Cynthia Opines: Day 42

Tags

Barack Obama, Obama

I am leaving in five minutes to vote with my oldest son who will be voting for the first time.  There is one more reason why I am voting for Barack Obama.  This may seem shallow but I can’t tell you how much weight this carries.

My mother believes that Obama is real and authentic.  She is an incredible judge of character.  I can’t tell you how many times I have heard her cast doubt upon someone she has just met and I would say,

“Mother!  You don’t even know that person!”

“I know,” she would say, “but I just don’t trust them”

And most of the time, overwhelmingly, most of the time, she would be right.

When I asked her what she felt about the candidates, the first thing she said was,

“I don’t like that Sarah Palin.  I don’t trust her.”

I just had to laugh.

When I asked her about Barack Obama she said,

“I do like him.  He seems real and authentic.”

There you go.

Now, I am off to cast my vote for the next President of the United States!

Cynthia Opines: Day 42c

Tags

Barack Obama, Jim Wallis, Obama

Personal Faith Priorities of Jim Wallis:

I am in no position to tell anyone what is “non-negotiable,” and neither is any bishop or megachurch pastor, but let me tell you the “faith priorities” and values I will be voting on this year:

1. With more than 2,000 verses in the Bible about how we treat the poor and oppressed, I will examine the record, plans, policies, and promises made by the candidates on what they will do to overcome the scandal of extreme global poverty and the shame of such unnecessary domestic poverty in the richest nation in the world. Such a central theme of the Bible simply cannot be ignored at election time, as too many Christians have done for years. And any solution to the economic crisis that simply bails out the rich, and even the middle class, but ignores those at the bottom should simply be unacceptable to people of faith.
2. From the biblical prophets to Jesus, there is, at least, a biblical presumption against war and the hope of beating our swords into instruments of peace. So I will choose the candidates who will be least likely to lead us into more disastrous wars and find better ways to resolve the inevitable conflicts in the world and make us all safer. I will choose the candidates who seem to best understand that our security depends upon other people’s security (everyone having “their own vine and fig tree, so no one can make them afraid,” as the prophets say) more than upon how high we can build walls or a stockpile of weapons. Christians should never expect a pacifist president, but we can insist on one who views military force only as a very last resort, when all other diplomatic and economic measures have failed, and never as a preferred or habitual response to conflict.
3. “Choosing life” is a constant biblical theme, so I will choose candidates who have the most consistent ethic of life, addressing all the threats to human life and dignity that we face — not just one. Thirty-thousand children dying globally each day of preventable hunger and disease is a life issue. The genocide in Darfur is a life issue. Health care is a life issue. War is a life issue. The death penalty is a life issue. And on abortion, I will choose candidates who have the best chance to pursue the practical and proven policies which could dramatically reduce the number of abortions in America and therefore save precious unborn lives, rather than those who simply repeat the polarized legal debates and “pro-choice” and “pro-life” mantras from either side.
4. God’s fragile creation is clearly under assault, and I will choose the candidates who will likely be most faithful in our care of the environment. In particular, I will choose the candidates who will most clearly take on the growing threat of climate change, and who have the strongest commitment to the conversion of our economy and way of life to a cleaner, safer, and more renewable energy future. And that choice could accomplish other key moral priorities like the redemption of a dangerous foreign policy built on Middle East oil dependence, and the great prospects of job creation and economic renewal from a new “green” economy built on more spiritual values of conservation, stewardship, sustainability, respect, responsibility, co-dependence, modesty, and even humility.
5. Every human being is made in the image of God, so I will choose the candidates who are most likely to protect human rights and human dignity. Sexual and economic slavery is on the rise around the world, and an end to human trafficking must become a top priority. As many religious leaders have now said, torture  is completely morally unacceptable, under any circumstances, and I will choose the candidates who are most committed to reversing American policy on the treatment of prisoners. And I will choose the candidates who understand that the immigration system is totally broken and needs comprehensive reform, but must be changed in ways that are compassionate, fair, just, and consistent with the biblical command to “welcome the stranger.”
6. Healthy families are the foundation of our community life, and nothing is more important than how we are raising up the next generation. As the father of two young boys, I am deeply concerned about the values our leaders model in the midst of the cultural degeneracy assaulting our children. Which candidates will best exemplify and articulate strong family values, using the White House and other offices as bully pulpits to speak of sexual restraint and integrity, marital fidelity, strong parenting, and putting family values over economic values? And I will choose the candidates who promise to really deal with the enormous economic and cultural pressures that have made parenting such a “countercultural activity” in America today, rather than those who merely scapegoat gay people for the serious problems of heterosexual family breakdown.

