Let’s talk about abortion for a moment. I’ve said before that I’m personally pro-life, in that if I were a woman faced with a pregnancy, I probably would have difficulty in terminating the pregnancy. But I’m not a woman. I’m not pregnant. I don’t know how it feels to be pregnant and in a tough situation. I have no earthly idea. So I know that my opinion as a male should not dictate what any individual female can and cannot do with her own body. That’s what pro-choice means- not an affirmation of the merits of abortion, but the recognition that one adult should not tell another adult what they can and cannot do with their body, be it getting a tattoo or carrying a baby to term.
But here’s the thing. This is a discussion about adults to adults. And that’s where Rep. Byrd starts deluding herself.
I’m not an expert in child law, but I can summarize my knowledge as follows: adults (parents especially) have the qualified right to impose their will upon minor children. We do it in umpteen ways already: compulsory education, mandatory vaccinations, and the like. And, by and large, these impositions serve the public welfare. God forbid our children are smart and healthy.
And what about healthy kids? An estimated 40% of Georgia children are obese, the second highest rate in the nation. For those of you unaware, obesity is a serious epidemic with serious consequences. When I go to the voting booth, I select the candidate that I believe will solve Georgia’s problems most effectively. Childhood obesity in Georgia is a problem. And those elected officials that are “forcing” (I personally would use the term “suggesting” or “educating,” but what do I know) healthy living on these children are simply trying to correct a serious problem to which the state contributes, through unhealthy lunches and subpar dietary education. And, I should note, this isn’t exactly something that Democrats alone recognize.
I can’t believe I even have to write this post. I’m in awe that any Georgian would make this comparison with complete indifference to any possible reality, much less an elected official. Is there anyone running against her yet?
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