Elizabeth Edwards for President!

NoH8 · July 2007

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wow. you know alot of people who had abortions.
i only know one.

I'm a psychologist, they aren't all personal friends , most are former clients.

NoH8 · July 2007

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I'm tired of the mud slinging. Social issues are of great importance, but right now [especially] after the news in the UK about the cars with bombs in them and then the one that tried to run through the airport in Scotland, terrorism is of great concern.

See I think terrorism is of lesser concern that social issues, particularly our standing in the world. I wonder if there would be a way to figure out how many people died because of terrorism vs. how many people died because of lack of health care, homelessness and other social issues, how the numbers would stack up. I also think that we can cure a lot of the animosity towards the USA and countries who are targeted because of their alliance with the USA through diplomacy and working on just what we've done to encourage so much hatred. I certainly don't think it's all our fault, but that we have a contributing factor. If you talk to europeans many worry that they will be targets because of their countries' alliance with the USA.

nosurrender · July 2007

I respectfully disagree. France just elected Sarkozy because they are worried their country will be overtaken by extremists who want to change France forever. They overwhelmingly elected a man who said he wanted good relations with the US.

The new PM of the UK has had a baptism by fire with the London car bombs and Glasgow's terrorist attack.

America is not as hated in the world as the media leads us to believe.

TERRORISM is our #1 DANGER today. If the terrorists succeed in their mission you won't have any social issues to worry about because there won't be anyone left to worry about.

This is a real problem. We have people who want Americans dead and our way of life to be extinguished.

It has been almost six years since we were last attacked...we will be attacked again. Reasoning and talking to people who see our death as the only acceptable outcome does not work.

The radical fundamentalists see our "open society" and all the things we "allow" (in their twisted minds) as a reason to rid the world of us infidels.

This is real and it is going to last at least a generation. I am afraid Americans have gotten too complacent and forgotten what happened on our soil not very long ago.

Anonymous · July 2007

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This is real and it is going to last at least a generation. I am afraid Americans have gotten too complacent and forgotten what happened on our soil not very long ago.

I totally agree.

Anonymous · July 2007

Speaking of abortions, my daughter's friend who was 15 at the time got pregnant. I found out from my youngest daughter that she was getting an abortion. My younger daughter was angry with the friend hence that's why she told me about it.

I knew she was having her abortion within a matter of a week. I sat around thinking and pondering on what to do. I knew her parents and, of course, they expected more of her than "this" as did the bf's parents. I decided the day before the abortion was to happen to call her minister. He agreed to come over. I can't remember how we got her and her bf over. Anyway, it was hard. It was a difficult decision. But I can tell you I'm against minors having this done without parental consent.

The minister sat and talked and talked and talked to them asking them to reconsider and call their parents. Ultimately they did. Of course the parents were not happy. The girl HATED me.

That was about 19 years ago. Giving birth to a baby at 16 was tough. However, her mother helped her. And about a year later the couple was married. I'm happy to say that they have a son as well and doing fine. I'm certain it took a lot of support from both families.

newter · July 2007

I agree with Nosurrender regarding terrorists. Diplomacy is not an option because there does not seem to be any way to reason with them. They are a cancer that needs to be extinguished.

Anonymous · July 2007

I totally agree with NS. I worry about our country being too busy fighting among ourselves to see that we are facing devastation.

United We Stand Divided We Fall

NoH8 · July 2007

I guess shirley, I don't understand why this girl's abortion is any of your concern and I hope there won't be any backlack for your daughter because of it. I'd be furious if I were this girl, her bf, or their parents. Having an abortion is a hard enough decision without outside interference.

Anonymous · July 2007

Amy, the girl was 15 years old. Hardly mature enough to understand what she would deal with whether she had an abortion or not. I applaud Shirley for getting involved and getting the minister and girls parents involved. If I were this girls parent I couldn't imagine being furious with Shirley .. I'd be grateful that I found out before my daughter did something she might not be able to live with. I believe a lot of teenagers abort because they feel it's the only option and it's the "easy" way out so as not to disappoint everybody. I've read of many women who've had psychological problems due to abortions they had as teenagers. There's no easy answers but I wouldn't expect a young teenager to be able to make the right decision without some adult guidance. We expect our kids to grow up way too fast these days.

lam · July 2007

I'm with Shirley & Amy. IMHO good, loving parents get involved in their kids lives no matter how tough the issues are or how much the child/teen resists. As a parent I would be furious with another adult who knew about such a serious issue regarding my child and who didn't speak up. I grew up in an era when if kids were out & about and any other adult saw something out of line or saw a kid in trouble they got involved. As kids we may not have always liked it but we grew up in a safe world, knowing the adults were watching out for us. I advocate for parental responsibility - yes, it does take a village to raise a child and we all need to be watching out for our kids. It's a scary world out there and they need adult love, guidance and support.

lam · July 2007

Sorry gals, I meant to say I'm with Shirley & Angel42...

