"This is a right that every American should be outraged, outraged about what this administration and Secretary Sibelius has set forth here on August the 1st," New York Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle (R) said at the same press conference as Kelly. "And as Mike said, August the 1st is a day that we as American will look at as the largest assault on our First Amendment rights."

What the........?...Contradictions abound in the TeaPeople!

Contraceptives not only prevent unwanted pregnancy, they are used in treatment for many gynecological issues women face as well. Does this IDIOT even know what the various methods cost? Family planning is CRITICAL in this day and age and having some man think it's his duty to regulate MY body makes me ill. Comparing it to Pearl Harbor and 9-11????? Just shows how out of touch the GOP is with pretty much everything.

What century is this dolt living in, the three cornered hat century? Religion that comes in a teabag is a political ideology for the simple minded born again into simple mindedness.

Agreed Layton! republicans feel abstinance is the answer to everything. It doesn't work! Contraception is the answer to lowering the abortion rate and is critical in women's health. Vote Democratic ladies!

Thanks, Republicans! You reject Pres. Obama's compromise so that you can compare a piece of legislation requiring insurance coverage of contraception to an act of war. Yet it's perfectly fine for insurance companies to cover drugs like Viagra. How about if the guys whining about including contraception as a health care cost give up their blue pills? Then we wouldn't even need contraception for most of them.

Oh the rightwing outrage over contraception is funny! Again some man telling women what to do with their body"s. Ladies is this the right thing to a man to do? Or could it be the rights attempt to have more white babies born. Their heads are still exploding over the fact that there are more brown babies being born than white. This is such a non issue. You folks on the right get over it.

Can we please pass a mandate that men can no longer vote on women's issues?

Trent Franks is another wacko in Arizona that has to go. Of the 220 who supported the bill banning abortion after 20 weeks in DC -- no matter what -- and criminalizing it (doctors going to jail) -- something like 204 were not just Republican (obviously) but were MEN. How would religious folks like it if atheists determined their rights, or blacks determined rights for whites, etc. It's along that line, in which a gender that will never suffer the consequences of these matters are the "deciders" in these matters. Twisted.

Smitty-4183671

Oh the rightwing outrage over contraception is funny!

Or more like ironic? Contraception prevents unwanted pregnancies, which prevents abortion. Rightwingers are too brainwashed -- so they are stuck on stupid.

But to mandate a medication for "birth control" is wrong. To mandate what a company chooses to offer its employees is wrong.

Ben - Nobody's forcing women to use contraceptives. The mandate makes it available to them. Besides, the insurance companies don't mind, because it's cheaper for them and policy holders than the alternative, which is paying for the costs of a pregnancy for 9 mos, and an additional insured on the policy then on for 18 26 years.......

Doesn't it occur to this idiot that contraceptives prevent unwanted pregnancy

No it doesn't. You'd have to THINK for that to occur.

When will some people learn that freedom means the right to choose?

Contraception promotes unwanted pregnancy, in the same way fire extinguishers promote fires!

An awful lot of Catholic and other Christian women definitely like their birth control.

But hey I'm glad this guy wants to make this big news again, because the last time republicans went there they promptly dropped 20% in the polls with women voters.

If we let them, the republikan party will take us back to the 19th century. Politically, socially, economically and culturally they threaten to drag us, kicking and screaming back to the bad ol' days. Any woman, minority, gay or latino who is even thinking about voting republican needs to seriously reassess their positions in this election. Do not vote against your own best interests.

I laughed OUT LOUD when I read this article. I mean, REALLY? If I were a veteran of Pearl Harbor or a family member that lost someone in 9/11, I would take offense to that press conf. and ridiculous, delusional tyrade...I am not either of those, but I am a woman and I find it extremely offenisve that VIAGRA is covered by most insurance companies, and yet this guy and whoever the moronic woman is, say that it is a day to be remembered???? The way it should be remembered is that it is ONE of the times, that women can thank a politician for the help and assistance. I am frightened of people with the mindset of the right.

Too bad that Rep. Kelly's mother didn't have access to contraception.

Erections have consequences!

GT -- You make a good point about cost. So answer me this: "why wouldn't an insurance company say if you want to use us here is the package and contraceptives are in it non-negotiable?" It would seem to me that if the insurance carrier say it as saving them mucho dollars, they would insist.

The Republicans are so damn intelligent that they prefer we add millions to the welfare rolls rather than let women have access to birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies? Also, I know with unemployment high, which Republicans always point out as Obama's fault, that a few more million unwanted humans in the United States will, no doubt, solve the poverty problems in their feeble and confused minds. These sanctimonious Republican congressmen have the balz to compare birth control to two of the greatest tragedies to happen to this country in the history of this nation? That in itself should draw into question the judgement of these Republican Congressmen. If they can't be more factual regarding an issuse like birth control, how can they possibly manage to solve the real and pressing problems of our country, like jobs and federal debt? God help us ALL with leaders like this pair of 'baloney-heads'!

Bethie from Texas -- The Teapublicans know no bounds when it comes to hyperbole. Comparing contraception to Pearl Harbor is right in there with comparing the SCOTUS ruling on ACA to 9-11 (Mike Pence) and the IRS to the Gestapo(Le Page) -- Nazi comparisons are a favorite.

Because really, isn't it pretty difficult to tell the difference between a horrific terrorist attack and a law saying that maybe people with preexisting health conditions ought to be allowed access to our health care system too? -- http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/28/1104085/-Rep-Mike-Pence-compares-Supreme-Court-ruling-to-9-11

I think it is safe to compare Teapublicans to the Plague - Ha!

Oh no way Ben, that was a gift from the Christian God to you, to protect you from Bin Laden, because Bush and his administration certainly could not.

Concern,

Following your line of "thought"

however it should be left to the individual to get his own contraceptives, unless he is below the Poverty line and can not afford it.

Basically you are saying ....

If a woman has endometriosis and needs birth control to regulate the pain and suffering she is experiencing, the medication to treat that should NOT be covered by her insurance because it is labeled as a birth control method????

