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A Question of Health and Women’s Equality
My favorite moment so far in the health care debate was when Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona argued against mandating maternity benefits as part of a basic insurance coverage. “I don’t need maternity care,’’ he blurted out. At which point, Michigan’s Debbie Stabenow quipped, “I think your mom probably did.’’
For that matter, so did his wife and daughter. But never mind. We had one brief glimpse into the mind of a politician who doesn’t quite see women’s health concerns as equal to his own.
Michelle Obama referred to this connection between health care and equality when she told a group of women that overhauling the system was “the next step’’ in women’s advancement for opportunity. Women are not only less likely to have insurance at work, but more likely to face discrimination from insurance companies. They also, she added, can be denied coverage just for the preexisting condition of having had a C-section.
It is becoming obvious that just having a female reproductive system is a preexisting condition in the health care debate. The up-and-coming sticking point is abortion.
The Senate Finance Committee beat back some restrictions, but the question for Congress is still whether the “reform’’ that is supposed to increase coverage will instead reduce it. Will women who now have coverage for abortion in their private plans end up losing it?
In the days before Roe v. Wade, there was a hodgepodge of different state laws governing abortion. The argument in favor of abortion rights was not just about equality between men and women, but equality along economic lines. It was unjust, many argued, to have a system in which a wealthier woman could find and afford a safe abortion while a poorer woman had to put herself at risk.
After Roe, abortion opponents regrouped and went looking for a restriction that would appeal to the ambivalent middle. They latched on to the idea that taxpayer money shouldn’t be used to pay for abortions. This not only stigmatized abortion, separating it from “legitimate’’ health care, it reintroduced a two-tier health system for poor women on Medicaid.
Today, those tiers have expanded. Women on Medicaid can only get abortion coverage when states pick up the bill. Women in the military have no coverage, not even if they were raped. Doctors on the military payroll aren’t allowed to provide abortions even for soldiers who can pay their own way. Nor is there coverage for federal employees.
So what now? We were told that the health care legislation would be “abortion neutral,’’ that it wouldn’t change the shaky status quo, or rile the troops in the abortion wars.
One compromise in the House proposed by Representative Lois Capps of California would keep it that way. Abortion would be neither mandated nor banned. There would be no federal funds in subsidized plans for lower-income people; the money would be segregated.
But it turns out that finding neutrality in the abortion wars is elusive. We now have prolife Republicans and Democrats - most notably Representative Bart Stupak of Michigan - demanding that any health plan offering abortion be banned from the newly created health care exchange.
And guess what that will mean? More than 80 percent of private insurance plans cover abortions. But any insurance plan that wants to be eligible for the huge wave of new clients would have to drop the abortion coverage it offers.
So let’s regroup. The first target was poor women on Medicaid, then came women in the military, now women needing subsidized plans. Next? “The millions of women who presently have private insurance would lose it if they are successful in putting in an all-out ban,’’ says Nancy Keenan of NARAL Pro-Choice America.
This isn’t supposed to happen. The prochoice president said, “If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan.’’ Not if folks like Stupak get their way.
No woman expects to have an abortion. But one in every three women has one by the age of 45. That’s a whole lot of women to stigmatize . . . or ignore.
The irony is that this attempt to enforce a federal moral rule over everyone’s health comes from precisely the people who are most angry at the idea of a government takeover of health care.
This leads me to my second most favorite moment in the health care debate: when Republican Jim Bunning of Kentucky loudly railed, “I do not support a government takeover of the health care system,’’ and then fell asleep.
I’m sure he’s covered for narcolepsy.
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12 Comments so far
Show AllSioux Rose
The US and whatever can be termed its "dominant culture" is inherently misogynistic. Every time I have used the adage, "Mars rules" it's been done in reference to the obscene budgets thrown at militarism, while most items that are front and center to a woman's life are given short shrift if any concern/consideration at all.