Catherine · July 2007

Elizabeth Edwards is a very classy lady. I also like her husband, John. Ann Coulter was way out of line with her nasty comments. They served no useful purpose.

Catherine

Anonymous · July 2007

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I guess shirley, I don't understand why this girl's abortion is any of your concern and I hope there won't be any backlack for your daughter because of it. I'd be furious if I were this girl, her bf, or their parents. Having an abortion is a hard enough decision without outside interference.

Because, Amy, I think it was a wrong choice and she was an UNDERAGED teenager.

Amy, this "girl" is no longer a "girl." She's in her 30s now. I said they got married, had two more lovely children, and are doing fine. If there was any backlash that was years ago.

No, her parents were not furious with me. And, at the time YES the girl HATED me. And no, she and my daughter are friends (well the last time they saw each other). They talked about what happened and that was the time she told my daughter that she HATED me THEN. How can she HATE me now after having that precious little girl who is now a teenager?

Do you have children? If so, can you imagine your life without them.

I'm sorry, Amy, but it's MY conviction that abortions are wrong and ESPECIALLY when a CHILD is having it done WITHOUT parental CONSENT!

Yes, I'm quite passionate about this just as you are passionate about you believing that abortions are fine. That's why this is such a great country. We can agree to disagree and have the freedom to do so.

I'm not so passionate that I think it's fine to kill doctors who perform abortions or for people to bomb clinics.

BTW, her parents would have been furious IF she had had the abortion. And so would her bf's (now hubby) parents. And, I would hate to think the psychological effect it would have had on these "children" because I know how they were raised.

Anonymous · July 2007

Les-Ann and Angel42, oops, I just read what you wrote. Sorta what I wrote about the girl being too young to make such a decision.

Although my idea on abortion may differ from many here, I certainly would NEVER, NEVER snub my nose at someone who had one.

I watched a video of an abortion. I'll try not to cry. LOL
The baby was resting comfortably in his mother's womb. When the instrument was inserted the heartrate went way high. He was moving around as if trying to get away from the instrument. After the doctor who performed the abortion watched the video that was the last one.

There are no easy answers with unwanted pregnancies.
Shirley

lam · July 2007

Shirley, I'm with you wholeheartedly on this issue. It's a tough one and I know it pushes everyone's buttons. I'm sure the girl you helped had a hissy fit at the time. That's what teenage girls do (and boy do they do it well) -but it's precisely when these circumstances occur that parents and any other adults who feature in their lives need to bite the bullet and step up to the plate to help them sort through their decisions. Anything else is a total abdication of their responsibility as a parent. There are two issues here - parental responsibility & abortion. I don't think it serves a child well to have such serious issues handled outside of the family. In most cases nobody has a more vested interest in the well being of a child than the mother.

NoH8 · July 2007

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Because, Amy, I think it was a wrong choice and she was an UNDERAGED teenager.

Wrong choice for you perhaps, not the wrong choice for her perhaps. I have a friend who gave herself two abortions when she was in her teens because she didn't have the access . No one should ever have to go through that.

Anonymous · July 2007

How quickly we can change topics - I still vote for EE to be president. She is just a wonderful lady who is going through the same thing, same emotions, all of us have been through. And she does it with such grace.

Im alot older than many of you. I was 16 in 1966 and got pregnant. Mind you, I was raised by very strict Italian parents. At that time, abortion was illegal. So I went along for my first 7 months in denial. Tent dresses were in style then. I went to a hmoe for unwed mothers. Was gonna give the baby up for adoption, but after I had him, couldnt do that. If abortion was legal, I probably would have had one - but it wasnt. Now I have 4 beautiful grandchildren. So its scary to think of how different things could have been.

When abortion first became legal, you had to be under 3 months pregnant to get one. Then something changed and all of a sudden they were doing late term abortions, which is really awful in my opinion.

