The American Spectator

SLG needs a history lesson. He takes issue with the terms pro-choice and pro-life. So do I; however, for a different and the correct reason. When abortion was first legalized in 1973, people took the position of being either “pro-abortion” or “anti-abortion” — pro-legalized abortion or anti-legalized abortion. Those against legalized abortion did not like the “anti” label, so they chose to call themselves “pro-life” in the hope that it would convey a more positive image. That was a mistake on their part. They should have kept the focus on the act of abortion. In response, and not to be outdone, the “pro-abortion” people chose to call themselves “pro-choice.” That was a smart move for their image, although it is one of the most ridiculous and vague terms imaginable. The word means nothing and could mean everything at the same time. It has allowed people like SLG to make the ridiculous arguments he now does.

The fact is that one is either “pro-legalized abortion” or “anti-legalized abortion.” That is the issue. The pro-lifers should not have worried about being called “anti” anything. They should have been proud to wear the label that stood against what they believe is an evil practice.

With regard to SLG’s claim that it is anti-abortion supporters who attempt to rewrite and redefine the English language by making “pro-choice” and “pro-abortion” synonomous, that is false. It was not right-wing, anti-abortion, fundamentalist Christian zealots who redefined the English language to minimize everyone’s wrongdoings. It was liberals and pro-abortion supporters who began calling “adultery” an “affair,” and referring to “homosexuals” as “gays,” and to “strip tease clubs/titty bars” as “gentlemen’s clubs,” and to “gambling” as “gaming,” etc.

p>SLG’s statement that “the word choice means exactly that” is so absurd. The word “choice” means nothing without more information to explain what it means. “Pro-choice” does mean “pro-legalized abortion” and there is no way around it. Most people understand that — no matter how SLG would like to minimize the wrongness of that evil practice. br> — David Tomaselli br> /p>