The topic of the legality of abortion has been an ongoing debate in politics since Roe v. Wade. A Citizen's Post article on "Dear Government,Can I Leave My House Today?" makes some good points on the opinion aspect of abortion, but there is more entailed to the government's role in funding abortions.
As a nurse, I have seen problems with the problem of government funded abortion issue with low income patients. The Hyde Amendment, passed in the seventies, excludes the use of government funds for abortions to low income women on Medicaid. The only current exclusions to the rule are cases of rape, incest, or endangerment to the pregnant woman's life or life of the fetus.
The government should not base decisions of laws regarding women's health on their own moral and religious beliefs. The majority religion of Congress is Catholicism, which makes its stance on abortion very publicized.
With Obama's current health reform, the repeal of the Hyde Amendment is a major focus on the Congressional agenda. If Congress agrees to Obama's plan, there will be tax funding of elective abortions for low income and Medicaid recipients.
Overall, it will save taxpayers money in the long run. The cost for prenatal care,childbirth, and parental classes exceeds the costs of an abortion. There will always be those opposed on moral or religious grounds.Low income women should have the same rights to an elective abortion and funding as women with private health insurance.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Felons Should Vote
Felons and the Right to Vote
As Americans, one of the most fundamental of our rights is the right to vote. The Fifteenth Amendment “prohibits the Government of the United States from denying a citizen the right to vote because of race, color, or previous servitude.” Felons have served their time in jail, which is servitude and should be allowed their basic right to vote in my opinion. This is a gray area from state to state. Maine and Vermont actually allow felons to vote, even if they are still incarcerated. The Government should step in and pass a mandate that allows felons to cast their ballot. We pay for their education while behind bars, so why not let someone who is paying their debt to society vote. There has been a bill presented to the Senate over a year ago and should be decided across the board; not by state. www.civilrights.org-ex-felon-voting.html has some good arguments on this related bill. Restoring one’s voting rights makes for a more involved citizen and will increase voter participation.
As Americans, one of the most fundamental of our rights is the right to vote. The Fifteenth Amendment “prohibits the Government of the United States from denying a citizen the right to vote because of race, color, or previous servitude.” Felons have served their time in jail, which is servitude and should be allowed their basic right to vote in my opinion. This is a gray area from state to state. Maine and Vermont actually allow felons to vote, even if they are still incarcerated. The Government should step in and pass a mandate that allows felons to cast their ballot. We pay for their education while behind bars, so why not let someone who is paying their debt to society vote. There has been a bill presented to the Senate over a year ago and should be decided across the board; not by state. www.civilrights.org-ex-felon-voting.html has some good arguments on this related bill. Restoring one’s voting rights makes for a more involved citizen and will increase voter participation.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Increase Voter Participation! Reform policy!
According to the 2000 general elections consensus, only 52 percent of eligible voters actually went out and cast their ballot. To get more voters to the polls would increase participation and political knowledge. Making federal Election Day a national holiday would increase numbers of voters who could not take time off for work or school or were too busy to cast their votes on the other hand.
Simplifying the registration process, making this an easier and more accessible process would encourage people to participate and get out there and vote. All citizens should be assisted in making this an easier process. Voter studies have shown that people that vote are more informed about government and policies and play a more active role in society. As a nation we should reform the voting process . One important way would be restoring voting rights to ex- felons. Say you had a felony when you were 20 years old and now you are 40. Don't you think twenty years is long enough? Reforming policy and advancing technology to assist voters are important important efforts needed to increase voter participation.
Simplifying the registration process, making this an easier and more accessible process would encourage people to participate and get out there and vote. All citizens should be assisted in making this an easier process. Voter studies have shown that people that vote are more informed about government and policies and play a more active role in society. As a nation we should reform the voting process . One important way would be restoring voting rights to ex- felons. Say you had a felony when you were 20 years old and now you are 40. Don't you think twenty years is long enough? Reforming policy and advancing technology to assist voters are important important efforts needed to increase voter participation.
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