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News & ArtsWednesday, October 7, 2009
Politics Today's GOP: "Objectively Pro-Rape"
Posted by Dan Savage on Wed, Oct 7, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Al Franken introduced an amendment to the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill that would deny defense contracts to companies that "restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court.” The amendment was inspired by this outrage. The amendment passed 68-30. The 30 senators who voted against the amendment? All Republicans, all men.
Franken's speech is worth six minutes of your time:
More at ThinkProgress. Via Balloon Juice.
2
Who knew that Al Franken was going to be such an amazing Senator??!?!?! I am so impressed by him, words fail me.
5
Republicans are such brute animals. Can't they see that voting against this is a loser with 95% of the population? But they still keep hammering away with their pro-business platforms and ignoring the ground shifting beneath them. Just so blind, so arrogant, stupid, pathetic...and I'm only talking about their strategy here. Don't get me started on their anti-human ideology in general.
Fuckers.
Fuckers.
6
He's doing a great service by trying to bring justice to his woman. And is anyone seriously surprised of the repubican opposition? C'mon this is who this people are.
8
Yeah, but Franken totally almost considered making a reference to rape in a comedy sketch this one time maybe, so he's eeeeevil.
11
Glad that Voinovich (R-OH) voted yea. I will call to express my pleasure at him bucking his overlords.
12
I would love to see a worker fairness law that extends this to *all* workers in all circumstances, so that other companies can't strongarm their workers into binding arbitration instead of going to court.
13
Are you kidding me? Can't you see how calling Republicans "Pro-Rape" is like them calling Democrats "Pro-Baby Killing?" This kind of nonsense does no favors for either side.
Though apropos of the bill, unless there were some seriously wacky riders, it's hard to see a good reason for the opposition.
Though apropos of the bill, unless there were some seriously wacky riders, it's hard to see a good reason for the opposition.
14
Bloody hell. Only ten--ten!-- out of forty Republicans voted for this bill. Pfwah? These are the people the Democrats are trying to work with so as to get bipartisan support for Health Care Reform? This is a bill that should have passed unanimously. If the 30 men who voted against this bill can't say that individuals who are assaulted have the right to their day in court, I don't see how they can possibly be counted on to be reasonable on anything that is even slightly complex or controversial. Sheesh.
15
Maybe those 30 Republicans can cow NPR & NYTimes into calling these bad behaviors "alternative seduction techniques."
Hmmm... I thought about it some more... these GOP senators are taking a principled stand. It's a human rights issue. Nothing should come between a contractor and a big fat stack of government funds.
Hmmm... I thought about it some more... these GOP senators are taking a principled stand. It's a human rights issue. Nothing should come between a contractor and a big fat stack of government funds.
17
Good hair, dude.
If you love Al like I love Al, he still needs contributions to retire all the debt from his monthslong recount battle too: http://www.alfranken.com/
If you love Al like I love Al, he still needs contributions to retire all the debt from his monthslong recount battle too: http://www.alfranken.com/
18
As someone who grew up in Minnesota, I believe the hope of liberalism in America lies within that state.
Say what you will about Lutherans, but they (for the most part) are a philosophical bunch with a natural aversion to demagogues and authoritarians. And they recently approved of gay pastors.
Say what you will about Lutherans, but they (for the most part) are a philosophical bunch with a natural aversion to demagogues and authoritarians. And they recently approved of gay pastors.
19
I read Franken's book Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them. He wrote it as a comedian, but it was pretty pungent with senator material then.
20
Glad his was the 1 congressional campaign I donated to in 2008. Glad he took my boss' seat back for its rightful party.
21
@13
You're right. It's completely unfair for us to characterize the Republicans as pro-rape. They're not pro-rape, they're just anti-prosecution of rape and pro-giving piles of money to companies that condone rape. I think we should all make note of that.
You're right. It's completely unfair for us to characterize the Republicans as pro-rape. They're not pro-rape, they're just anti-prosecution of rape and pro-giving piles of money to companies that condone rape. I think we should all make note of that.
22
@13
You're right. It's completely unfair for us to characterize the Republicans as pro-rape. They're not pro-rape, they're just anti-prosecution of rape and pro-giving piles of money to companies that condone rape. I think we should all make note of that.
You're right. It's completely unfair for us to characterize the Republicans as pro-rape. They're not pro-rape, they're just anti-prosecution of rape and pro-giving piles of money to companies that condone rape. I think we should all make note of that.
23
Ok, I just read the statement of purpose of the bill at http://senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_c…
"To prohibit the use of funds for any Federal contract with Halliburton Company, KBR, Inc., any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or any other contracting party if such contractor or a subcontractor at any tier under such contract requires that employees or independent contractors sign mandatory arbitration clauses regarding certain claims."