Our society is absolutely suffused with hatred for beauty, genuine art, and the very premise of caring. To make war requires a care-less society. And the constant galaxy of images of fighting men (and now women), of "bravery" glorified in uniform, of macho sports teams giving it all for their team, of too many religious followers seeing war as ultimate proof of fealty to their god (which of course connotes Mars, THE god unto whom war is holy, such rites belong to him, as opposed to a more inclusive-Deity of Love, one that would sustain the gorgeous life forms created from this marvel of Creation) all feed the barbarian, which on a collective level takes shape both as phenomenal levels of violence in the mainland, and as a continuous progression of planned wars abroad.
Just as the semblance of legality was required by the horrendous Bush Junta as they paraded around like gods, determining who would live, die, or become the hooded figures of torture's silent secreted places... the "right to life" premise serves as a similar fiction, a holier-than-thou fig leaf worn atop a costume of paradoxes so multi-layered as to dizzy the eye of any non-indoctrinated beholder.
I've thought long and hard on this: what remedy exists for this asymmetric focus on death as opposed to life? This wave of religious hosannas directed exclusively at god the father, with precious little respect directed at god the mother, SHE from whom have spawned ALL the rich ecosystems that we rely upon. To the degree Mars rules, Venus is left in deficit. Thus any acts, on individual as well as collective levels that lend their awe, worship, glory, and thanksgiving to the SHE principle, that which exalts art, culture, music, massage, pleasure, romantic love, peace, sharing, caring... feeds her nearly depleted account. Shared ritual, like the rain dance practiced by Indigenous folk, or the complex mantras taught at ashrams in India, place the individual into alignment with that which is sacred all around him/her, leading to a direct awareness of the gift extended by and through the elements. LIFE must be the thing worshipped, and it begins with a respect for the feminine womb.
Given the proliferation of disturbing types of pornography in our midst, the "sex-ification" of young girls due to films that cheapen them as does so much of pop/rap music today, the push for Viagra and its easy dissemination, that there are not MAJOR campaigns to help females avoid pregnancy presents a sinister example of the callous disregard our society shows for women. (Sure, the exceptions are those women who act and think and behave like empowered males. Condi, Hillary, Nanci Pelosi, Sarah Palin represent a few of them. And the world is worse for those females who sell-out in the same way that some powerful persons of color, further their personal "success" by identifying with policies that rob their "people" of similar access, if any at all.)
It's a sorry state when so much is taken for what it is not, when the tools of language have been mangled so that meaning itself is all but lost. Instead of a continuation of decisions that have led the world to the brink of ecological, economic, and diplomatic (war promoted over honest compromises and conferences based on truth and reconciliation) disaster, decisions by HEADS of state, what the world needs now is to see the HEARTS of state meet and make policy for a welcome change! There are a few Latin American leaders who seem to be awakening to that urgent cause now. Goddess bless them.
I don't fully support "abortion" personally but I don't believe in whacking women who want it for whatever reason. The best reason where I would strongly support abortion as a right is when a woman's life is actually in danger and her survival actually depends on terminating her pregnancy. As I see it, if she dies, then so does the kid so for the "pro-lifers" that's two lives lost instead of 1 life lost 1 life saved. She will still have a lot of long term trauma to get over as she would wish he child hadn't been aborted but one can only hope that such emotions are offset by her gratitude that at least her life was saved and that the risk of dying was averted.
I'll give Michelle Obama some credit here and hope her husband gets it and doesn't side with those Republicans mentioned in this article.
It seems to me that ALL life should be respected. That includes the lives of the elderly. Old age is a pre-existing condition - and about those death panels, yes they are part of the insurance system. BUT, maybe even more important, in our culture the elderly are encouraged to 'die quickly' and inexpensively. All of the talk about doing the end-of-life paperwork is not about minimizing suffering, it is about money. Elders are often given a guilt trip if they are not willing to exit quietly and quickly.
And while I am on the topic, take a walk through a nursing home and see how the sick and frail are cared for. It is a national disgrace. It is not always because the workers are negligent, sometimes it is because too much money is going to the CEOs who operate nursing homes and not enough money is going to those who actually do the work.
