Pro-life Republicans -- where are they? (punishment, choice, America, abortion)

[GeneCosta]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/05/mar...ile/index.html

Aside from Rudy Giuliani's torturous explanation of his views on abortion, it was easy to discern after Thursday's debate that the candidates running for the Republican presidential nomination are staunch advocates of life, namely when it comes to abortion.

In fact, they were passionate on the issue, and some made it clear that nothing is more important than life itself.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: "Well, I've always been personally pro-life."

When asked about the Terri Schiavo case, he replied: "I think the Congress's job is to make sure that laws are respecting the sanctity of life."

California Rep. Duncan Hunter evoked the memory of a late president to explain his position: "Ronald Reagan said, on the question of life, 'When there's a question, err on the side of life.' "

Folks, it's hard to say on one hand that every life -- at every phase -- is important, but then say, "Send them to the death chamber!" Those two are diametrically opposed to each other.

And I'll be the first to tell you that many Christians -- especially right-wing conservatives -- are staunch anti-abortion advocates on Monday. And on Tuesday, if there is an execution, they are right there supporting that one as well.

But let's also expand the pro-life dialogue. Where do the Republican candidates stand on funding Head Start for children? Is that not part of the development of human life? Are we going to see Republican candidates seek to change Medicaid laws to allow dentists to better care for those who get government assistance? Or are we willing to see another case like Deamonte Driver, a 12-year-old Maryland boy who died because his family lost their Medicaid, and the boy's abscess, which might have been cured with an $80 tooth extraction, led to his brain becoming infected?

The title of pro-life should be championed by Republicans who oppose the war, want to ensure everyone in America has health insurance, oppose the death penalty, and favor a foreign policy that doesn't ignore the plight of Africans just because there's no financial gain... then you can throw in the stance on abortion.

[Comprehend]

yep. Republicans are probably 80% pro lifers but they are still voting for Guliani because when it comes down to it, they aren't governed by their principles. Why do you think they still support Bush after he increased the size of government so much. Bush only vetoed 2 bills (maybe 3) in 7 years.

[Reverend Rick]

Really, both parties are inconsistent here. To be pro life and anti capital punishment would make sense or to be pro choice and for capital punishment would make sense.

To be for one and against the other is the height of hypocrisy for both parties.

[Ciscokid]

Folks, it's hard to say on one hand that every life -- at every phase -- is important, but then say, "Send them to the death chamber!" Those two are diametrically opposed to each other.

To me, this statement creates a strawman. I don't believe every life is worth saving/supporting. Quite honestly, I've changed my mind on abortion over the years. I don't have a problem with it so long as it gets done quickly. I don't want the unborn baby to feel a ton of pain, I'd prefer it gets done way early in the process.

[Mister_T]

Originally Posted by GeneCosta

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/05/mar...ile/index.html





The title of pro-life should be championed by Republicans who oppose the war, want to ensure everyone in America has health insurance, oppose the death penalty, and favor a foreign policy that doesn't ignore the plight of Africans just because there's no financial gain... then you can throw in the stance on abortion.

I agree.

[GeneCosta]

Originally Posted by Ciscokid

To me, this statement creates a strawman. I don't believe every life is worth saving/supporting. Quite honestly, I've changed my mind on abortion over the years. I don't have a problem with it so long as it gets done quickly. I don't want the unborn baby to feel a ton of pain, I'd prefer it gets done way early in the process.

The point being made was that they should call themselves anti-abortion, not pro-life.

[Majikthise]

Originally Posted by GeneCosta

The point being made was that they should call themselves anti-abortion, not pro-life.

I like to call them anti-choice.

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Reverend Rick

Really, both parties are inconsistent here. To be pro life and anti capital punishment would make sense or to be pro choice and for capital punishment would make sense.

To be for one and against the other is the height of hypocrisy for both parties.

Why does being pro-choice and for capital punishment make sense?!

NEITHER side is being inconsistent nor hypocritical.