Dear Editor,I am not a person who in the past has bothered much with politics. In the past year, however, in doing my part to listening to the issues, observing the candidates and reviewing voting records of the last presidential election, my concern over my country’s future has caught my attention like never before.The health care reform bill is being pushed through Congress to be made law before the public is fully aware of the implications. I am upset that this bill will give millions of dollars to the abortion industry and require that everyone be covered for abortion without the explicit consent of the people. According to StopTheAbortionMandate.com, 71 percent of Americans do not wish to use their tax dollars to support abortion as they consider it to be murder and exploitation of people in a difficult and desperate situation.Legislators and some psychiatrists insist abortion is a simple procedure with no significant long-term effects. From everything I have read, the majority of people seek help for emotional, physical and spiritual trauma after an abortion. I too dealt with an unwanted pregnancy. Dealing with pregnancy at a difficult or inconvenient time, coupled with raging hormones, builds an atmosphere of intense desperation. I do not believe the answer is to eliminate the child, assuming that all will return to normal afterward. It takes time, love and compassion to deal with a life-altering event. Many pregnancy centers extend expert help and compassionate guidance. Many churches, charities are more than willing to help find employment, goods, food, day care, etc. Two years later, my life is more settled and I look forward to many challenges of parenthood.I understand that many who are pro-choice don’t wish to make decisions for others or are concerned about rape victims and mothers whose lives are in danger. This is right and to be commended, but the whole story does not end there. We as a people can encourage the importance of the lives of all. This may seem idealistic and not realistic, but if made a popular concept there would be less prejudice, less poverty and fewer unwanted pregnancies.I urge everyone to pay attention to what goes on in Washington. If you disagree with more spending in these difficult economic times, or you disagree with elimination of life as a solution, call or write your senators and representatives.Sincerely,Belinda Clapp
