Choice Is Moral
RFK Jr. is a danger to our health
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was questioned today by Senators for his confirmation hearing for the position of Director of Health and Human Services. It was combative. According to the NY Times, he showed “limited knowledge of health care programs he would be in charge of and tried to reject notions that he is anti-vaccine.”
When asked about abortion rights, Kennedy said, amonng other things:
“I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy, and we cannot be a moral nation when we have 1.2 million abortions. …. I serve at the pleasure of the president.”
No one likes abortion, but having choice over one’s body is moral.
Jessica Valenti here on Substack goes deep on how Kennedy answered any abortion questions, and I suggest you read her analysis. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto grilled Kennedy about emergency abortions for women who come to the ER with an emergency miscarriage in some states that restrict abortion. Would the woman be allowed to receive emergency care, and Kennedy answered, “I don’t know. I mean, the answer to that is I don’t know.” This is scary stuff. Kennedy has, over the years, indicated that he is in favor of autonomy for women to make decisions about their own bodies, but he is an opportunist. And in order to get this job, he will dance his way around admitting to having ever said those things, and do Trump’s biding to control women.
Senator Michael Bennet, Democrat of Colorado, said that “out of 330 million Americans, we’re being asked to put somebody in this job who has spent 50 years of his life” spreading “half-truths, peddling in false statements, peddling in theories that, you know, create doubt about whether or not things that we know are safe are unsafe.”
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont displayed large photos of baby onesies sold by Children’s Health Defense, the nonprofit Kennedy founded, that say, “No Vax, No Problem.”
Elizabeth Warren’s questions centered around Kennedy’s profiting from the law suits of drug companies that make vaccines. She said, “Kids might die, but Robert Kennedy can keep cashing in.”
What’s so troubling, aside from risking the nations’ health if he is confirmed, is that Kennedy is such a power-hungry opportunist (a preditor, as his counsin Caroline said), he will do anything that Trump asks. Trump knows this, he knows that in RFK, Jr. he has an unprincipled nut-job. That is why Kennedy is his nominee.
To stop this confirmation, four Republicans will have to vote no. It’s unclear if any will.
And also today, the Trump administration back-tracked and rescinded the temporary freeze on funds for Federal aid programs that was set in motion yesterday, to much confusion. They keep throwing things —and nominees— at the wall to see what will stick.
On a lighter note, for the documentary, I spent a good part of the day looking at cartoons by women, it was a joy. Here are a few, done for The New Yorker in the 1920’s and 30’s. When women are creative, we benefit!
Thanks for being here, see you tomorrow!
My reaction to the first cartoon: "Oh my Lord." Sad and scary, and something a smart youngster might just say. So I tried to watch the news tonight. First time since the disaster. Couldn't do it. Had to turn it off. Did hear and read about the horrors abounding, but did have a jolt of joy with the pushback. And the chaos continues. Glad you got to concentrate on other positive things. Thanks for the update.
Choice is Moral. That cartoon says it all!