Many prescriptions are used to cover various ailments. The cost of these prescriptions are sky high and the audacity of some moronic Representative to state he knows more about this than the women being treated. Disgusting.

Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Kelly (R) and is fellow party members are the new Pearl Harbor and 9/11. Could these (mostly) men be more out of touch with today's America? Google Jack Scraap folks! Another one of the "moral know it alls" just went down!!!! Pastor Jack the leader of a 15K member Southern Baptist Church caught molesting a 16 year old girl. Indiana's Taliban leader has been forced out from his church.

Notice how the Republicans are NOT complaining about insurance companies supplying their Viagra...

The obvious question: If this is an attack on religious freedom, which religion are we talking about? Does our country now have an official religion? Seems to me giving me choice lets me choose to do something or not based on my own beliefs and religion. I do not want someone else's religion to decide law.

Ben - I imagine when it came to non-religious businesses thats how it was. Though, even if a business isnt outwardly religious, the business owner might still be and might STILL decide - sorry, my women dont need that.

So let me ask you a question:

Why did GOD give man free will?

why are christians throwing up their arms decrying "women dont deserve free will WE know whats best!"???

you'd think GOD wouldnt have given man free will so man would always do the right thing...just like christian men are doing for women.

And people actually elect these crazies to represent them in the Federal Congress. Sigh?

The government is not attacking anyone's religious freedoms - they are all alive and well and initiated by each person in these United States. It is your choice to practice both religious freedom and birth control. Your choice.

The only persons attacking anyone and attempting to infringe on freedoms are those citizens who want to take away MY rights. My choice.

Simple as that - my right - my choice - practice freedom of religion and birth control.

Ben-636050

And we see the bad consequences one had on or about nine months before 08/04/1961 when BOH senior got one. Too bad contraceptives weren't used that day.

Barack Obama is someone's son, someone's husband and someone's father.....

"With free speech comes responsibility." - Eleanor Roosevelt

.....and then there's that whole being decent thingy......................

Where do these Neo-Nut Right Wing Drones Crazies come from?

VermontGirl - I believe you've just excluded Ben.

This guy has advanced Limbaugh - Beck Syndrome.............

Most serious case I've seen. I've not heard of an effective treatment accept ELECTIONS.

this republican guy has his panties pulled up way too high...

"This is a right that every American should be outraged, outraged about what this administration and Secretary Sibelius has set forth here on August the 1st," New York Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle (R) said at the same press conference as Kelly. "And as Mike said, August the 1st is a day that we as American will look at as the largest assault on our First Amendment rights."

In this article, the only people I see assaulting my First Amendment rights are NY Rep Ann Marie Buerkle and Kelly. Their choice. My choice.

Well, this is certainly right on target for the nuts in the republican party - wonder how many republican women use birthcontrol? wonder how many of them receive it from their health insurance plan, provided via their employee health plan? Makes me wonder if these guys are trying to run all of the women out of their party - Hey Mary Maitlan -shout out to you, what birth control did you use after you had your last planned child? Baye Buchannan - oh well, just look at her, she never has to worry about birth control. In case these guys have forgotten, they benefit just as much from women using birth control as the women do - unless they are gay, the gotta be squiring a female and in this day and age that usually leads to sex.

ben I see your back to being the pride of the right wing. You represent them well. Thank You for showing your ass. You do it so well.

"I want you to remember August the 1st, 2012, the attack on our religious freedom."

But, but, but you're not the only one who practices religion, and there is more than "one" religion in this country.

When you try to control everyone in the United States by implementing your personal views, that is NOT what we call "freedom", that is what we call that "bondage".

If the righties had their way women would'nt even be allowed to vote.

This is so clear to me. Simply put, if birth control is against your religous beliefs, then don't use it. For everyone else that birth control does not pose a conflict, it's not a problem. Yes, our country was formed on religious freedom, so please don't force your religious beliefs onto me!

Love the slogan "4 more for 44." first I've heard of it. It's going on my bumper.

As for contraception being the American Holocaust, I think Rep. Kelley needs a brain transplant. I'd put even odds that the procedure would be covered under the congressional health plan.

Ha Ben you are completely ate up fella, how you gonna deal with Obama being your president for for more years.

I'm a Republican, too, and these comments by Rep. Kelly are reprehensible. NO ONE is being forced to use contraceptives, NO ONE.

There are Seven Billion people on this planet, and we are killing it. More people means more fuel, more food, and more poop. Contraception might save us so, Rep. Kelly, shall we all follow your religious beliefs to the extinction of all human life on this planet, like the dinosaurs, or shall we control ourselves for the glory of your God?

Seattle Ben, you ask an excellent question (about religious freedom). Which religion is being infringed upon here?

Again, I truly feel that if men were the ones that carried the babies, not only would contraception be covered, but we'd have a lot more options with types of birth control. I read in a recent Texas Monthly article that, for clinics taking care of indigent women, it costs the state of Texas $350.00/year to provide contraceptives. Conversely, providing pre-natal care and paying delivery & hospitalization plus post-natal care runs over $16,000 for the same calendar year. Of course, if a healthy baby is born, we'll continue paying for that child for years to come. We should not push contraceptives, but we definitely should make them available! I mean, women don't get pregnant by themselves, so until guys do more to prevent unwanted pregnancies on their end, women have to bear--literally--all of the responsibility for birth control. That's why I get so angry when some dudes on Capitol Hill say it's too expensive or too incovenient or some other ridiculous argument about why access to BC (including making it more affordable through insurance coverage) is not right or whatever.

Losing.issue.for.conservatives.

I'm sad to say Mike Kelly represents my district in Pennsylvania. He's been a bag of hot air since his campaign. Mike is so proud to tell you about his family business and how he creates jobs. His father started the business selling Chevrolet, but Mike "grew" the business by adding Kia and Hyundai to the business. That's really supporting American business, isn't it.

I HAVE A SOLUTION!

