Welcome to Gaia! ::

*Bush moves to limit access to contraception: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/18/AR2008121801556.html?hpid=topnews

As they were pointing out on the news Thursday, that means if the receptionist disapproves of the reason for you visit, ze can deny you access to a doctor by refusing to make you an appointment. This will not only be legal, but that person's job is protected. You can't be fired if you say your religious beliefs prevent you from doing your job. my thought is, if you are Amish? Don't get a job as a bus driver. If you want to deny people basic health care, don't get a job at a health care providers.

*FTM Micheal has an excellent rant sparked by the above here, on both the new rule and this mythical Child our rights are being eroded in favor of: http://ftmichael.livejournal.com/1353955.html?style=mine#cutid1

*Thanks [info]hawkdancer for spotting this bit of evil. US balks at backing condemnation of anti-gay laws: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h1rNjQnbi3UUwYn7JGfk4pLIO6DgD955IQK80

Seriously? WTF!!! My government is okay with other countries putting people to death for loving someone of their own sex? Apparently the right of US States and local government to discriminate against gays is vastly more important than the lives and freedom of LBGT folk across the planet.

*And in animal cruelty news: http://kireishojo.livejournal.com/98216.html?style=mine

WTF! Those kittens could have lost their tails! It's vile.

*Spider man rescues autistic child from ledge: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/5042794/Spider-Man-rescues-autistic-Thai-boy-from-third-floor-ledge.html

*Russia bans baby seal killing: http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE52H3G220090318

* A brutal reminder that we aren't the only first world country with serious racism motivated police brutality. WTF, Australia. http://viv.id.au/blog/20090509.4867/united-nations-elders-heatstroke-death-in-police-van-possible-torture-or-inhuman-punishment/

"Mr Powell, who remains at GSL, has not been disciplined over W’s death and continues to transport prisoners." He cooked a respected elder and translator to death. The elderly gentleman had third degree burns, for crying out loud, but they didn't see any need for disciplinary action. Seriously, WTF, Australia? Thank you [info]cheshire_bitten for pointing it out.