Crimes Against Humanity

 

 

Humanity who?

(by R.P.Edwards)

 

Crimes against humanity

But humanity

Who are they?

"People" perceived

By such as "we"

But others?

Thrown away...

 

 

The purposeful injury, to the point of death, of another "group" one feels inferior and not "worthy" of the rights and privileges "your" subset deserves. As good a definition as any for the oft used phrase, "Crimes against humanity." 

Oh, we have no qualms at the labeling of the villains associated with the heinous misdeeds of the past (slavery, the holocaust, aboriginal mistreatment etc), however, there are two open displays happening now (one fairly new, the other not) and they too deserve a hearing.

First; in the state I reside, during this "crisis" having to do with the "sickness" from the east (manufactured, in my eyes) there are certain "protocols" which seem to purposely push towards death those who dare not be, let's say, injected. Yes, even though there are a growing number of "treatments" that could help, at least early on, these are officially denied. Therefore, when the afflicted finally gets to the point of extremes (which some, unfortunately do) their likelihood of death increases. In other words, because of the government sanctioned denials...some will, and have died. This injustice needs attention, and I suspect this will happen when sanity resurfaces.

And the second; abortion. Or more accurately, infanticide. With modern determinants (although it wasn't hard to perceive already) the innocent "life" in the womb has been shown to be fully human and worthy of protection. However, under the classic definition of the "antagonist" there are some who will not acknowledge these "persons" and who therefore demand the "right" to exterminate them at will. 

So, as we ponder "Crimes against humanity" past, and hopefully expand our view to include the obvious inclusions now, the question arises, What will be done? We'll know soon enough.

The poem continues...

...So be careful, "Judge"

With your gavel high

And your verdict to proclaim

For for good or ill

Your actions will

FOREVER

Speak your name 

****

Meany Heads!

Visitors

(by R.P.Edwards)

Little scooters

Little feet

Child minds

And child speak

Yet wise enough

These winsome youth

Abortion kills

And that's the truth 

I thought they were attached to some of the regular sidewalk folk. Three young men--children of elementary age--riding their scooters about as the abortion clinic filled with beating hearts, soon to lose half.

However, these curious tots were NOT an add-on to a parent's zeal; no, they were just local residents up and about having fun in a non-electronic way (a novelty to be sure.) 

"Where are you from?" someone asked. 

"The other side of the viaduct. We're going to the park."

Well, before long this trio had the low-down as to the happenings at the slaughterhouse. They even saw one of those, "Oh, don't let children see that" signs that adults are so afraid of (you know, a graphic image that accurately depicts the doings in an abortion clinic). As a result they were duly disgusted and, with curious innocence they then tried to ride their wheels up to the entrance. They were summarily kicked off the property. 

"Meany heads!" was their pre-adolescent retort. And off they went, promising to revisit the place where children die at a later date. One was heard to say, "Better watch out, before they kill you."

Out of the mouth of babes.

****

Children died today

Evil's Hiding Place

(by R.P.Edwards)

Evil has a hiding place

It's in our lazy head

Believing lies that satan says

And children end up...dead

It was frigid cold (at least for us mid America thin-skinners). Probably 5 degrees or close. Northerners sneer at such above zero temps, but for me...it was cold.

I stood, and paced, and sang a bit for a little over an hour on the sidewalk. Women and men with abortion on their minds were streaming into The Hope Clinic for Women in Granite City, Illinois. A post-holiday rush. 

Oh, it's a monster. Hundreds of thousands have been slaughtered here, and the church, for the most part, slumbers. Week after week, after bloody week. And the church...slumbers.

Not that "I've" been a ball of fire on the subject. But, since I am keenly aware that the God of the Bible hates this sort of thing...I came. And, the Gospel was shared (by others on this day) and offers were made, and perhaps a few will change their minds and let their babies live.

Abortion is a terrible thing. AND to turn the hearts and minds of the remaining Christians into action (like the view on slavery once changed) the pulpits must burn. AND, perhaps with the end of the Johnson Amendment; perhaps they will.

Following is a song I wrote for a Pro-life songbook in the eighties. It didn't make the cut. I hope it inspires you enough...to share. 

P.S. Granite City is a town with great potential; but it cannot prosper while the children...cry.

****

HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON!