You see, since contraception goes against some people's religion and it's forcing insurance companies to pay more- the OBVIOUS solution is to force religious organizations and insurance companies to offer free prenatal care and pay for birthing costs. Since religious organizations care SO MUCH for babies that they'd try to force female employees to have them by denying contraception, they can help the little gifts of god by paying for them.

I wonder how quickly insurance companies would practicaly be begging for their female member to free birth control instead, considering pre-natal care and birth is OBSCENELY EXPENSIVE. I'm sure churches won't complain- they'd just fire female employees instead!

The Bishop of "Our Lady of the Pedophiles" is just outraged over the sin of contraception.

Is this guy crazy?!?!? No contraception means not as many chicks will be putting out. This man is an enemy of all men (who are still capable of getting an erection).

It occurs to me that Congress, especially the House of Representatives is a research opportunity in theoretical physics : Discovering the "Point of Whackadoodle Criticality" (the point at which the congregation of Whackadoodles reaches critical mass and triggers a hyperbole-nonsense-idiocy chain-reaction which causes our Representative Constitutional Democracy to implode).

I suspect we're getting very close. One more Congressional election should be enough!

One of the most interesting things about this argument is that this is the same group of people that will tell you guns don't kill people and if you don't like them don't buy them.

So my take away is:

It's okay to give people the freedom to shoot other people

It's not okay to have sex... if you're a woman. Men can have all the irresponsible sex they want.

What do these two things have in common?

Little tiny frightened mouse people that need to control everything around them to feel safe.

Layton

Many prescriptions are used to cover various ailments. The cost of these prescriptions are sky high and the audacity of some moronic Representative to state he knows more about this than the women being treated. Disgusting.

Those are misleading and false statements. Birth control pills aren't expensive and a minuscule percentage of the prescriptions are for anything other than birth control. Try to be honest instead of a liberal water-carrier.

TO: Sheri from San Diego who wrote:

"This is so clear to me. Simply put, if birth control is against your religous beliefs, then don't use it. For everyone else that birth control does not pose a conflict, it's not a problem. Yes, our country was formed on religious freedom, so please don't force your religious beliefs onto me!"

BEST POST!

4 More for 44!

Obama/Biden 2012

Who pushed the crazy button in this country? What makes this bizarre Kelly creature any different from a proud representative of the Taliban, other than wardrobe and facial hair? And don't start whining on about Jesus being better than Allah, which is right up there with whether Superman is better than Batman.

Here's the deal, boys: You don't get to camp out in other people's underwear. You do not get to make loud noises about freedom, then try to legislate vaginas.

We understand that you hate women and want to control them, but there are a lot of us women, and the vast majority of us do not wish to wear burqas, breed like rodents, or in general live like your personal livestock.

However, if that is how you and your wild-eyed female counterparts wish to conduct yourselves, there is a place called the Middle East, where you can beat on those ladies and fire guns at strangers all day long. Go now. I'm sure they'll love you!

All right GOP! Way to fire up the base!

The base of women voters who will flock to vote Democratic, that is.

Another brilliant campaign year blunder by The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Think Straight.

It just goes to show you that the republican party has been hijacked by the extreme right. What an outlandish comparison. Republicans are the new terrorists and the New Nazi republican party has done nothing but say, "NO" for 3 and 1/2 years. Toss the lot out and the tevbuggers with them who are so greedy they can't ever vote yes!

Colorado Man ..

Those are misleading and false statements. Birth control pills aren't expensive and a minuscule percentage of the prescriptions are for anything other than birth control

Really? How many women do you know that suffer from endometrosis? You're up in the air if you believe that birth control pills are mainly used for preventing birth. Most women use more innovative methods for that such as IUDs, implants, etc. Birth control PILLS are used to regulate menstral cycles. Now remember this ... it's not only birth control that is to be offered as free but also preventative screenings for women. In my circle of friends I could truthfully say 1 in 3 suffers from endometriosis, ovarian cysts, etc. Want some more "women" talk or as a MAN do you have more to offer to this conversation?

As a former YR who voted for Nixon, Goldwater, Nixon and Reagan I'm ashamed of what the party has become. The mouth piece of the military industrial complex and the rich!

I have to wonder just when any church became non political ? Since when does a church that is actually running a business dealing with all of the public have the right to claim anything is against its religion ? Everything the church claims is against its religion is something thought up by the church which are most all run by just men...I find it also interesting that even the bible is written only by men....guess no women could write way back then.

OK for all of you shouting that Viagra is covered by insurance.. WRONG... I have Humana and it's NOT covered...But I do believe that female contraception should be as it protects them form other more serious problems...

4 more for 44

The Repubs want to take away birth control, abortion rights etc yet they surely do not want to take care of the unwanted children that are born. In fact they want to do just the opposite. Take away all help of any kind for unwanted children and the poor. They really make me sick. What a horrible party.!!!

It has become clear that the Christian Right wishes that access to contraception and pro-choice be eliminated. They in the long term, plan to increase population. They need body's to form a large Christian Army in their quest for Armageddon.

NOTE TO NEWSVINE: In instances like this, where some brain dead politician has the gall to compare a part of the ACA to, of all things, Pearl Harbor and 9/11, can we please have an emoticon of a face with two eyeballs spinning in opposite directions? It would be much easier than having to type out a statement that says pretty much the same thing as that emoticon would...

Let me get this straight: if this guy had his way, then a conservative business owner would and should have the right to deny various insurance coverages to female employees, based on his 1st Amendment rights? WHAT ABOUT THE RELIGIOUS RIGHTS OF THOSE EMPLOYEES? They don't count? Their religious choices are secondary to the rights of the business owner? Since when did America become like Saudi Arabia?

It is a very easy day to remember. "How did the woman take her pill? She 8/1."

At some point don't we have to respect the majority and/or settled law? Yes... It's FUNDAMENTAL to the way our country is run!

Does the Tea Party and the Catholic Church seriously have the right to refuse anything that violates their morals as they chose to define them? NO... no more than any other party or any other religion. That is exactly WHY we have separation of church and state... because no one set of laws will satisfy them all, yet we must live under ONE set of laws.

