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On Politics and Abortion

November 5th, 2006 Leave a comment Go to comments

I may hang for this one.

First of all please know that I hate abortion. I think it’s horrible. That being said, let’s proceed.

I was speaking with a Christian girl recently and I asked what makes her vote Republican. The first thing out of her mouth was “the abortion issue”. That answer seems to be very common amongst other Christians.

It’s ridiculous to vote based on a candidate’s thoughts on abortion! Shall I repeat that?

Before you get the rope, let me point something out:

A Republican President was in office when abortion became legal. Since that time, Republicans have held the Presidential office more than 20 years. Which of said Republicans have changed anything about abortion? Please answer that question before deciding to vote based on an issue your politicians will never do a damn thing about.

Some Christians I’ve spoken with have replied, “Yeah, but few of them have had a chance to appoint judges to the Supreme Court!”

Newsflash, people: While I hate the murder of babies as much as you do I allow myself to be a realist and I know deep inside that abortion is not going away. The Supreme Court will never overturn Roe v. Wade.

Abortion is a hot button. Politicians push that button because they know Christian sheep will vote for them because of it. After the election, the issue never crosses their mind again until it’s time to run for reelection.

For the record, I have been a registered Republican since turning 18. At one time I thought about changing my affiliation to the Green Party but after filling out the form to change parties I couldn’t bring myself to mail it in. Nevertheless, I vote for candidates, not for parties. If I like a candidate I’ll vote for him/her regardless of affiliation. Christians should hold themselves to a higher standard and do the same thing.

Jesus would have hated many of the key Republican values. I doubt he’d have aligned himself with ANY political party. And he definitely would hate the “Christian voter guides” that are sent out prior to each election informing his people how they should vote.

Think for yourself, people. Vote based on issues your politicians will actually work on…

Categories: Abortion, Donny Pauling, Politics Tags:
  • Randy

    Donny,”Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” George Washington (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/g/george_washington.html)Washington warned Americans in the very early days of this republic of the dangers of political parties. A warning most Americans have chosen to ignore and, thusly, fall into the subtle manipulations of political parties.on political parties Washington said,A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume. From Georege Washington’s Farewell Address 1796, as reported by the Avalon Project website (http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm)You make an interesting and valid point about political parties — a point that I’m sure will get lost in the abortion issue. If you haven’t ever read Washington’s Farewell Adress, you should because I think you would enjoy it.randy

  • Randy

    Donny,

    “Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”

    George Washington
    (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/g/george_washington.html)

    Washington warned Americans in the very early days of this republic of the dangers of political parties. A warning most Americans have chosen to ignore and, thusly, fall into the subtle manipulations of political parties.

    on political parties Washington said,

    A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.

    From Georege Washington’s Farewell Address 1796, as reported by the Avalon Project website (http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm)

    You make an interesting and valid point about political parties — a point that I’m sure will get lost in the abortion issue. If you haven’t ever read Washington’s Farewell Adress, you should because I think you would enjoy it.

    randy

  • Jeff

    Hey Donny, Nice post. I’ve actually decided to stop voting from now on because of stuff like you just mentioned. I voted for Bush last election because I thought that he would best represent myself in the political process. I realized that when he started doing stuff that distanced his stand from mine that it’s not that I necessarily want a voice in politics…I don’t even want to be a part of them! So yeah, I agree with you…don’t stand on a party line. So what God tells you to do. Even if that means not voting.

  • Jeff

    Hey Donny,
    Nice post. I’ve actually decided to stop voting from now on because of stuff like you just mentioned. I voted for Bush last election because I thought that he would best represent myself in the political process. I realized that when he started doing stuff that distanced his stand from mine that it’s not that I necessarily want a voice in politics…I don’t even want to be a part of them!
    So yeah, I agree with you…don’t stand on a party line. So what God tells you to do. Even if that means not voting.

