In general, I find myself very liberal when it comes to civil rights. However, I am unsure of my position on the abortion issue. I hate to be judgmental and try to not have concrete opinions about experiences that I have not experienced, but a small part of me cannot help but disagree with abortion. This issue is an important factor in conservative and liberal debate, therefore I plan to research both arguments before making a decision.
In an article titled, "Reasons women give for abortion: a review of the literature," Maggie Kirkman, Heather Rowe, Annarella Hardiman, Shelley Mallett and Doreen Rosenthal research the "reasons women give for having an abortion," (Arch Womens Ment Health. Springer-Verlag. 28 May 2009/Published online: 11 June 2009). The research planned to specifically focus on the woman's reason for having an abortion and not the opinion of others.
The conclusion was broken down into three possible reasons for a woman getting an abortion - 'Woman-focused, 'Other-focused', and 'Material'. 'Woman-focused' referred to the woman's belief that she was too young or too unprepared to have a child at that time. 'Other-focused' mostly referred to the biological father, but some cases specified a mother's fear of neglecting an older child if a younger sibling was born or fear of neglecting the unborn child. Finally, 'Material' could refer to a "diagnosis of foetal abnormality" or lack of sufficient income - although the report pointed out that the latter might be better categorized as 'Other-focused' because it usually was due to the woman's inability to care for the unborn child.
In the last paragraph, the article states the investigators conclude that, "decisions to terminate a pregnancy were often influenced by the desire to be a good parent." This shows, "that women take seriously the responsibilities of motherhood in seeking abortion. Whether they conclude that they are not yet ready to be mothers, that they do not have adequate financial resources for a baby, or that they prefer not to give birth to a child who is not wholeheartedly desired by both parents, their own needs coincide with those of the potential child."
Kirkman, M., Rowe, H., Hardiman, A., Mallett, S., & Rosenthal, D.. (2009). Reasons women give for abortion: a review of the literature. Archives of Women's Mental Health, 12(6), 365-78. Retrieved January 3, 2010, from ProQuest Medical Library. (Document ID: 1895924621).
Pro-life advocates would certainly disagree with the conclusion of this report and claim that abortion cannot be best for an unborn child, and options such as adoption are much more preferable. Still, I understand how a lack of good options or feelings of hopelessness would lead many women to choose abortion.
03 January 2010
"Kitchen-Table Politics"
"Kitchen-Table Politics" is the title of Sarah Palin's second chapter in her autobiography, Going Rogue, and one of the many anecdotes she uses to explain her never-ending balance between public office and motherhood. Apparently, Palin used a beautiful kitchen-table as her desk when she was in office, and this versatile table is noted in the book as a metaphor for Palin, who seems to adjust as easily between both lifestyles as the kitchen-table.
I am currently at page 100 of Going Rogue, and must admit I still like Palin. I do not know how much of the book Palin truly wrote herself (she does have a journalism degree, so she must know how to write), but regardless I am enjoying the book. I admire Palin for her commitment to her children, alongside her many ambitions; I like that she puts this possibility into action, unlike some feminists who seem to believe that a powerful career must be placed ahead of traditional family values. Although there are plenty of feminists who are mothers, I do not notice many who have such a large family, such as Palin's.
Yet even Palin realizes the strain of living both lives. She writes, "I wish I would have listened to my mother when she warned me that as a working mom I would have to make tough choices. She never said that one couldn't 'have it all,' but it was becoming clear that maybe one couldn't have everything at once." Palin understands the struggles of women with big dreams and big hearts, and she isn't ashamed to admit being a mother became her priority, which some feminists criticize.
Still, I was disappointed to find the entire book is an extension of Palin's political campaign. No, I am not surprised - I suppose I was just hoping the woman who rallies behind the people and rejects the conventions of the "good ol' boys club" and politics in general, wouldn't publish such an obvious message. For example, Palin writes, "Looking back it seems significant that many of my clearest childhood memories involve politics and current events. I don't remember my ten-year-old friends being especially interested in who the president was, but to me it was a pretty big deal." There are also plenty of paragraphs detailing Palin's love of Alaska, the United States and being an average American with traditional Christian values. I am neither questioning these statements nor implying that Palin is not exactly as she is described - I just hate that some connections are clearly catered to a specific audience and made only to remind the reader that this woman is worthy of your political vote.
