04/2007

I am completely horrified

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/LAW/04/18/scotus.abortion/

And wow, what a killer quote from Bush:

“Today’s decision affirms that the Constitution does not stand in the way of the people’s representatives enacting laws reflecting the compassion and humanity of America.”

Let’s have that one more time.

“Today’s decision affirms that the Constitution does not stand in the way of the people’s representatives enacting laws reflecting the compassion and humanity of America.”

Okay, just once more.

“Today’s decision affirms that the Constitution does not stand in the way of the people’s representatives enacting laws reflecting the compassion and humanity of America.”

Great. Fucking awesome.

You can also read about it here: http://www.federalabortionban.org/

Another article: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a35BP5vNwPDg&refer=home

This one points out that doctors are allowed to perform the procedure if they get special permission from a judge. Except, you know, the procedure is never required. But just in case. Just in case it is medically necessary, a judge with no medical training can decide if a woman requires it, provided her doctor had the time, energy, compassion, or ability to present a coherent case to a judge. Two big egos bumping right up against each other, one with all the power, the other with none. American doctors now have the rights of teenage girls — they get to ask. Another word for that is beg. What’s even worse is that those rights weren’t extended to grown women, just their doctors. That’ll be real hot for women in small towns with one conservative doctor and no access to second opinions.

This only prohibits less than one half of one half percent of abortions. Really. Seriously.

So what the hell is the point of the law? What’s the point of this fight?

A law made for one half of one half percent of people is what we call “a foot in the door.” It’s what we call precedent. It’s what we call “time to leave because you don’t want to raise daughters here.”

It’s called “the Constitution does not stand in the way.”

I don’t have any faith in a change of power. The pendulum always swings back. And I don’t trust a new power. I can’t. Our government has been utterly destroyed. There are no checks and balances anymore. I have no faith in the ability of congress, the courts, or a new President to restrain themselves as they ought to be restrained, now that their hands are completely untied. There are men and women in America who would do the right thing, but really, what politician will bind themselves?

I was always more interested in American law, civil rights law, because I wanted to stay here. But I’ve made up my mind to study international law, and if I am so lucky, study international law elsewhere. I don’t want to be stuck here. I don’t want to raise my children here. I am open to great and miraculous surprises, but there is not even the tiniest corner of my heart that expects one. I’m done with this country.