Starting Now...

I said in my post earlier today that it's time to become active members of this movement.  Our first opportunity arose as I was writing that post.  This morning, President Trump* issued an executive order reinstating the "Global Gag Rule".  What this means is that if any non-governmental organization wants to receive US funding to provide reproductive services to women around the globe, they must not mention, counsel, offer, or in any way have anything to do with abortion.  By depriving these organizations of US aid, we are potentially depriving the poorest of this globe's women from birth control, pregnancy services, reproductive health checks, and more.  Surely we all see the catastrophic global implications of such a move.

There is, however, a slim ray of hope.  Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has announced her intention to introduce legislation tomorrow repealing the global gag rule.  Obviously, this will be an uphill battle.  Senate Republicans are sure to stand in opposition to Shaheen, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.  Contact your Senators, friends, and let them know that you want them to stand with Jeanne Shaheen and the women of this world.  All it takes is a phone call, postcard, email, anything to let your voice be heard.  And if your senator votes against it?  Make note of it and get ready to campaign against them in 2018 or 2020 or 2022......

Here's a link to the press release from Senator Shaheen's office:
https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-statement-on-president-trumps-reinstatement-of-the-global-gag-rule

* A note on my use of President Trump.  While I appreciate the sentiment of many who embrace the "Not My President" credo, I do not share the sentiment.  At my core, I believe in our democracy and I believe in our constitution, and unfortunately, he was elected and sworn into office following the rules outlined in our constitution.  I do support considering a change to our electoral system and ending the electoral college scheme, but until that happens, the sad truth is that he was elected and IS our president and I will address him as such ... even if I throw up in my mouth a little bit every time I do it.