My ribbon is red: Planned Parenthood fights HIV/AIDS

Posted by admin on February 12th, 2012

I wear a red ribbon.

And I am really angry.

Angered by a horde of reactionary, women-hating, chastity obsessed (except in their own lives) right-wingers who huddled and spewed venom this week at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), spouting pseudo-pious obscenities bewailing “contraception” as if it is a communist plot against America.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), CPAC speaker and VP hopeful, introduced legislation under the guise of religious freedom and the first amendment to block contraception services, with 26 co-sponsors and there is mirror legislation in the House.

Cries of outrage still resound around Susan G. Komen’s right-wing sellout of Planned Parenthood.

As all this takes place I get even angrier.

Let me make something very clear.

Young people in America are having sex. Yes—sex. For those who wail against (gasp) abortion, well, you all make me see red. Less chance for abortion if unplanned pregnancies are reduced. But that isn’t what is driving me over the edge.

Birth control isn’t the only reason one might want to see their son or daughter have access to a simple latex item called a condom.

Rubbers, raincoats, tubos—don’t care what they are dubbed. Put one on a penis and it is the first line of defense against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. National Condom Week will be celebrated during the week of Valentine’s Day from Feb. 14 to Feb. 21, with many events being sponsored on campuses across the nation, and by local Planned Parenthood groups.

Last week, Feb. 7, was National Black AIDS Awareness Day. We had World AIDS day back on Dec. 1, and coming up are other HIV/AIDS awareness days—for Latinos, Native Americans, Asian and Asian Pacific Islanders, gay men, women and girls.

Days of awareness are important. But let me tell you—HIV/AIDS is not about a “day.” It’s for life.

Bigoted, smarmy hypocrites want to take down the first line of defense in many communities—Planned Parenthood, where young people can get free condoms, HIV testing and information and some sane words of advice and counsel.

What is it that Republicans and conservatives don’t get about the “planned” in PP? It indicates thoughtfulness, deliberation, awareness and intelligence.

Planned Parenthood is staffed by a group of people who care about protecting our young people. Not by preaching at them, but partnering with them in the journey navigating through the perils in their lives. Thankfully, young people have access to the internet and those whose parents may not be open about protection can find information on YouTube directing them to Planned Parenthood. PP’s website provides important links for people to get tested and update their status.