  • solemhttp://www.fotop.net/sole

    Interesting thoughts.Here in Canada, the left wing parties: Liberal and NDP, have awful moral standards, and abortion is just one example. The conservatives however, are not as bad, and I have been nothing but pleased with Steven Harpers’ government.

  • solemhttp://www.fotop.net/solem

    Interesting thoughts.

    Here in Canada, the left wing parties: Liberal and NDP, have awful moral standards, and abortion is just one example.
    The conservatives however, are not as bad, and I have been nothing but pleased with Steven Harpers’ government.

  • Brian Norwood

    First, well said.I would only add to your point, some politicians can DO NOTHING about abortion. It’s just not even in their realm of influence. Why would care about the state treasurers’ position on abortion? He can’t address that policy at all. Wouldn’t you vote for someone who knows something about finance?I’m a Republican because I am for small government. The party has failed me completely, but what is my REAL alternative? Libertarian?

  • Brian Norwood

    First, well said.
    I would only add to your point, some politicians can DO NOTHING about abortion. It’s just not even in their realm of influence. Why would care about the state treasurers’ position on abortion? He can’t address that policy at all. Wouldn’t you vote for someone who knows something about finance?

    I’m a Republican because I am for small government. The party has failed me completely, but what is my REAL alternative? Libertarian?

  • Anonymous

    I’m like Brian, I vote republican because they’re the lesser of the two evils… Even if they don’t accomplish moral goals that I’d like them too, its better in they’re hands than some of the far left.Ron

  • Anonymous

    I’m like Brian, I vote republican because they’re the lesser of the two evils… Even if they don’t accomplish moral goals that I’d like them too, its better in they’re hands than some of the far left.

    Ron

  • GODrums

    wow, I got on a good one today……I’ve been going around and around on this one lately……(thank you, South Dakota)On one hand, I despise the death of a child that has had NO chance to screw up their own life and allowing someone the opportunity to make that “choice” makes me say “No way, you can’t do it because My God says so.” (Enter 1st amendment)On the other hand, I can only give people my opinions and let them have the free will to choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That’s what God gave us and we chose Him, right?Anyway, Jesus would have had nothing to do with ONE political party……and maybe he would hae eaten with them because some of them are tax collectors……Done…..West

  • GODrums

    wow, I got on a good one today……

    I’ve been going around and around on this one lately……(thank you, South Dakota)

    On one hand, I despise the death of a child that has had NO chance to screw up their own life and allowing someone the opportunity to make that “choice” makes me say “No way, you can’t do it because My God says so.” (Enter 1st amendment)

    On the other hand, I can only give people my opinions and let them have the free will to choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That’s what God gave us and we chose Him, right?

    Anyway, Jesus would have had nothing to do with ONE political party……and maybe he would hae eaten with them because some of them are tax collectors……

    Done…..West

  • solemhttp://www.fotop.net/sole

    Acutually no,John 15:16″Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you”and:Ephesians 1:4″According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world”and:John 17:24″…thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

  • solemhttp://www.fotop.net/solem

    Acutually no,

    John 15:16
    “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you”

    and:

    Ephesians 1:4
    “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world”

    and:

    John 17:24
    “…thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

  • pastor arthttp://pastor-art.co

    Brother. . .Submitted by Art on Sun, 05/11/2006 – 9:22pm. *newI would love to talk donny. . . I read John’s blog today. You have a good friend there. I may be out of line here my friend, if you feel so just ignore it. Truthfully it’s as much about the christian community as it is a word to you. As new followers of X we tend to want to make a difference – serve – give – over the top. It is a good time and often fruitful. Bro, I know you have really tremendous gifts and an amazing future as you chose to serve the kingdom . . . pace yourself, know Him, be known. Donny you have a good head and good heart and mind. Caden, Belinda, John, they matter, they are your first stewardship. Christians tend to love heroes, we put them on display and whirl them around before they have a secure footing. You know what I mean I am sure and don’t have to expound. (Pastors tend go on talking when it is not necessary!) I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. Romans 12:3 (MSG) http://www.micom.net/oops/Lunch.mpeg I used this mpeg in my message this morning (Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NASB) Sometimes we get in such a hurry, feeling the thrill of our own speed we become lunch for the enemy of our souls. (okay please find some humor here too) Sorry if I sound too bible thumpy or preachy . . . but I do care for you my friend. Also I am not nearly as quick or proficient a web guy or writer as you! You are amazing! I hope you have had a good Sunday. Grace – Artatnew-life.org Let me know the best way to reach you . . . I am slammed for a while but when the weather is right a nice drive to Chico for lunch might be cool.

