Unable to sway the public opinion with facts, Democrats are naturally turning to rhetoric to make their case on the dangers of global warming.
While climate change may not be considered racist (yet), Democrats in the House of Representatives are making the case that it is sexist. Because, obviously:
Several House Democrats are calling on Congress to recognize that climate change is hurting women more than men, and could even drive poor women to "transactional sex" for survival.The resolution, from Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and a dozen other Democrats, says the results of climate change include drought and reduced agricultural output. It says these changes can be particularly harmful for women.
"[F]ood insecure women with limited socioeconomic resources may be vulnerable to situations such as sex work, transactional sex, and early marriage that put them at risk for HIV, STIs, unplanned pregnancy, and poor reproductive health," it says.
Climate change could also add "workload and stresses" on female farmers, which the resolution says produce 60 to 80 percent of the food in developing countries.
First of all, can we just take a moment to reflect on the absurd new PC term for prostitution -- "transactional sex"? That lingo has got some real Frank Luntz mojo. Are pimps now considered "street traders"? Johns are now, what, "students of physical therapy"?
Second of all, it says a lot about our modern society that making the case for policy on gender lines is taken this seriously. The report specifically cites Hurricane Katrina as "evidence" of how climate change can affect women because the storm displaced "over 83 percent of low-income, single mothers" in the Gulf region. If you're a married guy, fuggedaboutit.
"My resolution will affirm the commitment to include and empower women in economic development planning and international climate change policies and practices," Rep. Lee says. "This will help communities adapt to climate impacts, and embark on a path towards clean and sustainable development."
Well, fantastic. Just don't forget to include my free birth control.
