Should rape and incest survivors be forced to prove to the IRS that they were assaulted?

What kind of question is that?

But a bill proposed by anti-choice lawmakers in Congress could force many sexual assault survivors to do just that.1

The bill would impose tax penalties on small businesses and individuals who buy abortion coverage with their own money—with exceptions only for cases of rape, incest, or when a woman’s life is in danger.2

The result? Survivors of rape and incest who seek abortion care could be forced to detail their assaults and provide proof to IRS investigators.3

Reliving a horrific sexual assault to the police and in court is awful enough. Forcing women to prove that they were assaulted to IRS investigators is simply inhumane.

Tell Congress to stand up against this terrible bill—and speak out against the Republican war on women. Sign the petition today

http://pol.moveon.org/noaudits/?id=26652-17809870-pwT7nvx&t=4

Despite campaigning on job creation, Republicans have focused their agenda this year on attacking the rights and well-being of women. From pushing several anti-choice bills to cutting billions from health care, food aid, child care, and education, their attacks constitute nothing less than a full-scale war on women.

But as we saw earlier this year, a huge outcry can have a big impact. When Republicans included a provision in the original version of this bill that redefined rape—which said that only “forcible” rape counted when it came to using federal dollars for abortion care—they faced a huge backlash, and eventually removed that term.4

Now, the new version of the bill is out—and as Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, put it, “This bill gets more outrageous and insulting by the day. Not only would a woman have to describe her sexual assault to the police, but she could then be forced to relive that horrifying experience with an agent from the IRS.”5

Republicans clearly have no boundaries when it comes to attacking women’s rights. But just like when they attempted to redefine rape, we can stop them—and their bill—if we all speak out.

Can you sign the petition today? Just click below—and share this email with your friends, family, and social networks today.

Thanks for all you do.

–Kat, Wes, Joan, Peter, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. “GOP Bill Would Force IRS to Conduct Abortion Audits,” Mother Jones, March 18, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207116&id=26652-17809870-pwT7nvx&t=5

2. “H.R. 3: A Dangerous and Misleading Bill that Threatens Women’s Health,'” National Women’s Law Center, March 2, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207136&id=26652-17809870-pwT7nvx&t=6

3. “GOP Bill Would Force IRS to Conduct Abortion Audits,” Mother Jones, March 18, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207116&id=26652-17809870-pwT7nvx&t=7

4. “Pro-Choice Advocates: GOP’s Revised Abortion Bill Remains ‘Extremely Harmful’ To Women,” The Huffington Post, March 3, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207117&id=26652-17809870-pwT7nvx&t=8

5. “GOP Bill Would Force IRS to Conduct Abortion Audits,” Mother Jones, March 18, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207116&id=26652-17809870-pwT7nvx&t=9

~ politics petitions pollution &pop culture

Gas prices demand a Receipt Revolution

03/25/2011 Nativegrl77

Gas Prices Demand a Receipt Revolution!

Tell Obama that Clean Cars are the Solution to Our Pain at the Pump …Stronger standards for cars strengthen America’s energy and economic security while giving drivers real choices in every class. Tell the president to side with people like you.

I’ll bet you’ve noticed that gas prices are once again hitting us hard, endangering America’s economic recovery. In his national news conference on gas prices, President Obama said that a long-term solution to this problem “cannot wait for the next generation, or the next president.”

We couldn’t agree more.

The Obama administration, in conjunction with the state of California, is working on new fuel efficiency and pollution standards (known as the “clean car standards”) for vehicles sold through 2025. These standards could be the single most important step toward making this pain at the pump a thing of the past, and meeting the objectives of the UCS Oil Savings Plan that would cut our projected oil use in half by 2030.

As gas prices rocket toward $4 per gallon and beyond, now is the time to tell President Obama your “pain at the pump” story, and that strong clean car standards are the number one option to help solve this problem once and for all.

Take Action Today! www.ucsusa.org

Sincerely,

Scott Nathanson

National Field Organizer

Clean Vehicles Program

The Other Washington

Can you call Senator Cantwell?

03/25/2011 Nativegrl77

Please call Senator Cantwell and tell her… “Don’t vote for a budget that makes cuts to education, health care, and Social Security, and puts corporations and millionaires above hardworking Americans.”

I never wanted a handout.

I just wanted to get my nursing degree and build the life I’ve dreamed of. I wanted to provide my daughter with the opportunities that my mother couldn’t give me when I was growing up.

That’s my dream, but I’m afraid my dream is about to die.

