Center for Arizona Policy Calls McCain's Statement Offensive, Betrayal
By Cathi Herrod, President, Center for Arizona PolicyI believe there are two fundamental truths that form the foundation and the inspiration for the ever-growing prolife movement's stance on abortion:
- Abortion ends the life of a preborn child.
- Abortion threatens the life and well-being of women and can cause a lifetime of immense physical and psychological pain.
These facts explain why so many Americans are dedicated to seeing an end to the dangerous procedure and why the idea of calling a "truce" on the life issue is impossible, irresponsible, and just plain wrong.So when a national figure, who represents Arizona, suggests that we should "leave the issue alone," it tells me one thing: John McCain still doesn't get it. Sadly, I, like many Arizonans, were not surprised by our Senator's comments.In a recent interview with Fox News Sunday, Senator McCain said"As far as young women are concerned, absolutely, I don't think anybody like me - I can state my position on abortion but, other than that, leave the issue alone, when we are in the kind of economic situation and, frankly, national-security situation that we're in."For the millions of Americans and Arizonans who have supported John McCain for public office because he has claimed to be prolife, this statement is offensive and a betrayal.We've heard this kind of prognostication from Washington insiders in the past who believe that the life issue is a liability in elections or want to avoid it because it's not popular with some in the media.But even this ignores reality. America is becoming a prolife nation. The polls continue to trend in our direction, and the wind is at our back - according to the latest Gallup Poll 50% of Americans now call themselves pro-life, while 41% say they are prochoice.President Ronald Reagan would talk about the three-legged stool of conservatism - strong national security, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to the social issues. The future of our nation depends on all three - we cannot forsake one for another.This is the model we must follow going forward and a message Senator McCain needs to hear.Please join me in contacting Senator McCain to express your disappointment in his statement on national television. Ask him to make it clear that we cannot leave the abortion issue alone as long as thousands of preborn children lose their lives daily and women are being scarred by the abortion industry.Contact his office at 202.224.2235 or 602.952.2410.With the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade only weeks away on January 22, I am daily reminded of the nearly 55 million preborn children who have lost their lives and countless women who have been harmed by abortion. This great tragedy of our lifetime will only continue if we are too afraid to stand for what is right and true.
