archiel@hercules.UUCP (Archie Lachner) (04/27/84)
I have been spending altogether too much time writing articles for this
news group. I have other responsibilities that demand my time. I feel
very strongly about this subject, in case you haven't guessed, and these
feelings arise out of what I believe are unselfish motives. After all,
what does a vocal pro-lifer have to gain but scorn from the other 80% of
the population (if the figures quoted in this group are accurate)?
I have tried to present arguments for my position that are not based on
emotion or my religious beliefs, although they are probably fairly difficult
to hide. In any case, please try to consider what I have said as part of a
debate rather than dogma. I have made a conscious effort to steer away from
the latter. After all, the stakes involved are potentially (which, as I have
stated previously, is close enough for me), very high. We are debating what
is quite possibly the taking of human life as a means of birth control.
One contributer to this group has said in effect (this quote is not direct),
"Who is this guy and why doesn't he shut up? After all, we have answered
all the arguments he has put forth, and he is wrong, wrong, wrong!" Perhaps
all of my arguments have been answered to this person's satisfaction, but
not to mine or quite probably to many others'. I have yet to read an argument
not based on a personal definition, variable as it is, to justify the pro-choice
position.
I do not claim to have all of the answers. However, I think that the question
of the "humanness" of the fetus needs to be answered in a definitive manner,
not just by the women involved, before abortion is pursued at a "damn the
torpedos, full speed ahead" rate.
How many of us were actually "planned" by our parents? How many of the
pro-choice people have thought that had their mothers had the "right to
abortion" that they now champion, they might not be here to put forth
that position? Human nature being what it is, I cannot help but think that
the thought of never having been born at all is bothersome (perhaps a gross
understatement) to most people.
Forgive me if I do not answer your mail to me on this subject. Those of you
who are still in college are responsible to only yourselves, in most cases,
for the amount of time spent in pursuits such as this. It is indeed worthwhile.
However, I am responsible to my wife and the people I work with, as well as
myself. Reading and contributing to this news group is too great a temptation
for me. I must quit "cold turkey," or it may cost me and the others that are
depending on me.
To all but one of you, I owe thanks for "listening" to what I have had to
say.
--
Archie Lachner
Logic Design Systems Division
Tektronix, Inc.
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