When it comes to abortion, GOP leaders are happy to phone it in
By Steve Benen Thursday Jan 24, 2008 2:44pm
This week saw the last “March of Life” of Bush’s presidency, as thousands of opponents of abortion rights gathered just a few blocks from the White House, as they do every year, to protest on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. As with every other year, Bush showed his solidarity with the crowd’s cause by picking up the phone and telling them what a great job they’re doing. The invitation to appear in person was, of course, ignored.
Some have noticed the Republican record of snubs.
The annual March for Life has come and gone. One of its more bizarre qualities is the way GOP presidents participate: by recorded message or telephone hook-up, but never in person. This began during Ronald Reagan’s presidency when some advisors did not want a photo beamed around the world of Reagan addressing the crowd, but those same advisors knew they had to at least acknowledge the role that pro-life forces played in Reagan’s 1980 victory. Reagan could look out the window of the Oval Office and see that marchers, as could every president since, but the phone connection has remained the means of participation. Even George W. Bush, who will never face another election and seems plenty unconcerned about the political fallout of other decisions, could not manage to emerge from his office to address the crowd in person. […]
At some point, pro-life groups need to challenge those whose disembodied voices fill their ears every January. This bizarre “telephone hook-up” is, in both the literal and figurative senses of the phrase, lip service to the cause. The loyal pro-life members of the GOP coalition deserve more, to say nothing of the unborn.
Of the pro-life Republican candidates, John McCain sent a letter, Mitt Romney issued a press release, Mike Huckabee was in Georgia, and Ron Paul (who opposes abortion rights despite his libertarianism) didn’t communicate with the crowd, though he did announce an endorsement from Norma McCorvey.
In response to all of this, Kevin Drum asked, “[W]hy do the pro-life forces put up with this?”
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pro-lifers are ignoramuses!
aaaand FOIST!
or is that...ignoramusi? What in tarhooties is the correct plural form of ignoramus? How 'bout....republican?
HA! Ziiiiiiiing! Ya bastards!
ok...not exactly battin 1000 today...how 'bout republicanS? Better?
is it quittin time yet?
I don't know, is this really that weird? Were Barak Obama and Edwards out at the last anti-war rally on the mall and getting their pictures taken with Code Pink? I think it's pretty amazing they even get a phone call from a sitting president. Supporting an ideology (i.e. pro-life) doesn't necessarily go hand in hand with supporting the protest groups, does it? After all, their base of pro-life voters aren't only the ones out there with signs in hand, but evangelicals and ideology supporters, right? So, should he be calling churches on Sundays?
The secret service is probably keeping chimpster in a safe place.
...with an approval rating lower than Dick Nixon...
public appearances (featuring Bobo)...are probably kept to a minimum. ...for his own safety.
I wouldnt be surprised if there are a few americans out there who think impeachment...is not enough...(if you know what I mean)
“[W]hy do the pro-life forces put up with this?”
Because they are stupid people addicted to being exploited and made fools of by the cynical elites known as Republicans.
the Monte Carlo hotel is burning in Las Vegas and Crooks and Liars is focused on this? I mean, the Monte Carlo had a fire today. This is a world news worthy story! How do I know this? Because MSNBC and CNN will not shut the F up about it. All f-ing afternoon long. A hotel fire is dominating the news. On the day before the primary.
aaargh.
Pro-birthers are usually religious fundies without a shred of credibility to their names to begin with. THey aren't going to care if their leaders don't show up in person as long as they can hear their voices over the loudspeaker.
Yes, they are that desperate for validation.
Phone sex?
It's because "Pro-Life" is FRINGE... like hard-core strict-interpretation-bible-wavers, and like tru-blue Bushies... they are on the EDGE... and nobody really cares what they think.
every damn time our dear leader's or defib dick's images darken the pixels of my tv, i thinks to my self, "self, problem the ain't that we ain't had too many abortions. the problem is we haven't had enough."
dr.filbert @ 10:
LMAO!!!!
73% of America is pro-choice. Subject to certain conditions, that is.
How can they be pro-life when they support sending real adult life to be killed in Iraq?
"“[W]hy do the pro-life forces put up with this?”
Because they are anti-abortion supporters, not "pro-life." The term itself is silly, considering 90-percent support this godawful war as well as capital punishment. They don't believe women should have the right to govern their own bodies.
bill w @ 13:
These same pro-lifers are also mostly pro-death penalty! Odd innit?
'Pro-life' Orwellian...as it gets...
Disqualifications are as follow (you can't claim to be that if you're): Pro war
Kill any living creature (ie, we're all 'God's creatures', right?)
Against stem cell research (you're foresaking living, breathing sentient beings for a blastocyst/embryo) Nope...not the same...sorry, play again
Pro Death Penalty (supposedly its God's court that decides fate)
Anti-Gun control (psst...guns were invented for killing - though some say for 'protection')
There are further examples....but hopefully those were enough...
