Random thoughts on SB-5

Get ready for a brain dump…

Let me start by saying that I’m anti-abortion. But while I was a bit more firm in my beliefs about abortion growing up, I now really wrestle with the issue and how it plays out in the lives of people across our country — and around the world.

I don’t really believe anyone is “pro-abortion” but I think we’ve come to a place where the debate has been over-simplified and become a battle between an unborn child and a woman’s choice. And I think we can all agree that as Americans we’re pretty proud of our “personal freedoms” and will fight to keep them whenever we believe their being infringed on.

Like most issues these days, the talking points make it an either-or issue.

And yet in reality, it no longer feels like the black and white issue both sides want to paint it as. (Read Rachel Held Evans great post on these ideas.)

I hate that any woman would be in a place where they would not feel they have the resources or ability to raise a child – regardless of it being planned or unplanned.

I hate that there are couples across the state and our country who are fighting infertility of their own and would gladly adopt an un-wanted child if a mother would simply choose to follow that path.

I hate that any divisive issue like this becomes a test of one’s “true faith” and that accusations are thrown around like, “How can you say you’re a true ___ if you don’t believe ___.”

I hate that as passions rise on any topic we’re far to quick to demonize the other side as evil monsters.

I hate that “pro-life” has become a single issue phrase and rarely takes in consideration life after birth (of the child, the mother or any others) in the public debate.

I’m glad that we’re not as barbaric as some cultures who simply left unwanted babies on the street to die or to be eaten by wild animals.

I’m glad we have organizations who are willing and do offer a helping hand to mothers in need. There’s a great one in downtown Dallas.

All that said – here are some other random observations from the circus surrounding SB-5 Bill in Texas.

I thought the tactic the Republicans used to limit abortions in the state and tie it in to the timely Kermit Gosnell case was interesting. I would probably say a politically smart maneuver. It reminded me of William Wilberforce’s tricky legislation to end slavery in England. “We’re not saying you can’t have an abortion – we’re just making it really hard to do so.”

From the conversations I’ve heard and been a part of, most conservatives would probably think the same thing about my suggested gun control measures. “I’m not saying you can’t have a gun — although we all know I’d much rather say that — I’m simply saying we should have some measures in place to be sure you’re the right person to own a gun.”

Using a special session to push through legislation at the last minute was also an interesting tact.

While the Republican tactics may have been a smart attempt to outlaw something, I would much rather see statesmen come together and find common ground on issues rather than use political maneuvering – regardless of the side or the viewpoint. Rather than trying to outfox the opponent, is it now impossible to get anything done through finding common ground?

One of the provisions of the law is that abortions must take place in surgical centers. I’m wondering if any hospitals give abortions? If they do that would seem to be a better scenario than going to a clinic somewhere that may not have any ties to a hospital at all.

Making abortion illegal won’t stop people from having abortions (see previous gun control debates) but it will limit the accessibility.

If abortion is outlawed in the US what happens to the mothers who still choose to have an abortion? Will they be sent to jail? Will they join the other 500 people who have been executed by the State of Texas since 1982?

Why does it feel like Texas Republicans are so against providing a safety net or welfare system to individuals and then also limiting their access to abortion? To me it feels like they’re saying, “If you can’t dig yourself out of your own hole, we’re not going to help you. And if you’re a woman and you end up pregnant – you’re double screwed because you’re going to have to raise that kid without any help.”

And at the same time – the father of the unwanted child is usually completely off the hook.

What does that say to women? A group of legislatures (predominately men) making laws that won’t ever personally affect them.

Also, if you’re really going to be against abortions, shouldn’t you be in support of making contraceptives more accessible? The less pregnancies there are to begin with – the less un-wanted pregnancies there are and ultimately the less abortions there are.

SB-5 would have set a new limit on how late in a pregnancy an abortion can take place – 20 weeks. I’m unclear as to why anyone would need beyond 12 weeks to have an abortion (except in cases of medical emergencies). But like the gun debate, when you start talking any limitations the opposing side will get up in arms at the suggestion of any limitations on their rights.

