HomeschoolrsRUs
06-09-2005, 12:10 AM
Another Perspective
Freedom to Choose to Refuse
By Doug Bandow (editor@spectator.org)
Published 6/9/2005 12:06:59 AM
Abortion, gay rights and marriage, euthanasia, and the like are among today's most contentious political issues. They tend to inflame people's worst emotions.
Choosing sides often isn't easy. For instance, no one should feel comfortable about having the state rebuff a woman's desire for an abortion, but the procedure destroys a human life. The government should not discriminate against gays, but marriage plays a unique role in providing a framework for child-rearing and family life.
What should be a simple decision is allowing people to say no, irrespective of the government's stance. If abortion is legal, no doctor should have to perform it. If assisted suicide is permissible, no medical professional should have to participate.
If gay relationships are left untouched by the authorities, no apartment owner should have to rent to a same-sex couple. If contraceptives are available like other medicines, no doctor should have to write a prescription nor any pharmacist have to fill one.
In short, if "choice" is a virtue, it should be a virtue for everyone. Unfortunately, however, many liberal interest groups seem to believe that choice means allowing them to choose for everyone else.
THE LATEST CAUSE CELEBRE involves pharmacists who won't fill prescriptions for birth control or the "morning after" pill.
The rest of this (worth reading) article found here: The American Spectator (http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=8280)
Freedom to Choose to Refuse
By Doug Bandow (editor@spectator.org)
Published 6/9/2005 12:06:59 AM
Abortion, gay rights and marriage, euthanasia, and the like are among today's most contentious political issues. They tend to inflame people's worst emotions.
Choosing sides often isn't easy. For instance, no one should feel comfortable about having the state rebuff a woman's desire for an abortion, but the procedure destroys a human life. The government should not discriminate against gays, but marriage plays a unique role in providing a framework for child-rearing and family life.
What should be a simple decision is allowing people to say no, irrespective of the government's stance. If abortion is legal, no doctor should have to perform it. If assisted suicide is permissible, no medical professional should have to participate.
If gay relationships are left untouched by the authorities, no apartment owner should have to rent to a same-sex couple. If contraceptives are available like other medicines, no doctor should have to write a prescription nor any pharmacist have to fill one.
In short, if "choice" is a virtue, it should be a virtue for everyone. Unfortunately, however, many liberal interest groups seem to believe that choice means allowing them to choose for everyone else.
THE LATEST CAUSE CELEBRE involves pharmacists who won't fill prescriptions for birth control or the "morning after" pill.
The rest of this (worth reading) article found here: The American Spectator (http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=8280)