I guess I'd have to read more to see what the certain claims are but here's what I wonder. Why is it directed at Halliburton et al? Sure, I hate those scumbags as much as anyone but why couldn't they just say all government contractors? Also, what happens now since Halliburton changed their name?
"To prohibit the use of funds for any Federal contract with Halliburton Company, KBR, Inc., any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or any other contracting party if such contractor or a subcontractor at any tier under such contract requires that employees or independent contractors sign mandatory arbitration clauses regarding certain claims."
I guess I'd have to read more to see what the certain claims are but here's what I wonder. Why is it directed at Halliburton et al? Sure, I hate those scumbags as much as anyone but why couldn't they just say all government contractors? Also, what happens now since Halliburton changed their name?
24
"To prohibit the use of funds for any Federal contract with Halliburton Company, KBR, Inc., any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or any other contracting party if such contractor or a subcontractor at any tier under such contract requires that employees or independent contractors sign mandatory arbitration clauses regarding certain claims."
It's for everyone. Halliburton is the specific example cited because that's the company involved in the Jamie Leigh Jones case.
"To prohibit the use of funds for any Federal contract with Halliburton Company, KBR, Inc., any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, or any other contracting party if such contractor or a subcontractor at any tier under such contract requires that employees or independent contractors sign mandatory arbitration clauses regarding certain claims."
It's for everyone. Halliburton is the specific example cited because that's the company involved in the Jamie Leigh Jones case.
25
@5 etc
we are bad bad men.
who don't give a flying fuck
what you liberals think.
spare us your 'tsk tsk tsk'.
assholes.
we are bad bad men.
who don't give a flying fuck
what you liberals think.
spare us your 'tsk tsk tsk'.
assholes.
27
Why isn't this headline news? Why isn't NOW condemning this vote instead of David Fucking Letterman?
28
The full text of the ammendment (it's very short) can be read here:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?r1…
As one would hope, there's nothing specific to Halliburton or KBR in it; they're not even mentioned. It's very straight-forward, leaving no room for plausible excuses on the part of the jackasses who voted against this.
If you're represented by one of the Republican Senators who voted *for* this amendment, give them a call or write them a letter thanking them... and asking them to reconsider their party affiliation. The party is not entirely populated by monsters, but it is run by them. All decent people should flee.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?r1…
As one would hope, there's nothing specific to Halliburton or KBR in it; they're not even mentioned. It's very straight-forward, leaving no room for plausible excuses on the part of the jackasses who voted against this.
If you're represented by one of the Republican Senators who voted *for* this amendment, give them a call or write them a letter thanking them... and asking them to reconsider their party affiliation. The party is not entirely populated by monsters, but it is run by them. All decent people should flee.
29
well, the link didn't work, so here's the full text of the amendment:
Sec. 8104. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for any existing or new Federal contract if the contractor or a subcontractor at any tier requires that an employee or independent contractor, as a condition of employment, sign a contract that mandates that the employee or independent contractor performing work under the contract or subcontract resolve through arbitration any claim under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or any tort related to or arising out of sexual assault or harassment, including assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, or negligent hiring, supervision, or retention.
(b) The prohibition in subsection (a) does not apply with respect to employment contracts that may not be enforced in a court of the United States.
Sec. 8104. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for any existing or new Federal contract if the contractor or a subcontractor at any tier requires that an employee or independent contractor, as a condition of employment, sign a contract that mandates that the employee or independent contractor performing work under the contract or subcontract resolve through arbitration any claim under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or any tort related to or arising out of sexual assault or harassment, including assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, or negligent hiring, supervision, or retention.
(b) The prohibition in subsection (a) does not apply with respect to employment contracts that may not be enforced in a court of the United States.
31
@25: Keep stating your case in exactly those terms. Your honesty is refreshing!
I'm sure your "fuck all of you, we're rich!" platform will yield big electoral returns in the next round of elections.
I'm sure your "fuck all of you, we're rich!" platform will yield big electoral returns in the next round of elections.
32
31
didn't say anything about being rich.
even poor Americans will gladly tell you to FuckOff.
and those midterm election results are already in the bank- just ask Obama
didn't say anything about being rich.
even poor Americans will gladly tell you to FuckOff.
and those midterm election results are already in the bank- just ask Obama
33
I don't see anything in there about locking any KBR or Halliburton executives in a shipping container in the desert. For this reason, I must oppose this bill.
34
Sarah Palin did nothing, as mayor of Wasilla Alaska (or as governor), to overturn the policy that rape victims must buy their own rape kits in order for their perpetrators to be investigated, tried, thrown in jail.
WHAT IS IT WITH THESE REPUBLICANS AND RAPE??!? SERIOUSLY. What is this, the pro-rape party?
By the way, someone remind me, why is Al Franken so hated again??
Let me guess: because he is a liberal with BALLS. And he always makes republicans look like goons in the wake of his successes.
WHAT IS IT WITH THESE REPUBLICANS AND RAPE??!? SERIOUSLY. What is this, the pro-rape party?
