The War On Choice: Day 1

So I've decided that in order to keep this blog more active, I will make posts about books I am reading AS I am reading them.
I'm not sure how well this will work, but I'm very bad at summarizing things after-the-fact. I feel like writing about my readings this way will give me less to think about and therefore, give me the chance to be more concise...

Today I started a book by Gloria Feldt entitled The War on Choice: The Right-Wing Attack on Women's Rights and How to Fight Back

Off the bat, I am taken in with the stories and passionate writing-style of Gloria Feldt. I would actually like to do some research on her, and discover whether or not she is more one-sided than she would obviously like her readers to believe.
The reason I am reading this book is because I have decided to re-explore my feelings and opinions on feminism. In truth, I barely even have actual opinions on the issues. I feel strongly about a good many things, but I do so without the proper background knowledge. This lack of knowledge makes me feel uncomfortable and unsure of myself. Therefore, I am trying to be as wary as possible about this book (for now,at least) in order to keep a diplomatic opinion on the issues. As much as I would love to believe everything that Feldt has to say, I feel that in order to be true to feminism, I must be true to myself and not automatically eat up what others are providing. At least not without some research.

One strongly worded sentence written in the book's Intro by Sally Blackmun really really stood out for me.
"Since 1986, the wind has continued to blow ever harder-- with each new legislative erosion of the right to choose, each federal judge that President Bush has appointed, each attempt to give rights to the fetus at the expense of the woman carrying it."
This simple sentence helped me put into words my very basic feelings on abortion and the woman's right to choose. I have always felt confused and torn on the issue of abortion, instinctively wanting to protect the unborn. I am pro-choice and have always been such. That sentence has made me feel less confused and more sure of myself on this issue. On a very basic level, many issues concerning women's reproductive rights are as simple as this: the woman's absolute right to choose. No one can determine whose life holds more value, the mother or the child, but it is up to the mother to decide the fate of herself and her unborn. As sad as that is, it is the truth and the right.

Another very obvious point written in the book, something which has actually never even crossed my mind is the idea that mostly older men are the ones who are deciding what laws should be made concerning women and their bodies. This decision should be made by none but the individual woman. Not detached old men who make choices based on church falsities and propoganda. The book pointing this out to me really shed light on how terribly easy it is for a complete stranger to take my rights away from me. Someone who does not know me and does not care about me. These men do not care about the women they affect, nor do they give second thoughts to the unborn children they have set out to "save."
I strongly support the idea of adopting out unwanted children. But those who make it to adoption centers are the lucky few. Those who are actually adopted are even luckier. There is no lack of children on this earth, unwanted or no. Who can condone allowing for more?
That sounds callous.
That's why I need to keep reading....

hah.



endpost.