35th anniversary

This is a great pro-life statement from McCain. Now that Thompsson has dropped out, it is time for the NRLA to switch it's endorsement to McCain. Huckabee is obviously better on the life issue but he can't win non-evangelicals. Rudy would obviously be a disaster. Romney is objectionable based on his mormonism and his egregious flips on social issues.

Clinton is looking inevitable again. It is time to back a winner who can keep social conservatives in the winning coalition.

Sincerely,
John McCain
United States Senator

P.S. Except during war. In that case, WHO GIVES A DAMN, let's stay in Iraq for 100 years! Wheee!

What a joke.

The Catholic Church has condemned the Iraq war since its beginning in 2003. Anyone who supports this unjust war and killing is not pro-life. Period.

The Catholic Church does not hold an official position on the "war", which has been over for some time. (We are currently in a rebuilding occupation, not unlike WWII and others.) Both JPII and Benedict opposed the war, it's true, but it is not a matter of obligation for Catholics.

>>>it is not a matter of obligation for Catholics

What utter nonsense. Who are you to pick and choose when it is ok to be "for" life and ok to be "against" it (killing of thousands of civilians without cause)? And "rebuilding occupation"? Give me a break. What is being rebuilt? Iraq is the very definition of a sectarian civil war fomented by a unilateral military occupation. Jamie, you are misguided and brainwashed by the GOP. Join reality or stay out of the debate.

Ethan, you can frame Jaime's comment with saying our actions in Iraq were about "killing of thousands of civilians without cause"... but I find it hard to believe that even YOU truly believe that McCain, or any other person who was in the decision making process about Iraq had the GOAL of killing civilians. One can certainly argue that the goal was to respect life by removing a govt that disrespected life. Not here to convince you, but don't place your judgement on the war into McCain's reason for support AND HIS RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE. This article and comment section is a discussion of respect for life. To me, there is no argument that abortion by its very nature shows disrespect or at the least, devaluing of life. The goal and the reality in Iraq may well be two different things. Abortion certainly ends a life... stick with that... If McCain is against abortions, and is truly willing to fight against it, I would say this is a true indication of his respect for life. His opinion on Iraq... right or wrong, cannot conclude he wanted to devalue life. It just doesn't connect. And funny... I am not even pro McCain.

Tom, thank you for responding to a post without making me feel like I personally violated some Christian moral ethos.

I'll try to answer your post with the same respect.

>>>I find it hard to believe that even YOU truly believe that McCain, or any other person who was in the decision making process about Iraq had the GOAL of killing civilians

I think it's naive to think that the Iraq War was about anything other than oil and the military industrial complex. From the transition (Coalition Provisional Authority) to the State Dept contracting (Blackwater, Iraq "Embassy"), this war has done nothing but enrich corporations friendly to the Bush Admin and the Republican Party. It clearly had nothing to do with 9/11, clearly has made us less safe, clearly has destabilized the entire Middle East and clearly has resulted in a vast depletion of our treasury and -- more importantly -- our hard (machines) and soft (people) military resources. The fact that this endeavor has continued at-any-cost; including the deaths of thousands upon thousands of US troops, thousands upon thousands of Iraqi civilians, journalists, nationals, diplomats, etc; is absolutely reprehensible and anyone who has supported this war is responsible for the consequences. Again. The GOAL was not to kill anyone. The GOAL was to enrich political supporters of the GOP. After studying this issue in excruciating detail for almost 5 years now, this is the only conclusion I can draw.

>>>To me, there is no argument that abortion by its very nature shows disrespect or at the least, devaluing of life

I agree. I think abortion is bad. Plainly put. I think it should be minimized at all costs. I think this is pretty much verbatim the platform of the Democratic Party (rare and legal). HOWEVER, we Dems hold near and dear the Civil Rights that we have fought for, for literally generations. By forcing women to birth any and every child it is a violation of the mother's civil rights. That, in my opinion, devalues life equally if not moreso than the removal or "murder" if you'd like of a fetus. I am against late-term abortion except in extreme cases. The Supreme Court studied this issue in the Roe v. Wade case (obviously). Their finding (I believe, I'm no expert) is that a total ban violates the MOTHER'S civil rights. I do not think it addressed the "rights" of the unborn fetus. Correct me if I'm wrong. But that is the key moral issue in this debate in my opinion. RTLers think of only the fetus, the Left tends to think about the civil rights of the mother -- but the distinction, I believe, is that the political left is far more concerned about aborting a fetus than the RTLers are about the civil rights of the mother. It is, or should be, a CORRECTABLE imbalance if not for, I believe, the extremist views of many on the right on this issue (particularly the Christian Right leaders, white males all). We should have abortion (RARE and LEGAL) with a ban on late term abortions and considerable counseling available at no cost (which I believe exists in most places). That solves it imho. We just need Republcans to step up to the table willing to discuss these issues fairly without calling the Left "murderers". It is a shame, really, because while it is an issue that needs to be understood and dealt with, I think that there are probably about 10-15 issues that are of much higher significance, issues that are also moral judgements, but are not treated as such b/c you don't have the Christian Right making them into a big deal like you have with this issue. You may disagree, that is fine. But to me, the economy is #1, and after the Bush Admin I find it laughable that anyone would trust our future and that of our children to corporate tax cuts and Bush's income tax cut that anyone who knows simple math can deduce helps the rich unequivocally and does almost nothing for lower income and middle class Americans.