They're like snowflake supporters of the Pro-life movement. Their support is supposedly but not actually.
liberalNmoderation @ 15:
And also opposed to the Brady Bill that outlaws the ownership of WMD(AK's, etc.)
Anyone who is pro war, pro death penalty, pro for profit heath-care, and is also pro life has no moral standing. You would think that the only thing that Jesus preached about was hatred for gays and anti abortion. Jesus said not one word.
This is noise..It's the economy stupid.. I think that maybe the rethugs are re-thinking the whole keep the bat crap crazy bible thumpers in their camp. Maybe the rethugs are realizing the nutty evangelicals are more of a liability than an asset.
I saw all of the protestors the other day. I had to walk through Union Station and there were thousands of them. It was really weird. I didn't want to be there for fear that someone might think I was with them.
I was wondering what would have happened to me if I was wearing a Pro-Choice shirt, or somethign along that line.
I was also at O'Hare airport coming back to DC on Sunday and on the plane with me were a group of people in Green Bay Packers jerseys. I was wondering what a group of people from Green Bay were doing going to DC. Then I heard them talking about a march. I figured there was probably no way I'd agree with the march, then I saw them reading bibles, and I knew that was bad news. The great thing was though, it was about 20 teenagers, and then 3 chaperones, all middle aged men. Scary that middle aged men feel it is there job to influence teenage girls about sex rights.
Then in Union Station, I saw a girl with a shirt that said "Virginity Rocks!" Funny, I don't remember anything rocking about virginity at all.
Non issue.
“[W]hy do the pro-life forces put up with this?”
Why do democrats put up with their legions of boneless wonders? It all boils down to the contemptuous phrase, "Where else are they going to go"? Until and unless a person or organization is prepared to turn their back on a particular party, that's that.
Also, the Republicans will never get rid of abortion completely...it would get rid of this huge wedge issue. So instead the keep cutting reproductive rights little by little to keep people on that side happy...
By the way, I hate the term pro-life...I consider myself pro-life as far as not wanting people to die, like on Death Row or in war. I'd rather call them anti-choice.
right wing hater @ 16:
I guess the Iraq War is OK since it was God who told Bush to attack.
Sam @ 24:
How about self righteous assholes. or hypocrites..
I'll say it again, the means to overturn Roe just doesn't get any better considering the make-up of the SCOTUS. You know un-obstructionist judges and all. So, why don't they bring up the case themselves? Because the truth is none of the R's want it repealed else wise they wouldn't have a wedge issue anymore.
How about the born?
Infant death mortality is a basic metric in evaluating nations.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/health/22infant.html
Sam @ 24:
Amen, brother. And you're absolutely right: The status quo on abortion suits the GOP just fine, because it froths up the fringes while not alienating the pro-choice majority (at least, not to the extent that an actual ban on abortion would).
It is hard being pro life and pro war without looking like a hypocrite.
And a similar query: Why do we anti-war voters put up with this "Democratic" Congress?
just john @ 31:
While it may be hard to think of another Republican in the White House, the Dems have obviously taken progressives for granted. I think it is reasonable to look seriously at 3rd party TRUE PROGRESSIVE candidates, who really want change. I think if progressives banded together and voted for a 3rd party candidate, it would show the Dems that they have to stand up and represent us! They have a chance to do some incredible things right now. End a war, provide healthcare to all, end corporate corruption, the list goes on and on. And yet, I have not seen them do any of it. They are actually doing the opposite, and its just what Obama or Hillary will continue to do if they make it into the White House...
It makes my skin crawl when i see pro-life bumper stickers or propoganda
people aren't aware of how hypocritical they are.. I think of the 1/6 global population that are starving, the millions lost to war... because life is expendable in so many other situations.. but for some reason they trumpet on abortion... so which is it--is life expendable for the greater good or does every life count?
my skin crawls!
Oh, for goodness sakes.
This was NEVER about "The Party of Life"..
30 years ago, the COORS and the NESTLES, old wealth, formed
The Heritage Foundation, AEI, all the right wing think tanks. and
the Federalists Society for ONE REAL PURPOSE:
Change the Tax code to favor the rich, kill the inheritance tax,
remove any government regulation from Business...
Now, on the way to that, they needed "foot-soldiers" and, Reagan
found them: The Religious Right...
Anything REALLY think they wanted Alito and Roberts on the USCC
because "They were against Abortion?"
Nah, it was for rulings the like the Enron-Shareholders case
the other day...
Look at the WSJ and The CATO and AEI, they are HORRIFIED
at Huckabee, because he is talking about the poor, and taxes?
Follow the Money, always, Follow the Money.....
