John Edwards: Is he the ultimate poster-boy for the Obama Care contraception issue?

By Frank Louis

With the John Edwards affair coming to the forefront of the weekly news cycle, I have some diverse (I love to use the word: "diverse.") context in which to place the issue. Let's link John Edwards and the Obama Care Issue, which, like all other news stories these days has just gone away in the media, unresolved. As we await hearing the Supreme Court's decision on the mandate, and as the issue has become more and more distorted into some sort of "war on women," other questions become apparent; at least for me.

So, take former Senator John Edwards for example. Yes, it's true some would argue, had Obama Care been in place when John Edwards was campaigning, he would not be in the situation he is in now. The contraception issue could not be clearer to me.

In fact, I am taken back as to why our Congress did not ask that Rielle Hunter and Senator Edwards testify as one of the (women's) viewpoints they were after rather than a single college student whose sexual exploits most likely really have no significant and far-reaching consequences as this.

Seriously folks, had Senator Edwards and Ms. Hunter had access to free contraception, some, I suppose, would take the position that Ms. Hunter would not have gotten the "disease" (pregnancy), like she did. What a great example for bringing forth the woman's health issue than this lovechild and a ruined political career. Come to think about it, men can use contraception too. Is this included in the health care mandate too? What an opportunity to lead by example and argue for safe sex! I can see it now: "Don't let this happen to you."

Frankly, I am surprised that the Democratic members of the Congress and Senate are not asking both Edwards and Hunter to co-testify as to the need for this expanded "health coverage" for both genders After all, didn't they contract the dreaded disease and become "punished with a baby" as our president put it in '08 when discussing his position on pregnancy with respect to his own family. Heaven forbid..."pregnancy." Bummer. In fact, talk about leading by example. At least President Clinton had the good sense to just go with the oral sex in absence of this much-needed health care for women.

This also begs the question regarding the recent Secret Service scandal and their contraceptive practices. Is male (and/or female) contraception included in their health care or travel expenses? Or do these poor guys and gals have to fend for themselves when encountering Columbian prostitutes while on a mission? Just some of the questions, "burning questions," I suppose, on the minds of millions of American in this election year.

Was contraception on the tab submitted by the GSA with respect to the recent scandal they are in now spending around a million dollars on their conference? Perhaps since contraception is most likely readily available in the hotel gift shop, or perhaps even included in the room amenities (like bottled water, towels, etc) maybe it was just part of the total package or could just be charged to the room along with other essentials like meals or toothpaste. Then, we must ask: "If this is the case, are we taxpayers already paying for contraception and do not even know it?" I believe maybe-so. Is there a need for line item budgets when situations like this occur? Perhaps.

In fact, I would bet that even Senator Edwards and Ms. Hunter actually did have access to "free" contraception even without it being included in either of their health coverage's. After all, would not have that been a legitimate expense on the campaign trail especially if it was charged to or included in the room amenities? Just curious, just "kidding."

© Frank Louis