That is my list of personal “faith priorities” for the election year of 2008, but they are not “non-negotiables” for anyone else. It’s time for each of us to make up our own list in these next 12 days. Make your list and send this on to your friends and family members, inviting them to do the same thing.

Cynthia Opines: Day 41b

Tags

Barack Obama, Donald Miller, Obama

Donald Miller just posted From Reagan to Obama: A Brief Political History

Again, go, read the article but here is the closing paragraph:

I voted for Barack Obama (we vote early in Oregon) because I think he is right on healthcare (his plan will allow 27 million more Americans, including young, pregnant mothers to be cared for) and he is right on responsible fatherhood. I voted for Barack Obama because he will keep George W. Bush’ Faith-based Partnerships Program in play, only increasing it’s funding. I voted for Barack Obama because he has the respect of world leaders, which will be necessary to deliberate an American agenda around the world, and I voted for Barack Obama because he had the judgment to oppose the war in Iraq. I’ve taken some blows from the conservative right on my stance, but, even in public debate against McCain representatives, have not been deterred. I will not be guilted, shamed or controlled. I am not going to vote for one candidate because I have been made to fear the other. I support Barack Obama because he has beat back the dark hour of cynicism and irrational fear, and provided hope to a country closing in on itself. I believe there are great days ahead.

Cynthia Opines: Day 41a

Tags

Barack Obama, Obama

It’s almost over.  I will be glad to move on and post about something other than Obama and abortion.  There are still a couple of articles I want to share though.

The Conservative Christian Case for Supporting Obama

Please read the entire article.  It’s long but so worth it. (and if you have time, read through the comments.  Good discussion there!)  I give you the final three paragraphs here:

We are a nation of fault lines. The oneness that saw us through the Great Depression and World War II to become the greatest, most powerful and benevolent nation on Earth has been replaced with a fractured society, defined by social discord and plagued by smoldering racial, economic, class and political tensions. We have become a selfish, individualistic, win-at-all-costs society that seems to only recall a unifying purpose in times of national tragedy. While this predicament is not the fault of one political party, no post-Cold War president has yet called Americans to a purpose higher than themselves. And the narrative-stealing “change” agents on the other side have demonstrated that they merely want to help America further dissolve into national obscurity.

As I’ve said before, Barack Obama pledges to change that course, “to bring to our highest office the wisdom, the morals, the ideals and the people necessary to steer the American psyche back on course…to restore in this country a sense of collective purpose and unified destiny.” Having the potential to be more than just a president, Barack is poised to be a transcendent, generational leader both embodying and effectuating reconciliation and restoration. That’s the change we need – a leader who simultaneously calls America back to a time when we were unified in collective pursuit of the “American promise” and forward to a present and future where we can actually attain that promise; a leader committed to genuinely helping the disadvantaged classes in our society achieve equality of opportunity.

