...that even people with opinions, who are elected becuase of those opinions (cough, cough *Barack Obama* cough, cough) are forced to find "common ground" in policymaking. I know there is supposed to be some value in our government system becuase it has checks that supposedly ensure balance, but with talks about health care reform which have now led to more talks on abortion rights, I wish the government would just pick a side. Preferably...the liberal side.
In an article entitled "Health-care reform efforts marred by abortion dispute" posted today on the Washington Post, it was reported that the proposed health-care plans include federal subsidies for abortion for privated insurance companies, which some claim will make it more widespread than it already is. For those women who need abortions though, accessibility is a serious issue, and the government simply allowing abortion is not always enough. They should obviously not encourage or endorse it for everyone, but in certain situations it IS the best option and the government should make it available and affordable.
I know that perhaps very few people agree with me whole-heartedly in my extremely pro-choice views. But that shouldn't matter. There are tons of liberals in Congress, and I want them to voice their opinions and use their power to do what is right in this circumstance. Health-care reform is going to be a positive change, and those women unfortunate enough to need abortions are going to be grateful that they can afford it, thanks to the government.
If you want to read the full article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/22/AR2009072201583.html?hpid=topnews
I read this political cartoon in Pittsburgh's newspaper (when I was visiting colleges there this week) that reminded me of this... Among other things, it said that the health care plan should cover abortion even though some people oppose it in certain/all cases or oppose their tax dollars being used to fund it because there are always some people who oppose anything the government spends money on (Iraq war, bailouts, etc.), but that doesn't usually stop them from spending the money. So covering abortion should be no different. (Which is kind of what you said, and I bet a lot of other people have said that too, but I just wanted to share that with you.)
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