This morning, while debate in the U.S. House of Representatives raged over the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Brian Beutler a reporter or blogger from Political Talking Points Menu called our national office to ask about a letter we had sent to members of the House of Representatives.

He asked that I explain the differences between H.R. 4970 and the Senate version; that is, H.R. 4971. A few minutes later came his article National Coalition For Men Endorses GOP Version of VAWA Bill , in which he wrote, “one that Democrats couldn’t be happier with.” Then Laura Bassett called from the Huffington Post. Within minutes, Huffington Post posted House VAWA Bill Picks Up Unhelpful Ally: National Coalition For Men.

Bassett wanted to know whether NCFM was helping H.R. 4970, implying that because of the nature of our organization, albeit “men’s rights,” whether we were doing our cause more harm than good. I told her I couldn’t imagine why not since our organization is concerned with helping all victims of domestic violence – male and female – and that “NCFM is dedicated to the removal of harmful gender based stereotypes against men, their families, and the women who love them.”

Then came, Misogynistic ‘Men’s Rights’ Group Endorses GOP Version of Violence Against Women Act. Now we hate women. Who knew?

NCFM has been distributing flyers to the Senate and House for the last two years. We have sent members to educate legislators about the need to reform VAWA. Yesterday, the brief letter that caused the commotion above in support of H.R. 4970 was successfully faxed to 601 members of the House. One or more of the House members or their staff apparently forwarded the letter to the press.

Reporter Bill Douglas called from McClatchy Newspapers. He had heard about but not seen the letter, “If it really exists,” he said. I confirmed it did and emailed him a copy as requested. He seemed lonely. Being left out is never any fun… as experienced by a large portion of our legislators turning their backs on half our population just because they have penises? He said we had an interesting website.

I’m proud to be a member of an organization that stands up for the rights of the innocent, regardless of gender – not just for the rights of only women or only men. I’m proud of NCFM for supporting legislation that holds people accountable for inappropriate, if not criminal, behavior, including those who abuse scarce resources intended to help those in need rather than further questionable ideological and political agendas. And, I’m really tired of listening to all the political pap about waging war against women.

If there’s a war on women then why isn’t the Violence Against Women Act called the Domestic Violence Prevention Act? Because, if there is a gender war, and arguably there is, it’s being waged against men, that’s why. For those of you who were able to listen to the House floor debate today reflect on what you heard and ask yourself how many times a politician mentioned helping abused men versus abused women – or simply all abused “persons,” male or female.

Did that sound like legislators turning their backs on women? No, indeed, it did not. What rang loud and clear was the lack of concern for abused men. Is that more testimony about a war against women? We, us, our nation, is being duped into believing our men wage war against our women. How many personal friends and acquaintances do you have marching to an upcoming BRING YOUR PENIS, JOIN THE ABUSE WOMEN AND CHILDREN RALLY? Any critical thinker should quickly determine that such a notion is absurd, politically driven, pompous, ideological claptrap.

Read our letter. See for yourself.120516 ltr to Representatives re VAWA H.R. 4970 , the version that passed the House today thanks to more good people than I can name.

Harry Crouch

President

VAWA

VAWA