By the way, someone remind me, why is Al Franken so hated again??
Let me guess: because he is a liberal with BALLS. And he always makes republicans look like goons in the wake of his successes.
35
For you, Allegedly:
If you listen to a lot of conservatives, they'll tell you that the difference between them and us is that conservatives love America. That is we "blame America first." That we're suspicious of patriotism and always think that our country's in the wrong. As conservative radio and TV personality Sean Hannity says, we liberals "train our children to criticize America, not celebrate it."
They don't get it. We love America just as much as they do. But in a different way. You see, they love America the way a four-year-old loves her mommy. Liberals love America like grown ups. To a four-year-old, anything that Mommy does is wonderful and anyone who criticizes Mommy is bad. Grown-up love means actually understanding what you love, taking the good with the bad, and helping your loved one grow. Love takes attention and work and is the best thing in the world.
-- Al Franken, before he was Senator, in a book full of win.
If you listen to a lot of conservatives, they'll tell you that the difference between them and us is that conservatives love America. That is we "blame America first." That we're suspicious of patriotism and always think that our country's in the wrong. As conservative radio and TV personality Sean Hannity says, we liberals "train our children to criticize America, not celebrate it."
They don't get it. We love America just as much as they do. But in a different way. You see, they love America the way a four-year-old loves her mommy. Liberals love America like grown ups. To a four-year-old, anything that Mommy does is wonderful and anyone who criticizes Mommy is bad. Grown-up love means actually understanding what you love, taking the good with the bad, and helping your loved one grow. Love takes attention and work and is the best thing in the world.
-- Al Franken, before he was Senator, in a book full of win.
36
Liberals reject the very systems and ideals that make America great- capitalism, self reliance and self-determination; Protestant work ethic; faith in god; family and marital fidelity.
Liberals envy the socialists in Europe (that corrupt cesspool we rejected and fled), deny god, deny responsibility for sexual behavior.
Conservatives don't think America is perfect but we recognize that the ideals we strive for and honor are the greatest in the world.
The people of America are not better than other people but to the extent that we strive for and achieve those ideals we make ourselves better.
As Liberals achieve more and more success tearing down the values and ideals that have made America great our society declines.
Liberals envy the socialists in Europe (that corrupt cesspool we rejected and fled), deny god, deny responsibility for sexual behavior.
Conservatives don't think America is perfect but we recognize that the ideals we strive for and honor are the greatest in the world.
The people of America are not better than other people but to the extent that we strive for and achieve those ideals we make ourselves better.
As Liberals achieve more and more success tearing down the values and ideals that have made America great our society declines.
37
Yep, Europe's a corupt cesspool! That's why so many of our immigrants come from there, any way they can, legally or illegaly. It's such a shithole. Goddamned Belgians picking through my recycle bin at 4 am...
38
Wow, Allegedly @36, did you quote that from somewhere? You're getting me to learn some new words.
Some of the very systems and ideals you mention are complex matters, and it's an oversimplification to say that liberals reject them outright (or, for that matter, that conservatives embrace them unconditionally), or that they necessarily make America great either in their ideal forms or as they manifest in the United States. Unless you're saying that you're inventing a special meaning of, greatness, that is defined by these qualities.
Regarding Europe (the people of whom I'm sure would not like it being described as a cesspool), when we fled these nations, they were monarchies. Still, the nations of contemporary Europe are not so much inherently socialist as they have nationalized more services than we have, but still maintain a robust capitalist economy. Indeed, the countries of Europe have not ceased to grow and develop just because the colonials departed the shores of Europe, or because some of their colonies (not all, to this day) have declared autonomy. We've gladly borrowed innovation from them as they us.
I'll try to address your concepts and a realistic liberal take on them, if you're actually interested in the real-world rivals of conservatives (in contrast to what you imagine liberalism to be).
Some of the very systems and ideals you mention are complex matters, and it's an oversimplification to say that liberals reject them outright (or, for that matter, that conservatives embrace them unconditionally), or that they necessarily make America great either in their ideal forms or as they manifest in the United States. Unless you're saying that you're inventing a special meaning of, greatness, that is defined by these qualities.
Regarding Europe (the people of whom I'm sure would not like it being described as a cesspool), when we fled these nations, they were monarchies. Still, the nations of contemporary Europe are not so much inherently socialist as they have nationalized more services than we have, but still maintain a robust capitalist economy. Indeed, the countries of Europe have not ceased to grow and develop just because the colonials departed the shores of Europe, or because some of their colonies (not all, to this day) have declared autonomy. We've gladly borrowed innovation from them as they us.
I'll try to address your concepts and a realistic liberal take on them, if you're actually interested in the real-world rivals of conservatives (in contrast to what you imagine liberalism to be).
39
Yes! its not the governments place to tell a corporation how it runs its internal dispute resolution process!
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