I’ve seen a number of people comment how horrible it was that an unruly mob ruined true democracy. I think if the shoe were on the other foot – the other side would be saying the same thing – but again that’s hard to say for sure in our current Texas climate because the GOP has had control of the legislature for as long as I can remember.

From my limited perspective, I thought the “mob” was quite orderly until Senator Van de Putte (who had buried her father earlier in the day) raised the issue with the presiding Senate president that she had not been recognized before he tried to force a vote. Her comment, “At what point must a female senator raise her voice to be recognized by her male colleagues?” seemed to be the trigger that set the gallery off.

The legislature considered restoring funding to women health providers during the regular session that had been cut during the 2011 session. They began to realize that cutting women’s health resources might not be such a good thing in the long run.

But in the end – I want to see more mothers (and fathers) getting the help they need to raise their children so we can have less abortions, less violence, less generational poverty, less murders, less death row executions, less war and less hatred.

Is that so hard to ask? 😉

And as I mentioned Tuesday night on Twitter – no hearts were changed in the making of this legislation… or this blog post.

A stormy night in Forney

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Laurie and IDiddy hunkered down in the tub

Well there’s always a first for everything… And last night was one of those nights.

Our area was hit with what seemed like wave after wave after wave of storms last night with a number or reported tornados.

As the storms approached, the threat didn’t seem too bad, but after several of the severe storm cells passed to the north of us, one was reported roughly 20 miles south of us.
Continue reading A stormy night in Forney

Civil liberties need a strong education

Blundell and Gov. Rick Perry
Gov. Rick Perry and I after a 2006 interview | Photo by Perry staff member

Amid budget shortfalls and huge cuts predicted in public education (K-12 and higher ed) it’s interesting that I came across this bit from The Texas Declaration of Independence.

it is an axiom in political science, that unless a people are educated and enlightened, it is idle to expect the continuance of civil liberty, or the capacity for self government

The statement was made in support of Texas’ reasons from seceding from Mexico, citing no educational system had been put in place in Texas at the time, even though the resources where definitely there.

Porcelain Dolls continues it’s work in Waco

Porcelain Dolls

Just in time for Valentines day…

My friends Kari McHam and Jana Vanderburg have just put together a short video detailing some of the work their doing — caring for and loving on the women in Waco’s adult entertainment industry.

Through Porcelain Dolls, they’ve built a number of real relationships with the “un-loved” in their community and have witnessed some serious life changes in some of the women as well.

Over the weekend the girls took part in a Valentine’s Day outreach and also recently gave away 3 computers to several girls who are trying to further their education.

I’m so proud of their efforts in stepping out and loving the unloved!

Watch the video and consider how you might get involved to help…

Find out more on Facebook, Myspace or donate online.

You can also listen to Kari’s story and Jana’s story on the podcast.

UPDATE: I love how my dad shared this video on Facebook…

I met some people who regularly go to strip clubs. I want you to meet them, too.

I’m not buying it – The Super Bowl & Sex Trade

I'm Not Buying It
I'm Not Buying It | traffick911.com

Traffick911 in the Dallas area has launched a number of PSAs just in time for the Super Bowl to raise awareness and to help fight human trafficking.

According to recent stats, 15% of all phone calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline come from Texas and it’s estimated that an event like the Super Bowl will bring hundreds (if not thousands) of young girls to the area for the sole purpose of being prostituted to the football enthusiasts.
Continue reading I’m not buying it – The Super Bowl & Sex Trade

Weekend photo walk

Terrell 2010 photo walkers

This weekend, I enjoyed exploring neighboring Terrell, Texas with my camera and a few folks from around the area.

We took part in a photo walk, organized by Brian Stout, which is essentially a bunch of people with an interest in photography get together to walk around an area and take photos.

There are no set rules and no certain skill sets required — just enjoy the views and snap away with your camera.
Continue reading Weekend photo walk