Be wary of 'pro-life' labels

The suspense is building as a very important national election is at hand. The survival of our country is at stake, yet predictably, many of our Christian churches think they have the responsibility to tell us how to vote.

To them, the only issue to consider in an election is whether the candidate "claims" to be pro-life. He doesn't have to be pro-life, just say that he is to win the vote of the many people who don't know the difference.

Why this need to invade our conscience? It's all about power. One thing the church and politicians have in common is addiction to power. I can almost hear the bishops extending a strong warning to the "faithful" to "vote your conscience but your conscience must tell you to vote pro-life."

George Bush ran as a pro-life candidate. He had no interest in reversing Roe v. Wade and couldn't if he wanted to because the executive branch of government doesn't handle legal issues. The Supreme Court rules over and defines the law. While it is true that the President nominates the Supreme Court justices, the two Bush nominees, Roberts and Alito, are very conservative, yet the abortion issue remains unchanged.

Our church says it is illogical and always morally wrong for politicians or anyone to say: "I'm personally opposed to abortion but I can't impose my morality on others." To that I say "Why not?"

This is a mighty big world and no matter how you feel, others do have a right to disagree. That is the American way. Who are we to judge? Why not leave that to God. Besides, you can't legislate morality.

Both Barack Obama and Joe Biden oppose abortion, but because they can't make that choice for everyone, are condemned as pro-choice and not worthy of the Christian vote. On the other hand, John McCain claims to be pro-life, so he will get the nod of the pro-life voters. He may not have anything to offer our country in terms of intellect or integrity, but apparently that's not important to some people.

Darlene Burr

Elgin