  • pastor arthttp://pastor-art.com

    Brother. . .
    Submitted by Art on Sun, 05/11/2006 – 9:22pm. *new
    I would love to talk donny. . .

    I read John’s blog today. You have a good friend there.

    I may be out of line here my friend, if you feel so just ignore it. Truthfully it’s as much about the christian community as it is a word to you. As new followers of X we tend to want to make a difference – serve – give – over the top. It is a good time and often fruitful.

    Bro, I know you have really tremendous gifts and an amazing future as you chose to serve the kingdom . . . pace yourself, know Him, be known. Donny you have a good head and good heart and mind. Caden, Belinda, John, they matter, they are your first stewardship. Christians tend to love heroes, we put them on display and whirl them around before they have a secure footing. You know what I mean I am sure and don’t have to expound. (Pastors tend go on talking when it is not necessary!)

    I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. Romans 12:3 (MSG)

    http://www.micom.net/oops/Lunch.mpeg I used this mpeg in my message this morning (Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NASB) Sometimes we get in such a hurry, feeling the thrill of our own speed we become lunch for the enemy of our souls. (okay please find some humor here too)

    Sorry if I sound too bible thumpy or preachy . . . but I do care for you my friend.
    Also I am not nearly as quick or proficient a web guy or writer as you! You are amazing! I hope you have had a good Sunday.

    Grace – Artatnew-life.org Let me know the best way to reach you . . . I am slammed for a while but when the weather is right a nice drive to Chico for lunch might be cool.

  • pastor arthttp://sayyes.info/4

    BTW I found today my neighbor manages the Mitchell’s Brother Theater SF. Also I tend to agree with “my” idea of republican more often then what I see from the demos but I am not registered republican and vote the heart issue I hope for. Jesus said, man does not live on bread alone but on the very words from God. We have to remember who our hope and who the source is. Neither is in Washington! peace Art

  • pastor arthttp://sayyes.info/40days

    BTW I found today my neighbor manages the Mitchell’s Brother Theater SF. Also I tend to agree with “my” idea of republican more often then what I see from the demos but I am not registered republican and vote the heart issue I hope for. Jesus said, man does not live on bread alone but on the very words from God. We have to remember who our hope and who the source is. Neither is in Washington! peace Art

  • Crystal Renaudhttp://pinkhaire

    that would never be my only reason for choosing a particular candidate. but it helps. thanks for the comment.

  • Crystal Renaudhttp://pinkhairedgirl.wordpress.com

    that would never be my only reason for choosing a particular candidate. but it helps. thanks for the comment.

  • Tony

    I’m with you, Donny. Voting yes/no for a candidate based solely on their position on abortion is, well… silly.

  • Tony

    I’m with you, Donny. Voting yes/no for a candidate based solely on their position on abortion is, well… silly.

  • Anonymous

    Donny, I have voted absentee since 1972. I highly recommend it. Having the freedom to relax, take your time, and review the candidates and issues while voting makes the experience pleasurable. Another consideration is the germs that one avoids by eschewing the polling places. – David

  • Anonymous

    Donny,

    I have voted absentee since 1972. I highly recommend it. Having the freedom to relax, take your time, and review the candidates and issues while voting makes the experience pleasurable.

    Another consideration is the germs that one avoids by eschewing the polling places.

