Politics

Perhaps the most interesting question in the juxtaposition of women’s rights (or gay rights, or ethnic minority rights) and democracy is not whether some people’s rights are sacrificed for popular rule (they are), but rather whether they should be as a matter of principle.

Betty Ford’s tenure as First Lady was the last time in American politics someone in that role could inspire bi-partisan admiration—even while expressing her own political views. Her passing reminds us of what has been lost in our political culture.

How can you become a virgin again?  Can you become a virgin again? Why keep using that term at all, and keep trying to make sense out of a freamework we know often just isn't sensible?

Remember that rally for women’s health in Foley Square where thousands turned out to hear Congressman Anthony Weiner, Kathleen Hanna, Jasmine Burnett, Cecile Richards, and countless other champions for reproductive rights? Well, a lot has changed since then, and I’m not talking about Weinergate.

Congressman Anthony Weiner joins the long line of men in public office who have risked their families and careers for sexual indiscretions. Maybe it's time for politicians to have a little sex ed. 

Rolling Stone's upcoming issue featuring 15 year-old pop star Justin Bieber asks the hard-hitting questions I need to know. Does Bieber believe I have the right to an abortion?

From the “guerrilla activists” trying to take down Planned Parenthood to the state and federal legislators (from both parties) further restricting women’s access to abortion, 2011 has seen more assaults on women’s most fundamental rights yet – even more even under the Bush years. There are 3 anti-abortion federal bills and more than 200 state level bills restricting access to abortion (and cutting funds for birth control, cancer screenings and other basic care for women into the attacks for good measure). Many of the state-level bills pose fundamental challenges to Roe v. Wade, paving the way for Supreme Court challenges down the line.  What we need is an outpouring of resistance to this assault on the humanity of women!

The Tucson shooting bears a number of weighty implications for immigration issues both in Arizona and across the nation.

I fear “common ground” dialogues because I fear a liberal impotence nurtured by a deep-seated culture of “civility” and conflict-avoidance.

A new campaign focuses on the intentional and unintentional sexism rampant in reporting on and treatment of female candidates, even by those in their own party.