Take That, Clarence

Clarence Thomas suffers from a complete lack of humility. He seems to believe in his own draconian ethics. How else can we get our heads around his opposition to such – shudder! - radical ideas as adults in a consensual relationship being able to use contraceptives?

GOTV tends to think of Satchel Paige in such contexts.  But all of Mark Twain, Henry David Thoreau, and George Washington recognized the danger mere ego could pose to effective thought. Ergo, don't look back, Clarence; something may be gaining on you. The U S House of Representatives recently passed two bills that tell Mr. Thomas his is not the last word on such questions.

The House voted today (Thursday 07/21/22) to pass a bill that would guarantee access to birth control, by protecting the right to buy and use contraceptives without government restriction. These eight Republicans voted with their Democratic colleagues:

• Liz Cheney of Wyoming

• Nancy Mace of South Carolina

• Fred Upton of Michigan

• Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio

• John Katko of New York

• Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania

• Maria Salazar of Florida

• Adam Kinzinger of Illinois

The final vote was 228-195.

Earlier this week, the House passed a bill that would protect, in Federal law, the right to same-sex marriage. On this question, 47 Republicans joined Democrats to vote for the bill.

But don't celebrate just yet. It's not clear whether either bill can pass the Senate.  For that, at least 10 Republicans must side with Democrats, in order to overcome the filibuster-driven 60-vote threshold.

If ever there was an argument for voting, this is one. Pat Toomey's Senate seat is rated, by most sources, as the one most likely to flip in November. Let's each of us do what we can to ensure that.