Republicans are trying to cut the financial aid I rely on to pay my tuition. Last year, as a student, I couldn’t find steady work and earned less than $4,500. If my financial aid is taken away from me, I won’t be able to afford to get my nursing degree.

Once again I’m going to have to choose between paying rent or buying diapers, between having heat or having enough food for my family to eat. Can you imagine the pain involved in making those choices?

Can you help save my dream? The Senate is on recess, and Senator Maria Cantwell is home in Washington. Can you call her in her district office in Everett, and ask her to vote against any budget that makes cuts to education, health care, and Social Security, and puts corporations and millionaires above hardworking Americans like me?

Here’s where to call:

Senator Maria Cantwell

Everett office: 425-303-0114

I recently got a part-time job at Walmart and with that money, along with my student aid, I’m now able to cover all my expenses. I even had enough money to get new glasses for the first time in six years. I’ve struggled to get this far, but I finally feel like I’m going to be able to make a good life for myself and my daughter.

Please, don’t let the Republicans take all this away from me. You see, the cuts they want to make aren’t abstract. And they aren’t limited to student aid, either. They’re trying to cut job training, food aid to women and children, and more. Congress doesn’t seem to understand the consequences to people like me all across the country if these programs are cut.

Can you call Senator Maria Cantwell, and ask her to vote against any budget that makes cuts to education, health care, and Social Security, and puts corporations and millionaires above hardworking Americans like me?

Senator Maria Cantwell

Everett office: 425-303-0114

Thank you.

–Katryna Wade, Arkansas

~ politics petitions pollution &pop culture

Beat an anti-gay Democrat in New Jersey …information from DFA

03/25/2011 Nativegrl77

I’ve noticed something when talking to Democratic legislators about marriage equality: They’re afraid that they’ll lose reelection if they vote for equality, but they’re not afraid they’ll lose if they vote against it.

They’ll tell me that they think voting for marriage equality is the right thing to do, but all too often they vote “No” because it’s easier.

It’s disgusting.

A lot of folks are thinking of 2012 as the big election year, but there’s actually elections going on in a lot of places this year — including in New Jersey, where one local DFA member is challenging an anti-gay Democrat for State Senate.

Jeff Gardner has been working to elect progressive Democrats up and down the ballot across New Jersey for years — and now he’s a progressive Democratic candidate himself.

Please join me in supporting Jeff’s people-powered campaign and contribute $10 to beat an anti-gay Democrat right now. http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/613?akid=647.1480546.RddnWi&t=1

Listen, I know you don’t live in New Jersey, but trust me when I tell you that Democratic legislators in other states are watching this race. They know that Jeff’s opponent — anti-gay State Sen. John Girgenti, who is part of the Senate Democratic Leadership — is an entrenched incumbent. And they know that if Jeff wins, it’ll open the floodgates for pro-marriage grassroots candidates across New Jersey and other states across the country.

Let’s send all those Democrats who are watching a message: You can’t vote against equality and get away with it.

Contribute $10 now to help a progressive beat a conservadem in the primary.

This will be a tough race against an entrenched incumbent backed by a powerful political machine — but people power done right can beat anything. Contribute today to make it happen.

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/613?akid=647.1480546.RddnWi&t=2

-Arshad

Arshad Hasan, Executive Director

Democracy for America

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution &pop culture

TGIF &some News

03/25/2011 Nativegrl77

We had two great days of sunshine the weather folks said our NW temps got up to 60 but it didn’t feel that way to me … ahhhhh spring time includes a whole lot of rain as well to feed the grass , flowers and whatever else out thar.

Today the White House briefing with Jay Carney starts at 1:00pmET and later on today about 4:35pmET President Obama hosts reception for Greek Independence.

In response to an article i posted “Help protect the right to choose” …written by MoveOn.org

I thought my interaction with a writer who thinks choosing to kill a baby is not right was over but more questions more responses more enlightenment? I do not mind, hopefully the information however brief helps a person right of center get it even if it takes several online interactions which continues but having said we are at an impasse we do not agree i received another or what they said was one last question …my last entry and maybe just maybe it helped give a new view that can provide some food for thought…. Having the right to choose is just that “A Right” not a priviledge

On 3/18 I received a comment that was a little disturbing because it seemed to have questioned my sensibilites, intelligence and definitely gave me the impression that my health care as a woman needs to be regulated, controlled kind of like those death panels that were started by Conservatives and pushed hard by folks like sarah palin etc,. I definitely like getting comments and appreciate most especially with a different opinion it makes you decide why you feel the way you do ,stand up, speak out and this current war being waged on us women will take all of us because the alternative is not an option.