Is this guy as big a dick as he seems? (I'll let someone else answer that one)

Democrats are looking at this all wrong... this is free advertising.

@Commonsense ED made a comment that freedom means the right to choose....However if the government "mandates" what will and will not be covered is that not a violation of freedom???? enlighten me ED

This guy Kelly is in need of serious and immediate psychological help. An attack on religious freedom? REALLY?!? On the scale of Pearl Harbor and 9/11 even. Amazing!

Listen, while I'm not a believer myself, I do believe in one's right to practice whatever religion they choose, or to not practice at all, if that's one's choice. But the hardcore religious types in this country have hijacked the right wing, with a fanaticism to rival the most extreme form of radical Islam. This is why nothing is getting done in this country. No compromise, no empathy and IMHO no capability for original thought outside of what their religion dictates.

ALL zealots, religious, political or otherwise are dangerous.

Seattle Brian

The obvious question: If this is an attack on religious freedom, which religion are we talking about? Does our country now have an official religion? Seems to me giving me choice lets me choose to do something or not based on my own beliefs and religion. I do not want someone else's religion to decide law.

Amen, great point and well said.

American Socialist

If the righties had their way women would'nt even be allowed to vote.

Agreed, and the really sad thing is conservative women would vote to take away their right to vote. These Teavangelical women like Bachmann who believe in subservience to men (I threw up a little in my mouth just typing that) are the worst enemy of their own gender.

Sheri from San Diego

This is so clear to me. Simply put, if birth control is against your religous beliefs, then don't use it.

This lack of Rule of Reason applies to all morality rightwingers try to legislate. As long as tax dollars aren't used for abortion per the Hyde Amendment, Roe v Wade protecting the right to choose is the law. Why Romney (what a farce) or anyone wants to force women to give birth to a deformed baby from incest or worse criminalize abortion if they do, is insanity. Now these radicals aren't even making allowances for when the mother's life is at risk -- WTF is wrong with these people?!

Check this out

http://vimeo.com/jasonstefaniak/thisismybody

Mike Kelley -- Agreed. Teapublicans, in particular Teavangelicals (and Mormons) believe the Earth's resources are infinite. We as a nation should and could create a system that no longer relies on population growth (or illegal immigration) to have economic growth. And as an ironic side note, one reason illegal immigration has decreased is because more women in Mexico are using contraception.

First of all the use of Pearl Harbor and 9/11 to describe this issue is a DISGRACE and is abhorrent. It belittles the the memory of the Americans who died in these tragedies. Mr. Kelly should apologize immediately.

Insurers are mandated to OFFER contraceptives NOT, I REPEAT, NOT to FORCE women to use them. Women are NOT being forced to use them PERIOD. If a woman is against contraceptives for whatever reason she has the option to abstain from using them PERIOD.

In addition, the scare tactic of "attack of religious freedom" is complete and total BS meant to convince the religious zealots (repugnican and democrap) within the constituency to vote for them and against their own best interests. Ever heard of a wedge issue? THERE IS NO OFFICIAL RELIGION IN THE USA. Keep your religious beliefs to yourself and OUT of OUR government.

The Pill is what? $10/month. If a woman cant afford that, she definitely cant afford a kid. Give her the pills and prevent a future welfare generation. Even better, do any implant to improve the protection. Talk about your high ROI opportunities.

pearl harbor???? I'll tell you pearl harbor: The Republikkkans will NOT allow their pistolero fanboys to carry their glocky-wockies on the floor of their convention! That's pearl harbor!

Wow, listen to all of you *ahem* enlightened liberals. Stating we need birth control to stop idiots from having children. If that is the extent of the reasoning then someone should have been on birth control the year you were born. A government who forces their country to pay for population control. Even better. Pat yourselves on the back for that one. Responsible people will be responsible, those who aren't won't be. It seems you all are overlooking the fact that we will be paying for something that isn't used, or rather won't be fully utilized. The contraception plan will be paid for regardless of use. But who is concerned with spending anyway. We know who isn't. The plan is great for those who want a free ride, and while there at it expect others to pay for it. Sounds like America to me.

Fundamentally, it comes down to what people expect their government to do. Run their lives, and hand out assistance at every request of the people to make their lives easier. Or allow people live their lives, and interfere less. I would appreciate people to retort, insisting that due to present problems, we need government to oversee how we as a people operate. I then point to the government and how they operate, and ask "do you really think they know how to best direct us how to live?" The government, by default, has to enact laws and processes on how to operate. There will be no grey area, because a lawyer, at some point in time, will exploit said grey area and cost us all a ton of money. Life will be ruled by rules. It's not far fetched, because they is the way the government operates, and you all are asking for more and more government intervention.

The bad part is you all being a bunch of rubbish making you think you need it, and what's making it worse is that you all are eating it up. Next year, free soda machines in all the cafeterias.

What century is this dolt living in, the three cornered hat century? Religion that comes in a teabag is a political ideology for the simple minded born again into simple mindedness.

The Founding Fathers were progressive, intelligent, careful, scholarly men. If they knew what some of their descendants have become, they would be turning over in their graves.

ybooks, the government mandate is for a commercial entity which has no religion and thus no freedom of religion. You, if you are a flat earther with a religion, are free not to use the coverage for a pill or device whose purpose your mind cannot comprehend.

Yb00cs79

@Commonsense ED made a comment that freedom means the right to choose....However if the government "mandates" what will and will not be covered is that not a violation of freedom???? enlighten me ED

I'll do it.

If you are a woman, you have the right to CHOOSE whether to take birth control. Nobody is forcing the woman to take it. The insurance company (which is a BUSINESS ENTITY) must OFFER it at no cost in the insurance package. This in NO WAY mandates that any woman MUST take birth control pills. If it is against her religious convictions, then she has the right to CHOOSE NOT to take it. In fact, in the religions that are against birth control, it would honestly be a boon to have the free birth control coverage since it offers the faithful a way to prove their faith and beliefs by refusing it.

