Subject- civics
"Let's Get Controversial"
It's time to talk about a real issue upon which our political parties have taken solid stands, and greatly oppose one another.
Instructions: You are to read the party platforms (their stand and position on a given topic), given below. Objectively read (that means to keep your personal opinion out of it!!!) the party stand on the issue of abortion. In a discussion board post, answer the following questions.
• Based upon their statements of belief, which political party's platform sounds most in favor of the population majority?
• What party sounds like it favors a smaller group of people?
• What party stand do you most favor?
• What party do you think is most distant from reality?
• What party's candidate would you most be inclined to vote for in a major election?
In all your responses, make sure you give an explanation why you've stated what you've posted.
MOST IMPORTANT!!!! Do not pass judgment, flame, or use derogatory expressions (don't "name call").
Here are the party platforms:
Republican Party on Abortion--Ban abortion with Constitutional amendment
We say the unborn child has a fundamental right to life. We support a human life amendment to the Constitution and we endorse legislation that the 14th Amendment’s protections apply to unborn children. Our purpose is to have legislative and judicial protection of that right against those who perform abortions. We oppose using public revenues for abortion and will not fund organizations which advocate it. We support the appointment of judges who respect the sanctity of innocent human life.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention Aug 12, 2000
Democratic Party on Abortion--Choice is a fundamental, constitutional right
Democrats stand behind the right of every woman to choose. We believe it is a constitutional liberty. This year’s Supreme Court ruling show us that eliminating a woman’s right to choose is only one justice away. Our goal is to make abortion more rare, not more dangerous. We support contraceptive research, family planning, comprehensive family life education, and policies that support healthy childbearing.
Source: Democratic National Platform Aug 15, 2000
Green Party on Abortion
We believe the right of a woman to control her own body is inalienable. It is essential that the option of a safe, legal abortion remains available.
Source: Green Party Platform, at 2000 National Convention Jun 25, 2000
Libertarian Party on Abortion-Abortion is a woman’s choice and does not concern the state
Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that libertarians can hold good-faith views on both sides, we believe the government should be kept out of the question. We condemn state-funded abortions. It is particularly harsh to force someone who believes that abortion is murder to pay for another’s abortion. It is the right of the woman, not the state, to decide the desirability of prenatal testing, Caesarean births, fetal surgery, and/or home births.
