Now that we know who’s who amongst those running for president, I have decided to begin posting my thoughts on certain issues and comparing my views with what the respective presidential candidates feel on the same issue. I will be using the questions found on the VoteMatch quiz on this website. I have used this site before to get exposure on some of the minor candidates that run for president, if only because I live in a state that will go Democrat in November by a 3 to 2 margin at least. My one vote for some minor candidate might help that party garner some support for future elections, as well as federal campaign funds that will greatly assist them. So, without further comment, we move onto some issues:
1) Abortion is a woman’s right
My view: Of course it is a woman’s right. It is her body and she should be able to make any decision with it she chooses. I often compare the decision of abortion to getting a piercing or a tattoo; if someone chooses to get a tattoo or piercing, they can do it and the government says nothing. The same should be said of abortion. No exceptions, no reason needed. That said, however, abortion should not be used as birth control. I am a proponent of full sexual education in public school, so when these hooligan kids we are raising these days decide to have sex, they know the consequences and how to prevent them.
Barack Obama’s View: “Barack Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision in that case.”
Also: “Barack Obama is an original co-sponsor of legislation to expand access to contraception, health information and preventive services to help reduce unintended pregnancies. Introduced in January 2007, the Prevention First Act will increase funding for family planning and comprehensive sex education that teaches both abstinence and safe sex methods. The Act will also end insurance discrimination against contraception, improve awareness about emergency contraception, and provide compassionate assistance to rape victims.”
John McCain’s View: “John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench. Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, returning the abortion question to the individual states. The difficult issue of abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat. However, the reversal of Roe v. Wade represents only one step in the long path toward ending abortion. Once the question is returned to the states, the fight for life will be one of courage and compassion – the courage of a pregnant mother to bring her child into the world and the compassion of civil society to meet her needs and those of her newborn baby. The pro-life movement has done tremendous work in building and reinforcing the infrastructure of civil society by strengthening faith-based, community, and neighborhood organizations that provide critical services to pregnant mothers in need. This work must continue and government must find new ways to empower and strengthen these armies of compassion. These important groups can help build the consensus necessary to end abortion at the state level. As John McCain has publicly noted, “At its core, abortion is a human tragedy. To effect meaningful change, we must engage the debate at a human level.”
Match: Hmm…I guess it looks like I’m with Obama on this one.
2) Require companies to hire more women & minorities
My view: I am a supporter of business and industry, and I don’t think companies should be mandated to hire more women and minorities. If somebody is qualified, hire them. If they are not, don’t. We shouldn’t worry about the color of their skin or what they pack under their clothes. It’s all about production and capability, people. But if a person is descriminated against, they should be able to pursue some sort of restitution.
Obama’s View: “Obama will work to overturn the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that curtails racial minorities’ and women’s ability to challenge pay discrimination. Obama will also pass the Fair Pay Act to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.”
McCain’s View: Couldn’t really find anything similar to this, though he did choose a female to be his Vice Presidential candidate.
Match: No exact match, but this isn’t really a big deal for me anyway. Affirmative action was needed once upon a time…not so much anymore.
3) Sexual Orientation Protected By Civil Rights Laws
My View: This kind of goes back to the whole abortion thing. If you want to have a different sexual orientation then what is “normal,” so be it. It is your choice. But you also shouldn’t be punished for making that choice. I feel that same-sex couples should be afforded at least equal protection under law in regards to health insurance, retirement benefits, taxes, survivor benefits, etc. Should marriage be expanded to same sex couples? That is a state issue and should not be regulated by the federal government. As with any other forms of discrimination, if you are wronged, you should be able to pursue something to fix the wrong that was done to you.
Obama’s View: Obama opposes same-sex, but believes that the decision should be left to the states and supports civil unions and gay equality. Supports “strong civil unions,” not weak ones just to meet the requirement. He also believes that employer benefits should be able to be shared among same-sex couples.
McCain’s View: “The family represents the foundation of Western Civilization and civil society and John McCain believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. It is only this definition that sufficiently recognizes the vital and unique role played by mothers and fathers in the raising of children, and the role of the family in shaping, stabilizing, and strengthening communities and our nation. As with most issues vital to the preservation and health of civil society, the basic responsibility for preserving and strengthening the family should reside at the level of government closest to the people. In their wisdom, the Founding Fathers reserved for the States the authority and responsibility to protect and strengthen the vital institutions of our civil society. They did so to ensure that the voices of America’s families could not be ignored by an indifferent national government or suffocated through filibusters and clever legislative maneuvering in Congress.” So, he thinks marriage is only between a man and woman, and that it should be legislated at the state level as intended by the Consitution. So…
Match: I agree with both here, though Obama has said something that summarizes my thoughts: Marriage is not a human right, but anti-discrimination is. Tie goes to Obama.
That’s enough for now. I’ll add more next time. Stay tuned.
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