I believe that women should have the choice, and I do not believe that a teenager is capable of making that choice without some guidance from an adult. So with that being said, I am against allowing teenagers to get abortions without parental consent.

Shirley: I think you absolutely made the right choice with your daughters friend. When you are a teenager and pregnant, everything seems hopeless. And I feel that counselling is a very important component in the decision making.

Amy: My only thought about your friend is why did your friend have to give herself 2 abortions? Getting pregnant once as a teenager is a stupid mistake. Getting pregnant twice as a teenager is just stupid. No offense intended.

Nicki

JustOne · July 2007

To stay on topic, I love EE and think shes a role model for us all.

As for the abortion issue, I became pregnant at 17 with twins. I had to fess up to Mom at 4 months, there was no hiding it. At 25 weeks I went into labor and delivered perfectly formed babies, just born too soon. One at 1lb and one at 13ozs. They lived for 2 hours with no heroics.
My point being, at the time, late term abortions were being given as late as 26 weeks.
It changed the way I thought of abortion forever. My babies were not only born alive, but they cried.

Bravo to you, Shirley.

~Pam

Anonymous · July 2007

Boy - abortion is a contencsious issue that's for sure!
I for one, am pro choice. However, I personally don't think I could have an abortion and my mom had me out of wedlock at 16 and of course I am grateful that she made the choice she made (although she really had no choice at all being a Catholic, my grandparents put her in a home for unwed mothers!) She got pregnant again at 18 and hid it from everyone in the family! (Nicki - I always wondered how she could get pregnant accidentally TWICE!?!?) She gave that baby up for adoption and I only found out about her when I was 30! (Proof that you can't hide secrets forever!)

I have 2 wonderful children and after being pregnant, can't imagine having an abortion...really, I can't imagine the emotional repercussions for me if I made that choice. That is the key word - choice. But that is me. Everyone is different - I know of other women who had abortions as teenagers, went on to grow up, get married and have children. They are well adjusted people (I think) and are wonderful mothers.

Shirley, I can see with your beliefs why you felt compelled to get involved in that young girl's life. I certianly applaud your decision to tell her parents, I personally think you crossed the line in trying to change her mind - and bring in the minister, etc. You weren't trying to help her make an informed choice (that is in her best interest) but to stop her from having an abortion. The thing that has always bothered me about the people who demonstrate outside abortion clinics, etc. is the fact that they claim "to want the baby" but where are those people when that mother who chooses not to abort is up all night with a colicky baby and at her wits end? Where are they when she's struggling to feed her child or get off welfare (if she is on it) or the emotional toll of giving up that baby for adoption. It seems to me the support stops as soon as she "does the right thing" in their opinion and that has always bothered me - it's kind of a "oh good you're going to have the baby - well, our work here is done - see you!"

Shirley, I'm not implying that's what you did - you could have provided lots of post delivery support to that girl - I don't know.

As I said, it's a topic that has two distinct sides. I am involved in animal rights and there are probably things that I believe that the majority of women on this board would strongly disagree with and yet, in my own heart I know it's right.

And as your mentioned Shirley, it's wonderful that we can all agree to disagree or at least feel safe enough to present our views on an issue. Anywasy I am off my soapbox now and feel better for having contributed my two cents worth :-)

Finally, (and back to topic - sorry Fitchik to twist your original psot into a whole new discussion) I am not Amercian but if I were and EE were running - I would vote for her in a second! I wish we had some female candidates that could/would run for Prime Minister. We did have one -the current PM retired and she won the leadership race (Kim Campbell) but she only lasted in office for I think, under 2 months because as soon as there was an election - she was defeated brutally!! Female federal politicians in Canada really suffer a lot of discrimination both in the House of Commons and the media. They have been called b*****, had their hair, clothes and looks made fun of, called dogs, had sexual jokes made about them and more - it's deplorable!

Well, I'm done hope I havent' offended anyone (too much)
Mandy

Fitztwins · July 2007

Shirley. I second the motion. YOu did right to tell the parents. She is too young. It takes a village. I would like the same done for me with my kids.

Janis

Anonymous · July 2007

Thank you ladies for letting me know that there are still people out there who do care about what happens to these young women (and men).

Amy, I happened to have known that her parents would step up to the plate and help her. Yes they certainly were disappointed in her for getting pregnant just as the bf's parents were disappointed in him. But for this family all worked out well.

If this young, under aged, teenaged girl (redundancy here) had come from an abusive home I would have handled it another way. Just how I don't know. It would have been well thought out I can assure you.

