To add to the discussion, I also wonder if the semantic quibbles over "pro-life" ought to also extend to matters of war and violence abroad. Should the principle of "just war" be a part of the "pro-life" identity?

The term "life" as it is used in the phrase "pro-life" is actually a direct reference to the second sentence of the Declaration Of Independence - as in the unalienable Rights of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness". So when they author of the article refers to religious freedoms, people having their lifestyles condemned, bad neighborhoods vs. good neighborhoods, guns in the hands of criminals, wages and all of the other issues that he brings up in his personal definition of "life", then he is barking up the wrong tree. Those items are pretty clearly pertinent to liberty and pursuit of happiness (constitutionally speaking), and not particularly relevant to "life".

 

The use of the word "life" is much more clear if you look to one of the original "pro-life" organizations, initially formed to fight against the legalization of abortion while the Roe v. Wade case was before the US appeals courts and the US Supreme Court in the late 60s and early 70s. That organization is called "The National Right To Life Committee", formally organized in 1968. The NRLC was organized to fight in favor of all unborn children's unalienable right to life, as established in the Declaration Of Independence...pro-life, for short. The abbreviated "pro-life" phrase has happened to be the far more common term for the people who fight against abortion. Since then, pro-abortion word mincer's worldwide have tried to pick apart their stance on the basis of semantics, just like this author.

To add to the discussion, I also wonder if the semantic quibbles over "pro-life" ought to also extend to matters of war and violence abroad. Should the principle of "just war" be a part of the "pro-life" identity?

 

No.

Do you agree that someone cannot be pro-life if they support Capital Punishment?

 

Yes

The term "life" as it is used in the phrase "pro-life" is actually a direct reference to the second sentence of the Declaration Of Independence - as in the unalienable Rights of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness". So when they author of the article refers to religious freedoms, people having their lifestyles condemned, bad neighborhoods vs. good neighborhoods, guns in the hands of criminals, wages and all of the other issues that he brings up in his personal definition of "life", then he is barking up the wrong tree. Those items are pretty clearly pertinent to liberty and pursuit of happiness (constitutionally speaking), and not particularly relevant to "life".

 

The use of the word "life" is much more clear if you look to one of the original "pro-life" organizations, initially formed to fight against the legalization of abortion while the Roe v. Wade case was before the US appeals courts and the US Supreme Court in the late 60s and early 70s. That organization is called "The National Right To Life Committee", formally organized in 1968. The NRLC was organized to fight in favor of all unborn children's unalienable right to life, as established in the Declaration Of Independence...pro-life, for short. The abbreviated "pro-life" phrase has happened to be the far more common term for the people who fight against abortion. Since then, pro-abortion word mincer's worldwide have tried to pick apart their stance on the basis of semantics, just like this author.

 

It is probably coincidence, but I'm going to the Cincinnati Right to Life benefit dinner tonight. I can't wait to tell them about this conversation.

I think pro-life is just the phrase people started using when the anti-abortion movement started. I think it was just a way of identification. I do not think the intent was for the phrase it self to go through such a thorough analysis.

 

What if they just said "Anti-choice?"

 

But to the other question, I am against abortion and support capital punishment.

I think pro-life is just the phrase people started using when the anti-abortion movement started. I think it was just a way of identification. I do not think the intent was for the phrase it self to go through such a thorough analysis.

 

What if they just said "Anti-choice?"

 

But to the other question, I am against abortion and support capital punishment.

 

The ironic thing is that "pro-life" is also "pro-choice", meaning, that life is chosen in all instances.

I think this article is as biased as they come. It creates so many stereotypes that I don't really see how someone can read this and not see the clear biases. I can only speak for myself because I don't truly know how others feel, but you can certainly be fully Pro-Life. I think both sides paint a very demeaning of both sides. The right says everyone on the left thinks everyone thinks abortion is a great thing, when the reality is those on the left are only pro-choice because they feel it should truly be your decision what to do with your body (A stance a fundamentally disagree with btw). Then the left says people on the right don't care about the health and safety of women which is totally false. But still social issues are such a touchy subject. You can convince people that certain fiscal policies are better and usually these are pretty fluid situations. But no one is ever going to fully agree on social issues, EVER. Thats why I believe social issues are best left to special interests groups and non-profits and outside of the political spectrum. But that will never happen.

Pro-Life/Pro-choice should not be considered a right/left, conservative/liberal or Republican/Democratic thing. For instance, there are "Democrats for Life" and "Republicans for Choice" organizations.

But to the other question, I am against abortion and support capital punishment.

 

Then you aren't Pro-Life. You're Anti-Abortion.

Then you aren't Pro-Life. You're Anti-Abortion.

 

Ok, if you say so. I've been called worse.

This is a hell of a load of semantic bull crap.

 

Big time.

This is a hell of a load of semantic bull crap.

 

What about pointing a finger back at "pro-choice"? How about calling them "pro-killing and dismembering children before they are born", or "anti-giving unborn children a choice on whether or not to live"?

 

Be more specific. I think you missed the point of the article.

I just want to man-hug you right now.

 

You won't be able to get your tiny arms around him.

The term "life" as it is used in the phrase "pro-life" is actually a direct reference to the second sentence of the Declaration Of Independence - as in the unalienable Rights of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness". So when they author of the article refers to religious freedoms, people having their lifestyles condemned, bad neighborhoods vs. good neighborhoods, guns in the hands of criminals, wages and all of the other issues that he brings up in his personal definition of "life", then he is barking up the wrong tree. Those items are pretty clearly pertinent to liberty and pursuit of happiness (constitutionally speaking), and not particularly relevant to "life".

 

The use of the word "life" is much more clear if you look to one of the original "pro-life" organizations, initially formed to fight against the legalization of abortion while the Roe v. Wade case was before the US appeals courts and the US Supreme Court in the late 60s and early 70s. That organization is called "The National Right To Life Committee", formally organized in 1968. The NRLC was organized to fight in favor of all unborn children's unalienable right to life, as established in the Declaration Of Independence...pro-life, for short. The abbreviated "pro-life" phrase has happened to be the far more common term for the people who fight against abortion. Since then, pro-abortion word mincer's worldwide have tried to pick apart their stance on the basis of semantics, just like this author.

 

Yeah you missed the point.