Doomed to repeat it?

In a recent post, I discussed ways that the current economic stimulus plan under consideration by Congress slights the needs of women.

Apparently, this situation is nothing new. Writing at Women's eNews, Louise Bernikow discusses how the New Deal Slighted Women In Recovery Plans.

Meanwhile, over at RHRealityCheck.org, Cristina Page has this thought-provoking essay on the economic benefits provided by public spending on contraception. You may recall that the stimulus bill originally considered by the House included money to make contraception more available, but that this provision was removed in an unsuccessful effort to win Republican support for that bill.

Drawing on the work of several economists, Page argues that creating jobs for people who deliver contraceptive services stimulates the economy just as much as any other health care spending. More than that, unplanned pregnancies create a serious drain on the economy, and providing contraception helps to alleviate poverty. Furthermore, contraception makes greater workplace participation possible for (heterosexual) women.

Today, President Obama appeared in a brief video urging passage of a stimulus package. Also, the Senate appeared ready to pass a centrist compromise that cut about $110 billion from the plan that was passed by the House. Economist Dean Baker argues that the more Obama compromises, the less effective the stimulus bill will be.

I wish I had a brilliant concluding sentence that would create a clear path to follow to make all of this work out okay. But the Red Cup is closing in five minutes, and I'm going to post this.