Ryan Lizza: I have followed your reporting with pleasure for many years and this is the most impressive, well-thought out, and outstanding column you have ever written. I truly believe it will become an important historical document in US history, as we struggle so deeply with the issue of authoritarianism during these troubling, current times. Because I am a lawyer, a practicing psychologist and a woman who studied and taught American History for several years, I feel qualified to make this judgement.
Thank you for this, especially your clear articulation about the link between authoritarianism and actions taken to constrict women’s bodily autonomy. Women have the most to lose in an authoritarian regime that is based on a patriarchal and religious foundation, which explains in part why I see a majority of women in recent street protests. It is very frightening to see the rapid loss of rights we took for granted, with even the right to vote being threatened by rich and powerful right wing technocrats (e.g. Peter Thiel) and religious leaders (e.g. Doug Wilson.)
I went to paid on the strength of this written piece. Congratulations on your conclusion that the denial of bodily control is the poster child for authoritarian thinking - and therefore not to be supported for electoral wins, ever, at least if one is beginning on the premise “to save democratic principles and save human freedom.” It is just logic. Thank you Ryan, good work!
So well said, Ryan. The fascists always go after the women first because once they have suppressed the rights of more than half the population, the rest fall in line easily.
ezra seems to think that since he is too cowardly and lazy and ignorant and nakedly ambitious to beat the fascist forced birthers, we should join them. He has no problem just throwing us all under the bus. My fundamental human rights to my own bodily autonomy are NOT his to play with, despicable dumbfuck that he is.
I’m late to reading this and want to thank you for writing it. For years, some “limited-government” conservatives–and unfortunately many conservative women–sold out reproductive freedom. That posture gave cover to the men who were openly planning Roe’s rollback and broader restrictions all along.
Welcoming anti-abortion Democrats repeats the same mistake by normalizing the erosion of bodily autonomy and telling women their rights are negotiable. Now is the time to defend reproductive rights without apology.
We already know what "pro-life” means in practice–women dying preventable deaths, miscarriages treated as crimes, rape victims trapped in red tape–a big tent shouldn’t mean a smaller set of rights for women.
I agree with you 100%. I live in a rural red Ohio district. I watched as we passed the abortion rights issue overwhelmingly in Nov 2023. We also preserved the simple majority in Ohio and the right for citizens to propose legislation. We then turned around and told them it was okay to continue to allow entrenched politicians to draw the voter maps instead of a bipartisan commission the next year, and we helped elect the authoritarian pos currently in office. I don’t know what issue is going to bring us all together, but this is not it. I am uncomfortable… majorly uncomfortable…with all this Bible thumping happening in government. I am mad as hell at my neighbors who would give up their freedoms for a group who will never be satisfied with taking all of our dignity (and lunch money). I hear all this talk about forgiveness, and I ask myself, “Is this something I can do?” Can I forgive my brother for voting for Trump? One would think so, given he passed away in Feb. If I think about it as a momentary lapse of judgement, I can forgive it. I just don’t know that I will ever be able to forget. Thanks, Ryan.
I live in Ohio. I would not want a pro life Dem as a governor at all. No one should have that much control over a woman. PRO-CHOICE all the way. I draw the line at anyone taking away my choice. I chose to have my unplanned first child because abortion is not birth control, but that’s just me.
Ohio is so gerrymandered now it isn’t even funny. Sherrod Brown is running again for Senate next year in the midterms. Tim Ryan won’t commit to running for governor yet. Amy Acton is struggling. I like Amy and Tim. I would vote for both. By next year, it’ll be so bad, Sherrod should have a shot. I donated today ❤️
And I heard lately that Ohio legislators committed to redrawing the maps again. I hope the people here are enjoying what they brought on themselves. I don’t want any child to go hungry. That’s why I donated to Letters from God fundraiser FeedingAmerica.org or something like that. We aren’t doing retail Christmas this year, so I will give as much as I can.
Thanks for this. You present your case so thoughtfully. It has an ick factor, to be sure. I would hope a pro-life Dem would be primaried at some stage of the game. That’s how government should work
Ryan Lizza: I have followed your reporting with pleasure for many years and this is the most impressive, well-thought out, and outstanding column you have ever written. I truly believe it will become an important historical document in US history, as we struggle so deeply with the issue of authoritarianism during these troubling, current times. Because I am a lawyer, a practicing psychologist and a woman who studied and taught American History for several years, I feel qualified to make this judgement.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! and THANK YOU!
