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Senate approves anti-abortion resolution by two-thirds majority
The state Senate voted Monday night to ask voters to amend the Tennessee constitution to strip away abortion rights, with supporters saying they want to put “common-sense” restrictions into the law.
The vote was 24-8 — the two-thirds majority needed with two votes to spare. If the House also approves the resolution by a super-majority this session, as seems all but certain, then the measure will go on the ballot for voters to decide in the 2014 elections.
Last year, the House voted by the stunning margin of 76-22 for SJR127, as the anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution is known, and that was before the 2010 elections that gave Republicans even firmer control of the legislature.
Even if voters agree to amend the constitution, abortion still would be legal in Tennessee as long as Roe v. Wade stands. But Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mount Juliet, said the amendment is needed to give the legislature “the right to enact reasonable protections for women’s health and the unborn” such as a 24- or 48-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed.
“The only way to restore protections is to change the constitution and give the legislature the authority to write common-sense laws,” Beavers told the Senate. “This matter is too important to play politics. Those who oppose it will try to muddy the water and change the focus of what this amendment is all about. This will get us back to neutral ground. Then the people will have the right to vote on it so we can look at the various protections that can be put into law.”
The Senate voted down amendments by Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden, to allow for abortions in the case of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother.
“It will be my intent to vote for SJR127 but only if we protect the women whose lives are in danger and only if we protect the women who are victims of rape or incest,” Herron said.
Recognizing any resistance was futile, pro-choice Democrats didn’t put much of a fight. Sen. Beverly Marrero, D-Memphis, kept it short: “I do represent women who are pro-choice in Tennessee. Women should have a right to make decisions about their own body.”
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Okay...thought I had become a racist without realizing it. Never mind...
Revo asks, "{.....and hypocrisy.} What, you mean like government funding is okay for the people you agree with, but not the ones you don't?"
As R. Crumb might say, Eggs Ackley, Revo-lou.
I hate to bring up the US-Israel special relationship; really, I do, but when the topic is "abortion", then I am obliged to schlep out that Israeli Exceptionalism Conundrum and point out this pertinent political paradox.
Again, I hate to spoil the party or pee on anyone's parade; but somebody's gotta do it.
I do it because I love this country and I reject theocratic governance and the consequent Holy Wars they engender.
My detractors simply call me an anti-Semitic, Arab-loving, terrorist-enabling, un-American atheist.
H of P,
You arent a racist, but I am a secessionist.
{My detractors simply call me an anti-Semitic, Arab-loving, terrorist-enabling, un-American atheist.}
Don't forget hypocrite.
{...but I am a secessionist.}
Wamp, is that you?
"http://new-york-loner.livejournal.com"
PREACH IT!
HP
"Hypocrite"? They don't usually throw that one in there, Revo....but I'll add that to the list...thanks for the input.....now, if I can just buy a vowel or two, I can construct a catchy acronym to encapsulate the hate.
You could add this item to PhiDelt's list: Trannies keep disturbing his truck: http://j.mp/hI6bqa
Maybe they're trying to get at him?
HP
Impressive Hokey.
Everyone posting seems to have differing opinions on this matter. I too, do not think tax dollars should go to fund such a vile act. If you choose the behavior; then you choose the consequences and murder of an innocent is evil. If such a decision should occur, then think about this law; Thou Shall Not Kill, how's that for a statement.........mg
Thought the Repub's were for less government? Guess it only applies when the Theocrats aren't lining your pockets? Meanwhile, this state ranks at/near bottom in every major catagory re education, healthcare, etc.
"Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy." Benjamin Franklin
I had tranny blow...in my 1990 Ford Ranger. Electronic glitch, not mechanical.
{Thou Shall Not Kill, how's that for a statement.........mg}
So, you don't support our troops?
{I had tranny blow}
Really, this is supposed to be a "clean place"!
Hmmm, just read a cool article on the BBC's website about a 275-million-year-old dinosaur/fossil; while folks here are trying to rationalize an argument based on a 2000+ year old farce...
"Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy." Benjamin Franklin
{Thou Shall Not Kill, how's that for a statement.........mg}
So, you don't support our troops?
Point, revo-lou.
Rev; you cannot equate the deliberate murder of a baby with supporting our troops........this doesn't compute.....what kind of threat does an innocent baby pose and what makes you think you have the right to snuff out it's life....mg
}Hmmm, just read a cool article on the BBC's website about a 275-million-year-old dinosaur/fossil; while folks here are trying to rationalize an argument based on a 2000+ year old farce...}
Oh,haven't you heard? Those where put here to test us and our free will to believe.
