pretty simple and pretty familiar: tax and spend.”

Is that seriously the only thing this guy has left? “My party sucks and has fucked up everything so badly that we’re being voted out of office at every turn. My friends, we’re going to get our asses handed to us all across America. So the last thing you want to do is vote for the presidential nominee of a political party you clearly favor.”

You go with that, McCain.  And remember, as you do, that up to this point voters have seen through the vast majority of your bullshit in droves.  Things aren’t looking good; you keep on reminding people that you don’t really have as single argument about why you would actually make a better president.

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