[Congressman Billybob]

No, "killing babies" is not okay. But I take a position which I believe correct that winds up angering both sides on the issue of abortion. To wit:

The US Constitution is absolutely silent on the subject of abortion. On the other hand, that has been part of the criminal law of all jurisdictions going back to the English common law. It is up to every state to determine its own criminal law.

So if North Carolina, New York, and Nevada reach different decisions on the subject, that is permitted by the US Constitution.

I know that answer will displease some people, perhaps even both of you. But I always start any discussion of political basics with the plain language -- or lack of language -- of the Constitution on that subject.

John / Billybob

[Diva Betsy Ross]

I don't like it.. but I guess I will have to accept it. Your argument does make sense.

[Revel]

John,

Can you tell me what weight you give the declertaion of indepedance? And the right to life.

Thankyou

[FreeReign]

The US Constitution is absolutely silent on the subject of abortion.

There's no right to life in the Constitution?

[Spiff]

So if North Carolina, New York, and Nevada reach different decisions on the subject, that is permitted by the US Constitution.

Actually, you and I are in agreement on this issue. If murder is within a state's criminal jurisdiction (and killing an unborn child is clearly murdering him/her) then any laws specific to abortion are the perview of the states. The geographic location (ie. in the womb or out, in a suitcase or out) or developmental stage (5 months after conception, 2 years after conception) of a child is immaterial to the fact that killing him/her is murder and should be covered by the criminal codes of the individual states.

That being said, you didn't answer the question. Is killing babies OK? Is abortion acceptable to you in anyway?

[tpaine]

It is up to every state to determine its own criminal law.

But said criminal laws must comply with our BORs individual protections.

So if North Carolina, New York, and Nevada reach different decisions on the subject, that is permitted by the US Constitution.

Simply not true according to the plain words of the 14th.

I know that answer will displease some people, perhaps even both of you. But I always start any discussion of political basics with the plain language -- or lack of language -- of the Constitution on that subject. John / Billybob 1,605

The USSC let stand a peculiar 'criminal law' about assault weapons in CA last week, Billy. -- Do you support CA's 'right' to prohibit such weapons?

[Sir_Ed]

"No, "killing babies" is not okay. But I take a position which I believe correct that winds up angering both sides on the issue of abortion. To wit:

The US Constitution is absolutely silent on the subject of abortion."

We all have the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness...

When you kill an unborn baby, you are taking its life. It's the same as killing an infant who is two weeks out of his mother's womb, which is also against the Constitution.

Ed

[The_Eaglet]

The US Constitution is absolutely silent on the subject of abortion.

Amendment V addresses the right to life: "No person ... shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law." Until the a child (before or after birth) is able to testify in court, their lives are protected.