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This is a pure expression of male paternalism regarding women being able to make their own reproductive decisions. From USA Today:
President Obama said today that “as the father of two daughters,” he supports his health secretary’s decision to block over-the-counter sales of the Plan B “morning after” birth control pill to girls under 17 years of age.
“I did not get involved in the process,” Obama said during a White House news conference, though he added he supports the decision by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Who needs lengthy scientific review, when apparently father knows best?
The idea that Obama wasn’t involved with HHS deciding for the first time ever to overrule the FDA, but he just happens to agree with the outcome produced by this unprecedented move, simply doesn’t pass the laugh test.
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I’m not laughing.
Fuck him, and the paternalistic, right-wing horse he rode in on.
“Mr. He-Man War President stands up to scientists to protect American family values”
Obama December 2008:
“The truth is that promoting science isn’t just about providing resources—it’s about protecting free and open inquiry,” President-elect Obama said. “It’s about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology. It’s about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it’s inconvenient—especially when it’s inconvenient. Because the highest purpose of science is the search for knowledge, truth and a greater understanding of the world around us.
Obama December 2011:
“Screw science, my re-election is more important. Suck it up girls.”