Question: an argument I never hear is the impact on the taxpayer and the future of the planet when we start forcing an increase in births when clearly the climate crisis is teaching us we need fewer people in the world, not more! Statistics already show that unwanted children lead to more crime, more demands on social services, fewer women in the workforce, more demands in our educational and healthcare systems, when already we have a crisis with nearly half of all children in the US dealing with some kind of health condition. Not to mention 60% of adult population, dealing with some form of chronic disease. I’d love to see some hard statistics about how some of these more conservative red states are going to start to fall apart in the future, necessitating taxpayers fund all of the problems that forced birth will cause in society. It’s really almost laughable how blindingly stupid and shortsighted Republicans are, and although as a woman, I’m absolutely furious about the assault on my rights, as a mother, I am even more furious about the imminent destruction of the future of all children and the planet with this monumental idiocy.
Rondi, sadly all of that does not matter to those who manipulate so many people in order for the few to gain power and money. They have dumbed down the population so these people can be easily convinced to focus on something in the left hand so the right hand can steal them blind. And the greedy are so focused on more money, more power, more control, that they have no foresight, no long view, no caring what the future will bring except that they, themselves will get more money and power and will control things. I used to watch my brother do this. He would demand and trick and try every scheme to get all the toys for himself, and when we would walk away because none of us wanted to play with him, he would gloat and strut around for a bit, and then eventually realize he had no one to play with. Sadly he did not learn to share, and instead got stuck in perpetual getting more of things so he could again have that temporary feeling of being superior to the rest of us, only to be alone again, and needing to acquire more so he could feel on top again. This kind of person has extremely low self esteem and self worth, and needs these objects to make them feel valid as a human being. He has never understood, and now in his late 70's is incapable of understanding, how giving away, how sharing with others what you have, brings you more joy and contentment than any amount of money or items can ever give you.
Rondi Lightmark: Thank you so much. You have summarized beautifully the current understanding of my book "Sex and the 21st Century: AR-W/(P-I) x ATroc = Q" that I worked living, writing, speaking about from 1957 until first edition published as "God Made Men Too" on amazon kindle/paperback a few years ago. Now in its 3rd edition, trying to explain WHY this is happening. Falling birth rates are our salvation. 2 other volumes, "The Price Of Eggs Is Down" outlines the economics and politics, and "Every War Is An UnCivil War" focuses on the geopolitics. YOU SEE. You know how important Prevent Unintended Pregnancy PUP is. I hope you will add to these books. They are constantly edited and all in 3rd or 4th. Love, Doc
and Cathleen is sadly correct; there are about 1/3 of the population that cares only about its own aggressive and inventive success; this success is needed and it is crucial that our aggressive and creative genes be channeled by our cooperative and supportive genes.
I watched the hearing live yesterday. Seeing you there and present to witness the events live and in person brings the reality home of the grave danger to women in this country when healthcare is denied. Thank you for being there. Also, seeing your pictures of the different locations is interesting. I didn't realize the Senate committee hearings are held in separate buildings (The Hart building) from the actual state capitol building. How cool you walked through some of the tunnels!
I was struck by the statistic brought up during the hearing that 90% of abortions in this country happen in the first trimester, and only 1% after 23 weeks and only then due to facts beyond the woman's control with regard to something going terribly wrong with the pregnancy. The fear and confusion reported by the Republican side, especially by Senator Cassidy, that women have abortions at 40 or 41 weeks is absurd. I love how the OB/GYN brought in by the Democrats. I believe her name was Dr. Verma stated calmly, and clearly if a woman comes in presenting at 40 or 41 weeks the options are delivery or a C-section.
I'm so excited you watched it! Yes this is a favorite GOP talking point--they say it constantly. It's pretty much all they've got. And it's BS. They don't care.
Jess, thanks again for letting us know about this. I've lived in DC for over 25 years and I didn't know hearings were open to the public. I waited on line for over an hour; the young man in front of me is an intern for a "conservative Republican senator," and we had an amazingly long, respectful conversation. He told me he was Christian and I told him I was a former nun who is now christian with a "small c" because I believe Jesus was a great teacher, but not the only son of God, that we all are "children of God."