These are values Christians can vote for. Obama’s platform calls for providing realistic educational, economic and healthcare opportunities for the poor, for the socially disadvantaged and for the economically distressed workers in our society. Obama’s vision – the veracity of his belief in which is borne out by his record – is for a country where Christians can fellowship with Muslims, where white Americans can break bread with black Americans, where “liberals” can find common ground with “conservatives”. Obama’s pledge is to restore America as a beacon of light for the world. This platform represents a more holistic cross-section of Christian values; for while Christians will not (and should not) agree with every stance taken by another social or religious group, our ministry is to the world and, thus, our political focus should be on electing leaders who not only advocate a broad swath of our values – thereby exhibiting our values to the world – but also effectuate restorative policies that will help those most in need. The time has come to do away with politics that pander to one of our values while employing rhetoric that spawns division and hatred and policies that do the most harm. The time has come for change. This is Barack Obama’s time.

I’ll be back later with another post.

Cynthia Opines: Day 40

Tags

abortion, Barack Obama, Obama

Dan brings up an interesting question in this post:

Obama, Abortion and Friendship

An interesting thing though, happened to me while I was doing research on cross-gender friendship.  In my studies on friendship, I began to see how significant personal friendship is to the kingdom of God–to justice, shalom, and a healthy flourishing to community.  Whether it be in the Gospels, faith communities, or political alliances, personal friendship is a difference maker in community. I’m not merely referring to Christian community here.  I am talking about local, geographical, community both in church and beyond the walls of the church.   I wanted to write a book that put cross-gender friendship on the justice, political, and communal map–that is an interpersonal relationship striving for intimacy and justice.

Significant social, emotional, philosophical, theological, ecclesial, and gender identity issues crystalize when a woman faces an unwanted pregnancy.  The dilemma of an unwanted pregnancy may be a stark reality at the very beginning–because of a “mistake” or it may arise because of the objection of the father, or it may emerge after an ultrasound.  It’s very clear that from the moment of conception onward this is a communal process and decision–no woman has ever made a decision concerning an unwanted pregnancy as an isolated, autonomous, private individual.  She may have felt that was the case.

Obama’s words the other night in the Oct. 15 debate on this issue: “I believe that women in consultation with their families, their doctors, their religious advisors,  are in the best position to make this decision.”

Could it be possible that the reason why we have unwanted pregnancies and abortions 28 years after Roe v. Wade is not because of our inability to elect conservative justices, but our weakness in evangelical communities in loving our neighbor, in forming deep personal friendships?  What would happen if single or married women who were pregnant had such deep roots in personal friendship and community that abundant life, kingdom life and love was present as they faced complex choices?

Could it be that the abortion crisis is a friendship and communal crisis in our churches?

Based on my own experience, my answer to that is YES!  I am voting for Obama because I believe the he has the policy ideas to change the environment that would make a woman believe she has no choice but abortion.  However, beyond that, friendship and community is crucial.  In my own unplanned pregnancy that almost ending in abortion, I eventually came to realize that my material needs would be provided and my family was supportive and I received a lot of emotional support.  My family knows how to respond in a crisis.  What a difference it would have made if that emotional support would have been there before the pregnancy, before the contemplation of abortion.

Even beyond the issue of abortion, I believe that community is the key.  It is one word I hear most often in church services and the one thing I see lacking the most.  But that is another whole series of posts.

For today, moving on, Ryan Bolger writes his reasons for voting for Obama:

1) The poor will be better off with Obama. I believe this to be the first question we must ask of a candidate. Jesus promised a jubilee to his followers. He created a community that shared generously with one another. For a Christian to support a candidate, that candidate must look to create a system that resembles this community of sharing. I don’t call it “socialism” — I call it gospel…

2) Blessed are the peacemakers — we must support people who strive for peace. And Jesus was not saying use the sword to achieve peace — it was ‘use the means of peace to achieve the ends of peace’ (why would he say ‘love your enemies in the same Sermon?). I believe Obama seeks to end the war. I’ve been concerned by the strong military talk by both candidates. However, I think Obama is taking a more direct route to peace. We must support the peacemakers to align ourselves with the Sermon on the Mount.