Judgment Coming

(by R.P.Edwards)

We should be careful

How we ascribe

To deity 

OUR way

Words are recorded

Records kept

And then comes 

Judgment Day

There's a large abortion clinic nearby (I mention it often). From time to time there is a fellow I know who will stand on the sidewalk (usually when the clinic is NOT open) and sing. He's usually not there very long, but for a few minutes he'll sing a few Christian songs and almost always include in the mix, The Battle Hymn of the Republic (you know, MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY...).

If queried about Lincoln's favorite song he'll say something like, "The evil that was behind slavery, is the same evil that is behind abortion."

"How so?"

"Because American Slave holders said that those of African descent were to be considered as less than human; things. AND, in the same way babies in the womb are considered as less than human; things to be disposed of. So, the song is appropriate; for the same evil is in play."

Logical. 

Enter the beginning of the Democratic National Convention. Before the first gavel a talented choir from an AME church (African Methodist Episcopal) sang three verses from said hymn. They did a fine job but, I must admit, I was taken aback. For, you see, the democratic party is the party of abortion. Hillary Clinton, in fact, champions it. 

So, I am now in "guess land." Did the fine Christian folk (for I assume they all love the Savior) not realize God's view of the affront (abortion)? Are they among those who think the deity is indifferent to the plight of the innocent?

I must admit, I sometimes puzzle at how so many of those who love the Redeemer can be so terribly mistaken in this one judgment-worthy area. But, I'll not question their sincerity or motivation. But I will add my opinion as to the placement of the song: I think it is nothing less than a prophetic proclamation aimed at the party of infanticide and, by extension, to the universal WE who do so little on behalf of the "least of these."

MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE COMING OF THE LORD

HE IS TRAMPLING OUT THE VINTAGE WHERE THE GRAPES OF WRATH ARE STORED

HE HATH LOOSED THE FATEFUL LIGHTENING OF HIS TERRIBLE SWIFT SWORD

HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON

****

Jihad; abortion is not an option

Hope Clinic, Illinois

Cordial Killing

(by R.P.Edwards)

Cordial killing

Nice and neat 

Until the Lord

Our judgment metes




When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them
(Koran 8:12)

¹⁷ Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
(Romans 12:17,18)

And so you see the difference. For "we" believers, who like some divine "backing" for our religious actions, the two writings above show the stark contrast between Biblical Christianity and Koranical (is that a word?) Islam. I'll side with the one that doesn't advocate killing.

However--and this is more along the lines of the lead-in poem--I was recently pondering our peculiarities when it comes to death and its administration. The setting: our local abortion clinic (shown above). Unusually warm for this time of year, business was good. Yes, a lot of folk coming to remove the in-utero inconveniences before Christmas and New Years. Some saints on the sidewalk were singing, praying, pleading, preaching. Believers on the other side were escorting the "clients" to the executioner's layer. For the most part, all was low key, predictable, repetitious.

So I mused a bit about the obvious: If the "radicalized" (devout, rather) Islamists wanted simply to kill Americans, then becoming an abortionist would be the way to go. Good pay. Respect in certain quarters. And only a few harmless barbs from "them" to deal with.  But, as their "book" instructs, "terror" is the thing. Terror motivates. And, as I observed, there was no terror on the lot this day. Murder, yes. Terror, no.

Conclusion? I never advocate terrorist-like activity, but, until Americans start to actually understand the evil that is abortion (like our ancestors who finally saw the light on the slavery issue) and let their passions rise a bit, I don't see much change happening. Cordial killing will continue unabated, week after week after bloody week. But, don't expect it to make the evening news any time soon. That slot is reserved for those pesky, unconventional, terror-desiring Jihadists.

**** 

 

Children beheaded in America

So easy

(by R.P.Edwards)

Unloved

Unrecognized

Slaughtered

At will

Children

As burdens

So easy

To kill

Beheaded. Yes, a loaded word; conveying images of middle-eastern fanatics doing the bidding of their god against infidels. 

We've seen it on the news and ad naseum on the cable channels. Evil ISIS, living out their twisted faith.

And, among the victims...little children. That really gets us. Sure, bad enough the adults get offed; but kids?

Well, this very morning I went down to the HUGE abortion facility in Granite City, IL and there, dear reader, beheadings were the order of the day. The difference here, OUR secular religion finds no offense.