3/18 Choosing to kill a baby is not a right. http://www.abortiontruth.com/pictures.html

3/18 My response …

…I can only say that we can debate at what point a fetus becomes a baby and at what point a fetus becomes anything after conception. Then we have to ask at what point is conception and if you believe a baby or life begins at conception, then we have nothing to discuss because i do not believe that at conception whenever that is, creates a baby. I believe an egg becomes a fetus then after the first tri-mister, a baby is developed. Even with all this rhetoric i do not believe you or anyone else has the right to tell me what to do with my body-and if you do feel comfortable telling me what to do with my body; what could be bigger Government then that? The fact is and just so you know desperate women have used instruments, back alley doctors, drugs to abort and suicide when it becomes too much. It is my wish that legal, safe and credible places remain available for all women because no one should have to feel so stressed out about a personal choice and no woman chooses abortion because it is fun believe me.

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3/21 An additional comment/question …

When do you believe life begins? Let us start with your measuring stick for life.

FYI: The word fetus (plural fetuses) is from the Latin fetus, meaning offspring, bringing forth, hatching of young. It has Indo-European roots related to sucking or suckling, from the Aryan prefix bheu-, meaning “To come into being”.

I prefer to speak English and just call the developing life form in women, I don’t speak Latin in my daily use of language.

3/21 And my response

Again, do you believe in less government? If so, my uterus should be outside your control, especially if i pay for the abortion it is my personal business –you really should mind your own business right. It is my opinion that the Hyde amendment is enough for everyone to accept and has been for years. The question for you is why you feel it is your right to dictate to a woman as it relates to woman’s health or contraceptive choices. It is this kind of attitude by folks with that family values platform that most if not all Republicans subscribe to in the House of Representatives that wanted to defund Planned Parenthood. First, it makes no sense to take social services away from those who are in need then say if you become pregnant, you might have to go full-term. In my opinion, life without places like Planned Parenthood,would mean more young women suffering unwanted pregnancies, diseases, and or worse. I do not think you get it, you are using words Latin words instead of emotions, and that is because you have no idea what it takes to decide and or go through. While you may think abortion services are used improperly, the point is women are smart enough to decide on their own; having a choice to make a personal decision that is definitely not the same for all women is the point. I do not think most women have abortions for fun but it is far more than the clinical crap you are spewing. The fact is women girls desperate enough to use coat hangers drugs or fake doctors is a reality-having unwanted births is not the answer and a woman’s body does not belong to you or the government. I think the current laws rules and attitudes are so disgusting …just read your comment you act like the decider the guy/gal who thinks women should be pregnant & barefoot -pure BS- i don’t understand this logic. The clinical and or professorial attitude you seem to have shows just how little you know about the topic and or experience and giving up my personal control to you or my government is definitely a definition of big Government.

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3/22 My final response to the question …

So, when do you believe life begins? 3/22

I believe it probably is when a heartbeat can be heard, which is about at 9weeks depending on the woman. I do not know what you want from me but even with the facts about when life begins does not change my mind about abortion. I believe women should not lose the right to choose be treated as intelligent enough to decide and contrary to popular thought doctors actually do counsel and discuss options but those choices options have been taken away by the Republican Tea Party under the platform of family values when in reality it is family enforcement. It makes no sense to think this is anyone’s business except for the woman and her doctor, it baffles my mind to think a member of congress, a stranger thinks my uterus should be controlled by them because of their own personal beliefs, religion, values. I do believe that the Senate will respect a woman’s right to choose though Republicans feel women should be seen and not heard i guess with the cutting slashing and burning of safe, clean and truly great facilities that help girls, young women and older women on a daily basis for all kinds of things not just abortion. The fact is that places like Planned Parenthood also talk to young men about their responsibilities too regarding contraceptive etc. trying to keep a strong hold on information, procedures and personal choice can only be detrimental to the progress in the realm of women’s health

3/23 -Comment:

You really need to relax, if you can’t handle someone disputing your opinion you need to stay away from blogs. Or just censor those that comment on your blog if that makes it easier for you.

You complain about a lot of things that I never brought up. I state that I do not think that the choice to kill a baby is not a right. Am I wrong?

I gathered from your rant that you consider an embryo with a heart beat is now a baby. Am I right?

To save time, I am going to ask the next question as if the last statement is true. Would you then still believe a women has the right to end the life of a baby, as long as it is in her womb?

I am not asking these questions out of hostility and I hope you are not offended by me asking them. I really do what to know what you stance is and how you justify that stance. It is too easy to box someone into a pro-life or pro-choice label, when that label probably does not fit.

