“I feel sorrow for the Tiller family. I respect the sanctity of life and the tragedy that took place today in Kansas clearly violates respect for life. This murder also damages the positive message of life, for the unborn, and for those living. Ask yourself, ‘What will those who have not yet decided personally where they stand on this issue take away from today’s [May 31, 2009] event in Kansas?’ (Palin, 2009, ¶1)
Regardless of my strong objection to Dr. Tiller’s abortion practices, violence is never an answer in advancing the pro-life message” (Palin, 2009, ¶2).
Commentary
Governor Palin addressed this issue on so many levels in just two paragraphs. First, on a logical level it defeats the purpose of pro-life to kill a gynecologist who provides abortions, or in this case late-term abortions. Second, we live under a socialist administration, whose Department of Homeland Security just two months ago issued a report which classified those who have a single-issue focus on abortion as being a potential threat. All Tiller’s murderer accomplished was giving this administration a “see I told you so!” moment. It certainly did not help advance the pro-life cause. Third, it gives the anti-gun crowd yet another reason to go after our guns, though not referenced in Governor Palin’s statement. Fourth, using violence to achieve a political end is the textbook definition of terrorism. The way to advance pro-life causes is through the ballot box — and through legitimate means.
While we’re on the subject of advancing the pro-life cause, this might be a good time to take stock and consider if what we do truly advances this cause. It’s very easy to say “I’m pro-life.” How many of us who claim to be pro-life donate to organizations that help pregnant women either care for their children once born or put their children up for adoption? The incentive to have an abortion is often financial, or just knowledge of being completely unready to be a parent. We should consider our tactics too. Running through the streets with photos of aborted fetuses does not exactly endear people to our cause.
The Constitution neither permits nor prohibits abortion. Regardless of one’s personal views on it, it’s an issue the government should stay out of — at least at the federal level.
The pro-life cause has no better advocates than Governor Palin and her daughter Bristol. Both did not merely preach it — they practiced it. Fully 90% of mothers abort Down Syndrome pregnancies. Governor Palin is one of the 10% who did not. Bristol, likewise kept her baby when abortion certainly was a rather convenient alternative. When Governor Palin became the VP candidate, without saying a word about abortion, she advanced the pro-life cause more than anyone has in years. Those of us who are pro-life and want to learn how to advance this cause — you have your teacher. Just follow her lessons.
References
Palin, S.L.H. (2009, June 1). SarahPAC. Retrieved June 2, 2009 from: http://www.sarahpac.com/news/news32.aspx
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