The Problem: Abortion. The Solution? ...

Although I was never very religious growing up, I did do my kid duty. Church most Sundays, usually towed in by my mom, Sunday School, Church gatherings/organizations. The whole deal. And even though I never really loved any of it, some of the aspects of my religious upbringing can't help but rub off on me.
The issue of abortion has been a difficult and very arduous situation for many years; arguments have broken out between political parties, news networks, household communities, and I'm sure a number of families. Why is this such a big deal?
One side: Abortion is murder.
The other side: Abortion is a way of alleviating a life of abandonment and hate and mistreatment; not in all cases, but surely in some.


The massive number of questions that one may ask about the morality of abortion are endless. However, in the end, isn't this a country based on individual freedom and personal responsibility? If that single right is denied, what will keep all our other rights intact? It is our responsibility to protect the rights of everyone, and to produce the most favorable outcome of a situation, that will benefit as many people as possible. The right to choose is just as important as any other right that is already assured by the constitution.

The Republican Party

Although the Republicans may have a number of endearing and enduring qualities about them, they also have their weaknesses. However, towards their impeccable sense of togetherness as a party, I must give them props. In the 2008 platform the Republicans stated their ideals of national unity as:

Courage in the face of foreign foes. An optimistic patriotism, driven by a passion for freedom. Devotion to the inherent dignity and rights of every person. Faith in the virtues of self-reliance, civic commitment, and concern for one another. Distrust of government's interference in people's lives. Dedication to a rule of law that both protects and preserves liberty.

Although I do see some points in that statement, I think it could initiate a sense of mistrust of the government, and of the outside world which is a corrupting force that is completely unnecessary. In addition, I do not agree with their party opposition to either Gay Marriage, or Abortion. As to the first, I think that perhaps a strong religious aspect that many republicans favor, in a political situation can make the problem greater than need be.

Also, I think that the situation with the current conflict abroad has become too important. Rather than face the problem, republicans would rather simply spend more money to benefit the army, which doesn't help alleviate the ever-present problem.

The Democratic Party

Change we can believe in. That's what the Democrats offered in the latest 2008 presidential election. And I believe that is what could propel us into the future. However, in order to achieve the change that the Democrats offer, the party must become unified within itself. This is one of its major faults; the 'individual freedom' it offers has not helped to coalesce the party into a formidable political machine. Although I believe that the Democratic party needs to improve their cooperation and coordination for certain aspects of their campaign, for the most part, I think that they have good base of philosophies. For example, I very highly support their general stands on gay marriage, the death penalty, and abortion. Ironically, these stands tend to support a type of individualism, and a base in individual rights that is typically more republican-prone.
However, in a broader sense, I believe that the Democratic party has become a party that can in fact lead not only the united states, but the world into a state of change that will benefit everyone. As stated in their 2008 agenda:

We come together at a defining moment in the history of our nation –- the nation that led the 20th century, built a thriving middle class, defeated fascism and communism, and provided bountiful opportunity to many...But today, we are at a crossroads. As we meet, we are in the sixth year of a two-front war. Our economy is struggling. Our planet is in peril...We can do better.

Yes we can.