Anniversary of an Abomination: 1/22/73

Whatever your views are on abortion, Roe v. Wade was and is a constititutional abomination. Not one of my liberal professors in law school would defend it on the merits. Oh, but they liked the result ... and that's what really counts to them. Some even admitted it.

You can trace a lot of America's national political dysfunction to the force-feeding of abortion into the national political discourse. The founders intended no such thing. Thus, the Roe Court had to find its way in the shade (or was it the shadows?) of the "penumbra".

Because of Roe, every national election now has to factor in the pro life vs. pro-choice vote. It's a shame. I am pro-life, but I firmly believe that each state should be allowed to find its own way on this. Can you imagine how conservatives would own the political landscape in this center-right country without the most contentious moral/political issue of our day in each election? It would be fabulous.

And if California were to see it different than Texas, so be it. A lot of states would restrict or even prohibit abortions. Others wouldn't. That's the beauty of our federal system. It allows for local control where a constitutional right is not implicated. As a result of allowing our system to work, we would have a real-life study in which way works best ... in protecting women, preventing abortions, and taking care of children. In such a system where local control is paramount, liberty thrives and the nation finds out what works in a way that respects the rights of citizens to make important decisions impacting their lives.

So, whenever you hear some one talking about Roe "legalizing" abortion, please correct them. This is not what the decision did. Rather, the decision took away the power of states to legislate meaningfully -- to perhaps restrict, maybe not -- on the subject of abortion. Some states would legalize abortion, and others would not. Roe fundamentally limits debate, and ultimately freedom.

Abortion is a tough issue that touches many of us at the core level. But the hard left knows it can't win this debate on the merits. So, it backs unprincipled actions like Roe that take the debate off the table.

But the spirit of liberty, the pursuit of happiness ... and life ... that still flows through the veins of Americans will keep coming, fighting, and pressing on, until our Declaration of Independence is once again honored in the nation's highest court.