{Rev; you cannot equate the deliberate murder of a baby with supporting our troops........this doesn't compute.....what kind of threat does an innocent baby pose and what makes you think you have the right to snuff out it's life....mg}
Oh, I am sorry, I thought you said "thou shall not kill".
Rev; this is where principles and upbringing come into play. Do you have children, would you allow one to be murdered for any reason; I rest my case......mg
{Rev; this is where principles and upbringing come into play. Do you have children, would you allow one to be murdered for any reason; I rest my case......mg}
At this point, you have no case. You either believe in "thou shall not kill", or you don't. Present a stance and support it.
Poll: Majority of Americans Say Abortion Morally Wrong
by Steven Ertelt | Washington, DC | LifeNews.com | 2/18/11 11:25 AM
house_of_pain on 4/19/11 at 9:28
"Most people in the US oppose abortion."
I doubt this statement is true.
And I think it's truer than you would like to think, house. Google the question: Percent of Americans who think abortion is wrong.
You have no case to rest, mg...only your opinion.
Ever heard of "selective polling", bud?
mg357 on 4/19/11 at 12:48
Everyone posting seems to have differing opinions on this matter. I too, do not think tax dollars should go to fund such a vile act. If you choose the behavior; then you choose the consequences and murder of an innocent is evil. If such a decision should occur, then think about this law; Thou Shall Not Kill, how's that for a statement.........mg
You do not get it, mg357; "THEY" do not know what behavior vs. consequences means. We live in a "nannie" state of mind in this country where the gov-ment thinks, speaks, acts and does for "them" so they do not have an inherent belief system that says abortion is wrong, let alone a system that says "behavior has side effects"! Abortion is unhealthy mentally, physically and spiritually.
house of pain; I am the mother of 5 good kids and have 5 grandchildren in college at this point. Abortion is a filthy word to me and always will be and I make no apology for this opinion, now or ever....mg
budlight; No one should be able to decide a moral issue of this magnitude. For every action; there is a definite reaction, you are dead right here and I will never advocate for the murders of innocent babies who become the victims of irresponsible actions....mg
{Abortion is a filthy word to me and always will be and I make no apology for this opinion, now or ever....mg}
I would think that hypocrite would be of great concern to you as well. And, dishonest. And poser.
BTW, what's this "innocent baby" stuff? I thought religious folks said we are all guilty of "original sin"...
Besides, we're talking about a fetus(potential person), not a newborn(actual person).
{ I will never advocate for the murders of innocent babies who become the victims of irresponsible actions....mg}
You do understand that innocent people die in every war, don't you? I'll put you down as not supporting our troops.
I simply have principles rev and all you have is name calling........how did you come to these conclusions pray tell.....fighting an adult when your own life depends upon it has no comparison to desecrating the life of a helpless baby....call me what you wish, I won't reply to name calling....mg
lol, revo. You're killin' me over here.
Don't feel bad, though...I'm not exactly "innocent".
mg, you have Roman Catholic markings, although many folks do.
What's your opinion on capital punishment?
HP
Eye for an Eye hokey..........mg
{I simply have principles rev and all you have is name calling........how did you come to these conclusions pray tell.....fighting an adult when your own life depends upon it has no comparison to desecrating the life of a helpless baby....call me what you wish, I won't reply to name calling....mg}
Name calling, mg? No, I think not. I am merely pointing out that your position, your stance, is meaningless as you pick and choose how you INTERPRET “thou shall not kill”. Obviously you add a lot of “excepts, buts or unless” onto the end of the statement that you have not shared with us. I was pretty sure that no one could do that MORALLY and all, but, I don’t have the knowledge in these matters that you do.
So, if you would be so kind as to inform us when “thou shall not kill” can be blessedly ignored.
{You're killin' me over here.
Don't feel bad, though...I'm not exactly "innocent".}
So I heard!
By: budlight: "Google the question: Percent of Americans who think abortion is wrong" - http://j.mp/soWrongsoLong
But, again, it's how you ask the question - http://j.mp/HowTheQuestionIsAsked
Opinions, like noses, differ - although they remain fairly consistent - http://j.mp/hFd13P
HP
Rev; what you're asking of me, I cannot do. In a life and death situation you want to know my stance and would I defend myself; the answer is yes and with deadly force if necessary. The abortion question takes on a whole different complexion; I just couldn't deliberately kill a baby; that's it, bottom line. The psychological aftermath to me would be unbearable...mg
{Rev; what you're asking of me, I cannot do. In a life and death situation you want to know my stance and would I defend myself; the answer is yes and with deadly force if necessary. The abortion question takes on a whole different complexion; I just couldn't deliberately kill a baby; that's it, bottom line. The psychological aftermath to me would be unbearable...mg}
With all due respect to your feelings, why do you have to impose them on others who do not share them.
{Opinions, like noses, differ - although they remain fairly consistent }
HP, ones nose grows their entire life. Lets hope their opinions do as well.
I wasn't aware that I was imposing anything on anyone, this is an opinion column, is it not? Unless they've rewritten the Constitution and didn't tell me; I have the right to state my opinion whether it is popular or not; correct? Some things are simply abominable to me and abortion tops this list.....mg
{ I too, do not think tax dollars should go to fund such a vile act. If you choose the behavior; then you choose the consequences and murder of an innocent is evil. If such a decision should occur, then think about this law; Thou Shall Not Kill, how's that for a statement.........mg}
{I wasn't aware that I was imposing anything on anyone, this is an opinion column, is it not? Unless they've rewritten the Constitution and didn't tell me; I have the right to state my opinion whether it is popular or not; correct?}
You opinion presented is not the issue, is it, really? No, it seems that your position you wish to impose is the issue. The first part of this equation you got, in that you get to make decisions for yourself. It is the second part, based on your “thou shall not kill” statement implied as a stoic stance that you do not get to install onto others. Especially since you pick and choose when to follow it.
So; what you're saying is that as long as I follow the herd it's alright but, the moment another opinion surfaces it's off with my head. Your brand of socialism is what is bringing this country to it's knees. Do not address me again for I will not answer until you call me another name.........have a wonderful day........mg
{So; what you're saying is that as long as I follow the herd it's alright but, the moment another opinion surfaces it's off with my head. Your brand of socialism is what is bringing this country to it's knees. Do not address me again for I will not answer until you call me another name.........have a wonderful day........mg}
Follow the heard? No, you are a lost sheep. You understand too little about the world, and THAT is what is bringing this country to its knees. Names, I thought you didn't like being called names? I am sure we could come up with an appropriate moniker for you, if you would like. I really don’t think the mg357 is working too well.
Well my dear, it seems to work on the Wall Street Journal site. At the very least they're literate i.e.heard.....try using spellcheck....I am 67 years old and am slightly learned on some things and don't claim to be an expert on anything but; I can still rationalize for myself and make my own decisions and take other opinions into consideration without dissecting another's thoughts. Oh; 357 isn't my house number either, it's my preference in weapons, I just omitted magnum........works for me......again, have a wonderful day....mg
mg357 is being willfully ignorant, there is no point in arguing with that.
mg: "Unless they've rewritten the Constitution and didn't tell me; I have the right to state my opinion whether it is popular or not; correct? "
No, you're misreading the First Amendment. Here at Nashville City Paper you have no rights. You can put it up, they can take it down. NCP has a First Amendment Right to publish any way it sees fit on land, sea and air. So do you, but not on NCP's turf.
HP
Revo-lou: "HP, ones nose grows their entire life. Lets hope their opinions do as well."
I witness, at least in the asynchronous world, a general belief that the older you get, the crankier and more conservative you should become.
I don't buy it. I'm well into the short end of my life and, if anything, I've become more liberal. I can't believe I'm unique.
HP
There is hope for all HP, there is hope for all.
{ mg357 on 4/19/11 at 3:06
Well my dear, it seems to work on the Wall Street Journal site. At the very least they're literate i.e.heard.....try using spellcheck....I am 67 years old and am slightly learned on some things and don't claim to be an expert on anything but; I can still rationalize for myself and make my own decisions and take other opinions into consideration without dissecting another's thoughts. Oh; 357 isn't my house number either, it's my preference in weapons, I just omitted magnum........works for me......again, have a wonderful day....mg}
Unlike you mg, I admit I am imperfect. I will make spelling, and grammar errors, because I am human. There was no doubt what the 357 referred to. It is the old “god, guns, guts” motto, presented by you in all its unwashed glory. We all realize what it is that you must rely on as you prodder your way though life.