    - David

  • Tracy_Ann

    Hi Donny,I hope you don’t mind me copy/pasting something, but I received this in my email today from the Susan B. Anthony list http://www.sba-list.org and thought of your post. I am one that mainly votes Republican because of the abortion issue, so your post did make me think. I still do feel that voting for candidates that proclaim a pro-life stance is important, because they are not likely to stand in the way of pro-life legislation, which could at least limit abortions. Also, I am praying that Roe v. Wade be overturned, and I won’t give up hope that one day it will be. My copy/paste follows:”Rumors are flying around Washington that soon after the election a Supreme Court Justice will announce retirement because of health. This very week, the Supreme Court will hear the Partial-Birth Abortion case. You remember, the Partial-Birth Abortion ban was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush in 2003. It was immediately enjoined by pro-abortion forces, so it has never gone into effect.That will be the fate of every piece of pro-life legislation until there is one more constitutionalist vote on the Supreme Court. You can help change the makeup of the Supreme Court.Your vote can make a real difference in the make-up of Congress. Every Member of Congress in the country is up for election tomorrow, and one-third of the U. S. Senate as well. This year more than most, every vote matters. Voting does not end abortion in this country, but it does put people in office who won’t be an obstacle to this goal.President Bush was able to appoint two new constitutionalist Justices since 2004 because pro-lifers were the majority in Congress. Just as in 2004, the Supreme Court is at stake again. The control of the Senate up for grabs again. Give President Bush a Senate that will confirm a pro-life justice to the Supreme Court! Give next year’s 110th Congress the opportunity to pass pro-life legislation like the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and the Child Custody Protection Act. Whoever gets the most votes, wins. Make sure the pro-life candidates on your ballot get the most votes.”___________I definitely don’t claim to be any kind of expert on politics, but I sure do feel strongly about the abortion issue. The ACLJ is another organization that fights for the unborn in the political realm–they’re a good one to get information from: http://www.aclj.orgI totally support the work they do–check them out if you’re interested!Tracy

  • Tracy_Ann

    Hi Donny,
    I hope you don’t mind me copy/pasting something, but I received this in my email today from the Susan B. Anthony list
    http://www.sba-list.org
    and thought of your post. I am one that mainly votes Republican because of the abortion issue, so your post did make me think. I still do feel that voting for candidates that proclaim a pro-life stance is important, because they are not likely to stand in the way of pro-life legislation, which could at least limit abortions. Also, I am praying that Roe v. Wade be overturned, and I won’t give up hope that one day it will be.

    My copy/paste follows:

    “Rumors are flying around Washington that soon after the election a Supreme Court Justice will announce retirement because of health.

    This very week, the Supreme Court will hear the Partial-Birth Abortion case.

    You remember, the Partial-Birth Abortion ban was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush in 2003. It was immediately enjoined by pro-abortion forces, so it has never gone into effect.

    That will be the fate of every piece of pro-life legislation until there is one more constitutionalist vote on the Supreme Court.

    You can help change the makeup of the Supreme Court.

    Your vote can make a real difference in the make-up of Congress. Every Member of Congress in the country is up for election tomorrow, and one-third of the U. S. Senate as well.

    This year more than most, every vote matters. Voting does not end abortion in this country, but it does put people in office who won’t be an obstacle to this goal.

    President Bush was able to appoint two new constitutionalist Justices since 2004 because pro-lifers were the majority in Congress. Just as in 2004, the Supreme Court is at stake again. The control of the Senate up for grabs again.

    Give President Bush a Senate that will confirm a pro-life justice to the Supreme Court! Give next year’s 110th Congress the opportunity to pass pro-life legislation like the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and the Child Custody Protection Act.

    Whoever gets the most votes, wins. Make sure the pro-life candidates on your ballot get the most votes.”
    ___________

    I definitely don’t claim to be any kind of expert on politics, but I sure do feel strongly about the abortion issue. The ACLJ is another organization that fights for the unborn in the political realm–they’re a good one to get information from: http://www.aclj.org
    I totally support the work they do–check them out if you’re interested!