3) I believe Obama will begin to repair the damage done in our relationships with other countries. I believe he will look to bring reconciliation where there are divisions. In Christian baptism, the two peoples, Jews and Gentiles, become one. The body of Christ, made up of many members from many races, is to be one. It is at the heart of our faith that we overcome our divisions while celebrating our differences. For a candidate to receive the Christian vote, he or she must seek to do likewise. In the United States, I believe that Obama will be a force in healing the racial divide in our country. It is a huge task, and we might not get very far, but I think he will move us in the right direction.

4) I believe Obama will bring other voices to the table. Jesus spent time with the outcasts and sinners shut out from the main halls of power. I believe a candidate, to get the Christian vote, must create a space to hear other voices. I believe Obama himself is one of these other voices. In addition, we need to talk to those who hate us, and we need to know why. I believe Obama will do this in foreign policy — and I believe he will do it here in the US.

5) We are to be better stewards of creation. Right now, it appears we’ve damaged the way the earth is to function through driving our cars and consuming so much of our natural resources. We need to move in the direction of better stewardship of creation as we honor God’s gifts to us. I believe Obama has a better plan to move to alternative fuels and energy than does John McCain. I believe, after 9-11, we should have pushed for energy independence for many of our families through tax breaks for solar panels on houses.

Cynthia Opines: Day 39

Tags

Barack Obama, James Dobson, Jim Wallis, Obama

As I have learned, am learning, to follow Jesus, fear has been and is being shed. So many of my decisions have been motivated by fear and/or guilt. I didn’t recognize that for many years. I just thought I was doing what I should be doing.

Fear began to lose its hold on me first in the area of parenting. When I began to realize the consequences of parenting in fear instead of faith, I made a 180 degree turn and ran as hard as I could in the opposite direction which ran me smack dab in the middle of God’s heart. There I began to know how great is the love of God. There the light of truth began to expose my heart motives. Keyword: began. Fear is still being expunged from my life but I am confident that the more I know God’s love, the less fear I will have.

All that to say, that this is the first Presidential election that I am NOT voting in fear. I am not voting against something or someone but for something and someone. My faith grounds me in God’s protection, provision and goodness.

I am appalled and saddened by the fear mongering that I still see being promoted and embraced by Christians though. The greatest of that being a recent letter sent by Focus on the Family Action organization. I will let Jim Wallis speak to that:

James Dobson’s ‘Letter From 2012 in Obama’s America’

From the first line stating,
“James Dobson, you owe America an apology.” Jim Wallis exposes this letter for what it is: Motivated by fear to inspire fear in others.

It is shocking how thoroughly biblical teachings against slander—misrepresentations that damage another’s reputation—are ignored (Ephesians 4:29-31, Colossians 3:8, Titus 3:2). Such outrageous predictions not only damage your credibility, they slander Barack Obama who, you should remember, is a brother in Christ, and they insult any Christian who might choose to vote for him.

Let me make this clear: Christians will be voting both ways in this election, informed by their good faith, and based on their views of what are the best public policies and direction for America. But in utter disrespect for the prayerful discernment of your fellow Christians, this letter stirs their ugliest fears, appealing to their worst impulses instead of their best.

Fear is the clear motivator in the letter; especially fear that evangelical Christians might vote for Barack Obama. The letter was very revealing when it suggested that “younger Evangelicals” became the “swing vote” that elected Obama and the results were catastrophic.

Christians should be committed to the kingdom of God, not the kingdom of America, and the church is to live an alternative existence of love and justice, offering a prophetic witness to politics. Elections are full of imperfect choices where we all seek to what is best for the “common good” by applying the values of our faith as best we can.

