Hey, it's only money
President Obama has now changed the Bush policy of denying public funds to groups working overseas that in any way promote, give information about, or encourage abortion. Do I have that correct? This is not an issue I have followed much, but it apparently has gone back and forth like a ping-pong ball as we changed presidents. Very briefly, and without getting into details, I have a basic concern as an American tax-payer.
First of all, on the question of abortion, I am opposed to it. However, reality tells me that this is an issue that is settled country to country. I am guessing that most countries have laws against it though I hardly know the breakdown. My point is this; why are we getting so exorcised about helping women get abortions in other countries? What I mean is, let the laws of the country dictate what can or can't be done. Is it really the mission of the American government-funded by the US taxpayer- to get involved in family-planning in other countries-or our own country for that matter? I am not against charity for people in poor countries, but I say let the private charities handle it. Whether a woman in Ethiopia has or doesn't have an abortion is of no concern to me, and I sure don't want to have to pay more in taxes so America can get involved in it.
Of course, this will probably be hidden somewhere in that one trillion dollar "stimulus package" we are about to get hit with. And you wonder why your taxes are so high?
(I'll probably get it from both sides on this one.)
While I'm not exactly overjoyed at this news, I think that I lean towards being in favor of it.
ReplyDeleteFor starters, I don't necessarily have a problem with some of our money going to help people in other countries. I also don't have a problem with funding programs like family planning, as that's a big factor in the whole poverty situation. Many of these people have no access to information regarding birth control (and abortion - but let's keep in mind that it's not just about abortion).
Basically, you've got guys like The Pope who condemn birth control, and these families keep getting bigger and bigger, keeping them in the same cycle of poverty that they can't escape.
Anyway, I don't really feel too strongly about it one way or the other, but my initial reaction is that it's a good thing. Still, your questions are good ones and legitimate.
Yeah, I saw this. I like it. Now the world will see that we are serious about changing our image. We are finally conforming.
ReplyDeleteBlessed our enlightened One for setting us on the path to world unity.
I am excited.
*Looks to make sure Big Brother is not watching before shedding his conformist skin*
[Whispers] Great post, Gary
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ReplyDeleteYes you will... I pat your back, sir... it is STOOPID to make us pay for another country's allowed abortions.
ReplyDelete:)
lance,
ReplyDeleteIt is one thing for American taxpayers to fund food and medicine to poor countries. We have accepted that for decades though we do chafe at the ingratitude somerimes shown. But to pay taxes so women in other countries can get abortions-I'm sorry, I can't go along with that.
But what about family planning - you know, contraceptives and all that? Because this isn't just about abortions.
ReplyDeleteLance,
ReplyDeleteWhy does the American tax-payer have to foot the bill for family-planning in other countries-let alone in this country?
Lance,
ReplyDeleteWhy does the American tax-payer have to foot the bill for family-planning in other countries-let alone in this country?
Well, I think that there's a definite correlation between unwanted children and the quality of life in a society. Look at the places where the people don't have access to birth control or an education regarding birth control - do you want us to be like them?
ReplyDeleteAs for whether we should help out other countries - that's a legitimate question, but somehow I can't get too upset when we're helping people.
I just think that the word "abortion" hangs like a huge albatross over this issue, and people don't want to look at how it's a lot more complicated than that.
Lance,
ReplyDeleteBirth control and abortion are not exactly one and the same.
Do we have to help people in other countries get abortions? At what point do we let them deal with it themselves? It's bad enough people who have a moral objection to abortion have to finance it in their taxes, but in other countries as well? Why can't we just say to other countries "if you want to allow abortions, you take care of it"?
Of course they're not the same, but when you're talking about comprehensive family planning, then abortion is one of the options.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel too bad about people who have the moral objection to abortion. I have a moral objection to a lot of things that the government does. They can join the club.