I had to join the online march for Trust Women Week (best explained here: http://msmagazine.com/blog/blog/2012/01/20/trust-women-online-march/), as I figure I can put my pro-choice attitude and words where it matters.
I trust women, and I vote.
I trust women, and I believe that no one should be forced to or not to have a child.
I trust women as I would want to be trusted with decisions about my own life.
I trust women, as I know I could never, ever understand what led someone to their decision and that my choice might not necessarily be the same as theirs.
I trust women because likewise, I would never impose my own lifestyle on others.
I trust women because I don't ever want anyone to feel as though they can no longer control their own bodies.
I trust women because I believe as Beverly Smith said, "The right to choose can be a woman's right to life."
I will always and forever trust women.
And as a woman, I demand to be trusted as well.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Forget the "brand," concentrate on the person
Brand recognition. Personal brand. Create your personal brand.
I'm sure you've heard these phrases before, and since they've been used so much, they're probably coming off like a brand-ing iron to the ears. Even in the non-profit and academic worlds I frequent, I have heard these phrases more times than I could count. Develop your "personal brand," we professionals are told. Little, everyday things contribute to one's "personal brand," like how you dress, who you're seen with, and how you come across to people. Rather than achieving success through working to expand your mind and improve your life, this suggests that success, instead, comes from the way you, your career, and life are packaged (like a brand). When someone sees you or hears your name, they immediately (if you're lucky) think about what you've created your brand to be.
As acclimated as I've become to the business world (both non-profit and for-profit, being the grant manager and all), this is one concept I'm not at all sold on. Sure, I can understand the importance of creating a good reputation and becoming someone that people can trust right away. But a brand? That sounds waaaay too simplistic to really encapsulate who a person is!
Brands, the way I see them, apply to inanimate products, like say, cleaning solutions or foods. When I open up a bottle of Lysol or Soft Scrub to clean my bathroom, for example, I have an idea of what I've gotten and what I expect it to do. I know that I can get tough stains out of my sink and tub with the Soft Scrub and that Lysol works better on my toilet. That's part of their brand and part of my own experience with them. But here's the thing. I use the cleaning products. I certainly don't seek to get to know them, find out how I can relate to them, or establish a connection with them. They exist to serve one specific purpose--to make my home clean and sanitary. They're inanimate objects, not sentient beings with personalities or desires.
A person is a person. Not a brand. We are way too complex to really boil things down to just a little package and nothing more. We have desires and interests and idiosyncrasies that can't all fit into a little package. What does one do if all of those interests don't fit into their brand? Leave those out? Hide them? I mean, people are FULL of contradictions and quirks--even the most normal among us! You've read on this blog, for example, my interest in "buying local" and supporting my local, namely Lake County, community. However, one of my favorite things to do is to visit the ethnic enclaves in the huge cities I visit, get horrendously lost, and come back after 8 hours with a dozen new friends I made and stories to tell. (Last time I was in Armour Square, the docents at the Chinese-American Museum let my family and me in after hours, turned on the lights and videos, showed us how to play some of the games on display, and gave us our own private tour!) However, as much as that made an AWESOME day and birthday, that is not patronizing Lake County. Armour Square is a neighborhood of Chicago. Which is not in Lake County. Does that affect my "shop local" interests? Do I have to turn in my Lake County Chamber of Commerce membership? No, no, and no. That's because I have more interests than some silly narrow definition.
So maybe the focus isn't to develop your "personal brand." Maybe what we need to do is to understand and appreciate the complex, multiform human beings that we all are. A brand can't possibly cover all of that.
I'm sure you've heard these phrases before, and since they've been used so much, they're probably coming off like a brand-ing iron to the ears. Even in the non-profit and academic worlds I frequent, I have heard these phrases more times than I could count. Develop your "personal brand," we professionals are told. Little, everyday things contribute to one's "personal brand," like how you dress, who you're seen with, and how you come across to people. Rather than achieving success through working to expand your mind and improve your life, this suggests that success, instead, comes from the way you, your career, and life are packaged (like a brand). When someone sees you or hears your name, they immediately (if you're lucky) think about what you've created your brand to be.