    Tracy

  • kitsune

    I agree with the parties thing, and I will never vote a straight ticket.That being said, I have NEVER missed an election (I’m just 22). Quote from “Jeff”:”Nice post. I’ve actually decided to stop voting from now on because of stuff like you just mentioned.”That is a terrible veiwpoint. By not going to vote, you are supporting the candidates you most disagree with. Donny isn’t advocating not voting, he’s advocating thinking about who to vote for. Voting is very important, and I would question your discernment if you think God doesn’t want you to vote.(I agree with you that it is an excelent post, thanks Donny)

  • kitsune

    I agree with the parties thing, and I will never vote a straight ticket.

    That being said, I have NEVER missed an election (I’m just 22). Quote from “Jeff”:

    “Nice post. I’ve actually decided to stop voting from now on because of stuff like you just mentioned.”

    That is a terrible veiwpoint. By not going to vote, you are supporting the candidates you most disagree with. Donny isn’t advocating not voting, he’s advocating thinking about who to vote for. Voting is very important, and I would question your discernment if you think God doesn’t want you to vote.

    (I agree with you that it is an excelent post, thanks Donny)

  • Anonymous

    Roe v. Wade took the abortion decision from the States and made it a federal issue with the premise that outlawing abortion was a violation of our constitutional right to privacy. The decision was built on a fairly weak foundation, and it should not be that difficult to at least envision how it could one day be overturned. Then, it will again be left up to the individual States. Abortion would not immediately become illegal as many people believe it would.JBR

  • Anonymous

    Roe v. Wade took the abortion decision from the States and made it a federal issue with the premise that outlawing abortion was a violation of our constitutional right to privacy. The decision was built on a fairly weak foundation, and it should not be that difficult to at least envision how it could one day be overturned. Then, it will again be left up to the individual States. Abortion would not immediately become illegal as many people believe it would.

    JBR

  • Donny

    JBR:Are you the JBR I’ve conversed with from time to time through the years? The one who would also be familiar another fellow that uses the nickname “xl1ken” ?

  • Donny

    JBR:

    Are you the JBR I’ve conversed with from time to time through the years? The one who would also be familiar another fellow that uses the nickname “xl1ken” ?

  • Anonymous

    Excellent memory. DP! Good ol’ xl1ken . . . and let’s not leave out webuild! (-: He’ll track you down!Drop me a line:reeves.brent@gmail.comJBR

  • Anonymous

    Excellent memory. DP! Good ol’ xl1ken . . . and let’s not leave out webuild! (-: He’ll track you down!

    Drop me a line:
    reeves.brent@gmail.com

    JBR

  • http://WWW.myspace.com/yourherohutch Hutch

    umm.. yeah so i totally agree on this issue.. i don’t vote republican based on my personal morals i vote Republican because i agree with their financial stand on taxes and business…

  • http://WWW.myspace.com/yourherohutch Hutch

    umm.. yeah so i totally agree on this issue.. i don’t vote republican based on my personal morals i vote Republican because i agree with their financial stand on taxes and business…

  • Kristen

    I know you said this years ago, but i agree. I’m tired of people voting or judging who you voted for based on gay rights and abortion. It’s pitiful and neither are going away.

    Second, I don’t think Jesus would have hated anything other than the hypocrisy that is going on in the world and in this country all in his name. People need to be better educated on abortion…taught that it is killing something, and if republicans wanted to do something about it…well Bush was in there for a good few years…and it’s STILL an issue and he didn’t do anything about it.

  • Kristen

    I know you said this years ago, but i agree. I’m tired of people voting or judging who you voted for based on gay rights and abortion. It’s pitiful and neither are going away.

    Second, I don’t think Jesus would have hated anything other than the hypocrisy that is going on in the world and in this country all in his name. People need to be better educated on abortion…taught that it is killing something, and if republicans wanted to do something about it…well Bush was in there for a good few years…and it’s STILL an issue and he didn’t do anything about it.