Editor,
In Monday's edition of the Daily Lobo, Danielle Townsend wrote the letter that stops reasonable discourse of a controversial subject.
She wrote the letter that turns a debate into a shouting match, where shrill-voiced ranters scream over each other, forgetting to base their arguments in reason and fairness, and instead opting to embrace passion and prejudice.
I tend not to like to mention my political opinions or affiliation, but I feel shamed right now.
I am a Republican, and insofar as American politics are concerned, I am a conservative. I do not support abortion, but I likewise do not currently support outlawing it. Most of all, I do not support people spewing their vehement rhetoric to try to guilt and shame people into an opinion.
Slinging gruesome examples and emotionally-charged rhetoric serves to do little more than trivialize a subject millions of Americans already find touchy, if not taboo. Disrespecting those who have made the choice to have an abortion as well as those who are willing to argue their point only gives more reason to ignore arguments against abortion.
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Sensationalism is great, if you can back it. Unfortunately, Townsend cannot.
If we're going to throw around such abrasive terms as murder, let's compare the two. Why is murder illegal when abortion is not? Perhaps, at its essence, because murder has the potential to affect you. A murderer can just as easily commit the crime on you, me, or anyone as he did on his intended or unintended victims. An abortion, on the other hand, cannot affect you - thus people like Townsend have no fundamental right to limit such an action.
She is right in one regard: Abortions are more likely caused by irresponsible behavior than by incest, rape or serious or potentially life-threatening health problems.
Unfortunately, it is not her, my, nor anyone else's duty to force people to be responsible. It is our duty to ensure our own well-being and responsibility. We are creatures bound by self-interest, and no matter how vehemently someone like Townsend argues against abortion, it is not her interest that any woman preparing to make such a difficult decision will consider. It is that woman's interest - whatever that may be.
While I would like to see an America where no abortions happen, it is not my prerogative to attempt to impose my will on others. We are rational, thinking beings. Each woman must choose for herself what is best for her and her body. It is not my right to judge, nor is it Townsend's. While I may not agree with the fundamental decision to have an abortion, it is - and barring some genetic mutation that links us all together, will always be - an individual's decision.
My suggestion to Townsend is that she not get an abortion and be pleased she has made a difference.
Jared Thormahlen
UNM student