As acclimated as I've become to the business world (both non-profit and for-profit, being the grant manager and all), this is one concept I'm not at all sold on. Sure, I can understand the importance of creating a good reputation and becoming someone that people can trust right away. But a brand? That sounds waaaay too simplistic to really encapsulate who a person is!
Brands, the way I see them, apply to inanimate products, like say, cleaning solutions or foods. When I open up a bottle of Lysol or Soft Scrub to clean my bathroom, for example, I have an idea of what I've gotten and what I expect it to do. I know that I can get tough stains out of my sink and tub with the Soft Scrub and that Lysol works better on my toilet. That's part of their brand and part of my own experience with them. But here's the thing. I use the cleaning products. I certainly don't seek to get to know them, find out how I can relate to them, or establish a connection with them. They exist to serve one specific purpose--to make my home clean and sanitary. They're inanimate objects, not sentient beings with personalities or desires.
A person is a person. Not a brand. We are way too complex to really boil things down to just a little package and nothing more. We have desires and interests and idiosyncrasies that can't all fit into a little package. What does one do if all of those interests don't fit into their brand? Leave those out? Hide them? I mean, people are FULL of contradictions and quirks--even the most normal among us! You've read on this blog, for example, my interest in "buying local" and supporting my local, namely Lake County, community. However, one of my favorite things to do is to visit the ethnic enclaves in the huge cities I visit, get horrendously lost, and come back after 8 hours with a dozen new friends I made and stories to tell. (Last time I was in Armour Square, the docents at the Chinese-American Museum let my family and me in after hours, turned on the lights and videos, showed us how to play some of the games on display, and gave us our own private tour!) However, as much as that made an AWESOME day and birthday, that is not patronizing Lake County. Armour Square is a neighborhood of Chicago. Which is not in Lake County. Does that affect my "shop local" interests? Do I have to turn in my Lake County Chamber of Commerce membership? No, no, and no. That's because I have more interests than some silly narrow definition.
So maybe the focus isn't to develop your "personal brand." Maybe what we need to do is to understand and appreciate the complex, multiform human beings that we all are. A brand can't possibly cover all of that.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I just want you to be happy
Readers, I've noticed a trend among a group of individuals I've been writing about recently. Have you ever had someone making a totally unsolicited remark about your personal life that shows sie doesn't know anything about your personal life? I'm sure I'm not the only one who's had this happen. Whether it's someone asking me for the umpteenth time why I don't have a significant other or are not longing to get married or don't really wish to have kids, I've found it really shows just how ignorant they are about me! It never ceases to amaze me when they ask me about things they know just aren't a priority or an interest for me. I mean, I make it a point to remember what they value, and it would be amazing if they could return the favor. (Why not ask me about my job? Or my thesis topic? Or the super-empowering American Historical Association conference I went to? I would be happy to discuss any of those!)
But then when I've politely rebuffed them and said that's not my focus at this time, the big fat kicker is unleashed:
"Well, I hope you change your mind someday. I just want you to be happy!"
That's why you want me to change a lifestyle that's already serving me well?
What makes them think I can't be or am not happy as I am? Is singlehood some sort of blight that they feel they need to fix?
And for the record, I am happy. As I am.
I just wish they believed me.
But then when I've politely rebuffed them and said that's not my focus at this time, the big fat kicker is unleashed:
"Well, I hope you change your mind someday. I just want you to be happy!"
That's why you want me to change a lifestyle that's already serving me well?
What makes them think I can't be or am not happy as I am? Is singlehood some sort of blight that they feel they need to fix?
And for the record, I am happy. As I am.
I just wish they believed me.
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Pink Prison
I'm a feminist in a career and educational path that can be best described as traditionally "feminine." Due to the nature of our work, most rape crisis workers are female. Most of the counselors are female, too, and our statewide policy dictates that all first contact with a rape survivor must be done by a female advocate. I don't necessarily see any problem with that. As most rape survivors are women, I can see how it might be frightening for a survivor to have an advocate who was the same gender as her attacker.
