Our Very Own Wedge Issues

[ruggerson]

Someone tell me why progressives in each state don't mobilize to pass individual constitutional amendments preventing the criminalization of abortion.

We would have overwhelming public support, split the Repubs right down the middle and really screw Bush over in his attempt to stack the Supreme Court with anti choice religious zealots.

And to top it off, it would GET OUR PEOPLE TO THE POLLS.

Why don't we take the offensive? Why don't NARAL or the pro choice groups mobilize to do this?

[iamjoy]

1. Don't Have Enough Support (eom)

[ruggerson]

8. Couldn't disagree more

something like 70% + of Americans are moderately pro choice. That is they would support an amendment if written not too broadly.

[JDPriestly]

2. Criminalizatoin of abortion is already unconstitutional

Putting it on the ballot would suggest that it could be criminalized. That's the problem.

[farmbo]

5. You're missing the point...that's why its a wedge issue...

Gay marriage was outlawed in Ohio and most other battleground states, but Rove orchestrated constitutional ballot initiatives anyway.

Most people do not appreciate the difference (between constitutional initiatives and statutory law) in the first place... And it shocks your supporters into coming out to the polls

[ruggerson]

6. The rightwing is pushing to have Roe V Wade overturned

So, why not do state by state constitutional amendments that would prevent an individual state from criminalizing or recriminalizing abortion?

Could be very simple:

The state shall not pass any law prohibiting or preventing a woman from obtaining an abortion during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. The state considers abortion to be a private matter between a woman and her doctor.

Just a draft. But you get the idea.

[Inland]

3. I'm all for wedge issues.

Fact is, we are on the majority if the issue is framed right.

An amendment preventing criminal penalties for women obtaining abortions is an easy sell.

[AndyTiedye]

9. Nothing Is Ever Framed Right For US

because the "framing" is done by the media, and we know what that means.

It doesn't matter what we say if nobody hears it.

[ClassWarrior]

13. NOBODY hears it?

I'm sorry, but it really bothers me when people speak in absolutes like that. Just because we don't own the media, that doesn't mean we live in a vacuum, fercripesake! It just means Progressives need to be more creative, more persistent, and harder working. And we are anyway, so it's a natural. If we're committed to reframing the debate and getting the message out, we can be like the million ants that ate the elephant.

And DON'T EVER say "it doesn't matter." Shame on you. Nothing matters more.

NGU.

[farmbo]

4. Also a Clean Elections Initiative:1) verifiable ballots 2)non-partisan SOS

3)statewide proportional allocation of voting machines 4)burdon of proof on the government to prove legitimacy upon voter challenge 5) machine manufacturers cannot contribute to parties or candidates 6) open source software.

Let's tee 'em up!

[ruggerson]

7. Those are great too

but we need WEDGE issues that will divide Republicans and which we can win. This is a perfect one.

[RubyCat]

10. There's so much we can do, but none of our leaders are courageous or

organized enough to take any action.

For instance, a good wedge issue would be to propose a ban on polygamy in Utah. Utah is a red state, but has a lot of polygamists which they justify using the bible. You can embarass the crap out of the fundies by putting this issue on the ballot and force them to condemn gay marriage but defend polygamy.

[Jesus Saves]

11. minimum wage laws, too.

don't forget those.

[KharmaTrain]

12. Corporate Media Will Destroy It...

The right wing confuses abortion and birth control with sex. In their mindmeld, by outlawing abortion somehow their little daughter will be the vestigal virgin when the xtian in shiny armor comes riding up and they go off into monogomous bliss.

This isn't about the real world and neither is our corporate media. They'd take this issue and turn it into how immoral Democrats are (since we'd rather make love than war), weak and gonna force all those red state daughters to have sex, with or without a black man, become gay and become an athiest. This is a perverted titlation these people have that defies common sense and human nature, but it's the "prevailing opinion" these days, if you judge it by the corporately controled media.

As a strong state's right's person, I've always had a problem with the federal getting involved in abortion or any social issue...even though I firmly support a woman's right to choose. I think these issues were best kept at the state level (which was happening anyway) and while some state would never legalize abortion (the ones that make it all but impossible to get it), there would be states that would permit it and the federal couldn't stick their noses into it.

25 years ago there was an attempt to do for women what Abraham Lincoln and JFK had done for the blacks...write into constitution laws that codified women as men's equal in employement and other opportunities. What could be wrong with that? It's what first energized the right wing...Weyrich, Shafly, Viguerie and the like cut their teeth on this baby and, even though it passed out of the House & Senate (both Democrat controlled) to the states, it died there. Your idea wouldn't even get on the agenda of a House committee.

If you want these rights safegaurded, the best and quickest way is to ensure Democrats are elected to the House and strong local parties are there to support candidates and run effective, winning campaigns.

[AndyTiedye]

14. Some Women Would Have to Travel 1000s of Miles to Get a Legal Abortion

Obviously, many women could not afford that, and would likely resort to more desperate measures.