Action vs talk - George Carlin on the anti-abortion movement

[Tradd]

Yesterday was the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. I came across this Carlin quote last night while searching for something else. It actually does a pretty good job of describing a good many people I know or have encountered online. I won't actually quote it - the language is typical Carlin.

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/George_Carlin

Scroll down to the "Back in Town" section, and then the relevant quote is the paragraph right underneath it.

Yes, I'm a theologically conservative Christian, but I'll be voting for Obama again this fall. Social welfare programs that might actually help reduce the abortion rate are a danged sight more useful than marching around and doing little else.

[mtnlaurel]

Amen! Preach it George.

I am prime fodder for the Republican party, but because the reversal of Roe v. Wade is part of their platform I vote their way as little as possible.
I am an Independent with cafeteria style stances.
I was raised in what felt like the epicenter of this mindset Carlin describes and I just didn't get it and really still don't.

[catherine]

That's great. I wish George Carlin could have had a "news" show like Jon Stewart and Steve Colbert. He was so on-point most of the time. I've often wondered how many abortion protesters would actually volunteer to be responsible for the upbringing of the unwanted child they are so desperately trying to save.

[Alan]

I've often wondered how many abortion protesters would actually volunteer to be responsible for the upbringing of the unwanted child they are so desperately trying to save.

Isn't it a shame that even one "unwanted child" is destroyed? And further, that we would think negatively about those who don't want it to happen?

[mtnlaurel]

Isn't it a shame that even one "unwanted child" is destroyed? And further, that we would think negatively about those who don't want it to happen?

There are many things about this subject that 'are a shame' that is for certain.

[iris lily]

Oh good--another thread about abortion. This time I'm sure we'll solve it, and will all come together in peace and love and harmony. Oh wait--this is the SLN board where the religious bashing will soon commence. All "arguments" here are predictable.

For those who think the religious right who opposes abortion all march around without doing any practical good, they need to actually inform themselves of all of the mother-support services provided by the--to cite one example--Catholics. When I wondered into a nearby Catholic church in one of my 1X biennial trips, I heard their recitation of fundraising for mother-support and I was surprised that this was a charity center for this particular congregation which is well known for services to the (mostly male) homeless. It's really tiresome, this idea that there is no practical support, that only Nanny G and Big Govt and President Obama can solve your problem if you are female and pregnant and without means.

Let me also state for the record that I am not a believer, I am as pro-abortion as anyone on this board in my personal beliefs, and I will be voting Republican. Roe V Wade is an important decision but it's not THE defining issue for me.

[iris lily]

... I've often wondered how many abortion protesters would actually volunteer to be responsible for the upbringing of the unwanted child they are so desperately trying to save.

Seriously? Do ya know how much in demand tiny new babies are? If only bulldogs were that popular we wouldn't see our placement rate up a bazillion percent this year!
We are in a sellers market with babies and any one baby would have scads of parents wanting to raise it.

I am not saying that adiption is the universal answer to an unwanted pregnancy, but it's certainly the answer to your argument.

[Tradd]

Iris, I was referring to individuals I actually have encountered. I know folks who like to gab about how many people they help send to the March for Life or go pray and demonstrate outside a Planned Parenthood clinic. Or their contributions to politicsl candidates/lobbyinh groups But when asked what concrete things they have done - volunteer, give money to organizations that help those in need - their answer is *nothing.*

If these folks I know (from different religious backgrounds) actually coupled their marching and political activity with concrete action to help both single mothers, the babies, and others in need, that's one thing. But a large number of them do not.

What set me off was the amount of stuff on my Facebook newsfeed yesterday about the March yesterday.

[folkypoet]

Social welfare programs that might actually help reduce the abortion rate are a danged sight more useful than marching around and doing little else.

[catherine]

Isn't it a shame that even one "unwanted child" is destroyed? And further, that we would think negatively about those who don't want it to happen?

Alan, just to clarify, I agree with you. Because of my beliefs in the sanctity of life, I oppose the death penalty, stem cell research, and I'm vegetarian. What's more, I once had a pregnancy test in an abortion clinic, ready to have one because I was probably the most unfit mother there was at that time. But something divine spoke to me and by some miracle I listened, and as a result I have been blessed with one of the greatest gifts of my life: a beautiful, intelligent, funny, kind, compassionate, wonderful daughter who has taught me the meaning of the word hope.

But that was my choice, and it doesn't negate my feeling that there are a lot of people out there who protest and demonize women, but who are unwilling to take part in the solutions that will minimize the tragedy of abortion from occurring.


ETA: Iris Lily, thanks for the shout-out to the Catholic church. They deserve it.