I guess I am not terribly sure what the message is for me- and I assume you were sending one since you posted it to me although I don't consider myself a LWer at all- or a RWer for that matter.
It would be nice if the Left actually WERE being challenged to engage in cogent, quiet factual discussion. It would be nice if the RW were, too. It doesn't happen on this public stage that often and certainly not on the tv/radio stage.
If you listen to talk radio or tv, it takes about five minutes to hear right ring screamers ranting at callers who dare to express a contrary opinion. Michael Savage, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Glen Beck- they go on here all day long and they are not always fair or cogent.
I think the opinions on this thread are for the most part well-considered and thoughtful on both sides. It becomes obvious- as it did between you and K- that there is an unsolvable impasse at certain points, but I don't think that anyone shot the other full of holes, whatever you think.
This issue is one that is going to reflect society's wishes, and can be altered when enough people feel as you do, and work together to alter the law. Luckily for you, no one can, at this point, insist your wife or your daughter have abortions under any circumstances, so your own personal beliefs about this are protected. Not so for those who do not believe an embryo or fetus is a person, and that they aren't prepared to raise a child, if you have your way. Then your beliefs are forced on those who don't hold them.
Let the RW challenge. They should. But let them also listen and respect. And be a bit more introspective about the basis of their own views and what they are willing to do to achieve them. |