I don't think I changed his mind, but I did find a new question to ask. And I am so grateful for the improv technique of "Yes, and..." When he said he's Christian and he believes life begins at conception so abortion is wrong because it takes life. "Yes, and what about war or capitol punishment?" He answered that there is innocent life and guilty life. "Yes, and what about war, where innocent people are always killed. Should we make war illegal?" We both looked at one another at that point and realized we had hit a good place to pause. We thanked one another for respectful conversation and I asked him to consider whether, on issues where there is true disagreement on an issue, is it right to pass laws that allow for one side and make it completely impossible for the other side to carry out their beliefs.
I did get a seat around 11:15. It was quite something to see this in person. I wanted to yell at that one senator with the "gotcha questions"!! I didn't see you, but it was so good to be there, and to know that you were too!
Oh Terry I'm so happy you were there! And yeah, that was Kennedy. He's the worst. I was in the front row of the audience section in a yellow shirt and black jacket. Really thrilled you got in--a lot of people didn't. And yes! Who knew! Open to the public! I'm bummed we didn't get to meet but it sounds like you had an important conversation with the man you stood next to. What a great discourse! I think you made him examine some beliefs in a new way!
Thank you - I think the conversation was important for both of us.
I was bummed too, at the same time as I was very happy to be there.
BTW I got to say hello and "thank you" to Dr. Verma. I told her how happy I was that Sen. Bernie allowed her two more minutes. I also told her she could write an article on how to handle a**hole questions- she was brilliant!!! She laughed and that made me happy!!
So glad you LOVE DC - me too! Maybe next time we can have tea - or a drink!
I would love that! I discovered a place called Teaism, I think? Best Udon soup I've ever had! I'm coming again at the end of the month for the Women's summit--are you going?
Sorry for the delay!! I've not been to Teaism but I have a friend who loves it!
Re the summit: I was invted by someone from Markers for Democracy - I think for the whole event. I have to check with her. I'll let you know as soon as I do - it will be so fun to say hello in person!
So tired and yet a coherent, helpful newsletter! Thanks for being there, representing/reporting to us, and being your wonderful self. I look forward to your letters, and often act on your suggestions. I feel personally appreciated by your thanks for saving democracy closings!
I’m so thankful and so inspired to call my legislators using the info and scripts in this Substack newsletter. I’m sure when I call my house rep Andy Biggs, of all people, I know his staff members probably wonder who this crazy Democrat is who calls their office frequently with opposing views!
re the Senate vote yesterday on contraception: Dr Kelly Morrison is running for Congress in the 3rd Minnesota district. A practicing ob-gyn, she has served in the MN House and Senate since 2018. She will be the THE ONLY PRO-CHOICE Ob-GYN in Congress! PLEASE encourage all readers to support her campaign at kellyforcongress.org.
Yes, Jess, Republicans are coming for birth control!
Project 2025 endorses one form of birth control: Fertility Awareness Methods. These methods include the Temperature Method, the Cervical Mucus Method, and the Calendar Method. They can be used individually but are anywhere from 77-98% effective when used together. (Source: Planned Parenthood)
Let’s take a look at how Project 2025 discusses these methods.
Expand inclusion of fertility awareness–based methods and supplies to family planning in the women’s preventive services mandate. The ACA requires coverage of and prevents insurance plans from imposing any cost-sharing requirements on women who obtain preventive care and screenings as defined by HRSA…HHS should more thoroughly ensure that fertility awareness–based methods of family planning are part of women’s preventive services under the ACA. FABMs often involve costs for materials and supplies, and HHS should make clear that coverage of those items is also required. FABMs are highly effective and allow women to make family planning choices in a manner that meets their needs and reflects their values.
