On Monday, Tim Kaine highlighted former Republican governor
of Virginia George Allen’s political stances that have diminished the rights of
women in the commonwealth.
While some sources have lamented Mr. Kaine’s reemphasis on
Allen’s policies regarding women[1],
the fact remains that George Allen has attempted to curtail women’s rights,
like the right of women to have contraception coverage by her employer’s
insurance.
Furthermore, commentators who support Allen act as if this
isn’t how the political game is played. Yes, Tim Kaine would like the votes of
Virginia’s women; that’s one major avenue to being elected.
But unlike George Allen, Tim Kaine appears to have a genuine
concern for better the lives and opportunities of women in Virginia. On the
other hand, George Allen seems content stowing women away in the kitchen “where
they belong,” away from the grown up world of individual decision-making.
Tim Kaine pointed out, “I don’t think we need to be making
the case always that these [contraception issues] are basic bread-and-butter
economic issues that affect families and a woman’s financial well-being.”[2]
Indeed, the Civil Rights movement wasn’t JUST social issue
nor is the issue over whether or not to allow women the right to an abortion or
insurance coverage for contraception. To reduce these significant issues to
merely social issues is indeed “demeaning.”[3]
But then again, it wouldn’t be the first time George Allen
has demeaned someone.[4]
[1]http://washingtonexaminer.com/kaine-renews-war-on-women-attack-on-allen/article/2509533
[2] http://washingtonexaminer.com/kaine-renews-war-on-women-attack-on-allen/article/2509533
[3] http://washingtonexaminer.com/kaine-renews-war-on-women-attack-on-allen/article/2509533
[4] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/24/george-allen-macaca-made-up-word_n_813311.html
No comments:
Post a Comment