So... I thought I would hit on a touchy subject today.
Has anyone ever wondered about the irony surrounding the political issue of abortion (note, political, I am not trying to offend anyone in the religious or medical communities)? Republicans are against abortion, the so called "pro-life party." On the opposite side are the Democrats who are "pro choice." Now in 'classical' republican philosophy, the ideal government is a small one, with minimal interference into the lives of the citizens, who are believed to be highly independent. The democrats view government more liberally, as an engineer of society rather than an arbiter, and believe government intervention should take place for the betterment of all. That being said, why is it that the Republicans favor MORE government intervention (via anti-abortion laws), while the Democrats favor personal "decision-making" and government non-involvement?
Thought provoking, no?
2 comments:
The irony you speak of is a product of the two-party system, which is (forgive me the crib) the worst form of politics ever devised, except for all the other ones. The definitions you provided for Republicans and Democrats are based on the theory that they should be defined by the amount of government control in our lives- e.g. gun control. However, the multifacetedness that is inherent in the two-party system requires that Democrats support the rights of women (using governmental interference, natch), which includes abortion rights; in the same way, among the various phyla of conservatives that make up the Republicans, a simple majority of them support the right to life.
Thought provoking? Yes, indeed. It makes me glad we don't have a multiparty system like New Zealand or (again, forgive me) Germany.
Actually it is not the size of governement, but the Federal government's involvement. Read Roe v. Wade. Republicans prefer the repeal of case and a return of the matter to the states, where democrats favor the federal government/court determining policy for everyone.
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