I have approximately 300 more pages to read, so maybe some opinions will change towards the end. Sidenote: My father suggested I read Hillary Clinton's autobiography, Living History, immediately after finishing Palin's book - this seems like a pretty good idea. I wonder how her view on family and politics will compare to Palin's?
I am currently at page 100 of Going Rogue, and must admit I still like Palin. I do not know how much of the book Palin truly wrote herself (she does have a journalism degree, so she must know how to write), but regardless I am enjoying the book. I admire Palin for her commitment to her children, alongside her many ambitions; I like that she puts this possibility into action, unlike some feminists who seem to believe that a powerful career must be placed ahead of traditional family values. Although there are plenty of feminists who are mothers, I do not notice many who have such a large family, such as Palin's.
Yet even Palin realizes the strain of living both lives. She writes, "I wish I would have listened to my mother when she warned me that as a working mom I would have to make tough choices. She never said that one couldn't 'have it all,' but it was becoming clear that maybe one couldn't have everything at once." Palin understands the struggles of women with big dreams and big hearts, and she isn't ashamed to admit being a mother became her priority, which some feminists criticize.
Still, I was disappointed to find the entire book is an extension of Palin's political campaign. No, I am not surprised - I suppose I was just hoping the woman who rallies behind the people and rejects the conventions of the "good ol' boys club" and politics in general, wouldn't publish such an obvious message. For example, Palin writes, "Looking back it seems significant that many of my clearest childhood memories involve politics and current events. I don't remember my ten-year-old friends being especially interested in who the president was, but to me it was a pretty big deal." There are also plenty of paragraphs detailing Palin's love of Alaska, the United States and being an average American with traditional Christian values. I am neither questioning these statements nor implying that Palin is not exactly as she is described - I just hate that some connections are clearly catered to a specific audience and made only to remind the reader that this woman is worthy of your political vote.
I have approximately 300 more pages to read, so maybe some opinions will change towards the end. Sidenote: My father suggested I read Hillary Clinton's autobiography, Living History, immediately after finishing Palin's book - this seems like a pretty good idea. I wonder how her view on family and politics will compare to Palin's?
01 January 2010
Obama's New Year Resolutions
On the Council on Foreign Relations website, (www.cfr.org), consulting editor of the website Bernard Gwertzman interviews CFR Director of Studies James M. Lindsay about President Obama's first year in the White House.
Lindsay stated that 2009 could be summarized as, "Great expectations running smack into daunting realities," with realities currently winning. He said these expectations were a result of Obama's "skills as a politician" and "the failures of the Bush administration". The American people had hope that the new president could solve many difficult and "perhaps intractable" problems.
Gwertzman asked questions about policies in the Middle-East, including, "How important is Afghanistan to [Obama's] administration?" Lindsay responded that Afghanistan seems to be a top priority for Obama and the main challenge will be creating a stable Afghan government. The United States' strategy has also shifted from "defeating the Taliban to degrading their capabilities," which shows Obama's willingness to sacrifice some goals in order to withdraw troops somewhat soon.
The interview also focused on escalating problems with Iran, as the country's nuclear capabilities continue to be a controversial issue. Lindsay explained Obama's dilemma with three rhetorical questions: 1. "Do you launch a military strike with all of the attendant risks and dangers to American forces in the region?" 2. "Do you give a green light to the Israelis to make an attack with all of the risks in that strategy?" 3. "Do you step back from your rhetoric and say, 'OK, now we're going to try and contain Iran,' with all the risk attendant to allowing Iran to go nuclear when you said you would not let that happen?"
Finally, the interview concluded with a question about U.S.-Chinese relations. Coordinating an effective economic plan may be the key to lowering the high unemployment rate in the U.S. Lindsay said, "The real pressure, going forward in the Obama administration, is to push the Chinese to change their policies."
The interview presented a positive outlook on the Obama administration overall, yet clearly noted the many challenges to come in 2010. Happy New Year!
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