>>>His opinion on Iraq... right or wrong, cannot conclude he wanted to devalue life. It just doesn't connect.

In my eyes this is a non-starter. He has clearly (and knowingly) devalued not only LIFE, but quite literally the lives of *the* finest Americans. Our military. HE of all people should KNOW and ACT better. Period. It is disgraceful in my eyes. Shoot, throw in his support for the "surge" and it is obvious that he is using the issue for its political expedience to curry favor with the right, while guaranteeing that the USA will need troops in Iraq for, what, another 2 years? 2018? 100 YEARS?! Give me a break. The SURGE was supposed to pave the way for political reconciliation in Iraq amongst Iraqis. To consider the decrease of violence a success of the surge is to completely obfuscate the stated PURPOSE of the surge (which is, again, to allow for political reconciliation so we can BRING THE TROOPS HOME to the hero's welcome they deserve). If reconciliation is the benchmark as was stated by everyone from Bush on down, the surge has clearly FAILED. A final point... Throw Joe Lieberman into the McCain mix and it really makes the situation untenable from a political perspective. He will be annihilated in the general for this blind allegiance to continuing what is considered by many THE single worst policy judgment in the History of the United States of America. Lastly, I'm from NY. I want Bin Laden DEAD. That is imho McCain's strongest selling point imho. But again, the Dems have been saying "where's Bin Laden" for years. It is a simple choice this Nov. Vote Democrat or, I hate to say it, but if you cannot bring yourself to do that, please stay home (in acknowledgment of the catastrophic failure of the entire GOP caucus and GOP pundits on so many issues).

Kill babies, not terrorists... vote democrat

Kill babies, not terrorists... vote democrat

Ethan,

I sincerely say that I wish I had the opportunity for a non-public forum discussion with you. I appreciate your passion and your conviction. I think this is one of the beauties and complexities of the American culture... how two, well intending, I believe intelligent (I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt) individuals can view the very same events and happenings with such very different conclusions. I honestly appreciate your input. I read every word and conclude that you are a true American and care for humanity as I do. We just see the realities played out in front of us with such different eyes. I do not have the inclination to go through your post and comment... you make your points respectfully and I appreciate that. Nor do I consider myself having the ability to judge the motivations as you do. I know all we have are the actions, but it seems that you read the actions of those you disagree with through tainted eyes. Although I think you try to be fair, I don't see balance in your conclusion. I understand your points about respect for the woman where abortion is concerned. I love, respect and cherish my wife, my mom, my daughters and many female friends. Yet I cannot disagree with you more that there can even be an argument of balancing that right and the right to life. Perhaps it does come down to our beliefs about what life means rather than the sanctity of life. It would be my guess from your comments that you too value life. We just completely disagree as to the level of merit to give to each side of the argument. To me, I honestly can't fathom how a rational analysis of abortion can lead to the thought that it is an acceptable option in a caring world. I do agree that each side gets so entrenched in their convictions that we forget to listen... we forget to hear. Thanks for giving me your input. It does have effect even if I still disagree vehemently. One final word of caution. You see, I would be that male, white Christian Republican you describe in your comments. Please know that I try each day to do the right things where love, respect, and Truth are concerned. Do not type cast me in a way that may distance the opportunity for those on my side of the coin to listen and share with those on your side. I want peace. I want opportunity for all. I am not about money as my goal. Just because we disagree how to get there does not mean I am bad. You seem to characterize those like me as wanting what we do not. Again, looking at different realities, I would say that you judge the overall values and goals of our very President incorrectly. I'm half regretting writing that because I know that should open up completely new can of worms.

