Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Is abortion a political or personal issue?

When it comes to abortion there is rarely an individual who falls into a gray area of agreeing or not agreeing with it. Someone like yourself either strongly disagrees or they strongly agree. I am one of those individuals who do fall into a category of understanding both sides of the argument. For a long time I was very much pro-life, I felt that who are we to say one can legally kill a child? Then I started researching abortion more and looking on the more political side of the issue. We as women have had many more obstacles then men have ever had or will ever have. They will never know what it is like to face an issue such as this because they physically cannot carry a baby nor have an abortion. To be faced with an unwanted pregnancy is terrifying and sometimes there is no other alternative.
When it comes to this issue I do call myself pro choice because although I personally will not ever have an abortion I feel that we deserve to have the option if we choice to. It is not breaking the law and in the first trimester when 95% of abortions are done, there is no way the fetus could live outside of the womb. I am not trying to justify my views to you are trying to sway you, but this issue is a political issue and if it could justly be considered homicide then abortion would not be legal. I am thankful that I live in a country where I can decide on issues such as having an abortion. I am also thankful that I live in a society where you too can voice your opinion and make your own choices.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Equality for ALL

Everyone in the world has an idea of what marriage entails and who it involves. When most people think of marriage they think of this union being between a man and a women. Is marriage really about the sex of the individuals or is it about the commitment and rights of the individuals? Although society has instilled since the beginning of time that marriage is between a man and a women in reality I think we should all ask ourselves if it really matters whom it is between and if we are violating our constitution by not allowing same sex marriages in a majority of our states.
This week has been an exciting and historical week for those who are fighting to have same sex marriages legalized. This is an issue that will have to be legalized through a state by state process and I feel that we are finally seeing it really begin. This past Wednesday Main passed a bill legalizing same sex marriages. Also on Wednesday New Hampshire voted in favor of same sex marriage. It is unsure if the bill will be signed since New Hampshire’s Governor John Lynch feels a law may not be necessary since they do recognize civil union. On Tuesday our nation’s capital voted in favor of recognizing same sex marriage. They will not give out marriage licenses to gay or lesbian couples but at least they are giving rights to those who get married in the states that have legalized it.
What harm will same sex marriage have on this nation? Who are we to not give same sex marriages the same recognition and rights that we give marriages between a man and women? I feel that much of the nation’s disapproval of same sex marriages simple derives from religion and what is considered to be right and wrong. This country is not supposed to make laws due to ones religious beliefs, yet it seems to be done over and over again. Allowing same sex marriages to be legal in all states will not change this countries moral. We are all humans with compassion and morals instilled in us and that will not change with allowing same sex marriages.
In the constitution it says that all people are created equal and that all citizens of the United States should be allowed the same rights regardless of race, sex, or religion. So how is this issue considered to be unconstitutional? I support and respect the decisions of the few states who allow same sex marriages and those states that allow civil unions. One can hope that one day our entire nation will recognize it, but until then it will continue to be a constant state by state fight.