Question: an argument I never hear is the impact on the taxpayer and the future of the planet when we start forcing an increase in births when clearly the climate crisis is teaching us we need fewer people in the world, not more! Statistics already show that unwanted children lead to more crime, more demands on social services, fewer women in the workforce, more demands in our educational and healthcare systems, when already we have a crisis with nearly half of all children in the US dealing with some kind of health condition. Not to mention 60% of adult population, dealing with some form of chronic disease. I’d love to see some hard statistics about how some of these more conservative red states are going to start to fall apart in the future, necessitating taxpayers fund all of the problems that forced birth will cause in society. It’s really almost laughable how blindingly stupid and shortsighted Republicans are, and although as a woman, I’m absolutely furious about the assault on my rights, as a mother, I am even more furious about the imminent destruction of the future of all children and the planet with this monumental idiocy.
Rondi, sadly all of that does not matter to those who manipulate so many people in order for the few to gain power and money. They have dumbed down the population so these people can be easily convinced to focus on something in the left hand so the right hand can steal them blind. And the greedy are so focused on more money, more power, more control, that they have no foresight, no long view, no caring what the future will bring except that they, themselves will get more money and power and will control things. I used to watch my brother do this. He would demand and trick and try every scheme to get all the toys for himself, and when we would walk away because none of us wanted to play with him, he would gloat and strut around for a bit, and then eventually realize he had no one to play with. Sadly he did not learn to share, and instead got stuck in perpetual getting more of things so he could again have that temporary feeling of being superior to the rest of us, only to be alone again, and needing to acquire more so he could feel on top again. This kind of person has extremely low self esteem and self worth, and needs these objects to make them feel valid as a human being. He has never understood, and now in his late 70's is incapable of understanding, how giving away, how sharing with others what you have, brings you more joy and contentment than any amount of money or items can ever give you.
Rondi Lightmark: Thank you so much. You have summarized beautifully the current understanding of my book "Sex and the 21st Century: AR-W/(P-I) x ATroc = Q" that I worked living, writing, speaking about from 1957 until first edition published as "God Made Men Too" on amazon kindle/paperback a few years ago. Now in its 3rd edition, trying to explain WHY this is happening. Falling birth rates are our salvation. 2 other volumes, "The Price Of Eggs Is Down" outlines the economics and politics, and "Every War Is An UnCivil War" focuses on the geopolitics. YOU SEE. You know how important Prevent Unintended Pregnancy PUP is. I hope you will add to these books. They are constantly edited and all in 3rd or 4th. Love, Doc
and Cathleen is sadly correct; there are about 1/3 of the population that cares only about its own aggressive and inventive success; this success is needed and it is crucial that our aggressive and creative genes be channeled by our cooperative and supportive genes.
Interesting, John! I will take a look.
I watched the hearing live yesterday. Seeing you there and present to witness the events live and in person brings the reality home of the grave danger to women in this country when healthcare is denied. Thank you for being there. Also, seeing your pictures of the different locations is interesting. I didn't realize the Senate committee hearings are held in separate buildings (The Hart building) from the actual state capitol building. How cool you walked through some of the tunnels!
Jess
I am so thrilled you are actually THERE and are witnessing first hand democracy at work!
Thanks for all the pictures. I’m sure you will have a lot to reflect on when you return.
Stephanie S.
I am so grateful you helped me get there. (:
I was struck by the statistic brought up during the hearing that 90% of abortions in this country happen in the first trimester, and only 1% after 23 weeks and only then due to facts beyond the woman's control with regard to something going terribly wrong with the pregnancy. The fear and confusion reported by the Republican side, especially by Senator Cassidy, that women have abortions at 40 or 41 weeks is absurd. I love how the OB/GYN brought in by the Democrats. I believe her name was Dr. Verma stated calmly, and clearly if a woman comes in presenting at 40 or 41 weeks the options are delivery or a C-section.
I'm so excited you watched it! Yes this is a favorite GOP talking point--they say it constantly. It's pretty much all they've got. And it's BS. They don't care.
Jess, thanks again for letting us know about this. I've lived in DC for over 25 years and I didn't know hearings were open to the public. I waited on line for over an hour; the young man in front of me is an intern for a "conservative Republican senator," and we had an amazingly long, respectful conversation. He told me he was Christian and I told him I was a former nun who is now christian with a "small c" because I believe Jesus was a great teacher, but not the only son of God, that we all are "children of God."
