values

I confess...I'm torn.

One of my most strongly held "political" views is the importance of protecting a woman's right to choose. I think this right is fundamental to women's equality, both in terms of economics and social respect. I very much believe the concept "If you can't trust me with a choice, how can you trust me with a child." I believe the vast majority of women hope to never need to resort to an abortion and that they do not make that choice lightly. I believe in "Prevention First" and would love there to never be any unwanted pregnancies. But I believe that the option simply must be there. For all women.

I also believe our health care system is broken. And that fixing it must be a top priority. It is fundamental. I don't have the magic formula, but it can't stay as is...

So, I'm torn. I don't know how to resolve the current debates in Congress. In my ideal, abortions would be covered just as other procedures. Heck, it's a sad way to think of it, but abortion is a LOT cheaper than a baby. But, I don't know what to say if the two values come into conflict. I don't know what to think about supporting a plan that limits a woman's choice, especially because the funding rules would have a broad impact on women across the board (i.e. not just those on public plans).

I know some of my readers are my conservative friends...this question is really more for those on my side of the aisle. If the funding restrictions are crucial to the passage of health care reform, should that be a necessary casualty or a deal-breaker?

etc.

I confess....I have lots of thoughts but most aren't developed enough for a full post (or already have been a full post).

• It hurts my heart to see the results in Maine. When will people realize that it AFFIRMS marriage to allow two adults who love each other to join in its union?? Couples who just met can wed but not long-term partners with deep commitment?? Religion should not be relevant...gov't can approve it and churches can decide on their own.
• BUT, ultimately, I still don't like voting on basic civil rights.
• I also don't think judges should be elected. This isn't a perfect summary of my view, but to share: http://www.whataboutclients.com/archives/2009/11/on_voting_for_j_3.html
• To the BC High boy on my train last night, an apology would have been nice after you whacked me with your backpack when you swung it back on.
• I finally get my permanent crown today and am hopefully done with the dentist for a while. It was crazy expensive...I wonder what it would have been had I NOT been at a "preferred provider"
• I had mid-week kabobs (and ice cream etc) last night. I want to be okay with this but still feel guilty. Maybe b/c my tummy was too full and kept me up all night.
• I am well ahead of pace for my "average miles per day" for the year. I should use this time to cut back. I think I might be healthier (in several senses) at a lower goal and this is the perfect time to put that in action...I can drop the weekly goal a good bit and still end up "on track" for the year. With my head as it is, this is the PERFECT time to enact that change (and then keep the lower goal forward)...I'm not sure I can explain that mentality very well. It is still hard.
• I need new sneakers but don't want to spend the $$$. Why are the ones I like (and that work better for me) also the more expensive ones???
• I am working very hard (at work) and seeing very little reward. This is wearing on me.
• I do appreciate that it is now light on the way to work. Since it is currently morning, I can temporarily ignore what that translates into for the way home.
• Facebook has let me better appreciate that I have run into some pretty cool people in my 31 years who do and think amazing things....many of whom I'd never still follow if not for the network.
• I like Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper.
• I like sugarless chewing gum.
• I like deep red wines that only REAL red wine drinkers would like.

civics

I confess...I think I'm doing my civic duty, but others may disagree.

Election Day is tomorrow. There is a mayoral election in Quincy, where we live, and I believe it is a decent contest. But I'm not voting. I believe in an informed electorate and I am not informed. I do not think I should just pull the Democrat lever (or draw in the line as the ballots are here) simply out of habit. I think you should know who you are voting for and why.

An obvious solution would be to do some research. I'm decidedly unmotivated to do this. Which makes me feel even more firm in deciding not to vote. I'm not feeling vested in the election. Perhaps I'd feel differently if we owned instead of rented or had children in the school system or something like that...but I don't. It seems wrong to vote just out of lemming-ness...to vote just to vote. I think you should vote because you care and are educated and support someone.

When I do vote (which is pretty regularly), I actually often leave blank the races that where I couldn't even name the candidates.

I will vote when we have the election to replace Kennedy. I'd vote in Maine tomorrow if they let me (go equal marriage!!). But I feel like my civic duty includes knowing when NOT to vote. Criticize away....