Weekly Standard Applauds Obama's Abortion Stance

[DrFunkenstein]

Here is a positive op-ed from the Weekly Standard on Obama's candidacy. This is a perfect example of why I am a big Obama supporter and an illustration of what I love about DU. Obama does not change his position to bring more people to the table. He acknowledges the human dignity of others, even if they are misguided or dead wrong.

Most people are shocked at such acknowledgement, since they are used to thinking that life is about building walls and defending them. But they are also thankful for such acknowledgement and willing to lower those defenses. Once those defenses are lowered, reason and exchange can take over with civility. When that happens, when decisions are made calmly and not out of fear and frustration, then liberalism wins.

That is a lesson that liberals and so-called moderates could all learn from. I applaud Obama for the much-needed reminder.

------------

A few minutes after Obama took the stage, a group of about a dozen protesters in the balcony interrupted him, chanting, "Abortion is abomination!" This sort of thing happens all the time at political events. Sometimes the intruders are the "community of peacemakers" who call themselves Code Pink, sometimes they're LaRouchies. When anti-abortion folks disrupt an event, the response is usually the same: The pro-abortion audience heckles the banner-wielding protesters; the speaker tosses off a barb or two; security escorts the demonstrators away; and the audience cheers, partly in self-satisfaction, partly in derision at the rubes who think babies are not choices.

But at the Obama event, something extraordinary happened. The protesters chanted "Abortion is abomination!" Obama lost his place in his speech and stared up into the balcony, looking to see who was interrupting him. The crowd began booing lustily, and suddenly Obama turned on them.

"There's no need to boo," he chastised them. After silencing the crowd, Obama turned back to the protesters and said he appreciated their point and would be happy to talk with them afterwards if they'd let him finish his speech. The protesters continued, and the crowd, thinking Obama simply didn't want them to be negative, tried shouting them down, chanting "Obama! Obama!"

At which point Obama turned on them again. "Hold up," he commanded. "This is an example of nobody hearing each other." The Obama partisans desisted once more. The anti-abortion chanters continued, and Obama tried to engage them. "For the folks who are opposed to abortion, I understand your position, but this isn't going to solve anything," he said plaintively. He gave them time to make their point, and eventually they were led away.

The crowd cheered wildly as the demonstrators were taken down the back staircase by the local police, and here Obama cut through the applause to lecture them one final time. "Let me just say this, though," he said. "Those people got organized to do that. And that is part of the American tradition we are proud of. And that's hard, too--standing in the midst of people who don't agree with you and letting your voice be heard." The audience, a bit stunned, didn't quite know what to make of this.

I didn't either. From my point of view, it would be much better if Barack Obama were willing to help protect the lives of the unborn. Still, his treatment of those protesters--and especially his treatment of his own supporters--spoke to his intellectual seriousness and his temperament, both of which seem to be first rate.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/weeklystandard/20080122/cm_weeklystandard/primarycolors_1

[Glorfindel]

1. That's right...let's all be reasonable, considerate, thoughtful,

and tolerant of the insane right wing. Look how far it's already got us!

[harun]

2. I applaud his stance as well (n/t)

[rodeodance]

3. Senator Clinton's Position On Abortion And Personal Freedom

http://www.votehillary.org/CMS/node/71



Senator Clinton's Position On Abortion And Personal Freedom

1. Senator Clinton wants our nation to continue being a country of freedom for men and women. In other countries the government has placed strict rules on the decisions of women to have children. She does not want this to be the case in this nation that has always been proud of its freedom, which is not only for men, but women as well.

2. Senator Clinton feels that abortion should be a safe, legal procedure, but not an act that happens excessively. For years, she has pushed for funding of programs that teach about safe sex, not just abstinence, as well as ways to make access to emergency contraception easier. It is Senator Clinton’s hope that such access to EC will spread in such a way that it’ll be of easier access to women in the armed forces serving overseas as well.

3. During her time as First Lady, Senator Clinton helped found the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This organization was able to spread knowledge about safe sex and resulted in a major decrease of the teen pregnancy rate.

4. A major investment in the teaching of family planning will make a dramatic difference in the number of unwanted pregnancies in our nation. According to Senator Clinton, "…for every $1 spent on family planning, the Medicaid program saves $3 in pregnancy and birth-related cost." These few dollars will make quite a difference over time.

5. Senator Clinton has protested against the Bush Administration in dealing with victims of rape and sexual assault. These are the people that are in need of the EC in a timely fashion. Making this drug one that is available over the counter, will bring the number of unwanted pregnancies down even more.

6. "…use of EC prevented more than 50,000 abortions. Since that time, sales of EC have grown dramatically and researchers estimate that if made available over the counter, emergency contraception could prevent as many as half of the 3 million unintended pregnancies in the U.S." Senator Clinton, along with Senator Murray, both have questioned the FDA’s continued delays of providing a distinct ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer as to whether or not EC will be made available OTC.

