Life Issues / Family Ethics Political Action Committee of Southwest Washington

2018 Other Regional Office Survey

Candidates: Copy and paste the survey questions below into your word processor, type your answers and send to vote4life@lifepac.org.  Alternatively, you can freely compose your own statement for posting using some of the survey's themes.  Responses will be authenticated before use.

A CONSISTENT ETHIC OF LIFE IN PUBLIC POLICY
A consistent ethic of life (see here, here and here) focuses on the major life issues of abortion, euthanasia, persistent poverty, unjust war, capital punishment, the use of nuclear arms, violence, racism and exploitation.  While these are nationally debated issues, there are community manifestations of these that local governments can address.  Will you as a regional government official do all in your power and authority to implement public policies and facilitate community action that further a consistent respect for all human life?

 

ABORTION
Do you believe that a unique human life begins at conception? 
 

If not, when?   ___ 3 mths    ___ 6 mths

___ At Birth    ___ 1 yr   ___18 yrs?

 

Is taking the life of a pre-born child through abortion ever morally permissible?  Check all that apply:

_____ No, it's never permissible

_____ Yes, to save mother's life

_____ Yes, in cases of rape or incest

_____ Yes, for physical deformity

_____  Yes, for gender

_____  Yes, for race

_____  Yes, to punish spouse

_____ Yes, it's always permissible

 

CONSTITUTION
The 14th Amendment states "nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade, 1973, stated that "if this suggestion of personhood is established, the appellant's case, of course, collapses, for the fetus' right to life would then be guaranteed specifically by the [14th] Amendment." The Court regrettably concluded though that "we need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer." Do you believe that  the State has a compelling interest in protecting human life beginning at conception?

 

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN ABORTION
Peer reviewed studies have shown that parental involvement laws reduce the occurrence of risky sex in teens, and more than 30 states currently have some form of them.  Either the teen refrains from engaging in sex or is more careful before having sex.  These laws help teen mothers and fathers get the support and guidance they need from parents in this important decision.  Not having them risks parental estrangement or alienation from the child when in the greatest need and denies the dignity of the family.  Minors already must have parental approval for even the most minor types of medical procedures or medications and should also for the complex procedure of abortion.   Without parental involvement, a minor impregnated by an adult often times is pressured into having an abortion so as to conceal the fact that the adult is guilty of statutory rape.  A 2013 poll commissioned by Human Life WA, found Washington State voters are widely supportive of laws requiring "parental involvement" in abortion decisions for girls under the age of 18 (62-29% with just under 10% undecided).  Read a summary of the results here.  Will you promote/support parental involvement laws (with judicial override) for minors when seeking an abortion?

 

REGULATION OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA
Recreational marijuana was legalized in Washington State in 2012 by Initiative 502.  The drug though is considered dangerous by many, including the FDA, the AMA, and The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  The White House Office of National Drug Policy opposes the legalization of the drug for public health reasonsCitizens Against Legalizing Marijuana (CALM) states "The normalization, expanded use, and increased availability of marijuana in our communities are detrimental to our youth, to public health, and to the safety of our society."  The Alaska Association of Police Chief describe some of the negative aspects of legalizing the drug here.   For additional dangers see here, here and hereWhat is your position on the legal production, processing and sale of recreational marijuana in Washington State?

_____ Support

_____ Oppose

_____  No Opinion

_____  Other:

CONTRIBUTIONS OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
"Religious communities are the largest and best-organized civil institutions in the world, claiming the allegiance of billions across race, class, and national divides. These communities have particular cultural understandings, infrastructures, and resources to get help where it is needed most" (World Conference of Religions for Peace).  Southwest Washington has a broad range of religious communities that contribute substantially to the welfare of families, children, seniors, the homeless, sick, and refugees.  They are a highly valued part of our community which respects and defends human life at every stage.  Are you an active member in a church, synagogue, temple, mosque or other religious assembly?

If so, you may state here where at:
 

FAITH-BASED AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIPS
The White House's Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships ensures that religious and other community organizations are able to compete on an equal footing for participation in Federal programs without impairing the character of such organizations and without diminishing the religious freedom of those served.  Does the collaboration of government with faith-based charitable works lawfully ensure fair treatment of religious organizations, and is it good for our communities?


 

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMMENTS
What office (district and position) are you running for?

 

Please state your qualifications for office such as professional, educational, family and community accomplishments.  You may also add any any further comments regarding the relationship of your candidacy to respect life issues.

 

Do you have a campaign website?  What is the address?


POLICY POSITIONS
You may state here any policy positions you have in relation to the office you are seeking:


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Please give your campaign web address if you have one: