In Regards to Freedom of Choice

"For if it's true that the developing fetus is morally equivalent to a child, then abortion is morally equivalent to infantcide. And few would maintain that government should let parents decide for themselves whether to kill their children. So the "pro-choice" position on the abortion debate is not really neutral on the underlying moral and theological question; it implicitly rests on the assumption that the Catholic Church's teaching on the moral status of the fetus...is false.... It is not enough to say that the law should be neutral on moral and religious questions. The case for permitting abortion is no more neutral than the case for banning it. Both positions presuppose some answer to the underlying moral and religious controversy."

Michael Sandel

The major problem of this country is when we argue about issues like abortion, we discuss it in such morally and religiously neutral terms in the hopes of avoiding endless public disagreement. The problem is that we have already found ourselves in endless disagreement because of our neutrality.

If we as a society can discuss our real beliefs, differences, fears, and concerns, perhaps we can find some real consensus and real justice for all, especially for those who are unborn.

The Funniest Thing Happened Today...

Secularists are wrong when they ask believers to leave their religion at the door before entering into the public square. Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, William Jennings Bryan, Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King -- indeed, the majority of great reformers in American history -- were not only motivated by faith, but repeatedly used religious language to argue for their cause. So to say that men and women should not inject their "personal morality" into public policy debates is a practical absurdity. Our law is by definition a codification of morality, much of it grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

-Barack Obama

I find it funny when people describe the fight for gay marriage as something similar to the fight to end slavery or to establish civil rights. There is no way to compare the two events because unlike today's issue, abolitionism or civil rights was more of an experience bounded in the Christian faith, not just an education or tolerance lesson.

Second, I find it also funny that people can't describe or are unwilling to describe what they truly believe in. We talk and discuss in terms of moral neutrality and relativism. However, what we have created from our neutrality is power plays and a marginalization of the opposing view, rather than a discussion to persuade or at the very least to establish true tolerance

Good Things

Top 5 of the moment:

5) It's been a while since I've given candy to trick-or-treaters. Can't wait to give it out tomorrow. I'm especially giving out the good candy like M&M's, Kit-Kats, Snickers, etc. None of that cheap crap like those sugar-free caramels or that candy with the strawberry (or pineapple) wrapper (which personally I do like by the way).

4) The elections are this Tuesday. I already voted via absentee ballot. However, I prefer to go to the polls on Tuesday and turn it in by hand. Regardless of opinions, it's always a good idea to express them by voting.

VOTE ON NOVEMBER 2!

3) I transferred to a different unit at work, which allows me to have traditional weekends back. I'm very grateful having Saturdays and Sundays off again. I'm also excited for being in the new unit despite having to experience another learning curve. I guess we never stop learning in life.

Also, kudos to those that actually do work on weekends.

2) I went to my first and only time praying in front of the Planned Parenthood in Vallejo for 40 Days for Life this year. Even though I only went once for one hour, I can't help but be moved by the experience. Sure, I've always prayed for the sanctity for life in my private prayers. However, it felt like being in the front lines so to speak facing a building which houses an organization that actually advocates for abortions. It even felt awkward seeing the general public going there and utilizing their services.

I know that there are readers of this blog out there that are pro-choice. Perhaps abortions have helped out individuals or even whole nations like China avoid a lifetime of hardship. On the other hand, it isn't right that our so-called prosperity is built upon the lives of the innocent, those who did not even have a chance to breathe their first breath on this Earth. We have always advocated against this kind of exploitation like the American Slave Trade, Communism, and Nazism. Why not advocate and fight for life in this manner?

Perhaps next year, I will do a little bit better and go and pray once a week. For those that have never done this, try it out even once.

1) In a response to my last blog entry...

I would like to say thank you to those that have talked to me or dropped a message. I deeply appreciate the comments, and it has brought some perspective of where I am today.

It is hard times indeed, but I'm grateful of what I have today. I'm blessed to have awesome family and friends like you.

Thinking about the good things to come.

I hope you are as well.

That is all.

Whatever

Only one point for this entry:

1) I can't help it, but I feel like my achievements after college have been a disappointment for the people that are closest to me.

Please say it isn't so.

That is all.