A Brief Explanation

[own_the_room]

In a recent post, there was an opinion expressed by a fellow LJ-er (who is too cowardly to allow someone other than a "friend" to respond, I notice that he lists only two or three) suggesting that anyone voting Republican was an "idiot". In presenting his argument, he makes the mistake of thinking that voting all boils down to money and class

Comments

[own_the_room]

I know this is a touchy subject and I don't think we'll ever satisfy everyone's concerns but God was mentioned in The Constitution. In fact "separation of church and state" ( that's from a letter written by Jefferson) isn't mentioned at all except that no one will establish a national religion.

If abortion were performed within a week of inception, I'd have less trouble with it but partial birth and even 2nd trimester is barbaric to me. If the Peruvians, descendants of the Incas, came here and wanted to sacrifice virgins as part of their faith, should they be allowed to? We have laws here protecting the innocent from religious tyranny. Arabic girls cannot be circumcised. Even animals are protected from pagan sacrifice. What is more precious and sacred that a child?

You say the child is unwanted. My mom worked for an adoption agency. The waiting period was at least a year. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every child had the right to live and be loved? We, as a society, could nurture young mothers until they give birth instead of chastising them; or worse, humiliating them into killing their unborn child. I thank you for your thoughtful comments. I hope you see my point and know that I don't sit in judgement....only call 'um as I see 'um.

[motomuffin]

"were performed within a week of inception"
Well, not a week, but most abortions *are* performed within the first trimester.

"sacrifice virgins as part of their faith" That isn't a valid argument -- murdering an adult is pretty clear-cut illegal in this country, religious morals notwithstanding.

"We, as a society, could nurture young mothers until they give birth instead of chastising them..."
Sure. That would be great. But it isn't happening. In an ideal world women would selflessly allow their wombs to be hijacked by a fetus they had not invited -- maybe they were raped, maybe they were faithfully using contraceptives -- for nine months, making them sick, exhausted; making them miss work; making them swollen and depressed. I, for one, am happy to live in a country where I am able to remove myself from a situation I was trying to prevent in the first place.

Do you know what kind of comments an obviously pregnant woman encounters on a daily basis? No way would I run that gauntlet for a kid I wasn't keeping.

[own_the_room]

Well, as I said, if the abortion were performed while the fetus was just a few cells, I could see that....maybe a "morning after" pill...

The argument about comments doesn't hold water (pun intended) for me. If society accepted pregnancy for what it is, the miracle of life, there would be no stigma. Personally, I think that a woman is never more beautiful than when she is pregnant.

I appreciate you and your discussion....and I appreciate your kind expression of your opinion.

[motomuffin]

"...if the abortion were performed while the fetus was just a few cells, I could see that....maybe a "morning after" pill..."
Hm. I think you're coming around!
And yet you're willing to support politicians who want to completely outlaw abortion, with no provisions for the health & well-being of the mother, no provisions in the case of rape? Who assign caretakers for a fetus implanted in a mentally-retarded rape victim who has the mental capacity of a three-year-old, and who insist that she carry this fetus to term even though it is seriously endangering her life? (Florida -- Jeb Bush -- coupla months ago, case is ongoing as far as I know)
Yipes. Double yipes.

"I think that a woman is never more beautiful than when she is pregnant."
That's nice, but it does not prevent you (or anyone else, apparently) from approaching a pregnant stranger to ask about the sex of the child, amniocentesis, ultrasounds, episiotomies, the current condition of her CERVIX?? Imagine enduring those questions about a child you aren't keeping, didn't want in the first place. Ack. People suck.

[own_the_room]

Yes, I support those that would outlaw it only because the other side wants no restrictions. There will be a compromise reached if those like me continue to raise our voices.

If you don't want the child, check yourself after you miss your first period, then take the morning after pill. That seems to be the simplest solution.

People are fascinated by the miracle of life. They're just caring and curious. It means that they care about you.

[motomuffin]

It means that they care about you.
No, way.

It means that everybody loves a freak-show.

But now we're completely off-topic. Politics and religion, right?

[own_the_room]

If I knew you and saw you pregnant, I'd do just like I've done with every pregnant friend I've ever known....hug you and tell you that you're so beautiful that it hurts my heart....and I'd mean it...

Yeah, the original subject seemed a bit hashed out. We, as friends, can agree to disagree about certain aspects. It's OK....maybe someday we can ride bikes together and discuss this to our heart's content while we let our butts cool!

Ha!

Thank you for sharing your ideas. Keep them coming!