It was unusually busy today and I suppose the holiday season is the reason. Pregnancies can be so inconvenient.The abortionist himself (usually in no rush) even he showed up early to attend to the overflow. AND, on the sidewalk, there were a few believers trying to dissuade; including one young lady who had been through the abortion process and warned of the consequences.

I'll not ramble on. But consider: in this one abortion clinic alone more Americans have died a violent death than expired in World War I, Korea, Vietnam and the recent mid-east happenings...COMBINED! In this one clinic.  And yet we're appalled at the barbarity of a few Muslims.  I think we need our "appaller" fixed.

Anyway, if my headline got you here; sorry...but not really. For, you see, it's time for us to rethink who we are as a people. Are we going to go the way of ISIS and continue in our selective barbarity? Or are we going to be truly civilized; recognizing the worth of EVERY individual, even those who are inconvenient. 

****

Of Evil

  

Of Evil

(by R.P.Edwards)

Evil in others

Recognize We

But perhaps we should start

"Is there evil...in me?"

It was one of those ultrasound pictures. You know, the silhouette of a pre-born youngster. Adorable. I know the mother; and she and the father are thrilled at the baby's existence and the soon reveal (as in birth). And, although we are many months from the separation, the child already has a name to go along with it's unique DNA and, in anticipation, preparations are ongoing to provide another protective womb, outside of the body.

And yet, some consider this obvious "human" (and those like her) as devoid of rights--slaves, if you will--and therefore legitimate targets for beheading.

Yeah, gruesome. Sorry.  But it brings me to the crux of this little scribble, namely, that EVIL is subjective and, without a solid basis for belief...anything goes.

You see, in the news of late are the doings of ISIS; the Muslim folk who want, really bad, for the whole world to be under the theocracy of their choosing. They consider killing non-believers as OK with their god. So, they kill. To them, since their holy book backs the barbarity (and it does, Qur'an [8:12]) they see themselves as legit. We westerners think otherwise. But why?

I think the answer is that although we have embraced (and have sometimes been FORCED to embrace) a secular belief system; there is still a remnant of the Judeo/Christian stuff in our culture that prefers "love thy neighbor" to "cut their head off."

So, we consider the antics of ISIS...as evil. However, let us understand that if there is indeed a divine standard with which to measure right and wrong; and if that standard is the same as was prevalent at our nation's founding (yes, I know they punted on the slavery issue [rectified later]), then, what say we strive to be in the "good zone" completely rather than partially? For, dear reader, in some ways even we tolerate, and even endorse...evil. And, if there is indeed a heavenly helper that Washington and Lincoln and our culture at large knew about; perhaps we should follow their lead and bend the knee, and then rise and do the works of repentance. For you see, one of the greatest errors of our time is that the collective "we" somehow think the greatness of the United States had an enabling and establishment by something other than Divine Providence. This is perhaps the greatest evil of all.

****

Professor Bob and Future Shock

Future Shock

(by R.P.Edwards)

Barbarians!

Savages!

The future will say

When they learn of the children

Destroyed in our day

Monsters!

Inhuman!

With tears and with shame

When they realize their Fathers

Were the villains to blame 

"Savages," whispered winsome Polly Porter, third row from the windows, third desk back from the front. 

Professor Bob, using a rather large stick of yellow chalk (usually found in industry but finding its way into the elders' "ditty bag" because, as he put it, "My fat fingers cannot tolerate the tiny white toothpicks") had been listing on the black-slate chalkboard, in chronological order, times and events of man's cruelty...to man. The gray maned octogenarian paused, turned and, peering over his half-framed horn-rimmed glasses he looked directly at the now-a-bit rosy cheeked freshman and responded, "What's that, Miss Porter? What did you say?"

"Savages, sir" was her fragile reply.

"Louder."

"Sir?"

"Louder, dear. You, all of you (giving a sweeping gaze to the entire class) have chosen to attend Veritas University. Veritas is Latin for...for..."

"Truth!" was the exuberant response (orientation by upperclassmen had prepared them for the inevitable question).

