You know why I think things like the Prevention First Act are so important? Because things like that act display the beautiful, best humanity of truly "pro-life" people, whether or not they believe that abortion is among acceptable answers to the life-damaging problems that unwanted pregnancies bring.
I salute all of you, this day after yesterday.
Yesterday was both the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, cause for celebration among those who believe that abortion is among acceptable answers and "National Sanctity of Human Life Day," allegedly a day of celebration among those who believe that it isn't.
However, as "Plutonium Page" pointed out, the day, if taken at its title's face value, should not have a darned thing to do with whether or not abortion is an acceptable answer to life-damaging problems caused by unwanted pregnancies. If the title lived up to its words, the day should be dedicated to decreasing suffering in the most effective ways possible (that is, usually as close to the beginning of the problem as possible).
Plutonium Page posted the following gut-wrenching photo commentary illustrating that point:
(Click here to expand this post and read)
Today is a very special day for Mister Bush. He has declared January 21, 2007 "National Sanctity of Human Life Day". Check it out, right there on the White House website, a nice, pretty little message.
I filled in the blanks.America was founded on the principle that we are all endowed by our Creator with the right to life and that every individual has dignity and worth.
(AP photo)National Sanctity of Human Life Day helps foster a culture of life and reinforces our commitment to building a compassionate society that respects the value of every human being.
(AP photo)Among the most basic duties of Government is to defend the unalienable right to life, and my Administration is committed to protecting our society's most vulnerable members.
(AP photo)National Sanctity of Human Life Day serves as a reminder that we must value human life in all forms, not just those considered healthy, wanted, or convenient.
(AP/Nabil)
Click here for more photos. (WARNING: graphic content).I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being.
(AP photo)
- Caring for the Wounded in Iraq - A Photo Essay - warning, extremely graphic content.
- Coalition casualties in Iraq
Oh, and Mister Bush? I'll leave you with the words of John Prine:
But your flag decal won't get you
Into Heaven any more.
They're already overcrowded
From your dirty little war.
Now Jesus don't like killin'
No matter what the reason's for,
And your flag decal won't get you
Into Heaven any more.
I, like Plutonium Page, want to take the focus off of whether or not abortion is an acceptable answer to pregnancy-related suffering in life. I want every day to focus on the more effective ways of reducing suffering in human life--ways like
- the Prevention First Act
- a strong Federal Emergency Management Agency
- a contribution of 0.5-0.7% of our GDP to countries in "extreme poverty" whose governments are doing very well given their financial situations, and
- talks with other countries even though we're not allied with them.
Post Calendar
Close
2 comments:
Yep. I think that prevention first is a fantastic motto regardless of your stance on abortion, as it would be unlikely that that stance would be that requiring an abortion is a desirable situation to be in. The most pro-choice person in the world would surely still rather prevent the need? (well, I guess there are some odd folks out there)
By the by, I obviously think that abortion and the law is amongst the most important issues concerning feminism, but I still think that the strongest feminist in the world could have moral issues with abortion and they would not necessarily conflict with her/his feminism. However I think the outlawing of it is inherently sexist.
My friend once took all the newspapers in the place we were in and wrote in marker pen over all the relatively unimportant front page headlines "ABORTION WAS OUTLAWED IN NICARAGUA TODAY". Bless that woman.
Sorry, that's a bit off topic, but yeah, I wanted to mention it. Ramble ramble.
Eek, by "bless" I don't mean "aw, bless", I mean freakin' praise and honour her!
Post a Comment