To the Contrary Season 19 Episode 13 August 27, 2010

To the Contrary is a show that focuses on the crucial issues affecting women and families across the United States. Season 19, episode 13, aired on August 27th, 2010, tackled some of the most pressing topics concerning women in politics, health, and the workplace.

The episode kicked off with a heated discussion over the highly controversial proposed construction of an Islamic center near Ground Zero. Host Bonnie Erbé and the all-female panel debated whether the proposed project should be allowed to proceed, given the heated emotions surrounding the issue. They considered whether the construction of the center could promote dialogue and understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim communities, or whether it would add fuel to the fire of anti-Islamic sentiment that had been rising since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The panel then shifted gears and tackled the topic of women's health, specifically the coverage of contraceptives under health care reform. The panelists debated whether contraceptive coverage was an essential component of women's health care and whether it was an infringement on religious freedom for employers to be required to provide such coverage for their employees. The panelists also discussed the broader issue of women's access to health care in general and the role of government in ensuring that all women had access to quality care.

The episode then moved into a discussion of women's representation in politics. They debated the recent surge of women in political office and what it meant for women's rights and representation. The panelists also discussed the challenges facing women who were running for office and whether they were being held to a higher standard than their male counterparts. They also explored the relationship between women in politics and the broader feminist movement, considering whether women in power were adequately representing the interests of women across the country or whether they were primarily focused on their own careers.

The episode wrapped up with a discussion of women in the workplace, specifically the gender pay gap. The panelists debated the causes of the pay gap and whether it was primarily due to discrimination against women or other factors, such as differences in education levels or work experience. They also discussed potential solutions to bridge the pay gap, including policies encouraging employers to be more transparent about salaries and encouraging women to negotiate for better pay.

Overall, season 19, episode 13 of To the Contrary was a thought-provoking and insightful discussion of the most pressing issues facing women in America today. The all-female panel brought a diversity of perspectives and voices to the table, forcing viewers to confront and consider the complexity of these issues and their impact on women's lives.