That doesn't mean that there aren't men in the field. Quite the opposite. In my 5 years in advocacy, I've seen them in all levels of my work. Primarily, I've seen them in administrative roles, but I've also seen male advocates and counselors who work with children and men. I couldn't say that they were any less dedicated than their sisters in the field. Two of the crisis centers in the state even have male directors. It will always been a female-dominated field, and for good reason, but I'm glad to see more men wanting to help.
What I find interesting is people's response to the male advocates and crisis workers. When I talk about the women I work with, most people are politely interested and friendly in their responses. However, when I describe any of the men in the field, it seems like everybody is all ears! Effusive compliments for them abound, and everybody seems to want to know all about how they do the work and what keeps them going. And sooner or later, I get the inevitable, "Oh that's sooo wonderful and noble for him!"
Now don't get me wrong. I am hugely grateful for my brothers in advocacy, and I see recruiting and retaining them as an important priority. (Most male survivors are pretty grateful for an advocate they feel they can relate to.) They are definitely performing important work. In my experience, I remember some of the older advocates telling me about when it was considered shocking for a man to be employed at a crisis center...and being grateful times have changed.
However, I don't think it's necessarily only noble when a man does it. Sure, crisis intervention advocacy is predominantly female, but it's difficult and emotionally draining work for anyone of any gender. When I went through the training five years ago, I remember when some sections of it really were difficult for me to get through, and some of the workshops I've attended for my CEU's have also been pretty emotionally challenging. I'm sure I'm not the only female advocate who thinks that way. But I am in no way any more prepared or less noble when I do this simply because I am female. It's hard work for anyone to do. So why not celebrate all the advocates (not just the male ones)? Why not laud all of their investment in the work?
This then got me thinking about other predominantly female occupations, typically called "pink collar" jobs, such as teaching, librarianship, nursing, and counseling. These occupations are not exactly what you would call easy--all require some sort of license or advanced degree--and they require a good deal of education, skills, and emotional labor. There's no shame in someone wanting one of those jobs and taking the steps necessary to do so. However, I've noticed the same attitude towards men in these jobs as I have for the male advocates. There's usually a lot of praise heaped on them for doing something that's typically "female." However, I don't see the same amount of praise for women in these jobs. And again, it's still important and still pretty challenging work for anyone. It's no more or less just because of the gender of the person involved in it!
Perhaps the goal is to respect these service-related institutions and to laud those who dedicate their lives to them--regardless of their gender. Perhaps what we need to do is really understand what it takes to be in them and salute our brothers and sisters doing the work. Because it's important for all of us to care and to get involved.
That doesn't mean that there aren't men in the field. Quite the opposite. In my 5 years in advocacy, I've seen them in all levels of my work. Primarily, I've seen them in administrative roles, but I've also seen male advocates and counselors who work with children and men. I couldn't say that they were any less dedicated than their sisters in the field. Two of the crisis centers in the state even have male directors. It will always been a female-dominated field, and for good reason, but I'm glad to see more men wanting to help.
What I find interesting is people's response to the male advocates and crisis workers. When I talk about the women I work with, most people are politely interested and friendly in their responses. However, when I describe any of the men in the field, it seems like everybody is all ears! Effusive compliments for them abound, and everybody seems to want to know all about how they do the work and what keeps them going. And sooner or later, I get the inevitable, "Oh that's sooo wonderful and noble for him!"
Now don't get me wrong. I am hugely grateful for my brothers in advocacy, and I see recruiting and retaining them as an important priority. (Most male survivors are pretty grateful for an advocate they feel they can relate to.) They are definitely performing important work. In my experience, I remember some of the older advocates telling me about when it was considered shocking for a man to be employed at a crisis center...and being grateful times have changed.
However, I don't think it's necessarily only noble when a man does it. Sure, crisis intervention advocacy is predominantly female, but it's difficult and emotionally draining work for anyone of any gender. When I went through the training five years ago, I remember when some sections of it really were difficult for me to get through, and some of the workshops I've attended for my CEU's have also been pretty emotionally challenging. I'm sure I'm not the only female advocate who thinks that way. But I am in no way any more prepared or less noble when I do this simply because I am female. It's hard work for anyone to do. So why not celebrate all the advocates (not just the male ones)? Why not laud all of their investment in the work?