Just how many abortions are geing done each year?
Shirley

Anonymous · July 2007

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Shirley, I can see with your beliefs why you felt compelled to get involved in that young girl's life. I certianly applaud your decision to tell her parents, I personally think you crossed the line in trying to change her mind - and bring in the minister, etc. You weren't trying to help her make an informed choice (that is in her best interest) but to stop her from having an abortion.

I believe I was absolutely right to bring in her minister!
What stronger person could BE THERE for the WHOLE family?
This was a crisis, to say the least.

Did I want to change her mind? You betcha! Why? Because I was absolutely sure that this would haunt her down the road.

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The thing that has always bothered me about the people who demonstrate outside abortion clinics, etc. is the fact that they claim "to want the baby" but where are those people when that mother who chooses not to abort is up all night with a colicky baby and at her wits end? Where are they when she's struggling to feed her child or get off welfare (if she is on it) or the emotional toll of giving up that baby for adoption. It seems to me the support stops as soon as she "does the right thing" in their opinion and that has always bothered me - it's kind of a "oh good you're going to have the baby - well, our work here is done - see you!"

Mandy, I can see where you're coming from. However, I wasn't outside an abortion clinic. I was in my own home with a wonder sweet young lady who, in my opinion, was getting ready to make the mistake of her life! Her mom was there helping her take care of that "colicky" baby. She didn't leave her teenage daughter alone to care for the baby. I'm not saying this was easy on the parents or the teenage children. However, I know how deep their faith runs and that there would be much prayer and support for these two young parents.

Believe it or not there is a ministry (and there may be more) that is against abortions that have homes for the unwed moms. They even school them. They counsel them. They help them make the hard decision whether to keep the baby or give him/her up for adoption. So, my point is, this ministry steps up to the plate. They don't leave that teenager high and dry.

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Shirley, I'm not implying that's what you did - you could have provided lots of post delivery support to that girl - I don't know.

In this particular case (and thank God I've not had to get involved in anymore!) her parents provided all that she needed. And so did the bf's parents.

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As I said, it's a topic that has two distinct sides. I am involved in animal rights and there are probably things that I believe that the majority of women on this board would strongly disagree with and yet, in my own heart I know it's right.

Mandy, I ADORE animals. Thank you for being involved with animal rights.

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And as your mentioned Shirley, it's wonderful that we can all agree to disagree or at least feel safe enough to present our views on an issue. Anywasy I am off my soapbox now and feel better for having contributed my two cents worth :-)

Yes, it is a good thing that we CAN agree to disagree. I take no offense to what you have said.
Shirley

Anonymous · July 2007

Shirley,
I shake virtual hands with you in a show of peace!

For the record, if it were my daughter in a situation of an unplanned pregnancy and she didn't tell me but another parent/friend knew - I would be so grateful for her telling me about my daughter's situation so that I could support/counsel her!

By the way - I want to clarify that my work in animal rights does NOT involve or condone anything violent ( I know some people view animal rights and think of groups like ALF who cross the line from time to time) I'm less poitical and more into animal rescue. I have volunteered with an animal rescue organization that is purposely non political (gotta keep that charity status), so I have mellowed in my "old age"! I'm not confrontational any more - I like to lead by example! However, I do still write letters to the editor in our local newspaper...

Happy Thursday everyone!
Mandy

SheriH · July 2007

This is such a complicated topic, but I really wanted to support Shirley in getting involved. You were right, she was a CHILD and needed her parents to help her with this decision. I think this is just like when my oldest son was a teenager, around 15, he had taken a whole bottle of Ibuprofen. I had no idea! He told someone he talked to on the internet and this girl's mother called me to tell me what was going on with my son. I was so thankful that this total stranger felt compelled to let me know. I immediately went to my son and took him to the emergency room to get checked out. He had some other scares, but he is 20 years old now and I'm glad someone decided to get involved.

I'm a republican, I am pro-life, I have alot of political beliefs that most of you would not like very much, but I try not to be judgmental and show as much love for my fellow man that I possibly can. I love my country and want the best for it, as I know all of you do. Thanks for a great discussion and not letting it get too out of control.

Anonymous · July 2007

Thank you, Sheri. BTW your name is spelled the same way my youngest daughter's name.

I'm so glad your son had someone who called you about your son. He was reaching out.