Thank you so much. That means a lot!
Thank you for this, especially your clear articulation about the link between authoritarianism and actions taken to constrict women’s bodily autonomy. Women have the most to lose in an authoritarian regime that is based on a patriarchal and religious foundation, which explains in part why I see a majority of women in recent street protests. It is very frightening to see the rapid loss of rights we took for granted, with even the right to vote being threatened by rich and powerful right wing technocrats (e.g. Peter Thiel) and religious leaders (e.g. Doug Wilson.)
I went to paid on the strength of this written piece. Congratulations on your conclusion that the denial of bodily control is the poster child for authoritarian thinking - and therefore not to be supported for electoral wins, ever, at least if one is beginning on the premise “to save democratic principles and save human freedom.” It is just logic. Thank you Ryan, good work!
So did I — went to paid on this.
You don't beat authoritarians by negotiating a middle ground on authoritarian policy
This is a great column Ryan and it makes me very happy that I support your sub stack. Of course you are right.
So well said, Ryan. The fascists always go after the women first because once they have suppressed the rights of more than half the population, the rest fall in line easily.
ezra seems to think that since he is too cowardly and lazy and ignorant and nakedly ambitious to beat the fascist forced birthers, we should join them. He has no problem just throwing us all under the bus. My fundamental human rights to my own bodily autonomy are NOT his to play with, despicable dumbfuck that he is.
I’m late to reading this and want to thank you for writing it. For years, some “limited-government” conservatives–and unfortunately many conservative women–sold out reproductive freedom. That posture gave cover to the men who were openly planning Roe’s rollback and broader restrictions all along.
Welcoming anti-abortion Democrats repeats the same mistake by normalizing the erosion of bodily autonomy and telling women their rights are negotiable. Now is the time to defend reproductive rights without apology.
We already know what "pro-life” means in practice–women dying preventable deaths, miscarriages treated as crimes, rape victims trapped in red tape–a big tent shouldn’t mean a smaller set of rights for women.
Bravo! Elevating this piece to all friends, family and acquaintances. Ryan’s work puts the pundits to shame. Thank you, Ryan.
I agree with you 100%. I live in a rural red Ohio district. I watched as we passed the abortion rights issue overwhelmingly in Nov 2023. We also preserved the simple majority in Ohio and the right for citizens to propose legislation. We then turned around and told them it was okay to continue to allow entrenched politicians to draw the voter maps instead of a bipartisan commission the next year, and we helped elect the authoritarian pos currently in office. I don’t know what issue is going to bring us all together, but this is not it. I am uncomfortable… majorly uncomfortable…with all this Bible thumping happening in government. I am mad as hell at my neighbors who would give up their freedoms for a group who will never be satisfied with taking all of our dignity (and lunch money). I hear all this talk about forgiveness, and I ask myself, “Is this something I can do?” Can I forgive my brother for voting for Trump? One would think so, given he passed away in Feb. If I think about it as a momentary lapse of judgement, I can forgive it. I just don’t know that I will ever be able to forget. Thanks, Ryan.
I'd like to see a map of what percentages think abortion should be legal in all cases. That's where I am.
I live in Ohio. I would not want a pro life Dem as a governor at all. No one should have that much control over a woman. PRO-CHOICE all the way. I draw the line at anyone taking away my choice. I chose to have my unplanned first child because abortion is not birth control, but that’s just me.
Ohio is so gerrymandered now it isn’t even funny. Sherrod Brown is running again for Senate next year in the midterms. Tim Ryan won’t commit to running for governor yet. Amy Acton is struggling. I like Amy and Tim. I would vote for both. By next year, it’ll be so bad, Sherrod should have a shot. I donated today ❤️
And I heard lately that Ohio legislators committed to redrawing the maps again. I hope the people here are enjoying what they brought on themselves. I don’t want any child to go hungry. That’s why I donated to Letters from God fundraiser FeedingAmerica.org or something like that. We aren’t doing retail Christmas this year, so I will give as much as I can.
Thanks for this. You present your case so thoughtfully. It has an ick factor, to be sure. I would hope a pro-life Dem would be primaried at some stage of the game. That’s how government should work