PPC1

9/19/2008 10:04 PM UTC

Sarah Palin And Her Outrageous Rape Kit Policy By Bonnie Erbe Sep 18, 2008 E-Mail Story Print Story Sphere Share Text Size: A A A (US News) Mountains of controversy are swirling around Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's strange policy of forcing rape victims to pay for their own rape kits while she was mayor of the now-infamous town of Wasilla. The most interesting take I've found is posted by Alaska blogger Shannyn Moore who relates the following: I sat with a rape victim during the "harvesting of evidence". Mascara smeared eyes stared blankly out from a cave of shame. "We've got swimmers," announced the forensic tech in the lab next door. My friend didn't look surprised. In her 60's, she was still asked if she felt the need for emergency contraception. Surviving the process would have only been compounded and made worse with an itemized bill; victimized twice courtesy of Sarah Palin and the city of Wasilla. Much can be learned about the Palin Administration's family values from reviewing their spending priorities. Former Chief of Police Irl Stambaugh included forensic rape kits (up to $1,200 per kit) in his budget requests. He was fired by Palin in 1997. In her termination letter, Palin wrote, "...I do not feel I have your full support in my efforts to govern the city of Wasilla. Therefore I intend to terminate your employment... " Staumbaugh headed the police department since it was created in 1993. Before that, he served 22 years with the Anchorage Police Department rising to the rank of captain. Sarah Palin hired Charlie Fannon as the new Wasilla Chief of Police and said it was one of her best decisions as mayor. Fannon eliminated the forensic rape kits from the budget. Though the number of rapes weren't reported, Fannon claimed it would save Wasilla taxpayers $5,000 to $14,000 a year. Palin supporters ought to be taking a much closer look at her record on these types of issues (charging rape victims for evidentiary examinations so their attackers can be brought to trial) than whether she can juggle five children and the vice presidency. This, more than anything, should push women, pro-life and pro-choice, away from the McCain-Palin ticket. It's one thing to oppose abortion on moral grounds. It's quite another to charge crime victims for their own forensic examinations. Such a policy is nothing short of outrageous.

Jamaica21

8/16/2008 6:04 PM UTC

Gurl u did the Dang thing last nite, mama that show was off the hook.... I think I losted about 5lbs dancing my a$$ off....Congrats on ur first show and the great success it was last nite....

Miss T

8/16/2008 11:16 AM UTC

don't forget that I'm on Supreme Entertainment now!! :) Please add Wisdom Supreme and mark as a favorite.. girl.. you don't want to miss those shows!!!

Miss T

8/16/2008 11:16 AM UTC

congrats sister! love ya lots! and good luck on your show!!!!

TCP Live! Talk Radio

8/16/2008 6:10 AM UTC

Hey Darq, congratulations on your new show. Very proud of you. Do yo' thang, girl!

JusRa

8/5/2008 5:20 AM UTC

Thanks so much for coming by tonight. It was wonderful to see you. Have a wonderful & positive day.

Miss T

7/8/2008 2:07 AM UTC

WE HAD A GREAT TIME TONIGHT!! HOPE TO SEE YOU AROUND!!!

TCP Live! Talk Radio

7/5/2008 7:37 AM UTC

Thanks for adding us as a Favorite. Much appreciated.