Kathleen Parker Demonstrates Her Lack of Shame

Today's Newport Daily News has its weekly column by Washington Post conservative columnist Kathleen "K-Pax" Parker. Today K-Pax chooses to highlight Red China's repressive policy of forcing women to have abortions. K-Pax is very careful to point out that "On this much, both sides of the abortion issue can agree: Forced abortion is not a choice." She is even more careful to avoid stating the obvious corollary: Forced pregnancy is not a choice, either, but she and her fellow conservatives support it.

Is K-Pax honestly concerned about women in China? If she were, she could have simply stated the facts and voiced her opinion. Instead, she goes out of her way to sneer at Planned Parenthood and NARAL for not being as concerned as she is. That's why she wrote this column; not to draw attention to an injustice, but to use that injustice to score political points against liberals. It's cheap political grandstanding cloaked in sanctimony. K-Pax ought to be ashamed, but of course, being a conservative, she's not.

Nothing in Size 12

Ophelia's Wardrobe is a fundraiser for the Ophelia Sessions held by C & Family of Newport Co. They have new/used designer clothing for all! Tickets for the $60 preview & auction Fri. nt. while the actual sale is Sat. & Sun. at Wakehurt (Ochre Point & Leroy- good luck with parking). 10-4; 10-2.


Yes, I'll be there and NO there will be nothing there that is size 12 or size 8- 81/2 in shoes. So don't even look; although, there may be something after I leave. But everything else is a go!


It's a good cause & is held every other year.


Call 401-848-4150 for more information or for tickets.

Violence Against Women Surges

A new survey on sexual violence against women in the U.s. from Human Rights Watch shows huge increases over a two year period. (report) These stats show a shocking 42% increase in reported domestic violence and a 25% increase in reports of rape & sexual assault.

The National Crime Victimization Survey, based on projections from a national sample survey, says that at least 248,300 individuals were raped or sexually assaulted in 2007, up from 190,600 in 2005, the last year the survey was conducted. The study surveyed 73,600 individuals in 41,500 households. Among all violent crimes, domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault showed the largest increases. Except for simple assault, which increased by 3 percent, the incidence of every other crime surveyed decreased."

"The projected number of violent crimes committed by intimate partners against women increased from 389,100 in 2005 to 554,260 in the 2007 report. By comparison, the number of violent crimes against men by intimate partners went down."

The methodology was modified in 2007 due to criticism from experts & this may reflect more accuratcy rather than an increase. But then again, they may reflect an actual increase. Irregardless, the numbers reflect government under-reporting.


"The new numbers indicate that previously, the government significantly underestimated the number of individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence in this country," said Tofte [researcher]. "Authorities should urgently adjust public policies, law enforcement, and provision of support services accordingly."

Human Rights Watch's national recommendations include:

1. The Obama administration should appoint a special adviser on violence against women in the US
2. Congress should restore full funding to the Office on Violence Against Women
3. The Department of Justice, through the National Institute of Justice, should authorize comprehensive studies that more accurately track sexual and domestic violence in the US, especially among individuals who are least likely to be surveyed by the National Crime Victimization Survey
4. Congress should increase funding for sexual and domestic violence prevention, intervention, and treatment programs
5. Congress should amend the federal Debbie Smith Act, a grant program designed to eliminate the rape kit backlog, but that states can and have used for other kinds of DNA backlogs
6. The US should ratify the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which obligates states to prevent, protect against, and punish violence against women.

Maybe we could have an Anti-Violence Against Women Surge? Just a thought.


via http://www.feministpeacenetwork.org/