In his article about the V-Chip of the mid-90s, author Thomas Hazlett writes in Slate, "V" stood for "violence," which makes sense given the chip's Democratic roots. Policy wags like to joke that if prudish Republicans had drafted the original bill, the device would have been called the "S-chip." I believe that entirely. There is no greater mark that the GOP is in charge than the flurry of activity governing dicks and vaginas.
Don't get me wrong, I don't need to be scolded about violent video games and movies by Joe Lieberman, but with the GOP, you get all that and more.
Plus, GOP prudish meddling comes in all shapes and forms. You never know where it might hit you. Take the FDA decision of last week. The FDA has, for some time, been considering allowing emergency contraception (EC) to be sold over-the-counter. Given that the FDA is charged with monitoring and approving drugs, it would seem natural that this issue would come before them.
EC is simply a higher dose of birth control pills, which have been around since the 60s. Five states have already approved over-the-counter sales of EC. When taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, EC prevents pregnancy 89% of the time. It's also given to rape victims for the same purpose - unless of course, you go to a Catholic hospital or try to get the prescription filled in Texas. In either case, you're SOL.
In mid-December, the FDA advisory panel assembled to study the issue voted 27-4 to approve over-the-counter sales. However, late last week, the FDA delayed its decision for another 90 days.
Why? A coalition of conservative lawmakers, led by Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., is urging the Bush administration to reject the move, arguing that easier access to emergency contraception will increase unsafe sex, particularly among teenagers. Sex among teenagers - now there is something that needs promoting.
I'd have to work hard to come up with reasoning this inane, but to these folks, it comes naturally.
