Saturday, March 24, 2012

Violence Against Women Act - Another Partisan Football?

The Violence Against Women Act was originally drafted by then Senator Biden. When it was passed in 1994, it did so not only with bi-partisan support, but with unanimous bi-partisan support. The VAWA was reauthorized in 2000 and again in 2005, both times with overwhelming bi-partisan support. It is up for reauthorization again this month, but this time, it is in trouble.

what eye thynk: The sticking points are gays, illegal aliens and Native Americans. Really, Native Americans.

The Democrats want to add three new provisions. The first would provide protection to same sex victims of abuse. Some Republicans are saying that Democrats added this provision in order to make it harder for them to back it. To those close-minded members of Congress, I would say: No, the Democrats added this provision because they recognize that abuse is wrong, period. Abusers who share the same “plumbing” with those they abuse should not get a free pass.

The second provision would provide temporary visas to illegal immigrants who are victims of abuse. This is supposed to give the abused an opportunity to find employment, thus removing the abused from the influence of the abuser. I have to admit I have a problem with this. If you’re illegal and you’re abused, instead of a visa, I propose we send you home, which will put you even further away from your abuser. Problem solved. I know many will see my stance as cold, but my opinion on illegal immigration definitely puts me on the conservative side of the scale. I don’t propose hunting you down, but I would remove you if you pop up in my face. One caveat--if you were brought to this country illegally by your parents when you were four and you’ve grown up here, you’re one of us. Welcome, now go apply for citizenship.

The third provision would give Native American tribal courts the right to deal with non-Native Americans who abuse Native American women. I can think of no reason why any member of Congress would oppose this. We give Native Americans the right to their own courts and they should be permitted to judge anyone who breaks their laws…not just those whose skin matches their own.

In fairness, there are a few Republicans who view this as an issue of fairness for every human being, no matter their sexual orientation or their national status. Republicans joining the side of decency are Senator Dean Heller (Nevada), Senator Mike Crapo (Idaho), Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins (Maine), Senator Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)--take that Sarah Palin!--Senator Mark Kirk (Illinois) and Senator Dean Brown (Massachusetts) who, when asked about the partisan posturing over the reauthorization of the VAWA said “There is no reason for it. There is no excuse for it”.

‘nuff said.

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