A Conservative Hypocrite

There are few things that I am extremely passionate about. I don't get worked up easily about most issues in politics or society, and if it doesn't directly concern myself, my family, or my friends directly I am completely apathetic. The following is something I am most passionate about.

Today I was reading an article and just thinking about it afterwards made me furious. Here's a sentence for you that most of you have most likely heard, or heard something similar to it, before:

"It's funny that those hypocritical Republicans oppose abortion, yet support the death penalty..."

I consider myself to be a Republican who swings a little more to the left than most. Perhaps more of a Libertarian (as Duane would say). But yes:

I OPPOSE ABORTION.

I SUPPORT THE DEATH PENALTY.

I am an educated person. I have had many discussions, listened to many opinions and arguments, and read quite a bit of propaganda about these issues.

I believe there is quite the difference between someone facing the death penalty and an innocent unborn child. The former had a choice to make at one point or another. There is reason behind their consequence. In fact I believe the death penalty it isn't used enough, and if someone is sentenced to the death penalty they shouldn't be sitting in a prison cell for years waiting for their time to run out. Enough said about that - but what about those that have no voice?

The thought of abortion infuriates me. I cannot think of a single act that a woman could do that would be more selfish. There was a risk at hand when she chose to have sex, protected or not. Birth control does not exclude someone from accountability for their actions - it is a precaution. Sex is primarily for reproduction. DUH. If you aren't ready for a baby, you shouldn't be having sex. That simple. Personal accountability is an entirely separate issue, but one that hits very close to this one.

Now, there are exceptions to every rule. When the life of the child would be sub-standard, or if the child was the by-product of rape, I believe that terminating the pregnancy is the healthiest option for both the mother, child, and society. Psychologically and physically. I do realize that I left out the popular exception of "if the mothers life is at risk". I feel that when a woman  has sex, she not only is making the decision that she is voluntarily doing something that may result in another life, but also that her own life will become secondary to that of her unborn child.

There is the argument that a "fetus" is not an "innocent unborn child". I agree. A fetus is a baby that will grow into a child. A rose by any other name....

My daughter is the most precious gift - even though I didn't expect her arrival at the time I saw the plus sign, and I had mixed emotions for a few days afterwards, I have waited for her all my life. If I was not ready to welcome her into my life (if birth control methods had failed), I wouldn't have been having sex. Duane and I love her and she has never been unwanted. Now that she is here I could never imagine my life without her. She and Duane are the first I see in the morning and the last I kiss goodnight. There is so much happiness in that for me. 

Some women use excuses as justification. Yes, kids are expensive, and yes, they are hard work, and yes, you give up your absolute personal freedom to have them. That should be thought of before the fact, not after.

Let me clarify this: I am in no way judging anyone who has had an abortion.

These are my opinions and views. By writing them down in a public blog, I hope that perhaps someone who might be contemplating having one, or someone that feels they have abortion as a future option, having read this, may re-think their stance on the issue.

I am not entirely separated from this issue either - two of the best friends I have ever had have had abortions. They had their own reasons. I don't agree with either of them or approve of the choices they made. I love them immensely, but I do view what they both have done in the past as mistakes. Perhaps that is how I deal with the situation, perhaps it is how they feel or maybe not, but I will never ask them. I don't need to know.

I believe education and the demonstration of morality are much better methods to prevent injustice than protesting is. I don't want to offend anyone personally, or get in anyones face. I am not about confrontation in this. If just ONE person reads this and gives serious though to it, regardless of whether or not they affirm or change their opinion, then I am satisfied with that and it was worth the 45 minutes it took to write it.