Category: Sanctity of Life
Mike Ferguson (R-NJ7) once again cast his vote against embryonic stem cell research, continuing his desire to prevent cures for his constituents suffering from spinal cord injuries, diabetes and other maladies for this research is said to promise cures.
I'd write a longer post, but the links say it all.
The Bernardsville News is the first paper to give an endorsement in the NJ7 Congressional race between Mike Ferguson and Linda Stender. The nod went to Linda Stender. The paper is not too big and a weekly, but it is in extremely red territory and hopefully this kind of thing can make a difference there.
[UPDATE: The Hunterdon Review, also owned by Recorder, used the same editorial last week. Deep in the heart of redness!]
Vote for Linda Stender for Congress from the Seventh District.She is articulate and bright. She has had local, county and state government experiences. Most importantly, she represents an end to the status quo acceptance of the failed policies of the Bush Administration, so unquestionably accepted by her opponent, Republican incumbent Michael Ferguson.
His response to the surprisingly strong Stender campaign is to blast Stender as a tax and spend Democrat.
Yet Stender, as a state Assemblywoman, voted against the Corzine budget and increased sales tax. Meanwhile, Ferguson, as member of the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate, has presided over a federal budget that has gone from a surplus position to a massive deficit.
It is ironic he complains about doings as the state level, yet he has never served in any state or locally elected office in his career. In fact, he only moved to the Seventh Congressional district so he could run for Congress after he lost his bid for a Sixth District Congressional seat in Monmouth County in 1998.
Nearly 60 percent of the district considers themselves Independent and we think Stender will more accurately reflect their philosophies than Ferguson.
We support Stender’s call for a re-examination of how we are conducting the war in Iraq, a position also called for by many retired Army generals and the majority of the nation. Ferguson is unquestioning of the Bush Administration’s handling of the war.
We support Stender’s call for embryonic stem cell research, so those whose loved ones are suffering from anything from Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s to diabetes to paralysis may have hope for a cure. Ferguson staunchly opposes embryonic stem cell research and as such has earned the disfavor of Tricia Riccio, a crusader from Warren Township whose son Carl Riccio was paralyzed in a Watchung Hills Regional High School wrestling match in 2003.
Stender favors a woman’s right to choose on abortion, developing alternative energy supplies, and protecting the environment.
None of those issues carry much weight with Ferguson. He is anti-choice to the point of wanting to amend the Constitution to make abortion a crime even in the cases of rape and incest.
He garnered a pitiful 17 percent approval rating from the League of Conservation Voters, the political voice of the national environmental movement whose ratings reflect Ferguson’s voting record on key environmental and public health votes. Ferguson’s environmental rating is the lowest of the 13 members of the New Jersey congressional delegation, Democrats and Republicans alike.
Environmental issues are part of the core values of Somerset and Hunterdon county residents and those values should be represented in the halls of Congress by the person they elect to represent them.
Indeed, poll after poll shows Stender’s positions on the core issues this district thinks are important, from the Bush Administration’s handling of the war in Iraq, to stem cell research, to the environment, are more reflective of the majority of voters in this district than Mr. Ferguson’s. People in the 7th Congressional District should vote for the candidate who best reflects their values on Tuesday, Nov. 7 and that is Linda Stender.
Vote for Stender for Congress from the 7th District.
Linda Stender is hitting back at Mike Ferguson with mailings, a radio ad and -- from what I hear -- a television ad up on cable. I haven't seen it, but if you have put it in the comments. These three posts are the current pieces going out in the mail.
The third is about Ferguson's radical opposition to embryonic stem cell research and women’s right to choose. You can click on either image to get to a pdf of the piece and mail it to your friends.
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Linda Stender is hitting back at Mike Ferguson with mailings, a radio ad and -- from what I hear -- a television ad up on cable. I haven't seen it, but if you have put it in the comments. These three posts are the current pieces going out in the mail.
The second is about Ferguson's unlimited support for President George Bush's policies both domestically and internationally. You can click on either image to get to a pdf of the piece and mail it to your friends.
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NETWORK, a Catholic organization dedicated to social justice, gives out an annual report card on all House and Senate members. They gave Congressman Mike Ferguson a zero (0) for the 2005-2006 cycle.
That's right, a Catholic organization started by 47 nuns gave Michael Ferguson a 0 for his concern for the poor, minorities, immigrants and the people of Iraq.
Here's a picture of these nice folks:
Here's their description:
Through lobbying and legislative advocacy, we strive to close the gap between rich and poor and to dismantle policies rooted in racism, greed and violence.NETWORK’s membership, which includes both individuals and organizations, represents more than 100,000 people. This vast constituency is committed and active. When our national office puts out the word that Congress needs to hear from our members on critical legislation, our members respond by calling, writing, emailing or visiting their Senators and Representatives, and by mobilizing others to take action as well.
Since our founding in 1971 by 47 Catholic sisters, NETWORK has been faithfully answering the Gospel call to act for justice.
Today Rahm Emmanuel of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is coming to New Jersey for an event with Mike Ferguson's opponent, Linda Stender. The visit made the Sunday Chicago Tribune and the wires.
