To try and make the Republican Party appear like more than just the stomping ground for rich white guys, George Bush‘s re-election team decided to create a catchy slogan using the President’s well-known middle initial. Soon the phrase “W Stands For Women” was everywhere, from campaign placards to special sections of Bush’s website. As explained on that very web page, “W Stands For Women” is more than just a slogan; it’s a “national grassroots effort designed to mobilize support for President” and get women to vote for him. But a look at the details is interesting—the page is long on generic talking points about education, combating terrorism, the economy and “the armies of compassion”, without mentioning a single female-specific issue. Nothing about job and pay equality. Nothing about reproductive rights. Nothing about women’s health issues other than a few sentences promising to make health care more affordable.
But was anyone really expecting more than this? After all, one of the very first things Bush did in his Presidency was to ban $425 million in international family planning funds, because the money might go toward abortions or abortion counseling. He also blocked $34 million in congressionally approved assistance for the United Nations Population Fund, on the unproven accusation that the fund helped to manage abortion programs in China. His people in the FDA have blocked “morning after” contraceptives not for any health reasons, but because their availability might cause teenagers to have sex. And let’s not forget his underling John Ashcroft, who subpoenaed hundreds of private medical records to gain ammunition for a lawsuit against the Partial Birth Abortion Ban.
Under Bush, the armed forces have banned abortions in all military hospitals, even when the woman offers to pay for it out of her own pocket. While abortions may be given in cases of rape or incest, they won’t be covered by the military’s health insurance. And, just so you know, this is the same military that has no problem providing procedures such as vasectomies, liposuction, breast implants and nose jobs.
And then there’s this:
The United States has refused to join 85 heads of state and government in signing a statement that endorses a 10-year-old U.N. plan to ensure every woman’s right to education, health care and choice about having children.
President George W. Bush’s administration withheld its signature because the statement included a reference to “sexual rights.”
[U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kelly] Ryan did not elaborate on the Bush administration’s objections to the phrase “sexual rights,” but at past U.N. meetings, U.S. representatives have spoken out against abortion, gay rights and what they see as the promotion of promiscuity by giving condoms to young people to prevent AIDS.
Surely, the “W” indeed stands for women — the ones that will sit down, shut up and keep their damned sinful legs tightly shut.