I think a lot of the justification anti-choice people have is that the embryo will never get a chance at life. But what about the people who are killed by bombs, or die because of a lack of healthcare, who never get an opportunity to reproduce. Aren't we denying their potential offspring a chance at life too?
I don't think people go and get abortions for fun, or as a method of birth control. I'd assume that it is a pretty well thought out decision. The thing is you dont have to agree with it, just dont legislate on it.
Plus, how are you going to bomb an abortion clinic and say it is in the interest of a "pro-life" movement?
I'd just love to see a nice "Right To Life" march, with every one of the Republican candidates being right on the front line....hah! They'd never dare. This is the domestic equivalent of being a War Chickenhawk.
And for good measure, also a symbolic coffin with "Here Lies Terry Schiavo....Killed By Her Evil Husband"...blah blah blah...the Moral Chickenhawks would never show up,and they know why.
Ron Paul is in favor of the constitution except for that pesky little amendment about the lack of enumeration not limiting the rights of a free people.
Lord Balto @ 37:
Yes apparently the libertarian ideology goes only for men as far as Ron Paul is concerned...
Not a problem for Mitt -- he'll claim his dad marched with them in the 60s.
I got nothing against pro-life folks, but consider this:
if you REALLY, REALLY believed that thousands of babies were being murdered every year (their words, not mine) wouldn't you be obligated to do more than vote republican?
maybe you wouldn't feel moral about getting violent, but certainly direct action seems like it would be warranted. Just transfer the scenario pro-lifers posit to kindergartners. Wouldn't anyone who thought it was murder to kill a kindergartner DO ANYTHING THEY COULD TO STOP IT if they really believed that such a thing was a normal state of affairs? Regardless of the law! voting republican counts for NOTHING morally if you really, honestly believe the pro-life narrative.
and if the Republican party as a whole really believed what they say about abortion... wouldn't they have spent all this money on a Department of Fetus Security, or something?
it just seems like people don't believe what they say they do. if they did, wouldn't they act a lot different?
“[W]hy do the pro-life forces put up with this?”
You see the "pro-lifers" can appreciate the appropriateness of the contact. They would like to have actual political support and action, but they understand that the Republicans are providing them with "potential" political action. When that potential is given time to gestate for an undetermined amount of time, they will have a precious, unique gift of political action that is imbued with all the rights it is granted under the constitution. They just want us to be forced the burden of carrying the excesses of that potential, maintaining months of misery and drudgery bearing that potential even though we don't want it to come to fruition. Of course, there are actual political actions they would agree with supporting, such as environmental protection, saving the middle class, etc.; but they put that on hold to support the potential political action.
Or, perhaps they put up with it because they are self-hating authoritarians in desperate need of a strong father-figure to make them feel everything will be alright.
Or:
Loop @ 23:
Bingo. We have a winner. Someone, give this commenter a blastocyst!
If the anti-abortion crowd ever got their wish and abortion became illegal, that would be the worst thing that could happen to them (the anti-abortion crowd) because the empty void in their meaningless lives would return. But I guess they could just ramp up their crusade to outlaw homosexuality. But if they succeed in that fight...another void.
ANOTHER REASON NOT TO VOTE FOR RON PAUL:
On January 22nd, 2008 McCorvey endorsed Republican Presidential Candidate Ron Paul. McCorvey stated, "I support Ron Paul for president because we share the same goal, that of overturning Roe v. Wade. He has never wavered on the issue of being pro-life and has a voting record to prove it. He understands the importance of civil liberties for all, including the unborn."
Another example of hypocrisy on display for all to see at the event: At one point the freakin' organizer and MC of the March for Life tripped as she left the podium, was unconscious and had to be carried off in such bad condition that she didn't make it to the gala dinner afterwards. During this entire 20-or-so minute period, a couple of EMT's looked after her but the 3-4 pro-life rabbis and 20 pro-life Catholic bishops that came on stage afterwards just went on as if nothing had happened...none of them came close to try to help (though a couple asked the crowd to pray for her). A new MC called out the names of the bishops and they waved as the crowd cheered. Effin' pro-life church leaders (and a couple synagogues as well).
The same article points out:
Mike Huckabee participated in a March for Life in Atlanta..
That's kind of an important qualifier you left out...
Gooch_X @ 42:
Bingo, that is why their beloved republican party and conservative Supreme Court will NEVER over turn
R vs W...what else would they have to dangle in front of their little lemming noses? Pro-lifers, they worship
the fetus but hate the child.
rightsmart @ 45:
And no doubt he called god on his cell phone too.
For those "Right to Live" people there is one good answer. If you want to prevent an abortion, then sign a paper, saying you will take the child, you will raise the child, give all the care that child needs. "Put your money where you mouth is", or shut up and let people have their privacy. It is none of your business what anyone else does, it is their body, their life. For reasons to keep out of other people's lives, look to the children who have been badly abused, have been killed, these are on your soul, if you have one.
