It is quite possible that Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI) is weighing the possibility of removing Title VII (Al Franken's amendment) from the Defense Appropriations Bill. From what I have discerned so far, this may or may not be true. It could be an issue presented to the media by the defense contractors lobbyists.BUT, if it is true - we need to send messages to Inouye that removal of this amendment is NOT acceptable.
Removing Title VII will force any woman with a claim of rape, or sexual harassment into a forced and secret arbitration - rather than be dealt with in criminal court. Since any arbitration board for these companies would primarily consist of MALES - the odds of a woman prevailing with charges, would be NIL.
I find this hard to imagine that Inouye would give no credence to "rape" and a woman's rights, since he co-sponsored the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. He has constantly supported issues like, sensible gun control, women's right to choose, desegregation, consumer protection, public works and labor.
He lost an arm in WWII and has been in the Senate for close to 47 years I believe. He is no spring chicken, at the age of 83, but he is tuned in to most issues of importance. He needs to step up to the plate and defend women and their right to judicial equality.
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), championed the Title VII amendment and won with 68-30 votes. those 30 were all GOP members and you can check them out here. I should hope that all his efforts were not futile.As Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Inouye has received donations of $294,900 from the aerospace and defense industries. It is not rocket science to hazard a guess on loyalties here.
I feel that it is unacceptable to sacrifice our women on the altar of corporatism - for preserving campaign donations. Totally unacceptable!!
If anyone feels the need to express their disdain for this possible move, and pressure Inouye to do the right thing, you can call his office at 202-224-3934...or write to the local papers in his state (150 words or less) at the following:
letters@honoluluadvertiser.com
letters@starbulletin.com
We are not living in the dark ages and if a man is responsible for the act of rape - then the law needs to come into play - not an arbitration board and a slap on the wrist. STAND UP FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS!!!
Now, I'm going to curl up in bed and watch the new Transformers movie. I don't plan on doing anything today. The house is clean, thegrandson is off to school (two hour delay today), thedaughter will be leaving for work at 12:30 pm - so it is all about ME now! Have a great day (raining and gloomy here!)
Later......................NEW POST UP AT PTVR!!
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