Besides the elders who die in nursing homes, there is another group of invisible people - elders who are isolated in tiny apartments and houses. They often die alone.
Sioux
ROSEMARIE: I have no problem with "all life should be respected." Needless to say, that's a given. And I applaud your sensitivity towards the aged. I do feel that the female, in general, has been treated abysmally--something still practiced in its most primitive form in places like Afghanistan, and those gang rapes of young girls in Congo--for centuries. The disregard for the Sacred Feminine is one root reason for the casual violence directed towards women on a global scale. It presents a worldwide travesty, some call it matricide. Ultimately the focus on violence distorts and damages men, too. The broken soldiers who return from the war-occupation of Iraq are a classic example. As a female who was part of the 2nd wave of feminists, I was well-taught and the insights gained have not changed. Susan Faludi's important book, "Backlash" explained how a lot of progress made in the l970's was purposely "rewound" through policy changes. These assume a strategy that is similar to, or should I say mirrors the way now-accomplished Blacks speak out against Affirmative Action! I'd love to see America become a JUST society, and I write books with the hope of awakening minds to that possibility.
ROSEMARIE: I am a retired RN and as such have seen many, many of our elderly in nursing homes. Of course I can only speak from my own experience, but I believe it to be a pretty good reflection of reality.
While you state, "It is not always because the workers are negligent, sometimes it is because too much money is going to the CEOs who operate nursing homes and not enough money is going to those who actually do the work.", in my experience it is ALMOST NEVER because the workers are negligent. Nursing assistants work very hard and are paid very little, barely a living wage if that, and yet almost always give good care. Of course, as you point out, the CEO's who operate the homes do quite well.
You also say:
"BUT, maybe even more important, in our culture the elderly are encouraged to 'die quickly' and inexpensively. All of the talk about doing the end-of-life paperwork is not about minimizing suffering, it is about money. Elders are often given a guilt trip if they are not willing to exit quietly and quickly."
Again, this does not reflect my experience. I found that most of the people in the homes I have worked in were "ready to go". I have worked medical/surgical units as well, I was working on a medical unit when the AIDs epidemic was quickly killing so many young adults, and I can tell you that the will to live with youth and middle age is strong and is supported by the medical staff. However, once one has lived their life and is confined to a wheelchair, unable to see, hear, and even taste very well, perhaps experiencing pain not well controlled with medication, severe constipation, taking as many as six, eight, ten, or more medications daily, depressed, and who wouldn't be?, and perhaps a degree of dementia as well, plus I guess a few others I forgot but you get the picture, the will to live is no longer so strong--nor should it be! Years ago these people would be long dead, it is only the miracle of modern medications that is keeping them alive.
I find it odd that while the majority of people in this country believe in an afterlife, some of them seem determined to keep people who have lost every ability to enjoy this present life here as long as possible. Most of the people that I have spoken with actually would LIKE "to exit quietly and quickly" when the day comes that they can no longer care for themselves and find joy in life.
In conclusion, FOR GOD'S SAKE!, many of the folks in nursing homes should be allowed to "go to heaven". And many more should be allowed to remain in their homes with assisted care. The trouble is, there has been no lobby to support that option, so there is no funding. It's expensive, but no more expensive that nursing home placement. Many elderly could be cared for by their children, but can't afford the needed nursing care. That must be changed, but again, no lobby for that.
It wouldn't surprise me one bit if it turned out that the nursing home lobby is behind calling the very discussion of the right to choose our manner of exiting this earth the Death Panels. They LOVE nursing homes.
Siouxrose, love to read your comments.
Question to you: any POSITIVITY with Mars?
For example, perhaps a female energy in balance is nurturning and a female energy out of balance is co-dependant. Perhaps a male energy in balance is protective and a male energy out of balance is agressive.
I love Vedic astrology (aka Hindu or Jyotish) and have been curious to learn more about Mars -- so would be interested to get any feedback you might have. The name I chose for my CommonDreams feedback is actually a reflection of Vedic astrology, as Revati is one of the lunar mansions and reflects a delicate, higher soul (if I may use that term).
