Thursday, February 19, 2009

Lies & Scare Tactics from the Catholic Bishops

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has decided to use lies and scare tactics to push an anti-abortion message against a piece of legislation, the Freedom of Choice Act, that does not even exist yet.

James Salt, director of organizing for the progressive organization Catholics United said it best, "In this time of increasing job layoffs, poverty, and food insecurity across America, we should instead be calling on Catholics to commit increased resources to helping children and families survive the collapsing economy."

Created by: Jillian

Bristol Palin--New Advocate for Preventing Teen Pregnancy

In an interview with Fox News, Bristol Palin discussed the hardships and joys of being a teen mom. She also cautioned young people that being a teen mom is difficult and that waiting to have a child would have been her preferred option.

It's definitely worth watching the interview and make sure to tune in to the second video that features Governor Sarah Palin. Maybe having experienced a teenage daughter getting pregnancy herself will help inform her policy positions on sex education. It shouldn't have to be that way...but if it took a personal experience to change her view on abstinence only education, all the better.

My favorite comments of Governor Palin's comes at the end of the interview:

"You get beyond that ideal of "yeah, abstinence, don't get pregnant". Get beyond that. Life happens and you deal with it"

Wow. Hopefully this means that both republicans and democrats, anti-choicers and pro-choicers can finally come togetherand agree that our youth need sex education that works--comprehensive, medically accurate, and age appropriate!

Created by: Jillian

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Great success at the Hartford Brunch

The first annual Hartford-area Pro-Choice Men Make Brunch took place on Sunday. It was generously hosted by Thom Page and Karen Reich, whose beautiful home was the perfect setting. I've been to the Fairfield County brunch a number of times, and I always enjoy it. The Hartford event had a somewhat different feel - more casual, less scene-y - and it totally worked. The chefs turned out a delightful meal, and there was a great crowd of politicians and other friends of Choice. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who I always enjoy hearing, gave some inspired words about the Connecticut's leadership role in fighting the outgoing administration's regulations. Jillian gave a legislative update, including some color on the impact the budget shortfall will have to our initiatives.

Support for NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut remains critical. For the first time, I'll be working with Jillian and other board members to plan this spring's Fairfield County event. Hope to see you there!