My only political post
This will be the only political post you see on this blog. Los posted about a coworker prank on his blog and it raised a question for me. I’m tempted by Obama, I like all the "change" talk. However, I don’t agree with his position on abortion and to me that’s a deal-killer. There are a lot of people that I respect that have similar religious views as I do, but are supporting Obama. So I’m asking, how do you get past his stance on abortion if you feel that abortion is wrong?
Categories: Current Affairs, Religion
thanks so much for posting a probing question that many of us (ME!) are afraid to ask our Obama-supporting friends.
Just like this…
http://www.blogography.com/archives/2006/01/choice.html
Early apologies for the long reply, but it’s an important issue.
I get past it in two ways:
1. I feel abortion is one of *many* “religious” issues. For some reason, gay marriage and abortion seem to get all the attention, but there are far more references in the Bible to caring for the poor and helping those in need than there are to homosexuality and when life begins in the womb. To me, *social justice* is the “deal-breaker”.
2. Abortion is one of a few issues I feel strongly about due to my religious beliefs. However, I realize that those are *my* religious beliefs. I don’t feel it is the place of our government to impose laws based solely on religious beliefs. Abortion is significant because it deals with human life, but there is a lot of ambiguity as to when that life begins. I feel that late stage abortions should be banned, because there is a common consensus among the vast majority of intelligent people that a 5month+ fetus is a human life. We can all tell day from night, but what is the exact point when one turns into the other? I know the answer in my heart, but I don’t feel I should impose that idea on all citizens in a secular democracy.
Admittedly, I’m a regular drinker of Obamanade. Well before he was a democratic front-runner, I was completely impressed with his honesty and common sense. I’m not voting for him for the all mighty “change”, but rather because I honestly believe he can see value in both sides of an issue, regardless of party lines, and make informed decisions. I also want a president I can be proud of and who inspires me to do something for my country and more importantly my countrymen.
I do not agree with his voting record on abortion issues, but I agree with him on more issues than any other candidate. I honestly think abortion as a political issue is more of a campaign tactic than anything else. We just endured 7+ years with the most evangelical, anti-abortion president in history and what has he done for the “cause”? Nada, zip, zilch. My vote is going to someone who *can* make a difference in people’s lives, not the one with the best campaign slogans.
Here is another comment from the Rubin home to yours. Again, apologies for the long comment.
I probably share your views on abortion (especially after my pregnancy with Sonia), but I refuse to vote based solely on that issue. I believe it is used simply to pull in votes, and not to make any changes. I believe a reversal of Roe vs. Wade would ONLY be problematic for the Republican party, and would make little changes in abortion in this country. If overturned, states would be in control of making laws on abortion. And states which currently support abortion would continue to allow it, while anti-abortion states (where there are almost no clinics as it is) would ban it. More of the same.
I have a problem with candidates who campaign on social issues that will never be changed. Gay marriage, abortion, and flag burning are issues used again and again to give the facade of social responsibility. Once they succeed in pulling the wool over our eyes with these issues, they do little for the poor, sick, and helpless of our country. This year, President Bush took money out of Children’s Healthcare programs, taking eligibility away from thousands of children. Just one example.
Now, may I offer a sip of Obamanade? What I love about Obama is that he campaigns on the idea of working with the “other side” to make changes. Instead of hating on any member of the other party, he may actually be able to change abortion laws through compromising conversations.
Okay, long enough. Happy voting!
Excellent comments guys! These are all points that I wrestle with, seeing both sides, and I have to say that Jason’s points in particular resonate with me. That said…I’m going back to the drawing board. I’m going to dig into Obama (my mom is going to freak) and dig into McCain and see what shakes out.
And yes Dave I read your post too. I really liked your thought, and I quote “All arguments as to whether or not life begins at conception are totally irrelevant to me, because conception creates a life”. Very interesting point.
I’m chewing…
Yes, mom definitely would not be drinking Obama koolaid for many reasons. The most important being that he has not demonstrated himself to be a leader that could make a different in a politically divided world. To be noted as the most liberal democrat is saying a lot and I’m left wondering how he would build concensus with that record? I’d like to see something he has done…bills he’s authored…committees where he’s made a difference, but unfortunately there isn’t anything….he’s just a Jr Senator with great oratory skills. I hope people will look at each candidates record / experience and vote for what is best for the country at this point and time. Eight years of inexperience could be frightening to me. OK. I’m off my soapbox now.