"Yes, truth. And, as we shall all be reminded in this class and throughout your tenure here at "True U," truth must be vigorously proclaimed and protected or error, as has been so often the case, will take hold once again and lead to yet another chapter of shameful doings." (The instructor, pausing a moment to gaze at the lazily turning overhead fan, leaned back against the Blackboards' ledge and then, pointing the yellow instrument towards the young lady, he continued) "Miss Porter, you were saying?"

"Savages, sir;" she said with manufactured vigor. "To consider the murder of pre-born children...a right. What...monsters." This last utterance was accompanied by a quivering lip and a watering eye and, seeing this the kindly professor offered a tissue before returning to the board to continue the listing.

--The time: the distant future. The effects of the Iranian-born nuclear war a distant memory. Many American cities had been incinerated in the conflict due to the piling on that took place. Ironically, it was Israel that ultimately saved the fallen eagle and now, also ironically, Higher Education has returned to its honorable roots.--

__________________________

Thank you for tolerating the above fantasy. It is somewhat birthed by the ongoing revelations of the despicable Planned Parenthood organization. However, and again, their liberty to let their (our) lower-nature do terrible things comes from the Supreme Court; and their wayward reasonings come from the once hallowed halls of higher education, and ultimately from hell itself.

Yes, BARBARIANS and SAVAGES are words that are making their way into the political discourse of this election cycle; and rightly so. However, one more word needs to be added...COWARDS. For that's what we have become to allow evil to take residence for so long when we have the civilized means...to remove it.

P.S.  I thought about putting one of those grisly, truthful pictures of an aborted (murdered) child atop the blog. But I am weary of them. So very weary.

****

Life, Prorated

In His Image
(by R.P.Edwards)

Unique
In His image…am I
Crafted by His hand
A destiny for only me
A solitary plan
So when others say
I have no place
No fitting for their path
They forget the one
Who gave them breath
They forget that He has…wrath

As this is another Sunday posting, I thought it appropriate to continue in the same vein as last week. As you may recall, that offering pointed out how scripture reveals (without much digging) that God views human life in the womb, as just that…human life. I can’t help it if some religious institutions, through some sort of convoluted reasoning, come up with something different. The scripture is clear enough.

Well, the next obvious step is to find God’s view of human life unjustly terminated. What immediately comes to mind is the sixth commandment: Thou shalt not Kill. Or, more accurately, substitute “murder” for “kill.” You can find the list in Exodus twenty and some other places. However, while preparing for this article (briefly) I ran across an interesting verse from Genesis, “Whoever shed’s man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man.” (9:6) Now, I suppose you could use this as justification for capital punishment, but my interest at this time is more to God’s view of His creation. We are made in His “image.” We are special, unique, purposed. And this, dear reader, includes the life in the womb.

Without a doubt, one of the largest stumbling blocks in the abortion debate is our conception of worth. For so long we’ve been told that a baby, one day before birth, is different than a child, one day after, that we start to believe it. We ascribe value to trimesters and terms. Days and months build the baby. However, if we were to use the same reasoning “after” birth (I.e, an infant is less valuable than a toddler, toddler is less than a teen, teen, less than an adult, but greater than senior, etc) we’d be called some sort of heartless fiends. But, don’t you see, when it comes to the human life in the womb…that’s exactly what we do?

To conclude: This blurb is aimed, mainly, at those who profess to trust Jesus as their Savior and believe the Bible is true. I really want all of us, who start at the foundation of the cross, to get on the same page when it comes to this very important subject. I honestly believe that with the fate of the innocent in the womb…so goes the nation. More on that…later.

Why Pro-Life?

The Pilot
(by R.P.Edwards)

Apostasy is all the rage
When Truth is at the wheel
But let the rebels take control
And reefs…will kiss the keel

Normally I don’t post on Sunday. But, since I’m up exceptionally early due to that “job” thing, perhaps a somewhat “religious” offering is in order.

Some background: Like many, I can be categorized as a “Christian.” Under this broad heading you’ll find me further defined as “born again,” and further, “Bible Believing.” Basically this means that I, having recognized my lost condition (and my inability to “work my way” out of it) cast myself upon the mercy of God, accepted the one who died for my sin (Jesus), and made a commitment to Him (sort of like the “I do” in a marriage arrangement. I.e. A serious thing). And, since I believe God is well able, I believe He figured out how to preserve His word on the pages (the Bible).

