The war on women just took a bizarre new twist. Arizona has sent to the governor’s desk a bill that declares pregnancies in the state begin two weeks before conception. … Continue reading Arizona: Pregnancy begins before conception
Category: Arizona
Welcome back, Gabby
Rep. Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords” of Arizona made a surprise appearance on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this afternoon to vote on the bill to raise the debt ceiling. She was greeted with a standing ovation.
What a gutsy woman. Shot in the head in January, it was a miracle she even survived. But there she was, smiling, waving … and voting. Shunning the wig most women might wear, she sported her own natural short-cropped dark hair, the result of several surgeries to repair damage to her brain and skull.
How wonderful to see her back. Way to go, Gabby!
A surprisingly logical Supreme Court decision
The Supreme Court today upheld an Arizona state law that would penalize businesses hiring illegal immigrants. The case was Chamber of Commerce v. Whiting.
Frankly, I’m really surprised. There’s been so much talk about Arizona’s immigration-related laws (particularly SB 1070) being unconstitutional because immigration enforcement is the federal government’s responsibility, not the states’. Today’s ruling certainly seems to uphold a state law that does get into one important aspect of immigration enforcement. It gives me hope that this law, along with SB 1070 and similar laws around the country, will be upheld. It defies logic for the federal government to keep states from passing and enforcing laws that it has been unable (apparently) to enforce by itself. It defies logic to tell the states they can’t protect themselves by controlling illegal activities within their own borders.
Arizona birther law: Bring it on
The Arizona Legislature has passed a bill requiring presidential candidates to produce birth certificates to prove they were born in the U.S. in order to get on the Arizona ballot. If Gov. Jan Brewer (R) signs it, it will become law. The bill was instigated by “birthers” who hope to keep President Obama off the 2012 ballot, and reportedly 13 other states are considering similar bills.
Personally, I think birthers are wingnuts. However, I would happily support such a law — provided all voters have to prove their citizenship in the same way in order to vote; also, birth certificates to get driver’s licenses, Social Security numbers, guns, business licenses, building permits, airline tickets, mortgages, jobs, education, and health care.
Sauce for the goose; sauce for the gander. I can live with that.