I completely agree with you that our society is dominated by forces that are not respectful of feminine qualities and therefore has become very destructive.
The men who are so misogynistic must be really messed up inside. Still, it's not an excuse for bad behavior or bad policy...
Speaking of Vedic astrology, my wife told and showed me that there was a Vedic Era in ancient India where women were not only given equal rights as men but there were plenty of heroins and female leaders. It was towards the end of that era that women were degraded. If I remember what I read on here, I believe that Sioux explained that western astrology was different from Vedic astrology and that's definitely true.
I used to have my misunderstandings of Mars and Venus myself but someone cooled me down on it. Here's an article of interest that Sioux Rose wrote about Mars and Venus. I'm an astrology dummy myself but relating astrology to the current events can't hurt either. After all, who are the higher ups to trust on this planet these days.
http://www.siouxrose.com/article.venus.htm
Sioux Rose
Hi, MAX: I still find it amusing, if not a signature of life's irony that you are gracious enough to reference one of my articles. I have had a few experiences with Vedic astrology and while I will say that it seems to generate valid predictions for those trained to utilize that system, it is not my preference. To the sincere Divination student, rune stones, tarot cards, an astrological chart, probably even the entrails of a dead animal (as once was used by some who professed to read the oracles), tea leaves... they all can deliver lessons. Much comes down to the sincerity of the heart of the practitioner, a desire to truly bring useful guidance to a person in need. I believe that EVERYTHING in the living world speaks a language of relatedness. It is mostly for us to still our minds, come into a meditative form of resonance with whatever is being observed to enter INTO it, as once our ancient ancestors did. Then we understand the message. Whether that missive is actually directed at us by a higher agency, or our karmic trajectory led us to it for mostly symbolic purposes, omens have guided mankind for centuries.
Jane Roberts explained hor our ancestors intuitively melded with whatever it was they were observing. Her profound insights are found in the SETH (SPEAKS) books, quite a compelling series of channeled material. This was the type of wisdom published before the l980's saw the YOY crowd take over. This corporately funded ilk fully understood how important it was to guard the gateways of culture by defining WHAT got published. I felt the shift PERSONALLY.
Where I live one cannot find Dell Horoscope magazine. The local superstores and drug stores will not carry it. But there are always the Christian Publishing books, often on prominent display. In any case, the evolution of human consciousness remains an everlasting matter, perhaps even a battle. Without exposure to novel ideas, most of these not being NEW AGE but rather quite ancient systems of inquiry, some minds would never get the opportunity to check out of the prison cell orthodox norms would consign them to. This is why the astrologer was the first, and could well prove the last heretic!
Ms. Rose,
To tell you the truth, I actually end up visiting and reading your articles again and again especially when I find myself struggling with anger and frustrations in this crazy world.
I know I've been getting somewhat cranky in the recent times but trying to get over it. For example, every time I would hear more bad news about health care for all getting defeated or more hidden plans for more wars to come (and the DoD budget is not undergoing any cuts whatsoever not even any proposed cuts), I go nuts and think no wonder guns and ammo sales keep climbing. I almost feel that we would all be better off being armed like vigilantes but I can't imagine my wife ever accepting me as her husband if I did end up going that route. Or take another instance where I foolishly voice my opposition to affirmative action and cited unfair racial quotas spoiling the minds of minorities in front of two African Americans and a Latino American at another politics as usual conversation and get beaten up. Luckily, my wife pulled me out before I was seriously hurt. In both cases, I slowly realize that I allowed Mars to play me for the fool without even realizing it !
Going back and rereading your articles gives a new light every time and I'm amazed by how much I've actually kept myself in the dark without realizing it. I don't know when I'll see light at the end of the tunnel but at least I can count on bravehearts like you to remind us that one need not wait until the end of the tunnel to seek light. The reason I say light is that is what your reply discussing our ancestors and their wisdom back then reminds me of.
