First came the news that the Democrats axed a provision to repeal the Global Gag Rule (because Bush said he would veto the entire appropriations bill if it was included). Then today I get the news -- in an Abstinence Clearinghouse email, no less -- that Title V abstinence-only education funding is likely to be renewed for another six months. The additional six months of funding is buried in the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP extension bill. That means federal dollars will have been flowing to abstinence-only programs for a full year since Democrats announced they were cutting off funding. Aaarrgghhh.
Of course, I'm happy to see funding for Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP extended. But it is SO frustrating to watch these terrible provisions buried within bigger bills continue to pass the Democratic-controlled Congress. It is really, really frustrating.
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The other thing that's really frustrating is when one side (I'll be fair and not generalize or name any names) takes a bill that should be a no-brainer, like benefits for veterans or something and attaches a rider to it that they know the other side, or even just certain people, won't - really *can't* - support, at least not without compromising their principles or promises to voters. That's annoying, but then it gets worse. In the next election season there are ads saying "Candidate X says he cares about veterans, so why did Candidate X not vote for this Veteran Appreciation Bill?" And they fail to mention that said bill included a completely ridiculous rider. (Someone with more imagination than I have right now is welcome to dream up what that rider might be. I'm kinda brain-fried at the moment.)
Sweet. So... Teen birth rates increase. Abstinence only education extension/continuation.
Hmm.. No regression. Nope, none at all. No contradictions either. Great.
It's news like this that makes me thankful for being born pre-2000, back in in the times where contraceptives were advertised and appreicated, and TLC showed the world exactly what you can be as fashionable as they are practical.
Dear Santa, for Christmas I want the neocons to lose all power in the White House. Pretty please? I've been a very good girl this year, and they are a bunch of idiots. Love, Basi
Someday I hope that our education system will recxieve better funding so that they aren't forced to take bullsh*t funds to provide their students with services...
Someday I hope to see legislation that includes funding for comprehensive sex education funding, so maybe, just maybe the states won't be forced to take abstinence only education funding.
Woops... TYPO. I meant TLC and their condoms, showing the world the practicality and also fashionable aspects of condoms.
WOOHOO!
The most ethical congress evah!
Right, nancy?
Nancy?