Republicans, who repeatedly decry "big government," seem to feel quite comfortable making decisions that affect millions of women, while (literally) not having our voice at the table! What entitles them to direct me and others as they see fit, while living lives that have a considerable layer of hypocrisy on the surface?
In preparation for this war, I ask that women of all political parties and religious faiths stand tall and fight back with our votes. It's time to teach a lesson to those who disrespect, marginalize and ridicule women. It's time we declare war. It's time to register our youth, our friends, neighbors and our casual acquaintances to vote, and then make sure that they do. It's time that we vote like our lives depend on it, because they do. It's time to send a stinging rebuke of ignorant statements and ridiculous policies so that those who are thinking of running for office and including such nonsense into critical public-policy debates, think twice and quickly change course.
The absurdity of the arguments that we're hearing around contraception and women's health lately is like conversing with a fool. And yet we're having the same discussion over and over. The only change is that it is becoming more and more bizarre with each news interview that these "candidates" give. Spewing misinformation that gives the impression that individuals are either forced to take birth control or even that they are encouraged to do so is an outright lie, and it is time to reveal the ever-so-thinly-veiled liars that are attached to such philosophies.
The danger of electing any of the Republican candidates to the presidency should now be crystal clear, particularly to women. If there was ever any uncertainty as to whether or not the remaining four - Santorum, Romney, Gingrich and Paul - could offer thoughtful and meaningful dialogue on a topic as private and difficult for women and their partners as contraception, well, we now have clarity without a doubt. Not that any of them has changed their position on this matter (except Romney, of course), but now, as a woman, I have a plethora of information to consider when I step into the voting booth, when I discuss the candidates with my family and friends, and when I am asked to make recommendations by voters.
The moment is upon us, and this war, this fight for equality should consume our attention. We cannot hope for the results we want. We will send a message that we won't play childish games when it comes to our contraception and our health care.
Councilwoman Cindy Bass represents Philadelphia's Eighth District.
