Dear editor,
With the expected overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Republican Party becomes the party of choices.
On the Federal level, if the Republicans win control of both houses of Congress at midterms, Congress could mandate that even blue states have to stop providing free access to abortion.
Senator Lankford is in favor of Federal legislation, but also supports the filibuster tradition, which (he surely knows) will probably prevent any such proposal from being enacted. Clever man, perhaps with his eye on a national office, knowing almost twice as many Americans support Roe v. Wade as oppose it.
Red state by red state, there are many choices to be made after the Supreme Court decision is finalized, possibly in June. Should exceptions be measured in weeks? heartbeat? Will there be exceptions, say for rape or incest or threat to the life of the mother?
Oklahoma Republicans can proudly state that they have “Bested Texas” in passing the most extreme law. If a few cells co-habit (fertilize), that’s life!
What other choices face the Republican Party? How about tightening the laws concerning fathers? I applaud State Rep. Danny Williams’ sponsorship of House Bill 3193, allowing both unmarried parents to be listed on a child’s birth certificate. But it doesn’t go far enough. Both parents should always be listed, with the father determined by DNA testing, if necessary. Enforcement of child support must be improved. Delinquent fathers should face real prison time.
Justice Alito has called contraception medications and devices “abortifacients.” Before, during, or after sex, should anything stand in the way of a child being carried to term? More decisions for GOP legislators.
A criticism of the Republican Party is that it supports life being born, but not life being lived. Should the party drop its opposition to measures which would expand child care support, provide for prekindergarten programs or an increased Child Tax Credit for children born to unemployed parents? Given their enacted restrictions, wouldn’t it be prudent for the GOP to moderate, to embody a kinder, gentler conservatism?
If not, at least enlarge the prison system.
Make no mistake, the Republican Party will be free to make all sorts of choices for Americans, now that their court plans to overturn over 50 years of legal precedent. How will it all shake out for the party and for America?
Part 2 will address the choices individual voters have that will shape the direction of the GOP.
Bill Hagen
shawnee
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