Both major political parties have had their say—the Republicans in Cleveland and the Democrats in Philadelphia. Now it’s up to you to decide which candidates, from local races to the Oval Office, will get your vote.
After all the millions of dollars spent on these conventions, the most important takeaway wasn’t featured in prime-time speeches or slick videos and ads. But it’s essential information for you to have, so I’ve briefly boiled it down for you.
As the president of a 501 (c) (3) organization, I can only go so far talking to you about political races. For example I can’t advocate for or against a political party or candidate, but what I can do is educate you and others on where the parties stand on the life issues!
The party platforms are comprehensive position paper on where they stand on a variety of issues of our day. And the Democrat and Republican parties couldn’t be more opposite on where they stand on abortion and related issues.
Here’s an excerpt of the Republican plank on abortion, “We assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental right to life which cannot be infringed. We support a human life amendment to the Constitution and legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections apply to children before birth.”
Here’s an excerpt of the Democrat plank on abortion, “Democrats are committed to protecting and advancing reproductive health, rights and justice. We believe unequivocally, like the majority of Americans, that every woman should have access to quality reproductive health care services, including safe and legal abortion—regardless of where she lives, how much money she makes, or how she is insured. We believe that reproductive health is core to women’s, men’s and young people’s health and wellbeing.”
See what I mean? Diametrically opposed.
And the differences don’t end there. What about judicial appointments, including the US Supreme Court?
The Democrats say, “We will appoint judges who defend the constitutional principles of liberty and equality for all, and will protect a woman’s right to safe and legal abortion.”
The Republicans say, “We support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life.”
Tax funding of Planned Parenthood is a particularly hot issue this political season, so let’s see where the two major political parties stand.
The Republicans tell us, “We oppose the use of public funds to perform or promote abortion or to fund organizations, like Planned Parenthood, so long as they provide or refer for elective abortions or sell fetal body parts rather than provide healthcare.”
The Democrats tell us, “We will continue to stand up to Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood health centers, which provide critical health services to millions of people.”
There’s more critical information, of course. That’s why I’ve developed an educational page on each party, very briefly quoting excerpts of their respective party planks on the life issues.
Additional categories include: Legislation, Affordable Care Act/Obamacare, End of Life and International.
These educational comparison pieces are on our website, available for you to share on social media and websites and with email lists. They’re also available in a downloadable, printable PDF that you give to fellow church members, neighbors, family, etc. who share your passion on the right to life of innocent human life.
In addition, I’ve added links to the complete platforms of both parties, Republican and Democrat, if you’re interested.
Your vote is critical in the presidential election, but don’t forget or underestimate the importance of local races. Remember that Barack Obama went from Illinois State Senator to President of the United States. Most politicians climb their own political ladder of success. Make sure they match your stand beginning on the bottom rung!
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