Those people whose religion is NOT against birth control have a right to choose to take it. Cost should not be a factor in the health of a woman. As someone who nearly died in delivering a very wanted child almost 6 years ago, I can tell you that pregnancy is something that still kills women IN THIS COUNTRY. My sister in law ALSO almost died delivering her child, after being on birth control since the age of THIRTEEN to control dysmenorrhea. I have another sister in law who also almost died due to complications in her pregnancy when she had a placental abruption and nearly bled to death. That sister in law narrowly avoided a partial hysterectomy (as did I) to stop the bleeding during an emergency cesarean section.

Where do these Neo-Nut Right Wing Drones Crazies come from?

They come from their mothers, who didn't fully consider birth control... We can blame the fathers as well... Which these peoples existance would make a great case for birth control wouldn't it?

Wow! listen to donuthole who is so dishonest and/or lame it is impossible to describe the issue at hand accurately. This is not the issue, but this is what donut wrote

"Fundamentally, it comes down to what people expect their government to do. Run their lives, and hand out assistance at every request of the people to make their lives easier. Or allow people live their lives, and interfere less."

No, fundamentally, it does not come down to that. In fact, if you believe that, you should join John Benefiel's Heartland Apostolic Reformation Network, which believes the Statue of Liberty is a demonic idol.

Ninja, Humana sucks, so that figures

Conservative women are not leaving the party because they know the difference between denying contraception (something no one is advocating) and not forcing a religious organization to provide something for free to women. Liberals cant see it, but thats just because they are happy about all this cool free stuff they are getting now from the evil 1%.

Welcome to Obama's America, where you shouldn't have to pay for anything yourself. When do we start getting free aspirin when we need it? How about you libbies buy my toothpaste for me?

This is the day that you no longer have the right to force your religion on me, or bind me with your ignorance.

Republicans are just DUMB.

and over zealous religious fanatics are even DUMBER

2 groups that should go away

republicans sure have no problem with ED drugs being offered with insurance

Mike Kelly needs psychiatric help.

This particular bit of posturing and pandering as a GOP campaign tactic is analogous to thinking what a swell idea it would be to go quail hunting with Dick Cheney: It's just gonna blow up in your face.

It just never ends with these right wing idiots, does it.

I'm a Republican, but they are doing everything they possibly can to make me want to leave. Between this and the whole Chik-Fil-A cluster f%&k I find it harder everyday to find anything on the social level that I agree with. I see hypocrisy on all fronts, yet i try to defend a party that, more times than not, does not deserve it.

This is why I cannot stand women who are Republican.... Why, oh why, would these women side with a party that does not care about her well being? Republicans and religious Christian men breed women like this, and choose the most naive and subservient to become their slaves. Such a shame. This is the 21st Century and women have the right to be healthy!!

Also,

Republicans cried foul when the Obama administration first announced the new rule, reasoning that it would force employers with a religious affiliation to act in a way that contradicts their beliefs. The outcry included criticism from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and President Obama subsequently announced a compromise in which employers wouldn't be forced to offer insurance plans that cover contraception, but insurance companies would be required to offer coverage to women who wish to purchase it.

Republicans rejected the compromise, and subsequently attempted several times to advance legislation to reverse the mandate. The imbroglio contributed to Democratic charges of a GOP-led "war on women."

LMAO!

No Layton,

What I'm saying is I do not support this being pay by our taxes for just the simple fact of not getting pregnant. If it is for a medical condition like normalize your menstrual cycle or any other medical reason then the doctor can write a prescription and it should be covered.

As a woman I can tell you that my Insurance covers contraceptics for medical reasons only when prescrived by a Doctor.

JH, please be aware that this is not some free government handout. These are employer sponsored health insurance plans. You earn these benefits as part of your employment. By providing this benefit, free contraception for women, one can be assured that women are not being discriminated against by an employer, particularly if the employer tries to provide a religious reason to discriminate.

Just because Rush, or Beck, or Fox have loudly protested these "free handouts" over and over again doesn't make it true.

MrBurns -- Do you think Romney should be able to write-off 10% tithing for the Mormon church to build temples, and missionaries to convert more members to pay tithing to build even more temples? That doesn't strike me as charity, but there are so many Separation of Church and State issues we could go into that we would need a larger forum (e.g., Mormons financing anti-Prop 8 efforts).

These churches, and not just the TV Evangelical scams, make a LOT of money running hospitals, schools, etc. tax free. The entire premise in the IRS tax code is a main issue, and we could probably pay down the debt if taxes were collected in many cases that disregard tax laws. Regardless, religious businesses must adhere to the laws of the land -- including labor laws like health insurance -- and if they want to be tax exempt, they can't force religious beliefs on non-member employees, or even preach from the pulpit or block voting.

Other laws of the land include bans on polygamy, animal sacrifice, denying a child medical care such as a blood transfusion, and even dodging the draft can be called into question. What precedence do you fundamentalists believe makes your case? The lack of Rule of Reason is mind-bending, not to mention double standards in regard to cherishing life after birth.

BigAl Las Vegas

It just never ends with these right wing idiots, does it.

Nope.

Simple solution, all around. Don't want to pay for your employees birth control?
DON'T TAKE FEDERAL FUNDS!

Concern--are you saying that being pregnant is NOT a medical condition that affects a woman's health? I assure you, your body is definitely affected by carrying a child. There are limits to how many children a woman should bear for physical as well as emotional/mental reasons--I'm referring to the fact that many women suffer from debilitating post-partum depression that requires clinical treatment. Because the intensity of the post-partum reaction can increase exponentially with each child born, some women choose not to have more kids to preserve their sanity--literally--and protect their mental health. I am not saying that pregnancy makes you crazy; but the risks of p.p. depression are real, and avoiding pregnancy is truly important for these women who have a history of it.

My insurance company already has too much say about what is covered and what is not. Kudos to President Obama and the legislators who passed this bill requiring that a basic health need like birth control be covered. Your tax dollars do not pay for MY insurance benefits.

MrBurns

Conservative women are not leaving the party because they know the difference between denying contraception (something no one is advocating) and not forcing a religious organization to provide something for free to women. Liberals cant see it, but thats just because they are happy about all this cool free stuff they are getting now from the evil 1%.

