Voting Democrat

Now, given the choices in our political process, I nearly always vote for the Democrat. I'm never really 100% sure whether it's the right thing to do.

For some Christians it's cut-and-dry: Does the politician support Abortion rights? If yes, no votes. If no, then it might be okay to vote for her. If only I were able to think this way! My political life would be somewhat easier, at least my choice of candidates would be. I would feel less pain when submitting my ballot.

But, for better or for worse, I vote for the politician whose policies I deem to be more protective of the overall common good and, I'm ashamed to admit, can get a little utilitarian in the process. I had 8 years of a 'pro-life' president through my most politically formative years. Abortion was legal at the beginning of his administration and remained so by the end, though instances of abortion may have dropped in the early 2000s. The Morning After Pill, which seems to be an abortifacient, was introduced and legalized. A culture of war and fear grew. Economic inequality widened. If abortion law wasn't going to effectively change under a Republican president or congress, then why put up with all the other garbage they bring along?

But, sometimes, in the face of millions of unnecessary deaths caused by abortion, these things seem small- too small. Sometimes, I lie awake at night and think of how I'm not using my vote to send a message to the Democratic party. Am I trading support of unions, minimum wage, health care access, international peace and good diplomacy for the lives of the unborn? Would voting republican be more consistent with my conviction that life begins at conception?

A pro-life candidate who considers food stamps and welfare for single mothers to be an enabling handout is not helping the pro-life cause. Someone who truly believes that the Marketplace will somehow magically strengthen the moral and economic power of poor families needs to remember the industrial revolution, child labor, sweat shops and 7-day work weeks. Abortion is, in part, a response to the incredible suffering and hopelessness caused by economic and social injustice. It is also rooted in a sick view of sexuality and human life, one that is not helped by examples of philandering politicians, warmongering, the death penalty or victim-blaming.

In my view, neither party offers a cure for the sickness of abortion. On one hand, I see a party that wishes to prohibit Abortion but deny that families need help from a government. On the other, I see a party that wants to take concrete and direct action to create a more peaceful and just society but leave the definition of life up to  the individual. Do I vote for the hope of systemic change or for the hope of prohibition?

In the end, my answer is to look at the larger picture- single-issue voting just doesn't sit well in my heart, although if I were to vote with the Single Issue in mind, my choice would be simple. Perhaps one day I will.

Guide us, Lord, to an end to legal abortion and raise up more progressives who support its prohibition. Amen.