No, It's Not Okay

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by Angry Mouse
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/11/7/801746/-No,-Its-Not-Okay

Today, the Democratic party is letting women know, once again, that we are a single-issue special interest.

And our rights can be compromised away to appease Catholic Bishops, Blue Dog Democrats, and the oh-so-delicate sensibilities of anti-choice taxpayers who don't want to see their tax dollars spent on women's health.

And much to my horror, it seems that a few members of our own community think that's perfectly acceptable. Have to pass the bill, after all, no matter who is sacrificed.

And it is not okay.

First, let's get something straight. There is no government funding for abortion. The Hyde Amendment of 1976 prohibited government funding for abortion. And the health care bill does not in any way revise or repeal the Hyde Amendment.

So let me say it again: There is no government funding for abortion.

Second, even if the bill did fund abortions, I don't care if you don't want to see your tax dollars spent that way. We all fund things we don't like. I, for example, do not like tax credits for purchasing SUVs. I don't like supporting wars with my tax dollars. I don't like paying the salary of Michele Bachmann.

But that's what happens in America. Sometimes, tax dollars fund things we don't like.

So why is it that the one thing tax dollars should never, ever fund is women's health?

Because women's health is a fringe issue. John McCain told us so in one of the presidential debates last year.

Because women's health is a single issue, and women shouldn't allow that one little issue to determine how they vote.

Because women's health is inherently a pre-existing condition.

Because even though we are a majority of the country, we are only 16 percent of Congress.

And it's not okay.

And I'm sick of it.

I'm sick of being told how great it is that the Democratic tent is big enough to welcome people who don't want me to have autonomy over my own damn body, and therefore, my own damn life.

I'm sick of being told that there is room enough for all of us.

And I'm sick of being told, every election year, that I have to vote for the Democrats because only the Democrats stand for women.

The Stupak Amendment does not stand for women. It spits in our face, kicks us in the gut, and sweeps us aside like yesterday's garbage.

And now our fellow Democrats, our fellow progressives, are telling us to suck it up. It's not worth killing health care reform just to protect our rights. It's not worth killing health care reform just for this one little issue.

Suck it up, ladies. Fall in line. After all, not everyone in the party thinks it's okay for us to make decisions about our health care anyway.

So yes, I'll call my representatives. And I'll write my angry emails. And I'll send my money to the right groups, and deny my money to the wrong ones.

But I am sick of it. I am sick of being treated this way.

I am not a single issue.

I am not a special interest.

I am a woman.

And this is not okay.