Dr. Dobson, you of course have the same right as every Christian and every American to vote your own convictions on the issues you most care about, but you have chosen to insult the convictions of millions of other Christians, whose own deeply held faith convictions might motivate them to vote differently than you. This epistle of fear is perhaps the dying gasp of a discredited heterodoxy of conservative religion and conservative politics. But out of that death, a resurrection of biblical politics more faithful to the whole gospel—one that is truly good news—might indeed be coming to life

Ryan Rodrick Beiler responds with Back to the Future with Focus on the Family which offers a response unfortunately based on fact not fiction.

I challenge myself and my readers to “Be Not AFraid”

For “Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:10-15, emphasis added)

With that reminder that Christ is our ultimate hope, let us pray that, on November 4, the need for change will finally prevail over the appeals to fear. Pray that the voters will choose either Barack Obama or John McCain as the best agent of change, rather than submit to the tyranny of fear. It is always better to live (and to vote) in the light of hope than in the darkness of fear. It is always an act of faith to believe that, in the end, hope will prevail over fear. So pray, and vote.

Cynthia Opines: Day 38

Tags

Barack Obama, Brian McLaren, Obama

Why I’m Voting for Barack Obama and Why I Hope You Will Too: Reason 3 by Brian McLaren

In the end, I truly believe that a nation that helps the poor will have fewer enemies – and therefore more national security – than one that pursues its own national interest through war. As the Apostle Paul said, “Do not look out only for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Your attitude should be that of Christ Jesus.” That other-oriented mindset is, to me, a powerful reason to support Barack Obama for president.

Why I’m Voting for Barack Obama and Why I Hope You Will Too: Reason 4 by Brian McLaren

I care about the environment. To me, it’s not just stuff. It is God’s sacred creation. I love it. I cherish it. And because of that passion for creation, I am enthusiastically voting for Senator Barack Obama.

Why I’m Voting for Barack Obama and Why I Hope You Will Too: Reason 5 by Brian McLaren

n my book Everything Must Change, I shared my personal belief that a high abortion rate is a symptom of a deeper and complex societal disease. It is one expression of what I call the “covert curriculum” – a “framing story” that also fuels the current economic crisis, environmental crisis, and security crisis that together threaten our future. Until we unite to acknowledge and address that deeper disease and dysfunction, thus dealing with our symptoms in a systemic way, we will stay stuck in polarized paralysis, fighting divisive and ineffective culture wars while our moral health continues to deteriorate.In this light, if we really care about seeing fewer pregnancies ending in abortion, a greater concern for “the least of these” – demonstrated through better health care, more vigorous job creation, better education, and other needed initiatives for people in poverty – could bring us greater results than a strategy of criminalization. And Senator Obama is the stronger candidate in these areas.

During this election, more and more of us who consider life sacred are losing confidence in the simplistic one-or-two issue voting habits that some vocal religious leaders and broadcasters have urged upon us for decades. We are beginning to see through the unhelpfully-framed arguments that have dominated both our religious and political discourse for too long. We’re looking for wiser and better means to wiser and better ends.

We aren’t so naïve as to believe that electing Barack Obama will solve all of our problems. But in regards to abortion along with many other issues, we are convinced – firmly, thoughtfully, and enthusiastically convinced – that casting our vote for Obama is a step in the right direction, fully consistent with our desire to celebrate the sacredness of life and improve the moral health of our nation and world.

[For more information, see Matthew 25.org. See the Guttmacher Institute, "An Overview of Abortion in The United States" and "An Overview of Abortion in The United States." See also the Catholics United study "Reducing Abortion in America: Beyond Roe v. Wade,” and Joseph Wright and Michael Bailey, "Reducing Abortion in America : The Effect of Economic and Social Supports."]

Cynthia Opines: Day 37

Tags

Barack Obama, Brian McLaren, Obama

Why I’m Voting for Obama and Why I Hope You Will Too: Reason 1 by Brian McLaren

Second, I believe we have crossed a threshold in my lifetime. Senator McCain, because of his age and his viewpoint, lives on the older side of that threshold. This doesn’t mean he is evil, but it means he is responding in ways that are no longer appropriate to a world that no longer exists, and in that way, his viewpoint is no longer helpful.

