Mixed Martial Arts
The very idea that fighting could be a "sport" is just awful. Martial Arts are learning to defend yourself, not to beat each other in a bloody competition for money. I think it dehumanizes the fighters, and brings out one of the worst human tendencies.
I can think of another activity that is dehumanizing, brings out bad human tendencies, and involves the exchange of money: PROSTITUTION.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Abortion: Pro-Life or Pro-Choice
I used to be absolute in my opinion that abortion is murder. Now, I have come to the conclusion that early abortion is stopping cell growth. The cells that are extracted would most likely become a human being. But, I now stand firmly in my belief that the cells extracted are not a human being.
I do not think that extracting cells in an early abortion should be a crime under any circumstances.
However, I think after the first few months those cells start to form something that is beginning to be human. At this point, I think extenuating circumstances should be required to allow such an abortion to take place. Circumstances like rape, incest, or a complication that threatens the life of the living, breathing mother.
After the first 2-3 months, I believe there is a life that isn't quite human, but I still think it has rights that need to be considered.
When pro-life people tell me that 'life begins at conception', I am always reminded of the medical fact (I checked this with my doctor) that 80% of fertilized eggs never attach to the uterus wall, but are instead flushed out during menstruation. So, an embryo is not viable until it attaches to the uterus. So, why are the pro-life people concerned over a fertilized embryo that is not attached to the uterus when it is used for stem cell research? I think there is something beyond the 'life begins at conception' argument in their minds when they froth at the mouth over 'protecting the unborn'.
Add into that mix the fact that the pro-life movement advocates 'abstinence only', and complain when schools try to educate young people on the responsible usage of contraceptives. They say that schools are advocating teen pregnancy. It is preposterous to insinuate that teachers and school administrators would actually support teen age pregnancy.
Then again, it seems as though strict pro-choice people want to be able to abort a pregnancy up to the point where most people would consider it murder.
I do agree that the woman has to carry the child, so it has to be her choice. But, I think the woman should be careful by using contraception and pregnancy testing often. That way, if they do decide to end a pregnancy, it will be in the first few weeks. Even the most ardent pro-lifers say privately that this kind of compromise would be acceptable.
I am the last one to place all this burden on the woman. I think men need to step up to the plate and do the 'manly' thing by insisting that they use a condom.
If men and women both would exercise common sense and caution, the sheer number of abortions would drop drastically.
I do not think that extracting cells in an early abortion should be a crime under any circumstances.
However, I think after the first few months those cells start to form something that is beginning to be human. At this point, I think extenuating circumstances should be required to allow such an abortion to take place. Circumstances like rape, incest, or a complication that threatens the life of the living, breathing mother.
After the first 2-3 months, I believe there is a life that isn't quite human, but I still think it has rights that need to be considered.
When pro-life people tell me that 'life begins at conception', I am always reminded of the medical fact (I checked this with my doctor) that 80% of fertilized eggs never attach to the uterus wall, but are instead flushed out during menstruation. So, an embryo is not viable until it attaches to the uterus. So, why are the pro-life people concerned over a fertilized embryo that is not attached to the uterus when it is used for stem cell research? I think there is something beyond the 'life begins at conception' argument in their minds when they froth at the mouth over 'protecting the unborn'.
Add into that mix the fact that the pro-life movement advocates 'abstinence only', and complain when schools try to educate young people on the responsible usage of contraceptives. They say that schools are advocating teen pregnancy. It is preposterous to insinuate that teachers and school administrators would actually support teen age pregnancy.
Then again, it seems as though strict pro-choice people want to be able to abort a pregnancy up to the point where most people would consider it murder.
I do agree that the woman has to carry the child, so it has to be her choice. But, I think the woman should be careful by using contraception and pregnancy testing often. That way, if they do decide to end a pregnancy, it will be in the first few weeks. Even the most ardent pro-lifers say privately that this kind of compromise would be acceptable.
I am the last one to place all this burden on the woman. I think men need to step up to the plate and do the 'manly' thing by insisting that they use a condom.
If men and women both would exercise common sense and caution, the sheer number of abortions would drop drastically.
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