I don't think I changed his mind, but I did find a new question to ask. And I am so grateful for the improv technique of "Yes, and..." When he said he's Christian and he believes life begins at conception so abortion is wrong because it takes life. "Yes, and what about war or capitol punishment?" He answered that there is innocent life and guilty life. "Yes, and what about war, where innocent people are always killed. Should we make war illegal?" We both looked at one another at that point and realized we had hit a good place to pause. We thanked one another for respectful conversation and I asked him to consider whether, on issues where there is true disagreement on an issue, is it right to pass laws that allow for one side and make it completely impossible for the other side to carry out their beliefs.
I did get a seat around 11:15. It was quite something to see this in person. I wanted to yell at that one senator with the "gotcha questions"!! I didn't see you, but it was so good to be there, and to know that you were too!
Oh Terry I'm so happy you were there! And yeah, that was Kennedy. He's the worst. I was in the front row of the audience section in a yellow shirt and black jacket. Really thrilled you got in--a lot of people didn't. And yes! Who knew! Open to the public! I'm bummed we didn't get to meet but it sounds like you had an important conversation with the man you stood next to. What a great discourse! I think you made him examine some beliefs in a new way!
Also? I LOVE DC!!!
#me also. I have relatives living all around the capital in Va., Md. Spent lots of time there.
Thank you - I think the conversation was important for both of us.
I was bummed too, at the same time as I was very happy to be there.
BTW I got to say hello and "thank you" to Dr. Verma. I told her how happy I was that Sen. Bernie allowed her two more minutes. I also told her she could write an article on how to handle a**hole questions- she was brilliant!!! She laughed and that made me happy!!
So glad you LOVE DC - me too! Maybe next time we can have tea - or a drink!
I would love that! I discovered a place called Teaism, I think? Best Udon soup I've ever had! I'm coming again at the end of the month for the Women's summit--are you going?
Sorry for the delay!! I've not been to Teaism but I have a friend who loves it!
Re the summit: I was invted by someone from Markers for Democracy - I think for the whole event. I have to check with her. I'll let you know as soon as I do - it will be so fun to say hello in person!
So tired and yet a coherent, helpful newsletter! Thanks for being there, representing/reporting to us, and being your wonderful self. I look forward to your letters, and often act on your suggestions. I feel personally appreciated by your thanks for saving democracy closings!
And I DO appreciate you. Thanks, Bev.
I’m so thankful and so inspired to call my legislators using the info and scripts in this Substack newsletter. I’m sure when I call my house rep Andy Biggs, of all people, I know his staff members probably wonder who this crazy Democrat is who calls their office frequently with opposing views!
re the Senate vote yesterday on contraception: Dr Kelly Morrison is running for Congress in the 3rd Minnesota district. A practicing ob-gyn, she has served in the MN House and Senate since 2018. She will be the THE ONLY PRO-CHOICE Ob-GYN in Congress! PLEASE encourage all readers to support her campaign at kellyforcongress.org.
Brava Jessica ! How do you do it ?
Welcome home!
Yes, Jess, Republicans are coming for birth control!
Project 2025 endorses one form of birth control: Fertility Awareness Methods. These methods include the Temperature Method, the Cervical Mucus Method, and the Calendar Method. They can be used individually but are anywhere from 77-98% effective when used together. (Source: Planned Parenthood)
Let’s take a look at how Project 2025 discusses these methods.
Expand inclusion of fertility awareness–based methods and supplies to family planning in the women’s preventive services mandate. The ACA requires coverage of and prevents insurance plans from imposing any cost-sharing requirements on women who obtain preventive care and screenings as defined by HRSA…HHS should more thoroughly ensure that fertility awareness–based methods of family planning are part of women’s preventive services under the ACA. FABMs often involve costs for materials and supplies, and HHS should make clear that coverage of those items is also required. FABMs are highly effective and allow women to make family planning choices in a manner that meets their needs and reflects their values.
Project 2025, page 484 - 485
https://open.substack.com/pub/project2025istheocracy/p/reader-question-what-does-project?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web