On his side of the threshold, war – including nuclear war – is an option to keep on the table – so that “bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran” slips so easily off the tongue. On this side, war is an abomination, a horrible evil that can never be entered into rashly or lightly (or under false pretenses). On his side, wars can be justified if “we” launch them, but not if “they” do. On this side, they are horrible and tragic no matter who launches them.

On his side, evil resides in them and goodness in us. On this side, there is goodness and evil on both sides.

On his side, the greatest enemy is “them.” On this side, the greatest enemies are realities both “we” and “they” must face together – environmental destruction, carelessness toward the poor, and the death-wish of security through war, for starters.

I believe McCain’s old warrior narrative is simply too dangerous to live by any more. That’s the first reason I am voting for Barack Obama. He would be the first to say that he’s not the Messiah, and he isn’t perfect, but he represents a turning … a turning away from the fear-based Bush-Rove-Cheney-McCain warrior narrative, and a turning toward a narrative that seeks peace through reconciliation and creative collaboration rather than through domination and a go-it-alone cowboy/bomber mentality. We’re not just voting for a president this year: we’re voting for a framing story our nation will live by, or kill by.

Why I’m Voting for Obama and Why I Hope You Will Too: Reason 2 by Brian McLaren

I believe that Senator Obama is an extraordinary candidate. While his opponent indulges in surprisingly dishonest and divisive attack ads, Obama has resisted responding in kind, instead focusing on critical issues and “a new spirit of unity and shared responsibility.” But even if Barack Obama were merely mediocre, simply based on the failures of the Republican Party to hold their president and vice president accountable for their lack of integrity (and/or intelligence) over these last eight years, I believe it’s high time for a change. The American people have been fooled once already in this new century. Those who fooled us should not be rewarded with another term. I hope we won’t let ourselves be fooled again.

Cynthia Opines: Day 36

Tags

Barack Obama, Obama, pro-life

Pro-Life Pro-Obama

Facts on Preventing Abortion

What Barack Obama Will Do

An Obama administration will do more than a McCain administration for the cause of life, by drastically reducing abortions through giving women and families the support and the tools they need to choose life. Barack Obama will continue to strive to make a life with dignity for all from the beginning to the end of life possible – by making sure health care is affordable, combating poverty, providing good paying jobs, and ensuring security in life’s final years.

Support for Women and Families

• Sen. Obama supports paid maternity leave to make sure families won’t lose their employment and much needed income from having a child.
• Sen. Obama supports legislation to allow ‘sick-leave’ to also cover one’s sick children.
• Expand programs like the successful Nurse-Family Partnership to all low-income, first-time mothers. The Nurse-Family Partnership provides home visits by trained registered nurses to low-income expectant mothers and their families.
• Sen. Obama has committed to making investment in affordable daycare and supports a refundable Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit would allow families to receive a 50 percent credit on up to $3,000 of childcare.
• Sen. Obama will cut taxes for 95 percent of all working families and will cut middle class taxes three times as much as Sen. McCain.

Fatherhood and Responsibility

• Obama is a cosponsor of the Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act, which encourages personal responsibility and includes provisions for domestic violence prevention and improved collection and distribution of child support.
• Listen to Senator Obama’s groundbreaking Father’s Day speech on fatherhood and personal responsibility here.

Health Care

• Obama is committed to signing health legislation by the end of his first term in office that will guarantee affordable healthcare for every American.
• Under the Obama health plan, no one would be denied health care coverage because of a pre-existing condition. He would change the bizarre practice of pregnancy being listed in many health coverage plans as a “pre-existing condition.”
• Sen. Obama is a strong advocate for the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to provide health care to children in low-income families.