7. In 2004, the FDA did not approve the OTC sales of Plan B EC and it was later determined that these decisions were made from political opinions and not based on the scientific facts. Senator Clinton and Murray both feel that the FDA needs to make a right and just decision based on the facts of Plan B, which so far prove that it is a safe and effective method of EC, instead of relying on political motivators. Decisions made in such a way cause the FDA to lose their credibility as a decision maker on the safe usage of drugs.

8. Senator Clinton wants to bolster the ways in which our nation spreads knowledge of safe sex and contraception to our young people and adults, in hopes to bring down the numbers of unwanted pregnancies and abortions. However, if such a case calls for an abortion, women should have the freedom to carry out such an act, first set with Roe v. Wade.

Sources:
http://clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=248085
http://clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=248701
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/Women/
http://clinton.senate.gov/issues/women/

[robbedvoter]

19. What? No prayer?

[DrFunkenstein]

25. Obama: "Its's never been more important to protect a woman’s right to choose."

Thirty-five years after the Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade, it’s never been more important to protect a woman’s right to choose. Last year, the Supreme Court decided by a vote of 5-4 to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban, and in doing so undermined an important principle of Roe v. Wade: that we must always protect women’s health. With one more vacancy on the Supreme Court, we could be looking at a majority hostile to a women’s fundamental right to choose for the first time since Roe v. Wade. The next president may be asked to nominate that Supreme Court justice. That is what is at stake in this election.

Throughout my career, I’ve been a consistent and strong supporter of reproductive justice, and have consistently had a 100% pro-choice rating with Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Moreover, I believe in and have supported common-sense solutions like increasing access to affordable birth control to help prevent unintended pregnancies. In the Illinois state Senate, when Congress failed to require insurance plans to cover FDA-approved contraceptives, I made sure those contraceptives were covered for women in Illinois.

In the U.S. Senate, I've worked with Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) on a bill that would make birth control more affordable for low-income and college women, and introduced the Senate version of Representative Hilda Solis’ bill to reduce unintended pregnancies in communities of color.

As President, I will improve access to affordable health care and work to ensure that our teens are getting the information and services they need to stay safe and healthy.

But we also know that Roe v. Wade is about more than a woman’s right to choose; it’s about equality. It’s about whether our daughters are going to have the same opportunities as our sons. And so to truly honor that decision, we need to update the social contract so that women can free themselves, and their children, from violent relationships; so that a mom can stay home with a sick child without getting a pink slip; so that she can go to work knowing that there’s affordable, quality childcare for her children; and so that the American dream is within reach for every family in this country.

http://women.barackobama.com/page/content/WFOhome

[Jamastiene]

4. OMG

:puke:

Repuke asskisser. That's what he really is.

[hayu_lol]

8. I cannot believe that anyone from DU would, at this point in time, ...

use the WEAKLY STANDARD as an acceptable source for anything. It ranks right up there with the now defunct American Spectator(Richard Mellon Scaife).

It is somewhat like all the posters who use Matthews as a reliable source...he hasn't been a reliable source in years.

[Cha]

13. Your canned outrage is

noted.

[MADem]

16. I agree, and the only line in that piece I enjoyed was this one

....taken down the back staircase by the local police,.....

Of course, THE POLITICO, which was set up by the far, FAR rightwing ALBRITTON Communications Group, is frequently cited here as well, with dewy-eyed sincerity, too.


You know what they say about people who don't know history...they're condemned to repeat it...!

[old guy]

21. Right on.

it has a weekly circulation of about 83k and the average income of subscribers is over 190k. Not exactly a mag for the general populace so who cares what they say. They preach only to their "clergy".

[Occam Bandage]

5. And so do Planned Parenthood and NARAL. This is why Obama will be a transformative President.

[ShortnFiery]

6. Yes, screw the poor and gain full realization of a Corporate One World Order as long as

we can place Abortion and other "wedge issues" on the front burner? :crazy:

Don't you think that once Obama is elected that he will LISTEN to the thoughts of his more liberal advisers? I have faith that he will listen.

I personally don't believe in abortion but I don't claim that "my view" should rule everyone elses life. :thumbsdown: In the USA we've always upheld "freedom of choice." Therefore, truly religious people should NOT try to legislate a pro-life stance, they should work from within the community to promote the belief within *the individual.*

It's IMO unfair to JUDGE Obama based on his "personal views" because he's NOT a Republican, i.e., he is open to change and modification of his personal views ... also he will do what "The People" want, not himself personally.

[Perky]

7. This is what makes him great

It does not have to be us against them all the time.... He did not vieve the protesters an inch. But he was respecful and said something that we all need to hear. We have to listen more than we have to yell.


That is incredibly appealing to the middle of the country,

[THUNDER HANDS]

9. the people who don't get why this is important never will

but for those that do, it is a vital piece of information about who this person is.

