Government

I was listening to NPR Fresh Air about the state of abortion in America today

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I was listening to NPR Fresh Air about the state of abortion in America today … 💊

I was very surprised to learn about how with the abortion pill that many people can get safely get an abortion just by taking a pill sent through the mail and that many states are allowing such pills to be proscribed via Telehealth, often by a low fee of $150 or even less. I think it’s a wonderful development, as it saves time, hassle and protects privacy, especially compared the old ways of doing things involving abortion clinics — an empowers women to boot.

I’m no fan of promotion of casual sexual activities or recreational sex, but I do think protecting a women’s right to make her own healthcare choices is important. Accidents occur even with protected sex and contraception, and sometimes not realized right away. We’ve had for decades birth control pills, as the country music singer Loretta Lynn made famous in late 1960s. Having medicine that can undo a mistake, with minimal harm to woman is such a liberating thing, that should be widely available even without a prescription at neighborhood pharmacies and grocery stores. We shouldn’t be afraid of progress.

Every time taxes go up on the wealthy, conservatives say they will flee New York

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Every time taxes go up on the wealthy, conservatives say they will flee New York. 🌆

But I can’t imagine there are many wealthy people who live in New York for the low taxes. I really can’t think of a single person I know who chooses to live in New York for the low taxes — wealthy or otherwise. People live in New York for the unique accommodations in New York City, or even the things available in Upstate New York.

Sure you can live in Kansas or Idaho and pay a ton less in taxes, and that’s really good if your a homesteader, or want to farm. If cows are your thing and don’t already own land or have local family connections, then great. But not so good if you want to go to five star restaurants, Broadway shows or all the the high-end accommodations only available in a major metropolitan region. If you relatives and business partners all live in New York, then your kind of screwed if you go anywhere else. And taxes are based on the number of days you spend in New York — so if your commuting in from other state or have a vacation home in New York — you’ll still pay.

So I think it’s kind of silly argument to be opposed to the wealthy paying a bit more, just so that we can provide a good education to students or healthcare to seniors.