Eve Ensler, author of “The Vagina Monologues,” penned this extraordinary opinion piece about the Governor of California’s decision to terminate funding in the budget for battered women.
From the piece:
I try to imagine what the governor thinks as he draws his veto pen through 40 years of women’s struggle and work, how he sleeps knowing women across his state who are exposed to brutality will be left without escape, shelter or even a friendly voice at the end of a hotline. How he justifies women having to choose between becoming homeless or staying in the midst of danger. Then I am reminded he is the Terminator – no pity, no remorse, no fear.
Fortunately, other governors do feel pity and remorse. They know that having muscle isn’t what makes a man, but it is compassion and wisdom and respect for women and girls. In New Mexico, Governor Bill Richardson has not only preserved funds for domestic violence programs, but has made a sincere and deep commitment to ending violence against women in his state.
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Schwarzenegger has always had contempt for the vulnerable, or maybe it’s just his own inner girlie man he despises. But now he has gone too far.
This cut is reckless and dangerous. It could begin a wave of cuts throughout the country. It sends a message to perpetrators. It basically says no one is watching, no one is coming. All bets are off. Having just spent months in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I can tell you that this climate of free-for-all spreads violence like a California wildfire.”
I realize the state is in a tough bind, but cutting this service to zero is nothing short of heartless. It says a lot about a man and a party by how the most vulnerable among us is treated.