To the Editor:
Re “Hurting the Fight Against Abortion,” by Gracy Olmstead (Op-Ed, May 28), which asserts that Republicans’ “commitment to life” on issues other than abortion has been inconsistent:
Ms. Olmstead’s comparison is false. The level of hypocrisy shown by pro-choice advocates does not even come close to that of the so-called pro-lifers. The values driving the efforts of the progressives, whether protecting baby whales or fighting to keep abortion safe and legal, are to preserve the rights, and alleviate the suffering, of the living.
Can the same be said for many conservatives’ pro-gun, pro-death-penalty, pro-war and anti-choice stances? Sadly, the answer is no.
Carolyn Renner
New York
To the Editor:
Gracy Olmstead refers to “defending the rights of the unborn.” Not all religions view life as beginning at conception, including my own religion, Judaism, which holds that life begins at birth. Thus, attempts to legislate against abortion based on the unborn’s rights violate my civil rights to freedom of religion in this country.
Anti-abortion activists should use their energies to support sex education and the availability of inexpensive, reliable birth control instead of imposing their views on those who do not share them.
Nancy Gerber
West Orange, N.J.
To the Editor:
Many abortion opponents, including me, do share many of the positions Gracy Olmstead cites: supporting environmental protection, opposing war, etc. But why must anyone’s view on one issue dictate his or her views on all issues? Where is the respect for independent thought? Even though political parties develop one-size-fits-all platforms, why can’t individuals unbundle issues?
Re abortion, I oppose it as much for its harm to women as for its brutality. Abortion favors men, who can expect sex and, if a pregnancy occurs, they need only write a check and offer the woman a ride to an abortion facility.
When sex is expected even early on in relationships, courtship, rapport, respect and commitment count for so little. Women miss these aspects of a relationship more than men do.
Mark Oshinskie
New Brunswick, N.J.
To the Editor:
Gracy Olmstead seems to be urging anti-abortion voters to become good liberals who happen to be against abortion. I guess I can live with that.
David Martocci
Interlaken, N.J.
Source: Read Full Article
Home » Analysis & Comment » Opinion | Are Republicans ‘Pro-Life’ Beyond Abortion?
Opinion | Are Republicans ‘Pro-Life’ Beyond Abortion?
To the Editor:
Re “Hurting the Fight Against Abortion,” by Gracy Olmstead (Op-Ed, May 28), which asserts that Republicans’ “commitment to life” on issues other than abortion has been inconsistent:
Ms. Olmstead’s comparison is false. The level of hypocrisy shown by pro-choice advocates does not even come close to that of the so-called pro-lifers. The values driving the efforts of the progressives, whether protecting baby whales or fighting to keep abortion safe and legal, are to preserve the rights, and alleviate the suffering, of the living.
Can the same be said for many conservatives’ pro-gun, pro-death-penalty, pro-war and anti-choice stances? Sadly, the answer is no.
Carolyn Renner
New York
To the Editor:
Gracy Olmstead refers to “defending the rights of the unborn.” Not all religions view life as beginning at conception, including my own religion, Judaism, which holds that life begins at birth. Thus, attempts to legislate against abortion based on the unborn’s rights violate my civil rights to freedom of religion in this country.
Anti-abortion activists should use their energies to support sex education and the availability of inexpensive, reliable birth control instead of imposing their views on those who do not share them.
Nancy Gerber
West Orange, N.J.
To the Editor:
Many abortion opponents, including me, do share many of the positions Gracy Olmstead cites: supporting environmental protection, opposing war, etc. But why must anyone’s view on one issue dictate his or her views on all issues? Where is the respect for independent thought? Even though political parties develop one-size-fits-all platforms, why can’t individuals unbundle issues?
Re abortion, I oppose it as much for its harm to women as for its brutality. Abortion favors men, who can expect sex and, if a pregnancy occurs, they need only write a check and offer the woman a ride to an abortion facility.
When sex is expected even early on in relationships, courtship, rapport, respect and commitment count for so little. Women miss these aspects of a relationship more than men do.
Mark Oshinskie
New Brunswick, N.J.
To the Editor:
Gracy Olmstead seems to be urging anti-abortion voters to become good liberals who happen to be against abortion. I guess I can live with that.
David Martocci
Interlaken, N.J.
Source: Read Full Article