Despite all the economic woes poising them for victory, Republicans were not able to summon the “Red Wave” they were hoping for, resulting in a historic midterm election, wherein the party controlling the White House saw serious gains rather than losses. In some key...
abortion
From Enforced Hijabs to Enforced Pregnancies
We need to see this newest devastating crisis of democracy in the U.S. with renewed urgency because it has too long a history. Look at what is happening to Iranian women (and Saudi, and Indian, and Afghan) and see ourselves together, in camaraderie against illiberal theocracies.
Post-Roe ‘Dirty Dancing’ Memes Lose the Thread
We live in a moment when infotainment may be our readiest access to and avenue for expressing responses to political crises. But what is that doing for us? The more I look at these memes, the more I see them subsuming Penny’s story.
The Supreme Court Deals Three Devastating Rulings in One Week
New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen On June 23, in a 6-3 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the Supreme Court struck down a 109-year-old New York state law that requires gun owners who want to carry a handgun outside...
Overturning Roe v. Wade is Immoral and Dangerous
I no longer have a uterus. But I do have two daughters, 18 and 20. And I am horrified and enraged by the loss of the constitutional right to abortion. In 2022, according to a Supreme Court majority, states cannot regulate gun ownership, but they can — and should —...
The Failures of Post-Roe Mainstream Media
The mainstream media have failed the public in their coverage of the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade. They have buried the lead and mislabeled the positions of the so-called warring sides. Here are some recent headlines: From a local CBS affiliate in Illinois,...
What to Do? Post-Roe Abortion Syllabus 2.0
Many friends and comrades have been asking for info on how to be present, and involved, and to donate money and skills. So it is important for us to find and respect the already established abortion and reproductive justice organizations and communities, and support...
Aria for Cindy and Lament for the Post-Roe United States
On Friday, June 24, in a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. This day also marks exactly four months of fighting in Ukraine. Both are wars, entangled and unsettled. These conjunctions offer a way to fashion a mosaic of connections, rather than...
Damn the Court; This Is Not What Democracy Looks Like
I could wait to fully try to clear my head and calm my heart but that might not happen soon enough, and this moment “we” are in is urgent. For friends who say they have lost hope I am reminded of what I have said too often in these last few years. Hope is not an...
Tears of Joy and Hope Turn to Tears of Despair
Nearly 30 years ago, I was in the kitchen on the phone with my obstetrician. My husband, Tim, on the other side of the house, heard me scream with joy. Life-altering news made me cry. I was going to be a mom to a daughter. And the baby, yes, at that point it was my...