This then got me thinking about other predominantly female occupations, typically called "pink collar" jobs, such as teaching, librarianship, nursing, and counseling. These occupations are not exactly what you would call easy--all require some sort of license or advanced degree--and they require a good deal of education, skills, and emotional labor. There's no shame in someone wanting one of those jobs and taking the steps necessary to do so. However, I've noticed the same attitude towards men in these jobs as I have for the male advocates. There's usually a lot of praise heaped on them for doing something that's typically "female." However, I don't see the same amount of praise for women in these jobs. And again, it's still important and still pretty challenging work for anyone. It's no more or less just because of the gender of the person involved in it!
Perhaps the goal is to respect these service-related institutions and to laud those who dedicate their lives to them--regardless of their gender. Perhaps what we need to do is really understand what it takes to be in them and salute our brothers and sisters doing the work. Because it's important for all of us to care and to get involved.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Bug
In looking back at 2011, I think this song sums it up best (though it was not written in 2011). More blog posts to follow...
The Bug
By Mary Chapin Carpenter
Well it's a strange old game, you learn it slow
One step forward and it's back you go
You're standing on the throttle
You're standing on the brake
In the groove 'til you make a mistake
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
Sometimes you're the Louisville Slugger
Sometimes you're the ball
Sometimes it all comes together
Sometimes you're gonna lose it all
You gotta know happy - you gotta know glad
Because you're gonna know lonely
And you're gonna know sad
When you're rippin' and you're ridin'
And you're coming on strong
You start slippin' and slidin'
And it all goes wrong because
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
Sometimes you're the Louisville Slugger
Sometimes you're the ball
Sometimes it all comes together
Sometimes you're gonna lose it all
One day you got the glory and then you got none
One day you're a diamond and then you're a stone
Everything can change in the blink of an eye
So let the good times roll before we say goodbye because
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
Sometimes you're the Louisville Slugger
Sometimes you're the ball
Sometimes it all comes together
Sometimes you're gonna lose it all
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
The Bug
By Mary Chapin Carpenter
Well it's a strange old game, you learn it slow
One step forward and it's back you go
You're standing on the throttle
You're standing on the brake
In the groove 'til you make a mistake
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
Sometimes you're the Louisville Slugger
Sometimes you're the ball
Sometimes it all comes together
Sometimes you're gonna lose it all
You gotta know happy - you gotta know glad
Because you're gonna know lonely
And you're gonna know sad
When you're rippin' and you're ridin'
And you're coming on strong
You start slippin' and slidin'
And it all goes wrong because
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
Sometimes you're the Louisville Slugger
Sometimes you're the ball
Sometimes it all comes together
Sometimes you're gonna lose it all
One day you got the glory and then you got none
One day you're a diamond and then you're a stone
Everything can change in the blink of an eye
So let the good times roll before we say goodbye because
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
Sometimes you're the Louisville Slugger
Sometimes you're the ball
Sometimes it all comes together
Sometimes you're gonna lose it all
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
Sometimes you're the windshield
Sometimes you're the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes you're just a fool in love
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Girl on the platform
Three girls catch the eyes of everyone around.
They bask in the attention, they're new in this town.
Two girls step out of the room and into the light.
Same situation, but something's not right.
Now I'm once again the girl on the platform
And I'm figuring out what I should do
The last time I ever walked these streets
Was when I walked the streets with you.
I've got one foot on the platform
I've got one foot on the train.
I know what I need to do,
But do I make my choice in vain?
Only two girls will return this time around.
All eyes are upon them as they wander through town.
Though they can speak out and stand up for what they believe,
Each one feels an emotional aching that never will leave.
Now I've gotta stand up and let myself be counted for,
Even if I'm not sure of my direction.
Make my choice at this crossroads and not look back
And ignore my thoughts of apprehension.
I've got one foot on the platform
I've got one foot on the train.
I know what I need to do,
But do I make my choice in vain?
Two girls leave the hotel and head through the town.
They'll find a way though their path to take.
What happened is in the past, this is the now
And they're prepared for what is at stake.
