Lawmaker Formally Requests Apology for 'Vagina' Backlash

Curtis wright July 19, 2012 at 01:25 am

Dear Barb's Vagina:
I'm sorry!

Neal Charness July 19, 2012 at 01:46 am

It doesn't matter what the various representatives' views are. The Speaker tried to stifle someone who disagreed with him in a thoroughly undemocratic way. He and his cohorts would do well to merely have to apologize.

Art July 19, 2012 at 03:04 am

Dear Barb: How about, in your ear!

Randy Husk July 19, 2012 at 12:02 pm

he was right to ban them.....no place for being a smart ass.....she deserved what she got

Cathy Fucinari July 19, 2012 at 02:25 pm

Oooooh! Be careful what you ask for. Who will determine if what you say is "smartass" and ban you from speaking? Isn't the right wing all about freedom of speech?

Cathy Fucinari July 19, 2012 at 02:28 pm

This is actually not a distraction. It is drawing attention to the fact that government officials have no business in our doctor's offices or our bedrooms.

Christy Summerfield July 19, 2012 at 04:34 pm

I object to your use of the word "claimed" as in "the state representative who . . . claimed she was banned from speaking". I have seen and heard what went on and I believe it's fact, not alleged or a "claim".

Linda P July 20, 2012 at 11:15 am

It would seem that the economy, world peace, the presidential election, housing values, education, children's health, services for seniors, etc etc etc etc etc. are all more important than Barb's vagina. Get over it.

Christy Summerfield July 20, 2012 at 02:17 pm

The ability of women to control their own bodies has a direct effect on the economy, world peace, the presidential election, housing values, education, children's health, services for seniors, etc . . . .

R Gibson July 20, 2012 at 03:22 pm

Really, this is what is important? We have kids dying in our community from K2 and other synthetic drugs, where was Lisa Brown? These are her consituents. Our teachers and school districts are all facing huge financial probelms, where is Lisa Brown? She would be a great representative if she put this amount of effort into real constructive issues. This is just political grandstanding on both sides, and she would be better served if she took the high road.

Kristi July 20, 2012 at 03:29 pm

"Demanding an apology"- time and money spent on circulating a petition for an apology! I'M SORRY, I mean, "Demand and apology" Really? So now we're going to try to mandate phony apologies? Pathetic. I'm a woman, I have a vagina, and I don't apologize for a lot of things, as do some of those with penises. And I'M SORRY, but to demand such a request, in my opinion, makes vaginas look pretty sad...
"A progressive group is circulating a petition demanding an apology from Michigan House Republicans for banning Rep. Lisa Brown from speaking on the House floor last week."

Neal Charness July 20, 2012 at 06:15 pm

Mr. Gibson: I don't know what Ms. Brown did and truthfully for this issue it doesn't matter. You know that question is irrelevant to whether the leaders of the House stifled other members. Remember things change and when we shut one person up wrongly and others do nothing it's just a matter of time til it's your turn. Our personal views on womens issues or synthetic drugs are irrelevant to this issue. You've been very up front calling for civility during the bond issue debate--I have to think you believe that same civility applies to the House leadership. Lisa Brown made them uncomfortable but did not call names or make personal attacks.

R Gibson July 20, 2012 at 07:27 pm

Neal, all I was trying to say is we are facing very serious issues at the state and local level. For our representative to spend this amount of time, money, and energy on something as trivial as this does us all a disservice. I am not saying she is right or the republicans are right. I am not making this a political statement. I don't advocate anyone being shut out or shouted down, but unfortunately, sometimes politicians outflank one another through inappropriate means. We deserve better of all out politicians regardless of gender or party.

Neal Charness July 20, 2012 at 08:29 pm

If anyone thinks shutting up legislators because they don't like what they said is trivial any other issues really are trivial. This is so central to our democracy and community. Lisa Brown did not use profanity, sexual innuendo or personal attacks. The "leadership" has flat out lied about what they did. I agree that it doesn't matter whether the Republicans or her are right on the womens' rights issue--this issue is about the fundamentals of our democracy, it is any thing but trivial.

dredk July 24, 2012 at 02:19 pm

I am shocked by crass and disrespectful comment submitted here. How would a man feel if he would have to submit to a digital rectal exam from a female physician in order to receive a prescription for Viagra?
I saw the clip of what she said and she was quite respectful of the decoram. Not shrill. Quite calm and intelligent. And a legitimately elected representative who had earned the right to speak her mind - not someone shouting out from the gallery. To 'ban' her was a throughly undemocratic response and she definitely deserves an apology. A mature man or woman, Christian, Jewish, or Muslim ought to show some grace and apologize to this woman for their intolerant behavior. Why the fact that she uttered the word' vagina' lit such a fire is beyond my understanding but after reading these comments maybe I get a better sense of what's going on in people's minds and it disguests.me. This is not the filthy society I want my young daughter to grow up in. We've regressed since I was a young woman. Twenty years ago I received a doctorate in mechanical engineering so I know precisely the obstacles woman can face. I ignored them altogether but for many woman it's not so smple. And yes, a walking talking vagina can do amazing things if you allow it to. Vagina. Vagina. Vagina. Say it twenty times. Over and over. Say breast cancer. Say uterine cancer. Say testicles. Say penis. Grow up and so sorry.The women's comments shock me more than the men's Who are you people? .

Cathy Fucinari July 25, 2012 at 04:49 pm

I agree Chris. There is NOTHING more important than for each individual to have control over their own bodies. Particularly, in their doctor's office and their bedroom.

Cathy Fucinari July 25, 2012 at 04:50 pm

She was stifled.