The most rage-inducing part of the current crisis is the realization that we could have had a competent President handling it, one who’d spent years with health care as her signature issue. Instead we were treated to endless media hand-wringing over how unseemly her ambition was (as if male politicians aren’t ambitious!). The alternating condemnation for being too emotional or not emotional enough. And when she turned in a powerful debate performance, Jake Tapper griping that she was “over prepared.”
I would really, really like it if the country’s fate rested with somebody “over prepared” right about now.
Meanwhile, it’s hard to believe sometimes that non-COVID news is still happening. The November elections feel like they’re a lifetime away. With likely Dem nominee Joe Biden recently committed to choosing a female running mate, there’s been the usual snarking about Sarah Palin and “voting with your vagina.” But any logician understands the concept of “necessary but not sufficient.” Of course just being a woman isn’t sufficient — but there are plenty of women who have the skills and qualities that are necessary.
As always, this diary is a team effort. Thanks to mettle fatigue, elenacarlena, SandraLLAP, ramara, and the WOW crew for links and discussion.
Reproductive Rights:
Two nurses denied midwife jobs for refusing to carry out abortions lost their their legal bid to take Sweden to a top European court for violating their religious beliefs.
New Zealand decriminalizes abortion.
Decision coming soon on whether Missouri’s last remaining abortion clinic stays open.
COVID-19 has made abortion access more difficult.
Anti-abortion bill advances in Idaho.
Economics:
Coronavirus highlights women’s job insecurity in Asia.
Child care workers have always been on the front lines.
Women plough the way to peace at South Sudan resettlement project.
Violence:
Rescue of trafficked women in China halted by coronavirus.
How Berkeley High’s whisper network sparked a movement.
Among the many issues that will be exacerbated by COVID-19: domestic violence.
Health:
Rohingya women in Bangladesh refugee camps promote hygiene among virus fears.
Some of the ways that the coronavirus is affecting women’s lives. Pregnant women are in the high risk category, and the risk to infants is unclear.
Uncategorizable:
Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving 2 years ago. Activist Loujainal-Hathloul is still on trial for it.
Good News:
Greece swears in first woman President.
Pro-choice Marie Newman defeated anti-choice incumbent Dan Lipinski (IL) in the Democratic primary for his House seat.
Action Items:
Petition to lift restrictions on medication abortion.