As state Rep. Linda Stender tries to oust Republican Rep. Michael Ferguson from his congressional seat representing north-central New Jersey, she hopes the promise of embryonic stem cell research, and Ferguson's opposition to it, gives her a distinct advantage."If you know anybody who suffers from diabetes or Alzheimer's or has had a spinal cord injury, I think that you want to see a cure," Stender, a self-described "progressive," said in an interview. "There are people in my family that have been affected by terrible diseases. And I choose to put my faith in science to find a cure, and the promise of a cure appears to be in stem cell research."
Ferguson, a strong opponent of abortion, is clear in his opposition to stem cell research for moral reasons. But he insists he always has been a champion of medical and biotechnology research _issues important to the sizeable health care industry in his district_during his five years on Capitol Hill.
"I just think efforts to politicize this issue are misguided and will ultimately be unsuccessful, and that's because of my very strong record in field of health care," Ferguson said. He said his mother survived bone marrow cancer for six years thanks to scientific advances.
Congressman Ferguson's office continues to refuse to answer questions regarding the over the counter sale of Plan B, the emergency contraceptive. Now, instead of answering a different question they are saying they don't comment unless issues come up before the house. From kwilkinson of the site, Blue Jersey:
No position forthcoming. He'll only say something if it comes up in front of the House, which it won't, because it's being held up indefinitely by the FDA politicos, according to Marcus.
This is pretty selective, and intended to avoid answering direct questions from his constituents. It's also based upon a pretty big falsehood. See, contrary to what Marcus said there is a bill in front of the House regarding Plan B and the FDA. Ferguson's people just don't want you to know it.
H. R. 4229 [pdf] is sponsored by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY14) and has 61 cosponsors. Here's the summary:
To require the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to determine whether to allow the marketing of Plan B as a prescription drug for women 15 years of age or younger and a nonprescription drug for women 16 years of age or older, and for other purposes.
This bill, which goes directly to the question Ferguson's staff refuses to asnwer, was referred on February 17, 2006 to the "Subcommittee on Health" which is part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Congressman Mike Ferguson sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Congressman Mike Ferguson is the vice chair for the House Subcommittee on Health.
One of two things happened in that call regarding Plan B: either Ferguson's office intentionally lied to a constituent regarding bills and issues pending in front of a committee Ferguson sits on, of Ferguson's office is unaware of the bills and issues pending in front of a committee on which Ferguson is the second in command. They are either lying or incompetent.
So please call his office at (908) 757-7835 (NJ) or (202) 225-5361 (DC) and ask for Abby Bird, the Congressman's official spokeswoman, Marcus who spoke to kwilkinson, or someone else who can answer a question on Ferguson's position on Plan B.
If you get to Ms. Bird or another person capable of answering your questions, please ask them, "Would Congressman Ferguson support a hearing and Subcommittee on Health vote on H.R.4229 to require the FDA to approve Plan B for over-the-counter sales to women 17 years old and older and as a prescription for girls younger than 17?" All we want is a hearing and an up or down vote, because that will put Ferguson on the record.
Please do not be confrontational, but just try to get an answer to the question.
If you do not get a person who will answer the question please visit the online form and ask the question that way.
Contact Blue 7th at info@blue7th.com with the day you asked the question and any answers you get.
Continue reading "All We Want Is An Up or Down Vote on Plan B" »
A number of people have called or written Congressman Mike Ferguson's office about the emergency contraceptive called Plan B to determine his position on whether it should be sold over the counter without a prescription. Plan B is made of the same stuff as the contraceptive known as the pill in higher concentrations, and has been approved by the FDA as an emergency contraceptive for use within days of unprotected sex to prevent conception. It is not an abortion pill.
To date his office has not answered the question once, though they do have a new tactic: answering a different question. A few weeks ago the following question was sent to Ferguson's office via his official on-line form:
What is your position on Plan B? Do you think it should be made available?
The answer that came back [after the jump] was about H.R.1652, the Access to Legal Pharmaceuticals Act, a bill that requires pharmacies to fill medical prescriptions even if the pharmacist has a moral objection to the drug. Interestingly, not only is this not an answer to the question Ferguson was asked but he also refused to take a position on this bill.
Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R.1652, the Access to Legal Pharmaceuticals Act. I appreciate hearing from you and having the benefit of your views. ...H.R.1652 was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Should this legislation come to the House floor for a vote, I will reflect further on your well-stated views.
Ferguson sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, yet will only "reflect further" if the committee reads the bill out to the entire house. He would not say whether he believes the committee should approve the bill, or if he will vote against it. Of course, he doesn't have to because it is sponsored by a Democrat and has no chance of coming to a vote in the committee, much less for the entire house.
Previously, Ferguson has written that he would not support legislation requiring that hospitals inform rape victims that Plan B is available. Not that they give it to rape victims, but that hospitals be allowed to keep a rape victim in the dark of her medical options to prevent conception and, as such, avoid being impregnated by the rapist.