[cali]

41. no kidding.

but then thoughtful isn't particularly popular- either at DU or anyplace else. More and more, I think of another great candidate from Illinois when I hear Obama: Adlai Stevenson.

[DJ13]

10. The neocons WANT a Hillary nomination

So if they have to get a neocon magazine to start praising Obama to help Hillary, they will.

When are you people going to realize two things about this?

The GOP has had plans in place for years now in how to run a successful campaign against Hillary.

And with Hillary drawing a large portion of her financing from the same sources as the GOP has over the last 10 years, the neocons have set it up so in the end they cant lose.........so long as its Hillary in the GE, not Obama.

[Barack_America]

11. Uh oh...I think I feel a Clinton slam coming on...

"Let me just say this, though," he said. "Those people got organized to do that. And that is part of the American tradition we are proud of. And that's hard, too--standing in the midst of people who don't agree with you and letting your voice be heard."

Now, let's hack this statement apart, Clinton-style.

"Senator Obama recently said that we should be proud of the American tradition of organized anti-abortion protests"

Any bets on when we hear this?
-Tomorrow?
-Friday?
-Just before Super Tuesday?

[MH1]

12. This is going to fly way over the heads of a lot of people here

But it is also a big reason I like Obama, and why I think he can win.

It's spelled R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

[Barack_America]

14. Ain't that true and ain't that sad.

That this is where we are as a country. Pitted against one another, having forgotten to respect those who disagree with us.

I think that Obama's behavior and attitude regarding this incident was beautiful.

[readmoreoften]

29. If you want the neocons in the tent, who DON'T you want?

This would be like Halliburton singing the praises of John Edwards. If you like Harry Reid and Nacy Pelosi's congress, you'll LOVE OBAMA...

[Colobo]

15. Viva Obama!

[robbedvoter]

17. MSM REALLY wants to face Hillary in the GE! Weekly Standard, AKA - Arkansas Project

[Perky]

35. Oh Please. The common tactic of Obama-haters

Oh Please. The common tactic of Obama-haters seems to be if you don't have a response to the message... Kill the messenger.

It's old. It is unimaginative.. It is intellectually dishonest. And it really cheapens the process. How about arguing the issue raised rather than this juvenile misdirection!

[Cha]

18. That was poignant..

Examples of human kindness never fail to get me emotional.

Well stated Dr Funk!

[DrFunkenstein]

26. Thanks, Z!

Easy political points vs. opening people's hearts?

:toast:

[Cha]

30. Obama doesn't take

the easy way..I'm so glad he and Edwards are in this race although the primary suspense is killin' me.

:toast:

[rinsd]

20. So the Weekly Standard being happy that Obama is willing to sell out his own is a good thing?

:shrug:

[Kittycat]

23. You disagree that we need to be more organized?

[MH1]

24. Being respectful to those who disagree with you is "selling out"?

Boy is this country in trouble.

[rinsd]

27. Not seeing the propaganda puked forth by the Weekly Standard is why this country is in trouble.

[Perky]

36. Oh Please. The common tactic of Obama-haters

Oh Please. The common tactic of Obama-haters seems to be if you don't have a response to the message... Kill the messenger.

It's old. It is unimaginative.. It is intellectually dishonest. And it really cheapens the process. How about arguing the issue raised rather than this juvenile misdirection!

[Kittycat]

22. Another thing you'll notice...

He didn't shout back, or engage them in any manner of disrespect. In doing so, he took their voice away without so much as a wave of his hand. He offered them the time to discuss with him, but instead they wanted to scream and be disruptive. He made a point, not just to say that they were organized and we need to be better organized (which is the truth) - but in silence, he made a point to put himself on a plane above the shouting nonsense taking place. The protesters were minimized and made to look as fools. They rejected the opportunity to engage with any amount of civility.

[madrchsod]

31. unfortunately to many people do not understand that concept.

you are talking into the wind

[Kittycat]

32. Especially in the Spin Zone that this place has become lately :(

[readmoreoften]

28. If the quintessential neoconservative rag "The Weekly Standard" likes Obama, he must be great!

:crazy:


More props from the neocons for the big B-O, huh? Great.

[Perky]

34. Oh Please. The common tactic of Obama-haters seems to be

Oh Please. The common tactic of Obama-haters seems to be if you don't have a response to the message... Kill the messenger.

It's old. It is unimaginative.. It is intellectually dishonest. And it really cheapens the process. How about arguing the issue raised rather than this juvenile misdirection!

[boston bean]

33. This article sounds like a passage in the bible.

He held his hand up and commanded to his people that we must listen to one another.

:wtf:

It's written like Obama is Moses or something.

[jackson_dem]

37. He isn't?

[jackson_dem]

38. The Wall Street Journal defended him a few days ago too...

[redqueen]

39. And the National Review says the GOP is "afraid" of him.

Pattern?

:think:

[Sparkly]

40. How is that about his abortion stance?

I think the appreciation was for his willingness to listen to the protesters. :shrug: