The first thing to go, historically, is reverence for the Creator, next goes regard for human life...quickly followed by the loss of fundamental God-given rights.
I think I have to disagree with you about this, EV. I understand your reasoning, but I think if you set "pro-life" as the main criterion, you lose the support of many valuable people. First, there are quite a few who are still in the "live and let live" category as discussed earlier.
While opposed to abortion, I'm not sure that it should be the main concern of a president, or even of the federal government. (I think perhaps Roe v. Wade should have been decided by the USSC using the 10th amendment.)
My main concern of the federal government is that it "provide for the common defense". Other than that, I really think it should leave me alone.
I think there are plenty of people who are concerned with a strong military, lower taxes, and on the whole less government intervention in our lives who are not as concerned with "social" issues such as abortion. You don't seem to think we need them in the party. Should they form their own, or vote Dem?
On the other hand, I think there are people who have strong religious and pro-life convictions, and vote Republican because of these...and because of their strong religious convictions, also may oppose the death penalty and the military and feel the government should help poor people and old people with things like food, housing, and health care....are they conservatives? I'm glad for their vote if it helps, but I don't think they are TRUE conservatives, because I don't think the Constitution makes charity one of the functions of the federal government.
Maybe part of the disagreement on the forum is disagreement about what a REAL conservative really is.
You seem to make the assumption that I think pro-abortion folks should be kicked out of the Party...that would be foolish. In politics you want every vote you can get.
I want them on the bus, where we can win their hearts and minds...I just don't want them driving the bus, because their road map leads to a cliff.
Millions of pro-life Republicans know that, and as I said originally, they and I will disembark if they ever gain control of the wheel.
I don't question your sincerity, intelligence, morality or your Christianity. But I do believe you to be naive about the centrality of the pro-life position, its importance to the future of the GOP, and the insidious harm done by those who are willing to compromise here.
Regards,
EV
The state's rights angle on this has always been a red herring.
It is a federal civil rights issue of the highest order.
The legalization of abortion by judicial fiat, and its practice, is a direct violation of the 5th Amendment.