Over on Liberal Conspiracy there has been an at times hostile debate surrounding feminism due to the claims of Sarah Palin, Republican VP Nominee, that she is one. Why is this controversial, and why has it started any such debate? Firstly she is someone that believes abortion is a sin, and would appear to wish to ban abortions from taking place in the US if she had her way. This provoked Laurie Penny to claim rather audaciously yet innocently that you cannot be a feminist if you oppose choice (with regards to abortion rights). Needless to say I disagreed, and a lot of cussing and hostile feminist verbatim later the debate hasn't moved on. Why not? Well it's because, as I have perhaps only more recently realised, that the debate is fairly irrelevant to feminism and wholly relevant to liberalism.

Hey all, sorry about the intermittent blogging. Last week I did my cycling trip from Bristol to Cornwall, and completed 165 miles of travel in two days. It's interesting that on both days I couldn't do much more than 80 miles a day before my body seemingly just refused to go any further! I'm just about recovering from all the aches and pains but thanks to anyone that has given their support either verbally or financially to the justgiving site (see that box in the top right of this site!) for Children in Need.

Right now things are slow news wise, but I'll be trying to pick up some more stories amongst what will be a busy week for me. But on to the roundup, the normal list can be found in the sidebar at Liberal Conspiracy.

Below is the extended list of blogs for today

donpaskini - It is the campaigning and involvement of top level politicians that needs to change right now if Labour want to win.
CiF/Seumas Milne - It's also the need for a true recovery plan and not piecemeal that is needed to save Labour.
Luke Akehurst - And, you know, if Charles Clarke could do more with his time that attack his party leadership that might help Labour also.
Harpymarx - What is it exactly that was so offensive about a woman feeding her child to keep it quiet...on YOUR orders?
CiF/Connor Foley - Conor discusses the real impact of an energy generation project in Afghanistan and the political capital invested in it.
Conor's Commentary - Conor stands up in support of national testing in schools.