Maybe you'd be kind enough to tell me what "free stuff" I ,as a liberal, have been getting. At 60, I've worked my butt of all my life, raised my 2 kids as a single parent, one became a Marine, the other a mother and business owner/farmer. I pay my taxes and don't complain unless the reich wing starts trying to take away my rightsd in the name of their "freedom". Is your brazen stupidity a gift or did you have to work at it?

Ah me, the republicans never can figure it out. Free birth control will be better for them! Less babies born to poor folks, more aids and other stds, which amounts to shorter life spans and fewer democrats.

Nope, I am not a republican.

Dear Republicans,

YOU SICKEN ME.

The odds of me ever voting for any Republican ever again keep shrinking away to nothing.

Take your pathetic 'christian' followers and wall yourselves off someplace else while the rest of us move forward.

PLEASE.

In related news:

Today on Capitol Hill, immediately following the press conference by Reps. Kelly and Buerkle, America's venerable National Hyperbolemeter, housed in the Smithsonian, began to vibrate wildly, uttered a banshee-like scream, and burst into flames.
Smithsonian authorities are seeking to bill Reps. Kelly and Buerkle for the repairs.

Unfortunately, Mike Kelly is from my home state of PA.....fortunately he doesn't represent my district (my condolences to you, John in NW PA, for having Mike Kelly as your representative).

Do these Republicans screaming about this realize that BCP (birth control pills) are also used for a variety of disease states, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome? When I was on BCP I was so thankful because it also helped to control my dysmenorrhea. If Mike Kelly could get a taste of what pain women with endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, or even bad periods cramps were like, I wish he really could. Apparently Ann Marie Buerkle is completely incapable of empathy for any woman who suffered with any or all of the above.

I've been a RN for nearly 20 years....I have filed hundreds of prior authorization requests with insurances over the years so that women with endometriosis or dysmenorrhea or PCOS have BCP covered....NOT for contraception, and NOT free either. I have yet to file a prior authorization request for Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis.

It's rude (to say the least) to compare the ACA to Pearl Harbor or 9/11...particulary when I know people who lost loved ones when the towers fell.

What an absolute horible analogy. To liken the death of thousand of US soldiers to women who want access to free breast exams and screenings, and other preventative measures. So, these Republicans are ok with women getting breast and ovarian cancer and they have no problem with men being covered for viagra but god forbid women want access to affordable care. This mandate provides much more than just access to birth control. And there is a SEPERATION of church and state in this country for a reason, so that the church didn't determine our politics and policies. Over 95% of Catholic women have used or approve of using birth control. The GOP can spin this all they want. This has everything to do with women being able to choose their own course of treatments, preventative care, and yes, prevent unwanted pregnacies thru contraception. The GOP does not have the right to tell me what I can and can not do with my body and limit my access to much needed care. What hypocrites!

concern citizen. i think someone needs to explain how insurance works..... tax money isn't being used to fund this. it's money from the insurance pool.

seriously you're arguing about this? you don't seem to have a clue.

I wonder if Romney's insurance will pay for pills when his Electile Dysfunction becomes apparent in November.

"@Commonsense ED made a comment that freedom means the right to choose....However if the government "mandates" what will and will not be covered is that not a violation of freedom???? enlighten me ED"

The government is mandating availability. Which is kind of what it's supposed to do. Then each woman chooses whether or not to partake. You can't have choice without choices. Government protects those choices, even the ones you don't personally like (such as birth control, abortion, sloppy anal, etc).

It's not a tax dollar issue. If you think that you need to go learn something about the issue, and perhaps how insurance works in general.

"I know in your mind you can think of times when America was attacked. One is December 7th, that's Pearl Harbor day. The other is September 11th, and that's the day of the terrorist attack," Kelly said at a press conference on Capitol Hill. "I want you to remember August the 1st, 2012, the attack on our religious freedom. That is a day that will live in infamy, along with those other dates."

Oh grow up. I don't @!$%#ing care if it goes against religious freedom, alright?? I don't @!$%#ing care; and I'm Catholic! For God's sake, if religious organizations get tax-exempt status, special benefits, and are able to lobby the government for their own agendas, then the government gets to regulate churches, at least a little bit. As I say, when the church pushes the state, the state should push back.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

Little tiny frightened mouse people that need to control everything around them to feel safe.

It is a mental illness. Security comes from within, not outside of oneself. It is most unfortunate that these people are completely out of touch with their true selves but that is how they are raised and indoctrinated.

The new dumbness - the non thought of received ideas - is much more dangerous than simple ignorance, because it's really about thought control. In school, a washing away of the innate power of individual mind takes place, a "cleansing" so comprehensive that original thinking becomes difficult. If you don't believe this development was part of the intentional design of schooling, you should read William Torrey Harris's The Philosophy of Education. Harris was the U.S. Commissioner of Education at the turn of the century and the man most influential in standardizing our schools. Listen to the man.

"Ninety-nine [students] out of a hundred," writes Harris, "are automata, careful to walk in prescribed paths, careful to follow the prescribed custom." This is not all accident, Harris explains, but the "result of substantial education, which, scientifically defined, is the subsumption of the individual." Scientific education subsumes the individual until his or her behavior becomes robotic. Those are the thoughts of the most influential U.S. Commissioner of Education we've had so far.

Harris thought, a hundred years ago, that self-alienation was the key to a successful society. Filling the young mind with the thoughts of others and surrounding it with ugliness - that was the passport to self-alienation.

http://www.school-survival.net/articles/school/history/The_tyranny_of_compulsory_schooling.php

Concern....

As a woman

Apparantly you don't read my posts. I've been a woman since the day I was conceived and responding to me with "as a woman" is sheer lunacy on your part. You've posted about me and to me many times in the past. I would suggest some FR Cliff Notes so that you can remember which of us are women, which of us are men, and also, because you do seem to bring it up, our races as well. Good day to you.

Are all the contraceptives sold here coming from Japan?

