Earlier this week, lawmakers in Alabama passed the most restrictive abortion ban in the country, setting off a firestorm of heated debate across the political spectrum. The bill outlaws abortions except in very extreme cases, such as when the health of the mother is at "serious" risk from continuing the pregnancy. In a stark break from existing anti-abortion legislation, it makes no exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Under this new law, women (and girls the legislation makes no distinction) who become pregnant as a result of nonconsensual sex would be forced to carry the child to term.
The penalties for violating these rules are equally harsh; any doctor who attempts to perform an abortion outside of the strict guidelines could face up to 99 years in prison. Even conspiring to perform the procedure without actually following through could land a doctor behind bars for 10 years. Women seeking abortion would not face any jail time.
Pat Robertson: Pro-Choice Warrior?
Pro-life groups and faith organizations cheered the bill's passing, calling it a massive win in the fight to overturn Roe v. Wade and end the practice of abortion for good. Meanwhile, pro-choice advocates have taken to the airwaves and social media to voice their opposition to a "draconian" law that would be a huge step back for reproductive rights.
But already this debate is playing out differently than past iterations. In an odd twist of fate, the pro-choice side appears to have acquired an unlikely ally: televangelist Pat Robertson. During a taping of his TV show "The 700 Club," Robertson decried Alabama's new abortion ban as "extreme," saying that the state legislature has "gone too far."
His reaction made headlines and left many scratching their heads. Robertson, like many conservative faith leaders, has long been a champion for the pro-life cause. What caused this apparent change of heart? Could the famous televangelist really have turned a new leaf in his golden years?
It's not out of the question. Just recently, Robertson stirred up controversy in Christian circles when he affirmed that the Earth is billions of years old not 6,000, as many Creationists claim.
A Question of Tact
Alternatively, it's possible that Robertson is simply thinking more strategically than many of his evangelical peers. Later on in his television broadcast, Robertson indicated that his opposition did not stem from the bill's harsh penalties, but rather its chances in the Supreme Court.
Referring to the Alabama legislators, he noted that "they want to challenge Roe vs. Wade, but my humble view is I don't think that's the case I'd want to bring to the Supreme Court because I think this one will lose."
Robertson continued: "Again, I think it's ill-considered. I think we ought to do it, but Roe vs. Wade was a put-up case, it was a phony case...it was an ACLU job dependent on the so-called 'right of privacy' ... but the Alabama case, God bless them they're trying to do something, but I don't think that's the case I want to bring to the Supreme Court."
29 comments
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Jim
I agree. But the problem with that, I think is that we have become a nation of party line politics. No one on the hill will do what the country needs unless it is backed by the their party. Then Neither party wants to give the other party a win so nothing gets done. There is no such thing as a compromise anymore.
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Jim
(CARL ELFSTROM) So your saying Carl that there are no Trump Supporters on this blog? I have news for you, It does not matter if you are talking to someone or about someone an insult is an insult. So YES you are that RUDE I do not need to defend myself against your comments as I always consider the source. And again I'm not being defensive I only stated facts in my post to you. I have read some of your other posts with other people and you seem to enjoy bashing others religions and their god. You seem to have a lot of time on your hands but you are right about one thing, it does not take many accomplishments in life for some people to be happy. This is very true. I have always felt that since we are here for a short time we should strive to learn and accomplish all that we can. Not to do all we can is failure on our part. That is my opinion only. Some folks are very content to do a simple job day to day and be born and raised and die in the same town. Nothing wrong with that. I just have a different view. I can accept when I'm wrong Carl it's just in this case I'm not wrong.
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Lionheart
I think we have to get out of the mindset of being a "Trump" supporter, or a "Biden" supporter. Isn't it about whether one believes a Republican, or a Democrat, Government would be better for the country?
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James
I'll agree w/ the earth being billions (maybe even trillions) of years old... Right or wrong, good or bad. From the bit we read here on abortions. Women seeking abortion would not face any jail time. This is like selling cocaine is legal, but using them is illegal up the arse. OR... Walking the streets to sell sex is legal, taking up the service is a 99-year free room & board. Its legal to tempt a Dr w/ $1-million big ones to abort. But heaven help if the Dr has a weak moment or says something that can be spun into something. More control to dictate the lives of ppl. We feel most abortions should NOT happen. But, What we feel / think is irreverent. There is some "unknown" point where government & corporations should NOT be regulating ones personal compass. All these laws will do is increase the sales of coat-hangers and certain foods.
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Carl Elfstrom
It's just another goofy topic they've picked for us to discuss, to see if we're stupid enough to talk about it. I'm sure they get quite a laugh out of all this. And most of us are so socially deprived that we fall for it, and beg for more.
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Carl Elfstrom
It's best not to submit our first drafts. The third draft is always the best; most thoughtful, and meaningful, as is taught in English 0301.
