Melissa,
So often there are contradictions in our choices, beliefs, ideologies. For example, people totally against abortion, but then not supporting programs designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies (i.e., sex education in school...condom distribution programs) or social service programs to help those who have children, but may have a hard time affording them (WIC, food stamps, etc.). I thought what Barack said the other night really made people in both parties stop and think: what is at the heart of what we trying to accomplish? If we prevent unwanted pregnancies we don't have as big of issue about abortion, if we treat gays and lesbians as our brothers and sisters, we would want them to have the opportunities available to us all.
We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don’t tell me we can’t uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don’t know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America’s promise – the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort. -- Barack Obama in his DNC Speech, 8.28.08
Enjoy your weekend!
Jennie
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