| Pelosi vs. Obama on birth control as economic stimulus |
| by Margaret Cabaniss |
| 1/27/09 |
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Nancy Pelosi made headlines on Sunday with her logic-bending rationale for including birth-control funding in the new economic stimulus package:
But today, it looks like contraception might be off the roster, thanks to intervention from... President Obama?
So, just to clarify: It's the Catholic speaker who was for birth control as "economic stimulus"; it's the unapologetically pro-choice president who is intervening. Incredible. The "personal appeal" aspect here is particularly interesting: It does seem to be a concrete example of the bipartisanship that President Obama insists will be a hallmark of his administration. Whatever it is, it's encouraging.
Readers have left 10 comments. The "personal appeal" aspect here is particularly interesting: It does seem to be a concrete example of the bipartisanship that President Obama insists will be a hallmark of his administration. Whatever it is, it's encouraging. — MargaretI should probably clarify that I don't think this is all disinterested political largesse on Obama's part; obviously he stands to gain from bipartisan support of the stimulus package, too. Still, if it means the total fail of Pelosi's contraception brainchild, I'm all for it. Written by Margaret Cabaniss So let's review: Congress describes some jaw-dropping, over-the-top outrageous proposals. Obama intervenes in a "personal appeal" The otherwise unacceptable bill gets a warm reception from those would normally be opposed on principle. And this is really encouraging? Only if your an Obama fan. Pure genius. Written by Bruce Roeder Bruce, let me clarify some more: I'm only "all for" Obama's intervention on the contraception issue. Whatever his motivation there, it was a dumb proposal that needed to go. Regardless of your opinion of the general stimulus plan or President Obama, surely we can at least be happy about that. Written by Margaret Cabaniss Margaret, I demand to see some conservative credentials. How do we know you're not really Obama Girl masquerading as an Inside Catholic editor?!?!?  Written by Steve Skojec Incredible? Not to those who know the ways of Washington. It's just politics. Obama is trying to pass 25 years of social change legislation in one vast emergency bill. He's willing to toss one little item overboard to lighten the sinking ship. He can always tuck the authorization for contraception into the into the health care nationalization bill, and no one could say it would not be germane there. Written by James P. Lucier Sr. Incredible? Not to those who know the ways of Washington. It's just politics. — James P. Lucier Sr.Actually, I was only referring to the irony that it was an avid pro-choicer reining in a loud-n-proud Catholic on the contraception thing. But then again, we're talking about Pelosi here -- so really, not that incredible. Written by Margaret Cabaniss ...encouraging about the Catholic speaker of the House being trumped by the pro-abortion president about Malthusian government policies. The whole thing is Orwellian. Perhaps Ms. Pelosi's bishop might want to call her in for another chat. Written by Depressed And yet not a single Republican voted for it in the House. Obama made a conciliatory gesture, aiming for bi-partisanship, and the Republicans completely "dissed" him. Bi-partisanship is a two-way street. Written by Eric Pavlat The video has been removed for a "terms of use violation." Could you switch it to another video or maybe add some quotes of Pelosi, so we can see what she said? Written by Nathan Cushman The video has been removed for a "terms of use violation." — Nathan CushmanCould you switch it to another video or maybe add some quotes of Pelosi, so we can see what she said? Hi, Nathan -- thanks for letting me know. I've fixed the link; the pertinent bit begins at 1:20. Written by Margaret Cabaniss |
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