Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 beta 3/9/83; site mot.UUCP Path: utzoo!utcs!mnetor!mot!qv From: qv@mot.UUCP (Brad Castalia) Newsgroups: net.abortion Subject: Re: Miscellaneous Ironies Message-ID: <209@mot.UUCP> Date: Thu, 22-Aug-85 23:32:27 EDT Article-I.D.: mot.209 Posted: Thu Aug 22 23:32:27 1985 Date-Received: Fri, 23-Aug-85 01:24:16 EDT References: <930@bunker.UUCP>, <1833@mnetor.UUCP>, <208@mot.UUCP> Organization: Motorola Microsystems, Phoenix AZ Lines: 35 Saying that resolution (ie. moving to a new level of debate) of the abortion issue (as a particularly instructive case) is possible does not imply that it will happen under existing circumstances. The point is to maintain a focus or direction as to how effort is applied in the struggle of ideas. A constructive perspective would not only recognize that circumstances have changed since Roe vs. Wade, but that they can be changed again. Regresionists currently have the initiative (backwards in the sense of the social evolution of values), and progressives foolishly let the battles be fought on the opposition's ground and by their rules. The recent Right To Choose speak-out campaign, for example, conciously used the opposition's tactics of blind emotionalism as part of their defensive strategy. This does not move us forward, nor strengthen what has been achieved. While it is essential to retain the social awareness of the damage inflicted on people (mostly women) that was lifted by the effects of Roe vs. Wade, RTC could be supporting court cases that argue FOR personal rights of self determination. The issue is not the viability of the fetus (which is what the decision in Roe vs. Wade hinged on). Current scientific developments are quickly making this a moot point, and, if taken to its absurd extreme, would result in male masturbation/ejaculation becoming illegal except for the purpose of conception on the basis that the viable sperm has not been given the opportunity to fertilize an egg. Perhaps I'm being too critical. It may be that RTC members are currently trying to define what "personal rights to self determination" are in practice. Active efforts may be underway to build functional links between the social responsibilities for child wellfare and the humane treatment of people of all ages and circumstances. After a decade of relative complacency progressives may be taking control of institutional administration and wading into the arena of policy making. Even the traditional infatuation with a stance of opposition and indulgence in finger pointing may be fading away! Could it be that I just don't see what's going on ...? Brad Castalia