Hopefully everyone had the chance to watch some of the debate last night where one of the big issues discussed was policies that directly affect women. Apparently at this point in the campaign both candidates are looking to sway women voters their way. The New York Times posted an overview of the debate here.
When speaking about signing the Fair Pay Act President Obama stated that he did so immediately because “This is not just a women’s issue, this is a family issue. This is a middle-class issue. And that’s why we’ve got to fight for it.”
Mr. Romney on the other hand said that he thinks all women should have the right to contraceptives, however this doesn't seem to agree with his wants to cease government funding for Planned Parenthood and to let employers decide whether or not to include contraceptives in their insurance plans. Overall I though that this quote by Mr. Romney summed up his side of the debate pretty well. “There are three and a half million more women living in poverty today than when the president took office, we don’t have to live like this. We can get this economy going again.” The message sounds nice and like he really wants to create change, but how exactly...?
What were your thoughts about the debate? Should the government be responsible for providing funding to organizations such as Planned Parenthood, or is this an issue of church and state?
I can see this issue going either way. The role of government in matters such as these has as many reasons for or against. People may argue that it is not worth the added cost for american tax payers to provide contraceptives, but others would argue that providing them and other educational material reduces unplanned pregnancies and the cost of the program is less than that of the other government programs that would have to be used to help raise an underprivileged child. I for one would support a decision either way. The important thing I think is to pick one option, but to make sure that which ever route we go, sends a signal that we respect and support our young woman and have at heart what is in their best interest and the interest of the nation.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed when President Obama emphasized that this is a family issue. As a young woman, I feel very proud that my government respects women rights and women freedom. Increasing funds to Planned Parenthoods actively shows the government places a high priority on all women being able to manage potential risk in their lives. The government is showing support in the young women of America, and I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI caught that contradiction Beth brought up, as soon as he said it during the debate. "I believe all women have a right to contraceptives"..but he is just going to quietly simultaneously cut funding to one of the nation's largest provider...of it?
ReplyDeleteHis desire to repeal Roe v Wade, is one thing--but his running mate, Paul Ryan actually voted AGAINST the Fair Pay Act when it was introduced. That was a point Obama could/should have brought up as well.
Romney's 'binders full of women' is another soon-to-be infamous line of rhetoric from the debate. The Guardian journal put it best when illustrating, just why this syntax was so offensive. "Because it was tone deaf, condescending and out of touch with the actual economic issues that women are so bothered about. The phrase objectified and dehumanized women. It played right into the perception that so many women have feared about a Romney administration – that a president Romney would be sexist and set women back." His plans for America are to build it in the traditionalist trickle-down sense, with tax breaks for the rich, and austerity measures targeted at the middle/lower classes. Any one that believes he will have a specialized focus on women from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic background--should watch/rewatch the highlights from last night. Look past the superficial rhetoric, and examine the actual proposed policies. measures.
The debate, for me at least, was pretty frustrating. I agree with you in the fact that Romney's quote sounds nice, but will he make that happen? All I can think about is when we played monopoly, and how that showed how too much power can really corrupt a system. Both of these presidential candidates can say all they want with what their plans are for the future, but how do we know they are going to do it? In respect to paying for contraceptives, and the role of government in this issue, I am hesitant to say that I think government should pay for things like birth control, but I am also happy to see that they want to protect women's rights, and to better plan for the future. I'd like to find out more information about each of the candidates stance on this issue.
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