Statement by Senator Inouye

in response to Representative Mike Kelly's (R-Pa.) comment linking the birth control mandate to the attack on Pearl Harbor and 9/11 terrorist attacks

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

"I witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor and had the privilege of serving in the United States Army during World War II and I find the comments made by the Congressman from Pennsylvania to be misguided and insulting. It is complete nonsense to suggest that a matter discussed, debated, and approved by the Congress and the President is akin to a surprise attack that killed nearly 2,500 people and launched our nation into the second World War or a terrorist attack that left nearly 3,000 dead and led to fighting and dying in Afghanistan and Iraq. Having fought for this nation in Europe, I find that I have a special kinship with those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and I routinely visit with the most severely wounded veterans of those conflicts. Just yesterday I met with a brave young man who lost all four of his limbs in Afghanistan. I hope the Congressman from Pennsylvania has the courage to share his comparison with them."

and about those jobs....................................

I would like to suggest to our Republican friends that they drop the pretense that the subject is religious freedom.

It is not.

Changes to the health care reform act already made by the Obama administration mean that churches and religious organizations do not have to provide insurance coverage for contraceptives.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carolyn-maloney/the-gop-rush-to-deny-cove_b_1320141.html

Republicans are a joke.

The mandate doesn't require anyone to TAKE birth control. If you don't want it, don't take it. Stay out someone else's decision.

Yep! Rep. Kelly is my representative from NW Penna. He's a multi-millionaire car dealer with only the most tenuous grasp of the issues that face our country. When asked a question about most any issue, he'll pop open the Republican/Tea Party play book and recite, verbatum, what it says. Obviously, this time he actually went off script...and look at the result. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, but really...comparing passage of Obamacare to Pearl Harbor and 9/11? Hey fellow district voters, are you actually listening to this guy? Will you vote him back in this fall?

There are wars popping up all over the planet, the ice caps are melting, we're running out of fuel, food, water, our nation is dealing with monstrous debt, our economy is still struggling, are unemployment is at a standstill, and these guys want to make contraception a national priority? You've got to be F***ing me...

Rep. Kelly was just making a point and it seems as though he hit a nerve...with all of the accusations of women losing their rights etc...the world has gone crazy...no one is saying that women don't have the right to birth control etc...all that's being said is that I, along with a lot of other folks I know, don't think that offering birth control for "free" as Obama stated, is appropriate...women should pay for their own contraceptives and the feds should not mandate that any organization that offers employee health benefits should be required to purchase a health plan that covers birth control...that's an overstep of the executive branch of our government.

Even if you disagree with the mandate-comparing it to Pearl Harbor and September 11th disrespectful to all who lost their lives on those days and their families.

You may disagree with the mandate. Fine. You may believe it violates your rights. Fine. You have all the right in the world to express those feelings and lobby against the bill.

However-perspective is needed. The law was debated on the floors of the house and senate and voted for by elected officials. Comparing it to the violent deaths of thousands of innocent people?

Robert in Oregon

It occurs to me that Congress, especially the House of Representatives is a research opportunity in theoretical physics : Discovering the "Point of Whackadoodle Criticality" (the point at which the congregation of Whackadoodles reaches critical mass and triggers a hyperbole-nonsense-idiocy chain-reaction which causes our Representative Constitutional Democracy to implode).

I suspect we're getting very close. One more Congressional election should be enough!

Robert - It's already happened, in 2010. It's a really slow shock wave and will take some time to reach us here on the left coast. But some of us are ready to saw ourselves off along the Idaho, Nevada, Arizona border and just float out to sea. I figure the Red states won't miss us (except perhaps our taxes), and we sure as hell won't miss them....bye bye folks...get ready to tie up the boat in Idaho!

Republicans have a real knack for mellow-drama. Back in 1998 they compared Clinton lying about a hummer to D-Day.

Really Colorado Man? You're an expert on how much it costs to buy birth control pills? When was the last time you bought some birth control pills? As you said if you're going to state something have some facts and experience to back it up...not just a lot of hot air.

Juanita they are not getting their birth control for "free". These women have insurance...they have insurance premiums which they pay...therefore they ARE paying for their birth control by paying for their insurance.

Republicans can't stop lying. Ever. They're nasty, narrow-minded, mean-spirited, vicious throwbacks to the sewer of pus that produces islamic jihadists.

That said, if I were the mother, wife, sister, daughter aunt, niece, whatever of someone who died in WW II, 9/11, Iraq, or Afghanistan, I would want to see this guy Kelly beheaded on prime time TV.

But, of course, I'm not any of those things. And I should really work on my level of compassion for human pusbags.

tz: you and I both know that Obama said that contraceptives would be provided for free...now don't we?

Why why why would any woman vote for any republican?? This is crazy, no tax money involved, no reason to use it if you don't want to so why why do you hate women who use contraceptives, take mamgrams, or getannual physicals. Let me see what has the GOP alienated: Women, Blacks (I can not believe the hate coming from white males), firefighters, policemen, teachers, any government worker, any immigrate or person of color other than white. You know I guess the only way around this problem is to not allow any of those people to vote so we see the GOP trying to do that as well. Give me a break, I don't really believe you are this ignorant so what is it that you are fostering here?? Grover's oath?? If that is the case you are a traitor.

The primary goal is NOT to stop having babies entirely. Where did you get that idea? The Catholic Church who wants billions of more catholics to control and steal money from I do not doubt for a second that you are not willing to pay the cost of these billions of babies. Loving and hating has absolutely zero to do with this debate.

I suppose you hate the "free loaders" that are having so many babies. If you love them so much why don't you adopt all the babies, hellova write-off too. There are so many other benefits to today, mammograms, pap smears, abuse counseling, STD testing. This is not just about birth control, it is about saving the lives of countless women. Did you know that 27,000 Americans die each year because they have no health insurance? Did you know that many men get breast cancer too and their insurance will not cover them? If this were about free Viagra, men would be dancing in the street. Every single person here has a mother and if you are lucky enough to still have her here with you, ask her how she feels about this. If it were her with cancer of any kind and no insurance, would you scream as loudly for HER life??