Based on his refusal to go on record regarding emergency contraception and his opposition to telling rape victims of their full range of legal health care options, it is reasonable to assume that Ferguson opposes the legal sale of Plan B. If that is not the case and he supports the sale, we will gladly change this post and publicize his position.
But Congressman Ferguson or someone from his office needs to tell us. We know from conversations with their chief of staff that they track this blog and are aware of our postings, so if they want to clear this up they can just write to info@blue7th.com.
So please call his office at (908) 757-7835 (NJ) or (202) 225-5361 (DC) and ask for Abby Bird, the Congressman's official spokeswoman, or someone else who can answer a question on Ferguson's position on Plan B.
If you get to Ms. Bird or another person capable of answering your questions, please ask them, "Does Congressman Ferguson support the sale of emergency contraceptives such as Plan B to women who wish to use them?" Please do not be confrontational, but just try to get an answer to the question.
If you do not get a person who will answer the question please visit the online form and ask the question that way.
Contact Blue 7th at info@blue7th.com with the day you asked the question and any answers you get.
Continue reading "Ferguson's Opposition To Contraceptives" »
Congressman Mike Ferguson's opposition to contraception and family planning services is a lesser known cousin to his fervent opposition to abortion. It is all tied up in the Right to Life community he is beholden to. His positions on contraception, abortion, embryonic stem cell research and other issues are so far out of the mainstream that his colleagues in the House jokingly call him "Mr. Embryo." He opposes such common sense programs such as requiring hospitals to inform rape victims that emergency contraception is available.
Recently a constituent received a letter from Ferguson that further illustrates his radical position, and his willingness to ignore facts and research to support it. The entire letter is printed after this post, with the recipient's name and address redacted, but here is the relevant part:
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) on June 16, 2005, offered an amendment to H.R. 2862, the annual appropriations bill that finances the State, Justice and Commerce departments, which would lift restrictions on U.S. taxpayer assistance to UNFPA. [United Nations’ Population Fund]Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced July 17, 2004, that UNFPA helped China manage programs that involved forced abortions. Powell said at the time that the administration would continue to help women and children around the world through other programs. The United States is the largest donor of bilateral assistance to help improve the health of women and children and provided more than $1.8 billion in 2004 through a U.S. Agency for International Development fund
Rep. Maloney’s amendment failed 192-233, and I voted against the amendment in the House. I believe it is wrong for U.S. taxpayers to subsidize a program that aids in coerced abortions and forced sterilizations in China.
It's true that the administration claims that the UNFPA is involved in China's programs, but it's also true that they have no evidence to back up the claim.
Continue reading "Ferguson: Out of the Mainstream on Contraception" »
This letter was published in the Home News Tribune on July 15, 2005.
Politics opposes scientific progressThis letter is regarding the June 23 story, "Piscataway youths press Senate for diabetes cure."
Federal Election Commission reports indicate six companies that engage or are about to engage in embryonic stem-cell research contributed through their company PACs to Congressman Mike Ferguson and Senator Rick Santorum. These companies include GE, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis and Pfizer.
Despite accepting their contributions, Ferguson and Santorum oppose their research. In the House, Ferguson voted against expanding the types of stem cell research that can be federally funded. The bill passed anyway in the House with bipartisan support. These companies' financial support for Ferguson and Santorum's reelection campaigns not only runs counter to the companies' interest but the public interest as well.
Rick Santorum and Mike Ferguson are deeply involved in the radical right's campaign to suppress scientific knowledge that conflicts with their ideological obsessions, regardless of the human cost of those actions. Ferguson's vote to stop embryonic stem-cell research, the kind of essential research that could save lives, is one example. Both politicians also voted for cuts in Medicaid for millions of people, which will affect their ability to buy essential drugs and medical supplies produced by these companies.
Mike Ferguson's record shows that he is consistently, even proudly, out of step with mainstream voters from the 7th district, and indeed most New Jerseyans.
Karina Wilkinson
HIGHLAND PARK
Mike Ferguson voted for the United States Congress to intervene in a medical case involving Terry Schiavo, a woman in a persistent vegetative state, to overturn the decision of a Florida state court to remove her feeding tube.
"This is a life and death situation for this young woman," said Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-Hunterdon, who voted in favor of the bill along with fellow Republican Scott Garrett who represents Warren County."At the very least we owe her parents the opportunity to have this case heard by a federal judge so no mistakes are made."
Ferguson dismissed arguments from Democrats that Congress was trying to usurp Florida courts, saying Republicans only want to give Schiavo's parents the chance to have the case heard in court.
"If we make any error, we should err on the side of life," he said. "We should take every opportunity to make sure the right decision is made."
Mike Ferguson says he only wants Terry Schiavo's parents to have their chance in front of a federal judge. It has already already been in front of 19 Florida judges. Most of these judges were appointed by Republican governors, many are conservative. The Supreme Court of the United States determined that the case did not merit their review, and seven of these nine federal justices were appointed by Republican Presidents.
This is not about giving people their day in court. It is about interfering in the most personal decisions of American citizens with no regard for privacy or the pain they are causing.
It is about politics, pure and simple.