Now, having said all that, you can understand how this “relationship” colors my views. Just as my marriage to my wife effects --even when I can’t see her--my actions; even so my “commitment” to my Savior finds its way into my opinion. In other words; this God reality…trumps.

If you’ve been following my writings at all, you’ve probably figured out I’m hotly pro-life and, since it’s Sunday, and I know there are a lot of sincere religious folk out there who are indifferent to the subject or, for some reason…anti. Here’s my take:

It all comes down to the life in the womb. The Black Robed priests in DC say… “not”. Therefore, dispose of at will. But, how does God view this nine-month inconvenience? Just a few scriptures: In Genesis 25:22 Rebekah was pregnant and something unusual was happening. Here’s how it reads: “But the children struggled within her.” Well, she asked God about it and He proceeded to tell her that two distinct peoples would come from these twins. Now, in Psalm 127:3 it reads, “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Here’s what I want you to notice; the word “children” in both verses (in womb, out of womb) is the same in the Hebrew. In other words, God doesn’t make a distinction.

Here’s some New Testament. Remember the whole Christmas story? Well, Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, was pregnant when Mary (also with child) showed up. Here’s what the older lady said when the younger came into the room, “For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.”(Luke 1:44) Later, in the next chapter, we read about the angel’s message to the shepherds. He said, “And this will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12) Again, the word for baby (Greek this time) is the same. No difference in God’s eyes.

You see, to God, children are a “reward,” not a curse. In fact, in Jeremiah 1 he told the prophet, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Did you get that? God himself “forms” the child in the womb and has a plan for that child’s life!

It’s about time to head out to the “job.” But think about it…if each abortion is really the murder of one of God’s children…shouldn’t that, at least to Christians, be a concern?

Which Jesus?

Jesus?
(by R.P.Edwards)

Who is this Jesus
Who easily drips
From Hollywood mouths
And Washington lips
Who’s used as a prop, a tool, a display
To justify murder…and going astray
Yes, who is this Jesus
Oh, wait! Wait! I know!
He must be the one
From so long ago
When those in the South
Would worship their God
Then right after church
Beat their slaves with a rod
Yes, it must be “that” Jesus
Yes, he is the one
But one thing’s for sure
He isn’t…the Son

Let’s make it personal. Just suppose I was a bandit, who, in the course of my robbery of “you” and your “pregnant wife” caused, inadvertently, the death of she and the baby, or perhaps, just the baby. In most cases you would insist on a single or double homicide charge and, in many cases…you‘d get it.
You see, death is a personal thing, and when you kill my heritage--that tiny human being that is tied directly to me--then misleading and deflecting words like “fetus,” and “potential life” are thrown right out the window. My “child” is dead, and you, sir, are a murderer.

And so we come to the grand health care aspirations of the current president. Certainly, care for all is laudable but, if what I‘ve heard is true--that the inclusion of abortion funding is in said legislation--then this universal healthcare bill…is damnable.

You know what I’d like to see? I’d like to see some Christians (myself included) and commentators…man up. How about some ministers reminding the flock that there is good and evil, and that murder is evil. And then take the next step and say that politicians who support evil should be shunned. How about some commentators using the “m” word instead of bowing to PC speak. Need some help; some inspiration? Just think of every aborted child…as “your” child, your son, your daughter. You wouldn’t tolerate lessening their humanity. You wouldn’t dehumanize them because others thought them less.

Finally, I have little ill will towards the president. He said during the campaign that he was pro-abortion. This, for me, nullified any references he made in regards to my Savior (Remember Jesus said, "You shall know them by their fruit"?) Unfortunately, many of my pro-life brothers and sisters fell for it…and now more blood spills. Oh, for repentance in the pulpits…and the pews…and in politics.

McCorvey v Sotomayor

Norma
(by R.P.Edwards)

A pawn
A tool
A way to blood
A goal accomplished
An evil flood
But midst the pain
And endless sighs
A Savior finds
And gives…new eyes

Norma McCorvey. My wife mentioned the name in the context of certain “protestors” being removed from the Sotomayor Senate hearing. Honestly, I thought I was finished with this charade (c’mon, we all know the outcome), but this revelation warranted one more revisit.

