Re: A Random Observation on the Two Party System, Abortion, and Religion
by A Familiar Poster
The issue of abortion is one that is and will always be controversial. From a scientific standpoint, before viability, a fetus isn't a person. Is it human? Yes, it's constructed of the cells that form a homosapien. Is it alive? Only on the cellular level. Cut off blood flow to the umbilical chord (the blood is what gives the fetus a heartbeat), instant fetal termination. There is no delay, the fetus isn't viable yet. If you were to take the stem cells of the fetus and insert them into, say, a dog, cat, or any other mammal, those cells take on the form of whatever it is injected to, instantaneously. A human fetus is merely a conglomeration of cells that takes on the form of its environment, and is therefore only human because of its location. Scripture may say that "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you," but there are a few problems with that.
1.) It implies nothing at all about the fetus being a person or "life" beginning at conception. It merely means that God had intentions of, and therefore knowledge of, bringing a given person into existence. It has absolutely nothing at all to do with a fetus being a person, which it isn't.
2.) If this is an argument for your rationale of a political position, it is invalid. The United States is a secular nation, and "Congress shall make no law in respect to a particular religion." (Source: The Constitution)
3.) You go on to say, "If it is a child, created in the image and likeness of God, what right does society have to sanction its death? None, of course-none whatsoever." I would hope you don't support capital punishment. Someone who has committed crimes and evil acts are still made in the image of God. Human judgements are fallible and often wrong, and we don't have the moral authority to murder someone.
I must add that abortion is far from murder, assuming the abortion takes place before the fetus is viable. I do admit, late term abortions are a sad reality. It is scientifically accepted that when a fetus is viable, it gains consciousness in the brain, and is therefore human. Abortions after this point would certainly constitute murder, and I frown deeply upon that.
You attack the morality of people who support same-sex marriage. Again, arguments from scripture about a "man lying with another man" are invalid arguments in our secular nation. But beyond that, here are some more issues with the anti-same-sex marriage opinion:
1.) Homosexuality is not at all against nature. We see homosexuality in nature all the time. Over 80% of dogs, for instance, exhibit homosexual behaviors when around other dogs of either sex. Red Stag Deer often exhibit homosexual tendencies during the rut, and rabbits (notorious for their sex drive) are considered among the most homosexual mammals on earth.
2.) Homosexuality is genetic. Dean Hamer discovered the gay gene. The Xq28 marker on the X chromosome has demonstrated conclusive evidence that it increases attraction to the same sex.
3.) Even if homosexuality was against nature. Even if it wasn't genetic and never occurred outside humans. Who are you or I or anyone else to say that someone cannot love someone of the same sex. Who are we to say you cannot fall in love with this person. Who are we to say your love is an abomination. That is hate. Refusing to separate church and state is hate. Considering homosexuality a taboo or repulsive is hate.
4.) The Constitution forbids banning same-sex marriage. The Constitution guarantees equal treatment and equal opportunity under the law, regardless or race, sex, religion, upbringing, or sexuality. We do not have the right to refuse others their right to happiness, especially when it's within the boundaries of the law.
I agree with you that people are too caught on to party leadership. But simply because someone supports abortion or same-sex marriage does not mean they do not know right from wrong; rather, they understand it even better. Ethically speaking, everyone should be treated and loved the same regardless of their sexuality. Ethically speaking, a woman should not be forced to go through child bearing/birth. Ethically speaking, a child should not have to be brought into the world if it is unwanted.
That is the flaw with the pro life movement. Everyone pushes till the end to make sure a child is born. But then, these same people couldn't care less about the well being of the child once it's here. It was an unwanted child. Adopted children are 43% more likely to commit suicide or be victims of depression. These unwanted children are swept off their feet at 18 and ushered into the military to fight illegal wars. These unwanted children are denied education benefits. And God forbid, if one of them turns out to be a homosexual, they are denied their rights and their happiness.
That is a sad America. But it is the America mainstream conservatives push for.