I can't forget you or my sisters before me
But now this path is mine to tread.
I'm heading back firm in my resolve,
And I'm ready for what is ahead.
Yes, I'm ready for what is ahead.
I've been working on this number for a while. The apprehension and emotional tension was all there, but I couldn't get it out for a while. Sometimes, emotion cannot be logic-ed away or explained--it's just there! I play acoustic guitar, and it seems like everybody's got a folk song with a train in it, so now I do. And I've shamelessly added some quotes from songs I like (but as a tribute, not as a copycat!). See if you can spot them. I need to find a way to set it to music....as I am a far better lyricist than composer.
They bask in the attention, they're new in this town.
Two girls step out of the room and into the light.
Same situation, but something's not right.
Now I'm once again the girl on the platform
And I'm figuring out what I should do
The last time I ever walked these streets
Was when I walked the streets with you.
I've got one foot on the platform
I've got one foot on the train.
I know what I need to do,
But do I make my choice in vain?
Only two girls will return this time around.
All eyes are upon them as they wander through town.
Though they can speak out and stand up for what they believe,
Each one feels an emotional aching that never will leave.
Now I've gotta stand up and let myself be counted for,
Even if I'm not sure of my direction.
Make my choice at this crossroads and not look back
And ignore my thoughts of apprehension.
I've got one foot on the platform
I've got one foot on the train.
I know what I need to do,
But do I make my choice in vain?
Two girls leave the hotel and head through the town.
They'll find a way though their path to take.
What happened is in the past, this is the now
And they're prepared for what is at stake.
I can't forget you or my sisters before me
But now this path is mine to tread.
I'm heading back firm in my resolve,
And I'm ready for what is ahead.
Yes, I'm ready for what is ahead.
I've been working on this number for a while. The apprehension and emotional tension was all there, but I couldn't get it out for a while. Sometimes, emotion cannot be logic-ed away or explained--it's just there! I play acoustic guitar, and it seems like everybody's got a folk song with a train in it, so now I do. And I've shamelessly added some quotes from songs I like (but as a tribute, not as a copycat!). See if you can spot them. I need to find a way to set it to music....as I am a far better lyricist than composer.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
An Open Letter to "Concerned" Women for America
It's open letter time! And I am not linking to the original source that gave me this information, as I don't wish to give them the publicity. But as both a crisis worker and as a pro-choice activist, I couldn't let this slide. As a side note, unless otherwise specified, the sexual assault survivors I am referring to are female. While I know that men are also victims of abuse, women are primarily the ones who are victimized by it.
Dear "Concerned" Women for America,
Who do you think you're kidding when you say that abortion is a "cure-all for rape"?!
I mean it. Honestly, do you really think anyone is fooled by your stating to be "concerned" when your actions and words say the exact opposite? And who in their right mind would see anything as a "cure-all" for rape?
I'm a professionally trained rape crisis worker. In April, I will have been one for five years. I've provided support and guidance to nearly one hundred women and men seeking assistance in the aftermath of abuse, helped with support groups for traumatized populations, and have trained victims' advocates to do the same. My thesis was on the history and politics of the anti-rape movement, and I have successfully planned and facilitated two panel discussions surrounding reproductive justice. So, in other words, "concerned" women, I am no lightweight when it comes to both of the subjects you are discussing.
And I do have some empathy and concern for women in America. However, judging from your language in that letter, I think that what you mean by concerned and what I mean by concerned are two very different things. As a crisis worker, I have a lot of concern for the women I work with every day. After all, rape is a crime that takes choice and consent away from its victims. Who wouldn't feel concerned about that? However, as an advocate, I know that there is no "cure-all" for rape. The only cure for rape that I see is if it never happened, ever.
