Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Republican Outreach...With A Clenched Fist

Sen. Marco Rubio explained his vote against the Violence Against Women Act yesterday thusly:

Unfortunately, I could not support the final, entire legislation that contains new provisions that could have potentially adverse consequences.  Specifically, this bill would mandate the diversion of a portion of funding from domestic violence programs to sexual assault programs, although there’s no evidence to suggest this shift will result in a greater number of convictions. These funding decisions should be left up to the state-based coalitions that understand local needs best, but instead this new legislation would put those decisions into the hands of distant Washington bureaucrats in the Department of Justice. Additionally, I have concerns regarding the conferring of criminal jurisdiction to some Indian tribal governments over all persons in Indian country, including non-Indians.

Wait a minute, I mean the awful giant screw you to Florida's Seminole tribes and other Native Americas over criminal jurisdiction of assault of women on tribal lands aside, Marco Rubio seems to be saying that the federal government has no business in enforcing the safety of half the population of the United States.  Also, please note that it should be left in Marco's view up to state and local officials for funding (I guess because "assault" depends on the opinion of any men that are around) but not if those officials are Tribal Police.

Okay.  Sure.  That makes sense.  And because of this, Rubio thinks he's taking a principled stand for Florida's women.

There's your outreach from the GOP, folks.  A crack across the jaw so you'll know who's in charge.

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