Code Pink

As a consequence of the ridiculous, regressive political atmosphere fomented by religious conservatives,  basic reproductive rights and women's ability to control their own bodies are under assault.  Religious conservatrives are engaged in a concerted effort to roll back hard won rights.

In June, 2012, Lisa Brown, a female legislator in the state of Michigan was censured and denied the right to speak in the state's Republican controlled house chamber because she used the anatomically correct word for her own 'lady bits'.   Brown's use of the word 'vagina' was taken as lewd and improper by the conservative majority.

This year, Republican controlled legislative bodies in many states have used their majorities, not to focus on jobs and improving the economy but instead to pass an unprecedented barrage of new laws designed to eliminate abortion and severely restrict women's ability to manage their own health.

Code Pink, an organization made up of women activists in San Francisco and several other major U.S. cities was initially organized to challenge the continued presence of U.S. government military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Republican led effort to roll back reproductive rights that have existed for decades in America  has prompted Code Pink activists to take on religious conservatives and push back with their own brazen brand of activism.

At the recent Republican National Convention in Tampa, a squadron of Code Pink protesters, decked out in 'vagina' suits, made their voices heard.

Code Pink Activists

Years ago, I read a book by Riane Eisler titled, The Chalice and the Blade.   One of the great insights I got from that book is that vaginas were once revered as the the symbol of the natural mysteries and rhythms of life. Much of what passes for art in the pre-agriculture, hunter-gatherer era of human development featured primitive renderings of fertile human females with very prominent vaginas on display. I and most other humans emerged from a pregnant mother's vagina. Except in cases where surgical intervention is involved, that's how nature intends for it to go.   

There's something seriously wrong with a society that censures a woman for using the word vagina. I am a big fan of vaginas. Every woman has one. Every woman has a right to feel good about that fact. 

Enough with the vagina haters.  It's time we celebrated vaginas openly and without fear of condemnation.    It's time to face down the fools who want to turn back the clock on women.