The candidates on the issues: abortion
Last night’s debate was pathetic. There was very little talk on the actual issues. It was more about fending off gossip.
So we’re going to look at the actual issues here from the perspective of the elements of the Buddhist Noble Path — specifically Right View, Right Intention, Right Action, and Right Speech. We’ll rate the candidates on a scale of 1 - 5. Note: the ratings are my own and may or may not reflect the views of other Theravada Buddhist practitioners.
We’ll go in alphabetical order on the issues, beginning with abortion. Here are the candidate’s positions on abortion:
Hillary Clinton
Will sign into law the Freedom of Choice Act, which would codify Roe v. Wade into federal law. Would overturn the “global gag rule,” which prohibits Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from talking about abortion in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. Voted against the Prohibit Partial Birth Abortion bill in 2003. Did not cast a vote on Prohibiting Funds for Groups that Perform Abortions amendment in 2007. Disagreed with Supreme Court ruling to uphold the “Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.”
Barack Obama
Opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v Wade. Disagreed with Supreme Court ruling to uphold the “Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.” Did not cast a vote on Prohibiting Funds for Groups that Perform Abortions amendment in 2007.
John McCain
Voted for the Prohibit Partial Birth Abortion bill in 2003 and “yes” for Prohibiting Funds for Groups that Perform Abortions amendment in 2007. Believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned. Supports Supreme Court ruling upholding the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.
Right Understanding
Partial birth abortions only occur in very rare instances — usually when the health of the mother is at risk. Commonly performed abortions are usually performed during the first few months of pregnancy and since the baby cannot survive on its own, it is part of the mother and it should be left to the mother to decide. Both Clinton and Obama have right understanding, McCain doesn’t.
Clinton - 5
Obama - 5
McCain - 1
Right Intention
Those who want to ban abortion seek more government intrusion into the personal lives of the citizens. That’s wrong intention when it applies to moral issues.
Clinton - 5
Obama - 5
McCain - 1
Right Speech
Not enough information
Right Action
Neither Clinton or Obama voted when they could have made a statement about prohibiting funds for groups that perform abortions and McCain voted, but he voted wrong.
Clinton - 4
Obama - 4
McCain - 1
Total
Clinton - 14
Obama - 14
McCain - 3
Tags: politics
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