Ethan, good luck in trying to live life correctly. Thanks again for your input.
Tom

Ethan,

I sincerely say that I wish I had the opportunity for a non-public forum discussion with you. I appreciate your passion and your conviction. I think this is one of the beauties and complexities of the American culture... how two, well intending, I believe intelligent (I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt) individuals can view the very same events and happenings with such very different conclusions. I honestly appreciate your input. I read every word and conclude that you are a true American and care for humanity as I do. We just see the realities played out in front of us with such different eyes. I do not have the inclination to go through your post and comment... you make your points respectfully and I appreciate that. Nor do I consider myself having the ability to judge the motivations as you do. I know all we have are the actions, but it seems that you read the actions of those you disagree with through tainted eyes. Although I think you try to be fair, I don't see balance in your conclusion. I understand your points about respect for the woman where abortion is concerned. I love, respect and cherish my wife, my mom, my daughters and many female friends. Yet I cannot disagree with you more that there can even be an argument of balancing that right and the right to life. Perhaps it does come down to our beliefs about what life means rather than the sanctity of life. It would be my guess from your comments that you too value life. We just completely disagree as to the level of merit to give to each side of the argument. To me, I honestly can't fathom how a rational analysis of abortion can lead to the thought that it is an acceptable option in a caring world. I do agree that each side gets so entrenched in their convictions that we forget to listen... we forget to hear. Thanks for giving me your input. It does have effect even if I still disagree vehemently. One final word of caution. You see, I would be that male, white Christian Republican you describe in your comments. Please know that I try each day to do the right things where love, respect, and Truth are concerned. Do not type cast me in a way that may distance the opportunity for those on my side of the coin to listen and share with those on your side. I want peace. I want opportunity for all. I am not about money as my goal. Just because we disagree how to get there does not mean I am bad. You seem to characterize those like me as wanting what we do not. Again, looking at different realities, I would say that you judge the overall values and goals of our very President incorrectly. I'm half regretting writing that because I know that should open up completely new can of worms.

Ethan, good luck in trying to live life correctly. Thanks again for your input.
Tom

I OPPOSE WAR, ABORTION, EUTHANASIA AND THE DEATH PENALTY UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. I AM NOT AT ALL
IMPRESSED WITH LEFT-WINGERS WHO SUPPORT ABORTION
OR DISMISS IT AS ''ONLY ONE ISSUE." I SUPPORT A
CONSISTENT ETHIC OF LIFE WHICH MUST ALWAYS INCLUDE AN ABSOLUTIST, NON-NEGOTIABLE POSITION ON NOT KILLING THE UNBORN.

I OPPOSE WAR, ABORTION, EUTHANASIA AND THE DEATH PENALTY UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. I AM NOT AT ALL
IMPRESSED WITH LEFT-WINGERS WHO SUPPORT ABORTION
OR DISMISS IT AS ''ONLY ONE ISSUE." I SUPPORT A
CONSISTENT ETHIC OF LIFE WHICH MUST ALWAYS INCLUDE AN ABSOLUTIST, NON-NEGOTIABLE POSITION ON NOT KILLING THE UNBORN.

I am going to support McCain for President. He is a man of priciple. War is not something anyone can want, but I think all people should be free from a brutal murdering government that holds it's own people hostage. As a Catholic I find the view of the Holy Father against war holy advice, but he is not speaking in terms of doctrine. The liberating stance of our forces, rebuilding Iraq and setting up Irag's men and women to police and govern themselves is a good thing, giving precious freedom to a people who risked their lives to vote for their current government. God bless the people of Iraq, and God bless our forces who do good. And of course, prayer for these efforts is truly needed. God bless you, Claudette Fredricksen

ethan and tom,

as someone who agrees substantially with both of you, i applaud your interaction on this heated topic. i came across a verse the other day that called christians to debate with 'gentleness and respect'. as a christian who votes democrat, i have rarely found that to be so. too many times there are cutting remarks. and those never win minds, never win hearts, and never win arguments. ultimately, i think very few people are "for" abortion, i think both sides have different views on how it should be handled.

ethan, i agree with all your comments about the war. and the count of iraqi deaths is over a million right now. christians should have a reponse to this! however, when it comes to abortion, i don't think that christians have forgotten the rights of the mother but have forgotten to care for the mother. the mother has a right, and many times she forgoes that right by not using birth control. (we can't forget that over 98% of abortions are nothing but late birth control methods). but what bothers me is that the woman is then so villified that she is not spoken to as a person that god also loves and sacrificed for. we must be concerned for the life of the child AND the life of the mother. in this i agree, a balance is needed and a civil discussion of life, in all places, countries, and forms, must be had. thanks for letting me partake. life for oil or for birth control is not the answer.

clc