This past week, a journal prompt in one of my Junior English classes "prompted" my students to engage in a debate that takes place often, all over the world. The prompt asked whether or not they belived in fate as exemplified through a "Julius Caesar" excerpt. Well, the talk of fate inevitably lead to the talk of belief in a higher power. The talk of a higher power somehow eventually lead to abortion. I'll not divulge names or specific comments; it will suffice to say that a significant percentage of this particular class are self-proclaimed atheists and pro-choice advocates. They are, of course, free to believe the way they obviously do. But, some of their comments have plagued my soul this weekend. I make it a point not to argue about religion or faith, since it is an argument without a point. Convincing others happens when they want to be convinced, and that is rarely the case. But, I listened. They all offered insightful comments that they'd no doubt pondered before.
With the election upon us, it is evident to me now more than ever that this country is aching for a government that will put self aside and focus on the true needs of this Nation. Why do some get so up in arms about "governemnt controlling our lives" when it comes to abortion; it's a woman's right to choose. YET, those same people will abide by laws laid down by that same gov't regarding legal drinking ages, traffic laws, drug laws, etc. That is the government "controlling" our lives...Thank God. A law against abortion would not put an end to it. But the deterrent would save so many lives, as the aforementioned laws have. I know the debate is useless, though, until someone gets in that White House and passes legislation to give this argument merit.
Okay, I'm done.
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Yea those same high school kids will have completely different views by the time they are a senior in college and realize that they need their own opinion not just the one created by popular culture.
Again, I can't resist.
I'm still not sure who I am voting for this year. After Bush I was pretty sure I wouldn't be voting Republican for year to come. However, one crappy president shouldn't discount an entire party.
What I AM sure about is that when I make my choice it will have nothing to do with the candidate's position on issues like abortion or gay marriage/civil unions or any other moral issue. I simply do not think this is the way to decide who should run the country. There are bigger issues like the economy to worry about. Or, should we assume that someone who is "morally correct" in an issue like abortion would know what to do about gas prices, the economy, and foreign policy.
Until the supreme court has a majority of justices willing to overturn Roe v Wade, it doesn't matter what the president thinks about abortion. So, a couple of justices will need to die or retire soon. Even then, the congress must approve the justice nomination of the president. Not likely that a currently Democratic controlled Congress will approve a pro-life justice.
All I'm saying is I have never understood choosing a president based on a moral issue. As you say, there is no point arguing a moral point. I would also question Republicans moral choices when it comes to healthcare, big business, etc.
Okay--I'm done now--thanks for the excuse to "talk" politics.
I listed many other reasons in addition to morally-focused ones regarding why I'm voting the way I am. I don't consider myself a Republican...never have. I try to listen to and weigh the pros and cons of both sides in order to make a decision. But the moral compass of my president matters to me. Hitler was a fantastic leader (not comparing either candidate to him...just making a point) but his moral compass didn't even have a needle, ya know? Good leadership and morality are not mutually exclusive for me.
However, when listening to talk radio, watching the news stations, etc. it seems the Dems and Obama supporters are always criticizing McCain, instead of bolstering and highlighting Obama's positives in order to make their point. That tells me that Obama, at this time, doesn't really have enough history or qualifications by which to strengthen his supporters' arguments as to why he should be our next president. If there were more true debating going on, rather than McCain bashing from the Democratic side of things, I may ponder longer.
Let's be honest here. BOTH parties spend way too much time criticizing the other. Your comment about Obama being a celebrity favorite is a criticism straight from McCain--that he's too much of a celebrity.
I guess I'm just always a little confused when certain reasons are cited for choosing a candidate--
*He/She is Pro Life/Choice
*He/She supports/does not support gay marriage
*He's a Christian
*He's not a "Muslim."
*He didn't wear a flag pin that day...
*He's white/black
*I want a woman in the White House
*My favorite celebrity and/or Oprah supports him
To me, any of the above reasons (which cross party lines)are not part of my criteria. I do want to know about the "real" issues. Sometimes they are hard to find because the media tends to focus on the issues I've listed above.
I'm a little cynical, so I don't think you can find a politician with a truly sound moral compass.
And if you want a very interesting article on the Republican's use of the word "choice" when it comes to their own lives, read this.
Life is hard.
To hear about that from some of the kids today is scary and sad at the same time. My kids were brought up with religion and when they question it or remark that maybe it's not the right thing, it hurts. I sincerely hope that when these kids are faced with a life or death situation they will want something to believe in.
Thank God everyone has the right to choose the candidate they want in office, regardless of their reason for wanting them there. We will never all agree on what makes a great president. My decision is not strictly based on where my candidate stands morally, but also on other issues. Morality also matters very much to me. That's not to say I expect perfection, no one is perfect...I choose to listen where my candidate stands on the issues that matter to me and my family...I hate politics because I believe "we the people" are the ones that suffer the most with all the promises that aren't kept, the mud slinging that goes on on all sides, and just the pure beating we get during a presidential election year...but there is no doubt we need the government to work again FOR the people...I hope this is the year that will happen and partisan politics will be no more.
Thanks for the article, BG. I must admit that Lithwick made some good, hard to argue with points. There is no completely satisfactory answer to the abortion debate. However, when people like Lithwick mention the rape and incest victims they fail to give mention to those women and girls that are repeat offenders; those who've had multiple abortions simply because they were unplanned or unwanted. Again, no right answer.
'Lit -- I had to give up my Death Penalty support for a firm opinion in regards to Life. I think God giveth, only He should take it away. And, as a person who was once "inconvenient" for a woman who had to power to choose? I'm damned glad she had far too much Catholic guilt overlooking her "right" to live her life free of an unexpected fetal component.
And, as you mentioned, too many girls these days use Choice as birth control. I had a friend once who'd had 8. She was so sad when she finally tried to get pregnant. I couldn't help but think of ghosts....
Life is such a gift. Period.
I'm with you, Obi ~ had to ditch the death penalty thing as it's incompatible with a true pro-life stance.
I am, however an advocate for severe weekly beatings for people who would otherwise deserve the death penalty.
I'm opposed to the death penalty on the same basis that I am opposed to abortion but I did like Clayton William's "bustin' rocks" campaign theme before he went stupid on us.
I'm surprised by the number of kids in your class that express the opinion they do. I work with a number of kids in our community and am exposed to a totally different group it would seem. I'll have to do some asking about these feelings and believes by their classmates.
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