Confused on Abortion
Posted: Friday, January 22, 2010
by Jack H. Schick
I like to take surveys and participate in polls. Like a lot of people, I think my opinion is important. It is to me, but I like to pretend it is to others too. I'm willing to talk for fifteen minutes to any polster who calls, or to fill out any twenty page survey, on anything. We were even selected as a Neilson Household a few years back. We had to fill out a daily television watching log book. It was sort of an eye opener when we discovered we mostly watched reruns of Star Trek: Next Generation, and Andy Griffith. They dropped us quick. It is also somewhat disconcerting when there is a intensly controversial and debated national issue and, no matter how long I think about it, I can't come up with an opinion. I'm filed in that "Don't Know" category. One of those issues it abortion.
I'm a Christian and proud of that, too. My ancestors came over here to be Christians, my parents had me confirm into their church, whether I wanted to or not. As I got older, I developed a deeply spiritual aspect to my life and psyche. I won't get into a debate here about my relationship with my higher power or with Jesus. I'll simply admit that I am a spiritual Christian. America was founded on Christian ideals. When I was in public school those ideals were still taught, not the liturgy, not the religion, but the ideals and principles. The Ten Commandments, Do Unto Others...were not actually taught, but demonstrated and expected as the standard. I advocate those principle as a key to a stable, tolerant society. You're free to be whatever you are, here. It's the law.
I have beef's with some aspects of the arguments of both sides; and, I have agreement, in some cases, with both sides of the voiltile issue of State supported abortion. I have firm beliefs about the omnipresent Light and Spirit, yet I can tolerate those who see no Light and no God. How do I know when life begins, or, actually, what it really is? I sometimes wimp out and convince myself that since I'm not a woman, I can't possible have an opinion on the topic. Sometimes I think it's okay for my tax dollar to pay for it in certain cases, and other times I get infuriated that my money is being spent that way.
I believe those who are opposed to the practice of abortion are certainly entitled to their points of view. I believe they have every right to Speak Freely, to Peaceably Assembly and to Petition the Government for a Redress of Grievances. I don't believe they should blow things up or kill people. Other points of view must be tolerated. I hold nothing against people whose religious beliefs guide their conscience. I believe those people should work for the abolishment of abortion. I would not respect a person who is not willing to fight for his beliefs in a free society. But, it is the law. Laws can be changed, but, laws should be obeyed.
I sometimes get perturbed at those who advocate free choice. It seems that abortion is the only free choice they do advocate. The same person who wants my teenage daughter to be able to walk into an abortion clinic without telling her mother is often the same person who wants me to have no choice about owing a firearm or to which school I send that daughter. There seems to be a lack of tolerance in many of them. I can believe that there are circumstances where abortion may be the answer. Sometimes, though, I think tax payer funded abortion is simply a gift to men. Most young men strongly support a woman's right to have irresponsible, casual sex without fear of pregnancy. They, of course, are welcome to their points of view and to speak up about it. And, after all, it is the law.
So, the debate in my head goes on. I try to put myself in the position of a woman facing the options. I try to think of all the aborted people. I listen to what the advocates say. I listen to what the opponents say. I view it through the template of my beliefs on freedom and my relationship with my higher power. I think about it, mull over the facts and the emotions, then check the Don't Know box on the survey.
I try to imagine what America would be like if those 50,000,000 or so people who are not here since Roe vs Wade did become law, actually were here. There are two sides to that one, too. Fifty million more people? It's crowed enough now. What a mess Pittsburgh would be at rush hour. But, I am an American. I think we could handled it, perhaps even in a quicker, more efficient way than we are doing it now. We probably would have had to reinforce and rebuild the infra-structure long ago. We probably would have had to develop a more efficient use of energy long ago. There would be tens of millions more workers under the age of 40 buying stuff, building houses and paying into Social Security. I wouldn't be so worried about my retirement, but that's selfish.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)At least you have the courage to admit you don't know. I don't think anyone will every know exactly when life begins, or what it is, but some people continue to insist that their point of view on this subject is the only correct one.
Good article - so glad you are on Searchwarp! I had a jacket back in my "hippy and trippy" era that I made - an old army jacket and painted on the back in day glow orange was a big female sign and the lettering underneath said "equal rights for unborn women" Marijothanks for reading and commenting.
Jack, I'm a moderate member of the GOP, but on this particular issue, I'm a libertarian at heart. I honestly believe that this one is between a woman (or couple) and G-d (or their conscience if they don't believe). They can choose whichever path is best for them in particular. That's why I personally don't think that abortion should ever be banned...it's not my place to tell someone thata they should (or shouldn't) have a child they don't want. (I know that answer will get me damned by those who agree...or disagree!)Me too, but I'm confused- and needed another article quickgreat...keep on writing sir! You'll love my latest, then!
Jesus never advocated making morality the law. In fact, he berated the Pharisees for doing so. "He who is without sin cast the first stone." So even followers of Christ should be Pro-Choice. You can be Pro-Choice and still believe that abortion is wrong.
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