Dem4? What a bizarre post. Are you saying that anyone who uses any birth control hates babies? Does that include Catholics who use the withdrawal or nocturnal emission method?

Have you had all the babies you biologically could have?

Are you offering to take care of those billions of babies?

Even your username is dishonest.

If you wanted to stop births entirely, you sterilize everybody...permanently. Contraceptives give you the choice to have a baby when you're ready. I don't suppose you're adopting all those millions of unwanted babies, are you?

Hey guys--isn't "Dem4Fairness" being sarcastic? I read it a few times before I realized (hoped) that it had a sarcastic tone.

I have a question: If insurance doesn't have to cover contraception, then why should procedures like vasectomies be covered?

Because what the real underlining issue is, has nothing to do with contraception. It is about control. When a woman is able to plan and manage her life, she is more likely to become educated and more likely to have a stronger career, and as likely to have children. Just later and on her time.

Studies have shown people that are more educated tend to leave or drift from organized religion. Financially secure and educated people are the biggest group to stay away from organized religion.

"Keep them dumb, keep them barefoot, keep them pregnant", is the catholic churches motto.

The government is NOT paying for them. The person's healthcare, which they purchase would be. The debate is over a company's "religious views" supposedly being violated because their employee gets an option in the healthcare the employee pays for.

Oh and if you want to seem an adult when entering a discussion you might want to refrain from name calling.

Timmeh..."righteous indignation" is exemplified by the congressman from Pennsylvania...not those who would like their health care provided by their health insurance.

Timmeh, what are you speaking of really, supposed religious institutions that accept any federal or state money of any kind are not tax exempt. OK, these religious AFFILIATED (optimum word) whom stop taking taxpayer $ then by all means they can certainly enjoy all the benefits tax exempt status. AFFILIATED Institutions stop taking federal or state grants, pell grants, medicare, medicade, federally sponsored student loans certainly won't have to worry about supplying female or male contraceptives. And who's business is it (dirty old prelate) what my physician prescribes for me or my daughter, grand-daughter, none of their business. Stay out of my bedroom and body. Don't tell me there isn't a War On Women, that stup Kelly and his ilk just proved it. And What happened to the Violence Against Women Act, still sitting on someones desk because they don't want to include Native Americans, Undocumented Aliens, or Gays, people die because of abuse whether they're of the undesirable elements of society, they bleed just like everyone else. Disgraceful.

Um, Tim...there IS a war going on against women's choices--at least here in Texas. The legislative body is systematically stripping the budget of any funding for women's health care. If you'd like to be more informed, read the cover article on this month's issue of Texas Monthly: "Are You a Woman? Or Do You Care about One?" You can't miss it--it's bright pink (or you can find the article online).

I really don't get it--don't these legislators care about their wives, sisters, mothers, daughters, nieces, female neighbors, etc.? The main problem is that there are too few women representing us in government.

Actually, you're wrong. The debate wasn't about whether the Government should pay for contraceptives but rather if the Government could force employers to offer them. This is when the whole issue happened with workplaces such as Catholic hospitals. Then it was changed so that insurers must provide contraceptive coverage. Never was there a debate in this regard of whether or not the Government would pay. Get your facts right before you go spouting off.

Timmeh is a Trolleh

Treat appropriately

Timmeh-414251

The libs and Democrats were likening Republicans NOT wanting to have Catholic hospitals be mandated to PROVIDE contraceptives as a war on women!!! NOT that one Republican said that women couldn't get contraceptives, but that the government shouldn't be paying for them. But the libs, MSNBC and other liberal media outlets ran with this lie. So take your righteous indignation libs - AND STICK IT UP YOUR A$$!

Timmy...my. my. my, where to start? I won't suggest you do anything with your "a$$" because it's clear if you had a barium enema today, you couldn't find your ass with a gieger counter and both hands.

Little Timmy, I don't know how many time us "libs", or the news media, or the government, or even your beloved FOX News have to tell you this but THE GOVERNMENT ISN'T PAYING FOR IT...THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE INCLUDING IT AT NO COST. Do you get it Timmy? Does that tiny little atrophy ridden neuron you between those oversize ears actually comprehend that statement?

Thank you for paying attention Timmy, now go ask your invisible, omnipotent, mythic deity to allow you to turn FOX News back on..."I think Gretta's back on and you know how she affects your".

Is that all you have? You are just angry because you realize what a stupid remark that was from one of your own. Come on, really...you have a problem with providing contraception to women? What about Viagra? You have a problem with Insurance companies providing Viagra?

Source?

I am pretty sure Obama is not in charge of what their salaries are, And I do believe he has been trying to change that anyway! Remember the paycheck fairness act? That was in June , and I believe it is not the first time he has tried, remember the lily Ledbetter act he signed? OMG, what the heck, it is the republicans that have over and over again stopped this from changing. Quit Blaming Obama! And Really? Comparing the fact that insurance companies now have to provide contraception to women, IF they choose to use it, to Pearl Harbor, and 9-11? Are you crazy? OMG, I am scared @!$%#less that republicans will win the house or the senate, If they do, we will all be screwed. 4 more years for 44!

brendan Back your statement with some facts.

brendan, no he doesn't and prove it. Ignorant elephant tool.

Obama 2012

Made-up statistics are meaningless.

2011 report on White House Staff (the folks who actually work for the President, not campaign staffers all over the country paid by their individual State committees) paints a very different picture.

https://opendata.socrata.com/Government/2011-Report-to-Congress-on-White-House-Staff/73t8-rw4g

Well I know who not to vote for next election. Mike Kelly can go stuff it! For those of us women who aren't of child-bearing age anymore or who have hormone problems, sometimes the pill balances us out. This is not just about unwanted pregnancies and unless he's going to have a child himself, I suggest he stay out of the business of a woman's body. Do I tell him he can't have surgery to make it so he can't produce? Then again, maybe I should and run for a seat too. Hmmm.....

people painting a better picture of themselves? Oh, that's not biased. ;)