As many know, Ms McCorvey was the “Jane Roe” of “Roe v Wade” fame. You remember? The infamous Supreme Court case where seven black robed men assumed the mantle of God and, subsequently, signed the death warrant for fifty million Americans (and counting)? What you may not know, however, is that years later (her child, by-the-way, was “not” aborted) the former plaintiff was introduced to the love of Christ and, this introduction led to a surrender to the Savior Himself. Funny thing about fellowshipping with the Author of Life, it will change your view on things. And she--who once thought killing the unborn was a source of liberty--she now realized that it is what it is…the murder of a child. Thus, the lady who was a pawn in the plot to subjugate a nation, is now a force for good.

A gentle reminder: Abortion…either it’s moral…or it’s murder. Either the thing in the womb is a soulless entity without rights, or it’s a distinct human life formed by the finger of God and as such...deserving full protection. Remember, legalized abortion is an evil forced upon us by the Supreme Court. It was not the peoples choice…it was not voted on, or grandfathered in (like Slavery), it was the invention of a handful of mere men. Understand also...this issue will not go away as long as there are people of Christian conscience walking the streets. Norma McCorvey is one such person.
Who will join her?

The Single Issue

The Single Issue
(by R.P. Edwards)

Stubborn fools
With simple minds
Graceless hacks
The vilest kind
They walk with blinders
Thoughtless drones
They never vary
Their conviction…stone
O how they’re hated
We wish them dead
Their presence vexing
A constant dread
But because of these…
These annoying fiends
A child is born…and God is seen

“Jeremiah! Where are you going? Jeremiah!” [the voice, coming from a farmer by the name of Nathan. He, and his neighbor and long time friend (the aforementioned, Jeremiah) were attending a political rally at their local church when one stood, stormed out, and the other (with apologies) followed.] “Jeremiah, what is it?” continued the younger as he came upon the other (who, by this time, looked down upon his friend from his freshly mounted brown and black gelding, Truth). “Oh, don’t tell me…it’s that single issue again, isn’t it?”
The other, without answering…answered. “Jeremiah,” soothed his brother (gently, but firmly grasping the reins) “it doesn’t affect us. It’s out of our control. Heck! Even the pastor says it’s something we have to live with!” Jeremiah (who had been staring off blankly towards the lights of the distant town, at this latest word snapped his gaze to meet piercingly with his friend’s). “The pastor should know better. You…should know better,” he said through clenched teeth. “Jeremiah,” (continued the younger, kneeling to grab a clump of grass for the waiting work horse) “there are more issues than that. Important issues. Things that have to do with our taxes, our families, our livelihood, our rights.” “Rights!” nearly shouted the other. “That’s what this is all about! The right to be human, to be recognized as…human!” “Jeremiah, Jeremiah, calm down. Now listen, (Nathan placed his right hand on the others left to prevent the snap that would have ushered the gallop) Mr. Douglas is a good man, an honest man. He believes as you do…but he thinks each state should have the right to decide.” Jeremiah slowly pulled his hand from his friends reach and, as the moonlight revealed a silver line being slowly drawn down his cheek, he said “ If a man is wrong on the most fundamental of truths…his judgment cannot be trusted…in anything.” As Nathan looked at the lessening shadow (the clopping of hooves adding to the sounds of the night) he heard, from a distance, the parting shout of his friend, “I’m voting for Mr. Lincoln!”

This past weekend we had, along with the normal inflo, a special little guest. Just four days old, as the world measures life, a beautiful newborn was carried into our midst in the loving arms of her proud (and pooped) mother. What a gem. What a doll. What a unique and wonderful gift. A blessing , to be sure. And, I dare say, that if any ne’er-do-well had stormed in to do this angel harm, they would have had to fight through the lot of us to even have a chance. Now consider, just five days before this, if the mother had been so inclined, the personhood of this precious being would have been ripped away (along with her arms and legs and very life) by those who peddle in such horrors. Here’s my point: So important is this “single issue” that I will not vote for those who are unclear on the subject. No, it’s not the only issue, but it’s a foundational issue. It’s a revealing issue. Frankly…it’s a God issue. And, I honestly believe, if a politician’s stand on this subject is mushy and malleable--or just plain wrong-- so is their judgment in all areas. May I suggest that, as this current troubling sifts us to our very core, that we discover anew what is truly important and, discovering…let us require it of those who would rule over us.