Tackling Poverty

• Obama will expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to help lift many families out of poverty. His plan will increase the number of working parents eligible for EITC benefits, increase the benefit available to parents who support their children through child support payments, and reduce the EITC marriage penalty.
• Obama supports Catholic Charities USA’s stated goal to cut domestic poverty in half in ten years.
• Obama will make sure that full-time workers can earn a wage that allows them to raise their families and live with dignity. Obama will raise the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2011 and index it to inflation.
• Senator Obama supports the expansion of the leading program that provides nutritional support for low-income pregnant women and their infants and children (WIC).

Supporting Adoption

• Sen. Obama has been a proponent of increased support for adoption agencies and an expanded adoption tax credit.

Late-Term Abortion

• Obama opposes late term abortions, with a clear exception for the mother’s life and health:
  “I have repeatedly said that I think it’s entirely appropriate for states to restrict or even prohibit late-term abortions as long as there is a strict, well-defined exception for the health of the mother. Now, I don’t think that ‘mental distress’ qualifies as the health of the mother. I think it has to be a serious physical issue that arises in pregnancy, where there are real, significant problems to the mother carrying that child to term.”
  - Senator Obama in an interview with Relevant magazine, July 1, 2008

Sen. McCain has voted against measures that would support pregnant women and families that need it most:

• McCain voted against extending Medicaid coverage to pregnant women and infants up to one year of age with incomes below the Federal poverty line.
• Senator McCain voted twice against the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), one of the largest support programs for pregnant women and poor children, which would have provided health care to an additional 3.2 million children and continuing coverage for the more than 6 million children already dependent on the care.
• Senator McCain has opposed increases in funding to nutritional support program for pregnant women and infants (WIC) that has proven to be one of the most effective programs in supporting women to carry their pregnancies to term.
• McCain voted against increased funding for child care and does not have a plan to help families make child care affordable.
• Sen. McCain has voted to increase taxes on local small business nurseries and childcare providers.
• He has voted against minimum wage increases at least 19 times and voted to completely repeal the minimum wage in 45 states.

Cynthia Opines: Day 35

Tags

Barack Obama, Obama, pro-life

Wendy Redal asks Pro-Life Pro-Obama: Is it Possible?

Although I am not Catholic, I am drawn to the “seamless garment” perspective that proclaims a holistic reverence for all life, and calls for a consistent pro-life ethic that seeks to protect life wherever it is threatened, whether by abortion, war, poverty, racism, capital punishment or euthanasia. I share the goal expressed by Consistent Life, a network of progressive pro-life interests, that what we are trying to achieve is “a revolution in thinking and feeling, an affirmation of peace and nonviolence, an infinite gentleness, a value for the life, happiness and welfare of every person, and all the political and structural changes that will bring this about.”

Within that overarching moral framework I see complexity, particularly when the pro-life interests of individuals conflict. Which is more deserving of protection, embryonic stem cells, or an adult suffering and ultimately dying from Parkinson’s disease? Is it ever justifiable to sacrifice thousands of civilians in a war to resist an evil regime that would otherwise kill even more innocents? Can one insist on the birth of all conceived babies while at the same time support, even laud, the use of capital punishment in a race- and class-biased system where innocent people are wrongly killed? Are the lives of babies lost to abortion more important than the lives of AIDS orphans in Africa lost to poverty and disease and warfare? Is one murder by intention and the other murder by neglect, and are there therefore moral distinctions between the two?

When it comes to resolving the social problems that prompt so many women to have abortions, I have faith that Democrats can do more to solve them than anything Republicans are proposing, despite their clichéd claim to be the pro-life party. As Kristen Day, head of Democrats for Life, said in an interview with the New Republic last month, “Republicans do nothing to help pregnant women who are facing pregnancy…Many women don’t have the resources to sustain a healthy pregnancy, let alone a child.” Data shows that Democratic policies such as those espoused in the Pregnant Women Support Act endorsed by Obama – providing prenatal resources, expanding health care – are effective in helping to reduce abortion rates.