Another one of my favorite articles of yours is "Shopping for Conscious"
http://www.siouxrose.com/article.shopping.htm
Everything about medicine you discussed in that article needs to be discussed by the media and the politicians. Not even single payer can cover that. I am surprised that most health care articles even on this site don't discuss what you discussed in your article. Thanks a million. :)
Sioux Rose
Wow, MAX!!!! You are living proof, a BEAUTIFUL example of what the HIGHER use of Mars can mean. I honor men of genuine power, those who use their intellect and muscles for other than self-gratification, especially when that's done at another's expense. I have been dealing with a young man (options where I live are limited) who has been so programmed by the Mars-rules culture that every time I see decency in his actions, I realize the alchemy of our interaction is succeeding, if at a snail's pace! I am going to copy and paste this lovely response! Writers like me so often feel like lonely voices in the wilderness, my best work has been marginalized and I'm forced to self-publish; but a writer requires advertising dollars to make their work(s) known. So I thank you for recommending my articles! They were all written with LOVE, "the greatest of these." In your case, I think marrying a woman of a different culture has greatly opened you up. Cross-cultural experiences are among the most broadening, and that's why those students privileged to study in other nations end up growing in a great many ways.
Have a wonderful day! And thanks again.
Sioux Rose
T. REVATI: The daughter of a woman I knew in Key West was named Revati.
As for the positive Mars, indeed! Every one of the 12 quintessential principles IS Divine. I rant at Mars because with so much worship given to this particular archetypal energy, the entire balance has been thrown asunder as seen in well-funded armies literally destroying the world and so many of its peoples, along with ecosystems.
The positive Mars is seen in the command this planetary entity seems to own, given its affinity (in the northern hemisphere) with the power to call life back from its sleep state, its suspension during winter. It's seen in the mating call of animals that recognize the season is ripe for mating so that enough time will be given to provide babies with lead time before the next winter.
The positive Mars is a PROTECTOR of the weak, ill, and infirm! But as we see in the way the US under a number of military commanders calls the shots, the choice tends to be weak 3rd world nations used as "theaters" of destruction, live zones in which to play god by testing weapons. What entity would such rites of carnage serve if not a Mars out of control? So this type of predation is an INVERSION of a Divine principle, and indeed IT is too much with U.S.
The circle is a metaphysical image, and within its geometry (or circumference) are hidden codes that when related to the principles of the signs each governs, reveal the ways and means for overcoming what otherwise appears as irreconcilable opposition.
If we lived in more enlightened times, and these may in fact prove the norm 50 years from now, a class that used this model could impart a basis for ethics that demonstrates how a society might serve a variety of needs, motivations, and roles where ALL are perceived as equal. The circle has no sides! (It's not about right and wrong, good and evil, or any other polarizing pair. It instead provides a means for transcending these divides that have for so long wounded and maimed the human race.)
In any case, I appreciate your kind words and will from time to time impart a "stellar" view of modern events. There are so few venues that allow this voice, and it's a shame since I often feel it is precisely a view from the heavens (i.e. how heaven sees us!) that could save us from ourselves!
Oh, Jean Shinoda Bolen, a Jungian psychologist who penned "Gods in Everyman" and "Goddesses in Everywoman," said of Mars that he is both warrior AND lover. Of all the potential consorts residing on Olympus, Ms. hot Aphrodite dug Mars as romantic consort most. She, in the persona of Venus, was designed as his cosmic counterbalance and spiritual partner. This is one reason why I speak about the need for equalizing their respective energetic roles on our planet. There are men who are more in touch with Venus, and some women who identify more with Mars. On higher planes we are each the amalgamation of multiple past lifetimes, and thus the present gender does not speak for all prior experiences, gender-wise, etc. Often I think whatever genitalia we're "wearing" now represents where we require work or balance to offset past life experiences.
I think if everyone could just meditate on the commondreams.org musical video, the world would probably embrace peace overnight. Please forward the video to as many of your rightwing friends as possible!!!