Friday, January 23, 2009

Obama and abortion

Let's start here: the right wingnuts seldom, if ever, let facts get in the way of their delusions. Thus, Congressman Mike Pence, a Repugnican from Indiana insists that no matter what Obama does or doesn't do regarding abortion, "life is winning in America."

Pence believes (has faith) that "It is accurate to say life is losing in Washington, DC -- both in our judiciary [and] among a pro-abortion majority in the House and Senate, and now with the election of a pro-abortion president of the United States."

But is he worried? Nah. "But let me say with confidence," saith Pence confidently, " ... I believe life is winning in America. Despite the best efforts of the pro-abortion movement to defend abortion on demand, more Americans embrace the sanctity of life today than ever before -- especially younger Americans."

If only it were true, dear Mr. Pence. But it isn't. In fact, in a Time poll conducted between July 31 and August 4, 2008, fully 86 percent of those polled said abortion should be always legal or legal in some circumstances. Another university poll about the same time, indicated that 63 percent of Americans agreed with Roe v. Wade. In other words, a majority of Americans continue to favor a woman's right to choose and that abortion should be legal in this country.


President Obama made the following statement with regard to abortion while anti-abortion groups gathered around the country to pray God would change his mind and while, at the same time, pro-choice groups celebrated:

"On the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are reminded that this decision not only protects women's health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman's right to choose.

"While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make. To accomplish these goals, we must work to find common ground to expand access to affordable contraception, accurate health information, and preventative services.

"On this anniversary, we must also recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights and opportunities as our sons: the chance to attain a world-class education; to have fulfilling careers in any industry; to be treated fairly and paid equally for their work; and to have no limits on their dreams. That is what I want to women everywhere."


Notice that Obama is not "pro-abortion," just as most people are not pro-abortion. But, unlike the christianist wingnuts, he realizes that the government has no business in women's business. It is fascinating to note that so many of the same people who always decry "big" government and government interference, strive desperately to enable means for the government to interfere with a woman's right to choose.

It is such a wonderful change to have a man in the White House who is not only moral and ethical, but understands the constitutional mandates under which he is called to carry out his responsibilities.

If only people like Pence understood their constitutional mandates!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Demographics almost guarantee that the right to choose shall remain the law. The decision to abort, use contraception, etc. is a very personal decision. Government should not be involved in the decision making process. Individuals should be allowed to decide and by their actions, promote their belief. I hope abortion will never be necessary but human nature tells me that there will be unwanted pregnancies. Adoption is also an option if the mother feels she cannot care for the child.

It should not be up to government.

DB said...

The way I see it, if conservatives could control all three branches of government from 2001 to 2007 and not over turn Roe v Wade, it isn't ever going to happen. Obama is already reversing Bush's ridiculous policies. The Freedom of Choice Act will be a nice touch to this battle. It isn't "anti-life" to simply ask our government to stay out of our private lives.

Lowell said...

DB - to borrow a word from our christianist friends: AMEN!

Jacob

Anonymous said...

Let us not forget the six years under Clinton, when the Republicans also controlled both Houses of Congress, making fourteen years of control.

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