I Thought They Shot Horses, Not Women

By | January 20, 2011

Recently, our brilliant Republican friends, with Dan Burton (R-IN) leading the way, have decided to cut major funding for Planned Parenthood. He also submitted legislation that would provide contraceptives for wild horses and burros to control the size of wild herds out west.

A bill was recently introduced suggesting the elimination of funds for Planned Parenthood and to some folks this sounds like a grand idea and very wise economic choice. The plan is simple – only certain types of women with certain types of resources are allowed certain types of privileges.

If any young women – or smart men who support women and their needs and opinions – are reading this, if this goes all the way through (which it won’t) start looking for a place that offers foot binding at a reasonable rate. The eliminating of funds will not only limit planning and effective decision making regarding when and if a woman decides to give birth, it also has crippling consequences on a number of health issues (HIV/STD testing, cancer screening and proper condom usage).

But hey, what’s the big deal, our wild horses will be able to decide for themselves when and how often they give birth and, by God, isn’t this what our tax paying dollars are going for?

It is often surprising to me that those with access (white, male, wealthy) always seem to know what is best for those who have very little access.

I have often felt that although we are all responsible for and to one another, there are times when we could use a great big bowl of “shut the hell up” when it comes to certain issues.

Supporting folks who are fighting the good fight is great.

Consistently and systematically dictating how the fight should look to the folks who have the most to lose or gain is just plain arrogant and stupid. Until any man has had his testicles pulled through his nose, his shared opinions on any form of female reproduction should be nonexistent.

Personally, I would kill to meet Mr. Burton. I would love to say “How did you come up with this?” “What is this thing for horses or do you not want to talk about it?” I would love to hear a story of how some horse rescued him from a burning barn or spoke in tongues or told him that in 2020 the presidency will be his.

Anything.

Come on Burton, throw me something. I know this is a serious matter but I want to have a discussion with him and I pray that I won’t get the giggles when he mentions the special mare in his life.

I don’t want to double over in laughter with tears in my eyes when he mentions building his self esteem and learning long division all because of Ruby.

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