The media refuses to address the issue of abortion. This is an issue which should never have become part of the political discourse. Both religious preference and the right of a woman to control the health of her own body should have remained private. Thanks to lobbyists from the Christian religious right, they are both in the forefront of the campaign season of 2016.

Although I remain an Independent, I cannot find fault with the Democratic Party regarding this issue. This is entirely upon the shoulders of the right wing and its group of extremists.

Only one reason exists for the issue of abortion to become political; it is a religious belief. The first amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Any politician supporting a single religious belief is violating the Constitution. Abortion rights are confirmed by the first amendment under the freedom of speech, which protects an individual’s right to their freedom of choice. No man should be allowed to dictate to a woman what she can or cannot do with her own body.

The fourteenth amendment requires equal protection under the law. Men have always been allowed to make decisions regarding their own bodies, but anti-abortion groups seek denial of the same right for women.

Let’s get personal. What do you believe? Although whatever you or I believe is unimportant in relation to the rights of one individual woman, we must be honest.

In most cases, I do not believe that abortion should be an option. If a woman is raped, a victim of incest, or has been deceived by her male counterpart during sexual intercourse, I support her right to make the appropriate decision. However, this is only my opinion.

What does this have to do with the woman’s personal decision? Absolutely nothing. Her body and her future are at stake. No man should have the right to dictate to a woman what she is allowed to do in relation to her own body.

I have no right to make a decision for any woman pertaining to a life-altering situation and ultimate decision.

If we become a nation ruled by religion, we will suffer the same fate as those who support ISIS or al-Qaeda. We will be subject to powerful leaders who decide our every choice; we will become a national cult.

All governments and all religions are destructive. They control the lives of believers. When men and women blindly follow a leader they renounce their individual rights and enter servitude. We must protect our individual freedom or exist under the control of others.

Not a single member of the right wing recognizes freedom of choice, or individual liberty. They seek control of the American public in direct opposition to the philosophy of true Republicans. Once the party which supported individual freedom and less government involvement for individual lives, they have become the party which seeks control of our daily lives for the benefit of the one-percent.

If the reactionary movement present in our nation succeeds in dominating our government and our nation, America will be no more. Our Constitution will be revoked, and the American people will serve the government in direct opposition to the intention of our founding fathers.

Take your country back and decide to vote intelligently and not along party lines; become an Independent. I guarantee you that it is liberating.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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