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Dragon Priest
All these Tea-Baggers are doing is trying to ramrod as many issues to the SCOTUS before Trumpy is deposed and brought to Justice for Treason. Evil Mitch McConnell is ramrodding all these conservative judges through the Senate regardless of Bench Qualifications. Once the Senate is taken back, that will have to be revisited so that his can never ever happen again. There is a very dark and hot hole in Hell with McConnel's name on it awaiting him.
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Lionheart
It is of course very possible that the elected leader, President Trump, could have another 4 years after 2020 if “the people” so wish it.
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Carl Elfstrom
I have a strong feeling that Trump is going to be impeached and incarcerated long before the next electjon, regardless of how many people would vote for him.
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Lionheart
I have a strong feeling Hillary Clinton will be jailed well before then. ?
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Carl Elfstrom
I agree wi5h you about Hillary,Lionheart. Don't get me confused with a democrat just because I don't like some of my fellow Republicans, such as that corrupt retard in the oval office. I think Monica would make a much better wife for Bill. At least she knows how to use her mouth.
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Jim
Trump has nothing to do with a bill passed in Alabama. It is there state and they can pass what they want. This will end up most likely in the supreme court anyway. As for the Treason issue if he is guilty of Treason then you better go back and arrest the presidents for treason all the way back to Clinton.
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Carl Elfstrom
I wish Bill Clinton and Monica were still in the Whitehouse.
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Carl Elfstrom
I seriously doubt that Trump knows much about our government, and if he wasn't told that he wasn't in charge of individual states he probably thought he was. I bet he's got the lowest I.Q. of any president we've ever had. I believe I heard he only took special education classes as a kid in school. You know, the retard class, like most of his base of supporters were in. You can always tell Trump supporters by the way they often aimlessly wave their hands while sticking out their tongues while drooling. At least Trump only does that at home, with his family, so I've heard.
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Jim
Well Carl it looks like he has more education than you do. I have no doubt he is more successful in his life accomplishments than you. So I guess that does not bowed well for you. Only a complete idiot would make comments like you just made. But then again we must consider the source.
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Carl Elfstrom
At least I'm not stupid enough to run for president. And it doesn't take nearly as many accomplishments in life for some of us to be happy, and content within ourselves, Mr. Smarty-pants.
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Carl Elfstrom
Name calling was supposed to be left behind when we finished elementary school. It's time to grow up, little Jimmy.
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Carl Elfstrom
Some people, who lack good communication skills, lash out at others by calling them senseless names, in an attempt to offend. However, the subject of such ridicule does not attribute such words to his personal identity, therefore he is not offended, through which the name caller becomes even more infuriated.
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Carl Elfstrom
People shouldn't take these articles personally. The issues we comment on and discuss are not about them.
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Carl Elfstrom
The term minister inferrs that we are at least seeking to live a spiritual life, and contribute to the spiritual growth of others.
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Lionheart
Actually Jim, regarding education, and for any future use of the term, I thought I bring to your attention that the correct spelling is “bode well” not “bowed well”. Just saying!
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Jim
You are correct My error Lionheart. Carl you need to look at your initial post. You are the one calling people names. I simply stated the facts.
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Carl Elfstrom
I haven't called any of our fellow ministers any names. I was only talking about someone whose name was already mentioned in the post above mine. And I do say bad things about some of the people in the articles we are given to discuss, but I'm not speaking to them, but only about them. I would never consider being so rude. So, how will you defend yourself against that, since you must be defensive, and not accept when you are wrong.
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Carl Elfstrom
What you're doing is not stating facts, as you claim, sir, but is called self-righteous indignation, and you're full of it !
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Randy Ford
The Declaration of Independence states that it is self-evident that the right to life begins at creation. That is well before birth. It was ratified by the thirteen colonies.
The Constitution didn't change that, nor did it grant the power to change it to any single or combined branches of government. The only way to change the definition to where unborn children do not have the Right to Life at their creation is by an Admendment to the Constitution.
Given the legislative actions in the majority of states, an Admendment to ban abortion outright is more likely, especially if SCOTUS fails to support the Alabama law.
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Carl Elfstrom
I used to like to watch the Pat Robertson and Ben Cenchlow (or however he spelled his name) comedy hour. They were almost as funny as Jim and Tammy Fae, with Uncle Henry. But ever since Ben died, Pat has gone downhill. You can't break up a comedy team, and expect one to be successful on his own. What would Laurel be without Hardy, Abbot without Costello, or Benny without Rochester. Of course, some were already successful on their own, and became even more successful after they split up, like Crosby and Hope after those silly Road To... movies, and Martin and Lewis. However, it usually doesn't work that way. If Ben would have been Pat's choice for VP, he would have stood a much better chance of winning the presidential election comedy, for they were an inseparable team. By himself though, Pat Robertson can't seem to get his act together.
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Carl Elfstrom
Let's don't forget that song that goes "You're too old, too old, too old to cut the mustard anymore."
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We can't stay on the same article forever, especially since we've gotten off the subject and turned it into a personal argument. I'll be the more mature man by moving on to another article, and let little Jimmy stay here, and rant and rave about me all by himself. In so doing, I also got the last laugh. So, there !
If you cant take it don't dish it. LOL