Tuesday, August 19, 2008

From Nuanced to principled: The Lessons of Pastor Rick, and Why & How Obama & Democrats Should make Abortion a Voting Issue

If you read my blog regularly you know that I respect Drew Weston and won't be surprised that I'm recommending you read his column on Huffington Post today (click on title above). Weston is a Professor of Psychology & Psychiatry at Emory University and I completely agree with his approach to this most freighted of all issues. Basically, abortion should not be a political issue and here's how to talk about it with respect for both sides of the issue.

I took the time to post a response at HuffPo and hope you'll read it and, perhaps, do the same. Below is my response as posted online:

You're on the right track. I suggest that Obama and other Democrats frame answers to hot button issues by disavowing the zero sum game that right wingers use so effectively, eg:

"Abortion isn't a zero sum game and Americans don't have to accept all or none, even on this most difficult of issues. In fact it would be wrong to do so. It is our responsibility as Americans to reach consensus on ways to reduce the number of abortions while preserving a family's right to protect the mother's life and/or health. That might involve some economic support for childcare, healthcare, and it might include new rules for adoption.

The American people understand that abortion is not an either/or issue and we owe them the leadership it will require to achieve the best possible answer to this toughest of questions."

Then, every time his opponent pulls out the zero sum game, perhaps Sen. Obama should begin his reply with, There you go again; relying on the either/or of negative politics. The American people don't agree with that - they deserve real leadership on this issue, and I pledge to provide that to the very best of my ability.


3 comments:

  1. So many excellent points here but the bottom line is we MUST start a new discussion on this topic. The old one just divides and turns ugly. Great post.

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  2. Anonymous4:37 PM

    As Bad Actor, I have commented as a child of rape on several occasions. If the pregnancy is unwanted, why does anybody think that delivery would be in the best interest of the child ? What are the future prospects for it in terms of happiness and achievement? I don't trust the religious zealot to make that decision beause children have been used as cannon fodder in holy wars for centuries.

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  3. Anonymous4:39 PM

    As Bad Actor, I have commented as a child of rape on several occasions. If the pregnancy is unwanted, why does anybody think that delivery would be in the best interest of the child ? What are the future prospects for it in terms of happiness and achievement? I don't trust the religious zealot to make that decision beause children have been used as cannon fodder in holy wars for centuries.

    ReplyDelete