Oh I agree with all the sentiments of this post. Of course it should be up to the mother to decide if she wants a "doctor" to rip her living future baby out of her womb limb from limb. What right do conservatives have to want to protect that baby that's growing inside of her-- it's HER choice! If she had irresponsible sex- who cares???? If she wants to further her career and a baby would get in the way- who cares, if she changes her mind- who cares!!!! You have the right to murder that baby growing inside of you- just Kill the darned thing-- THAT is the society I want to live in-a womans right to choose trumps a life- now that's grand, isn't it???
Pro-lifers should insist on pro-life policies. Universal health insurance (including dental coverage), longer maternity and paternity leaves, a living wage so families can afford children, affordable, quality day care, after school care. The more pro-life our public policies are, the less reasons women will have to opt to end a pregnancy. It's not enough that politicians say they are pro-life - where do they stand on pro-life, pro-family policies?
LoveToFish @ 50:
It's not your decision to make, junior.
Pro lifers insist people take responsibility for their OWN actions- buy your own health care-- EARN a living wage- pay your own daycare-- whats with all the entitlements?
LoveToFish @ 53:
What does any of that have to do with "life"? Just sounds like a lot of conservo-babble.
If you have sex---THAT'S your choice-- once a baby is conceived it's YOUR responsibility to have that child- what don't you understand about that?
LoveToFish @ 55:
What do you not understand about it not being any business of yours?
It's my business if laws are passed in this country that have nothing to do with what the founding fathers had in mind. The abortion issue is just a symptom of the larger issue of irresponsibility of society - that's why were in the mess we're in- people not taking responsibility for their actions.
liberalNmoderation @ 16:
And by default as supporters of the GOP and big bizziness, pro GM foods and other modern nastiness foisted on the consumer for profit.
MN USA @ 51:
A living minimum wage, so crooked companies dont end up with a tax payer subsidized workforce and unfair competitive edge against ethical companies.
MN USA @ 51:
Pro-lifers should insist on pro-life policies. Universal health insurance (including dental coverage), longer maternity and paternity leaves, a living wage so families can afford children, affordable, quality day care, after school care. The more pro-life our public policies are, the less reasons women will have to opt to end a pregnancy. It’s not enough that politicians say they are pro-life - where do they stand on pro-life, pro-family policies?
A living minimum wage, so crooked companies dont end up with a tax payer subsidized workforce and unfair competitive edge against ethical companies.
What is a "Living" wage, anyway??? Last I looked we live in a capitalistic society where diligence and hard work is rewarded. Socialism has failed in every country that's it's been tried in-- ever hear of Cuba? Venezuela?
Work your way up and EARN a "Living" wage, then have your baby.
LoveToFish @ 57:
What laws are you talking about there, LoveToFish? Please point out the pro-abortion laws. Thanks.
How the Republicans see the embryo-first crowd, that's how the Democrats see us...
GOP - WE want to kill everything alive and save everything not born or dying.
You mean they are down to a family of six?
first of all all you lowlifes talking like abortion is good?if you athiests could put down your Book of life and your magic books kooky stuff and pay attention you would see we are all being munipulated to resent each other it was not intended to be this way if you so called geniuses would think you would see this war is a sham and the sheeple think george bush is jesus returned but to throw every one in a box is not to open minded your so called platform consists of evilution pro choice anti-capitol punishment ,antigun,welfare(so let me get thing right kill babies but not killers on death row)you people acually believe this?I just switched from indy to repub just for Ron .they are just as bad as dems if not worse!pro-life but for capitol punishment?against welfare for the poor at the same time shovlr $$$ to the corporate welfare?pro-war anti-education facisistic tendencies all over the place!how bout this platform no wars,no abortion, no capitol punishment ,seperation from church and state ,free market ,leagalize pot smoking, free the non violent offenders ,free to make my own choices and pay my own concequences,throw a stack of constitutions on top one king james bible(for research olny,I swear no wearing it on my sleeve)fair trade,kill nafta,cafta,our involvement in the un stop the corporate unaccountablity stonger unions ,not north american unions. does this not sound like a nice place to live well this is olny a few of Ron Pauls view would i be here wasting my time if he wasnt really for us people all people AMERICA!!FREEDOM YEAH!
if'un there was a gawd, He'd saddle them "pro-lifers with dicks" with the biological necessity of carrying a fetus to term and then raising it for 18 years.
Retroactive abortions for all fundies!
WE SHOULD ask the fundies if the GOP would DARE not show up to a meeting of Lobbyists for the telecom companies, Big Pharma, Big Oil, instead just resorting to a phone call.
You took the words right out my MOUTH,Jerry.
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