Response -That’s funny. If what you said were true i wouldn’t have even responded to your comment,” choosing to kill a baby is not a right.” I actually responded each time even with the first question because you sounded way too clinical to professorial and if it sounded hostile that is because of the 1st comment with pictures. The question you asked in itself brings up abortion. The hilarityof just reading the comment, “choosing to kill a baby is not right” and the sadness of the tremendous hold that men and or politicians from the Republican Tea Party

Actually, i did not say embryo equals a baby … i answered that when a heart beat is heard i would deem it as a baby, which is usually at 9wks could be more … I am saying anything before that i would say is not a baby … and i would say a woman has the right to choose to do whatever she and her doctor have agreed to in private without outside forces to interrupt because whatever is going on in a woman’s body, womb, uterus is hers unless she so choses to share. I am somewhat offended because you don’t get it. I don’t think you, me , the government or anyone else for that matter has a say in what a woman does with her body. I am both pro-life …i have kids and pro-choice because women have the intelligence to decide what they want don’t you agree? what’s missing is your justification for saying choosing to kill a baby is not right is any of your business to begin with. I know where i stand and why but i have no idea why you feel the way you do.

As a woman, the passion or as you say hostility i show for a woman’s right to choose is because the Republican led House cut slashed and burnt women and children lately, these actions give me a bad feeling and could possibly create situations where women of all ages will resort to desperate measures. I believe in providing choices for women and we all know or should know that limiting or controlling choice is definitely a path no one in this 21st Century should even try to take.

3/23 Comment –

Comment:

“and i would say a woman has the right to choose to do whatever she and her doctor have agreed to in private without outside forces to interrupt because whatever is going on in a woman’s body, womb, uterus is hers unless she so choses to share.” Do you hold to the standard then that a women may only have freedom of choice before 9wks, or do you believe that they may choose to kill a baby as long as it is in their body? Is there a point in the development of a baby that you believe that a women no longer has the choice to kill the baby while it is in their body?

Submitted on 2011/03/23 … One last question.

Is there any point where you believe a baby has a right to life while it is in a women’s body?

This is based on normal pregnancy and not considering medical complications that put a women’s life in danger.

I thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and I am finding your answers very educational. I understand that we will not come to an agreement based on this discussion, but I do believe that if we understand each other more that we can eventually come to an understanding.

Other News …

**Breach in Reactor -grave news

**Libyan airspace under control with new airstrikes by

**Syrians hold demonstrations as media is banned from key locations

**Leader in Yemen says he’ll go if left in safe hands

**Powerful 6.8 earthquake in Myanmar today

killing at least 70

**A big rise in violence & quite a few Israeli and Palestinians hurt

**Salazar announces land acquisition at Gettysburg

**Washing state’s King5 investigators found welfare Fraud,so the States dept of Soc Health Serv is overhauling how it does it’s services

**USPS set to cut jobs offer up 20thou $in buyouts and will close about 6 post offices all over the country

**Government expands by 3.1%

CSPAN …

NATO To Take Lead in Libya

White House to brief Congress

http://c-span.com/Events/NATO-To-Take-Lead-in-Libya/10737420505/

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Canadian Parliament Close to Rejecting Govt. Budget

National election may be called

http://c-span.com/Events/Canadian-Parliament-Close-to-Rejecting-Govt-Budget/10737420493/

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GDP Up to 3.1% from 2.8%

Slight economic gains

http://c-span.com/Events/GDP-Up-to-31-from-28/10737420492/

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Home sales for February fell 16.9% percent, the lowest since records began in 1963, according to a new figures released by the Commerce Department. In light of this announcement, the Atlantic and National Journal hosted an economic summit today on the future of homeownership in the U.S.

http://c-span.com/Events/Panel-Questions-Home-Ownership-amp-the-American-Dream/10737420482/

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On March 29, the Supreme Court will hear an oral argument in Wal-Mart v. Dukes, a job discrimination case involving more than one million female workers. The group alleges that the company’s bias against them has negatively affected their salary and promotions.

http://c-span.com/Events/A-Look-at-Employment-Discrimination-Class-Actions/10737420483/

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The U.N. Security Council held a meeting to discuss the situation in Libya. A recently passed resolution approved military action against Libya, while calling for a cease fire on the ground. A U.N. envoy to Libya said that there was no evidence that the cease fire was established. The U.N. also warned Moammar Gadhafi that the Security Council was prepared to take additional action.

http://c-span.com/Events/United-Nations-Security-Council-Meeting/10737420499/

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