It’s hard to turn on the television without hearing reports on the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh and the sexual assault allegations made against him.
While attending several parties over the weekend, I was fascinated to hear my friends’ opinions on Kavanaugh and the controversy swirling around him. All Trump supporters believe that the accusations made by Dr. Christine Ford weren’t credible, while those opposed to the president believe her.
Where this will lead, especially in light of Sunday’s news that another woman has come forward to accuse Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct, remains unclear. Know, however, that you can voice your opinion on the matter by reaching out to your senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. They actually count the calls they receive, and they do consider what the people tell them. Schumer’s office is 202-224-6542; Gillibrand’s office is 202-224-4451.
Whatever your opinion of the Kavanaugh nomination, it has certainly activated people’s passions. Don’t be afraid to speak out! Just do it!
Speaking of another critical issue, I recently attended a powerful gathering at the stately home of Laurie Scheinman, a board member of Nassau County Action Fund for Planned Parenthood. She discussed the organization’s needs and wants, including emphasizing their concerns with Kavanaugh’s positions and how it may affect the group’s ability to help both men and women.
I was fascinated to learn that Planned Parenthood’s main services are providing high-quality affordable health care and sex education. Abortions are no longer one of their main services. In fact, they are centered on helping women know their health care and reproductive options.
As one example, Scheinman mentioned that Planned Parenthood offers various services for the treatment of HIV, including patient testing and providing medicine to allow for a healthier life. And yes, they also offer men’s health services for addressing issues like cancer, fertility, sexual dysfunction, birth control and routine checkups.
I was particularly impressed with the event’s guest speaker, the trail-blazing lawyer and former Texas state senator, Wendy Davis, known for her historic 13-hour filibuster. She had to wear a catheter because she couldn’t move from her podium, touch it or move from her spot all those long hours.
Davis used her filibuster to fight the Texas senate’s efforts to pass legislation dramatically reducing women’s access to abortions and health care. Her efforts were vindicated when the Supreme Court issued its ruling in the case of Whole Woman’s Health vs. Hellerstedt which overturned Texas’ anti-abortion law.
Davis and the group of influential women discussed the need to pursue our present hot-button issue: justice for sexual assault survivors!
With further hearings on the Kavanaugh nomination planned, I’m sure people across our land will be tuned in, glued to their TVs, phones or computers, to see how it plays out.
It reminds me of the days of the McCarthy communist hearings; I remember seeing my dad having dinner on a card table so he could be in front of the TV. He wasn’t going to miss a moment.
These are dramatic critical times. I love Davis’ organization’s name, Deeds Not Words, which is devoted to and advocating for initiatives that empower women to “channel their passion and energy on issues of gender equality into actionable change.”
I believe in my guts that change can happen one person at a time. Don’t be afraid to speak out!
Meeting with a medium
My neighbor introduced me to a remarkable woman, Mary Drew, who is a medium and psychic. Her gifts came to her when she was a youngster, and she talks about her journey in her new book, “The Words We Speak.”
It’s the story of her path toward finding and using her gifts. She believes everyone can find peace and comfort in their lives, and she is someone who helps do just that.
She didn’t know me when we met, and I sat with her for an hour. She told me my parents’ names and how they are with me enjoying my life and success. She also knew my late husbands were hospitable with each other! It was all good and fascinating.
Whether or not you believe people have these special gifts reading her book gave me further insight about her talent in chapters like “This Too Shall Pass, “Sick and Tired” and “It’s All About Perspective.” It’s a fast read and an insightful book.
“The Words We Speak” is available on Amazon. Read it! You, too, will like it!