But let's look at your reasoning, "concerned" women. No one is doubting that a pregnancy as a result of rape is difficult, and no one would disagree on the importance of preventing the crime and punishing perpetrators. Those are things that you and I can agree on. However, your saying that abortion merely deals with the "physical consequences," is really doing a huge disservice for women who may be traumatized, scared, AND pregnant. For many (I understand, not all) women, ending a pregnancy that they in no way wanted or planned for can be a HUGE relief and a huge saving grace for them. Try thinking a mile in their shoes. Can you imagine being traumatized due to sexual assault...and living with the reminder of the rape for nine months? Can you imagine keeping the child and dealing with a living reminder of the assault? For the women who may be pregnant due to rape, it can be a nightmare dealing with this additional issue. Abortion is not simply "dealing with the physical consequences." For many women, it can help them to restore their choices. You even said it in your letter: "pregnancies under these difficult circumstances need an extra measure of compassion and support." Compassion and support includes not judging a woman's choice, even if that choice doesn't involve carrying a pregnancy to term.
A welfare rights group once said it best: "The right to choose is a poor woman's right to life." The welfare rights organizations were among some of the first pro-choice allies in the days when abortion was illegal. They knew the importance of making one's own decisions, especially for women who did not have the needed resources to either keep their child or the connections needed to secure a safe illegal abortion. They also knew the tremendous importance of promoting all women's autonomy. You may do well to think on that.
And for the record, I would be much more open to my tax dollars paying to assist one of my low income sisters get a safe, LEGAL medical procedure than for my tax dollars to pay for killing already-born, full grown adults in two wars.
Trusting women always (in the words of the martyred Dr. George Tiller),
Revel
Dear "Concerned" Women for America,
Who do you think you're kidding when you say that abortion is a "cure-all for rape"?!
I mean it. Honestly, do you really think anyone is fooled by your stating to be "concerned" when your actions and words say the exact opposite? And who in their right mind would see anything as a "cure-all" for rape?
I'm a professionally trained rape crisis worker. In April, I will have been one for five years. I've provided support and guidance to nearly one hundred women and men seeking assistance in the aftermath of abuse, helped with support groups for traumatized populations, and have trained victims' advocates to do the same. My thesis was on the history and politics of the anti-rape movement, and I have successfully planned and facilitated two panel discussions surrounding reproductive justice. So, in other words, "concerned" women, I am no lightweight when it comes to both of the subjects you are discussing.
And I do have some empathy and concern for women in America. However, judging from your language in that letter, I think that what you mean by concerned and what I mean by concerned are two very different things. As a crisis worker, I have a lot of concern for the women I work with every day. After all, rape is a crime that takes choice and consent away from its victims. Who wouldn't feel concerned about that? However, as an advocate, I know that there is no "cure-all" for rape. The only cure for rape that I see is if it never happened, ever.
But let's look at your reasoning, "concerned" women. No one is doubting that a pregnancy as a result of rape is difficult, and no one would disagree on the importance of preventing the crime and punishing perpetrators. Those are things that you and I can agree on. However, your saying that abortion merely deals with the "physical consequences," is really doing a huge disservice for women who may be traumatized, scared, AND pregnant. For many (I understand, not all) women, ending a pregnancy that they in no way wanted or planned for can be a HUGE relief and a huge saving grace for them. Try thinking a mile in their shoes. Can you imagine being traumatized due to sexual assault...and living with the reminder of the rape for nine months? Can you imagine keeping the child and dealing with a living reminder of the assault? For the women who may be pregnant due to rape, it can be a nightmare dealing with this additional issue. Abortion is not simply "dealing with the physical consequences." For many women, it can help them to restore their choices. You even said it in your letter: "pregnancies under these difficult circumstances need an extra measure of compassion and support." Compassion and support includes not judging a woman's choice, even if that choice doesn't involve carrying a pregnancy to term.
A welfare rights group once said it best: "The right to choose is a poor woman's right to life." The welfare rights organizations were among some of the first pro-choice allies in the days when abortion was illegal. They knew the importance of making one's own decisions, especially for women who did not have the needed resources to either keep their child or the connections needed to secure a safe illegal abortion. They also knew the tremendous importance of promoting all women's autonomy. You may do well to think on that.
And for the record, I would be much more open to my tax dollars paying to assist one of my low income sisters get a safe, LEGAL medical procedure than for my tax dollars to pay for killing already-born, full grown adults in two wars.
Trusting women always (in the words of the martyred Dr. George Tiller),
Revel
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