A Breast-Feeding Plan Mixes Partisan Reactions

[groovedaddy]

Perhaps it was inevitable that when Michelle Obama proposed something, Michele Bachmann would be the one to criticize her. The surprise is how many of the reactions crossed the usual political boundaries.

On blogs and in interviews, some liberal Democrats found themselves agreeing with Representative Bachmann, a Tea Party celebrity from Minnesota, when she criticized the first lady for a campaign to promote breast-feeding. Some conservatives, meanwhile, stood up for Mrs. Obama for promoting what they said was a healthier choice.

Mrs. Obama told reporters this month that she would promote breast-feeding, particularly among black women, as part of her campaign to reduce childhood obesity. The Internal Revenue Service then announced that breast pumps, which can cost several hundred dollars, would be eligible for tax breaks.

Ms. Bachmann lashed out at the campaign on Tuesday on Laura Ingraham’s radio show, saying that it reflected a “hard left” position that “government is the answer to everything.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/18/us/politics/18breastfeed.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha23

[drmeow]

1. breast feeding = government is the answer to everything

Because a woman's breasts are part of the government?

[nykym]

2. As with most things in life

you can either get with the program or not. No one is compelling the use of breast pumps. The Government is however willing to allow a medical deduction for them. So either you take the deduction or you don't. And as is with most medical deductions if you have coverage you often don't get the deduction unless you have enough expenditures. Molehills to mountains Ms Bachmann.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

3. What would liberal Democrats have against the plan?

:shrug:

[Warpy]

5. That statement reeks of being pulled out of the author's ass

I can't imagine any liberal Democrat being against tax breaks for breast pumps as a way of promoting breast feeding as a healthier alternative to formula for women who are committed enough to do it.

Well, maybe the closet conservative who is squicked out by the news that his favorite toys have a larger purpose that doesn't involve his gratification.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

6. I suspected as much myself

You know, trying to keep it "fair & balanced" Fox News-style. :eyes: Michelle Obama's initiative, contrary to the fevered delusions of Sister Sarah and her ideological soul mate, Michelle Bachmann, isn't supposed to be mandatory. Last I checked, Michelle Obama hasn't banned S'mores either. Obviously, neither of them understand the difference(s) between "requiring" and "promoting".

[HuckleB]

8. +1

The individual quoted as being a liberal against the plan is anonymous, FPS.

[drmeow]

4. Also - someone should point out

to Michelle Bachmann that a woman breast feeding is not spending US food stamps on formula!

I swear if one of the Obama's said that they supported breathing to ensure a healthy life, Michelle Bachmann would come up with some stupid objection.

[Dorian Gray]

7. True 'dat!

It's ridiculous. Her arguments against this are insane.

Breast feeding is a good thing, if people can do it. Why would anyone be against being able to deduct the expenses as a medical expense??? That's insane!