This has been a civilized discussion although the topic got lost. Sorry. I am absolutely amazed at how many women would get involved if this sort of thing happened. It's heart warming.
Shirley

Jinx · July 2007

Coulter doesn't bother me -- it seems everyone is ranting on the air.

Elizabeth Edwards is always at top of polls when asked which spouse do you like best (rep & demo) BUT she is campaigning!

You really think she spoke out on gay rights without her husbands knowledge? Or that she just picked up the phone and called into that show to confront Coulder? That's called campaining.

It appears the campaign has her competing with Hilary while her husband competes with the candidates. No one in a campaign does anything without campaign approval.

Elizabeth is a nice lady - no doubt about that but she won't go against campaign strategy! So there is nothing spontaneous in her actions or words.

Last time I saw her speak about her breast cancer she seemed very down -- made a comment that 'maybe it will kill me' -- that worried me she got more bad news. I hope not - hope she lives a long life. She's a sweet lady.

NoH8 · July 2007

Unforunately, not every teen who becomes pregnant has the support of her parents, in fact, some actually become pregnant by their fathers, grandfathers, uncles or brothers. In a perfect world parental support wouldn't be an issue in an unwanted pregnancy.
When a teen goes for an abortion, it's not like the doctor says, "oh good, another abortion." She is counseled to consider her decision and if possible, tell her parents and the father of the baby. She's given all of the choices and encouraged to make her own decision. In many states there is a one day waiting period. Nobody likes abortion, but in some cases it's a necessary medical procedure.

marshakb · July 2007

Jinx, I agree with you. EE is not saying anything "spontaneously" while her hubby is running for the President of the United States! Most everything this couple does and says right now, in the public eye, is campaigning. Even the press conference 2 days after finding out her breast cancer had returned seemed political. BEFORE they even had all the scans, etc back! Now let me first say, as a bc sister, I hope she beats this damn disease just like I hope all of us do. However, that press conference just seemed tacky to me.

JMHO, Marsha

homegirl · July 2007

Shirley,
I think it was courageous of you to get involved. How many people would just look the other way and say "it's not my responsibility." If I were the parents of that 15 year old girl I'm sure I would thank you for the opportunity to help guide my daughter to make the right decision. I would, however, make sure my daughter was aware of ALL of the options available jto her including the right to an abortion. I am so thankful that in this country we have the right to make choices about our body. Although that right is fast disappearing given the current composition of the Supreme Court. That, to me, is terrifying.

On the other subject ... why can't Hillary be more like Elizabeth? I really like Hillary but she comes across as rather abrasive and harsh. Is she afraid to be "too feminine"?

Anonymous · July 2007

That phone call was a complete setup.

I received this in my email from an Edwards supporter. However, I beleive she may be thinking twice.

I just hate it when people who build homes 15 times the size of my house is asking for money.

Make sure you visit their site and donate a couple of $$.

Quote:

JOHN
EDWARDS08

Dear Sandra,

Last night I had an important talk with Ann Coulter and I want to tell you what happened.

On Monday, Ann announced that instead of using more homophobic slurs to attack John, she will just wish that John had been "killed in a terrorist assassination plot."

Where I am from, when someone does something that displeases you, you politely ask them to stop. So when I heard Ann was going to be on "Hardball" last night, I decided to call in and ask her to engage on the issues and stop the personal attacks. I told her these kinds of personal attacks lower our political dialogue at precisely the time when we need to raise it, and set a bad example for our children.

How did she respond? Sadly, perhaps predictably, with more personal attacks.

John's campaign is about the issuesbut pundits like Ann Coulter are trying to shout him down. If they will not stop, it is up to us cut through the noise. Help us fight backplease give what you can today.

www.johnedwards.com/rightwing

There are just over 3 days left to hit our $9 million goal for the end of the quarter. If we make it, we can directly reach voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and all over the country with our detailed plans on the issues that matter. Please give what you can right now to help raise the dialogue and show that Ann Coulter-style politics will never carry the day.

www.johnedwards.com/rightwing

Why do Ann Coulter and other right-wing pundits keep attacking John? Because John's bold, specific plans hit them where it hurts: solving global warming, ending the war, building a fair economyJohn's agenda threatens everything these talking heads and their corporate cronies stand for.

And they know John can winjust last week a new poll showed that John is the only Democratic candidate who beats all the possible Republican challengersby an average of 13 points. So they are trying to take John down early. Their strategy is to sling mud and manufacture scandalsabout houses, haircuts and anything else they can think ofto discredit John and take down our movement for change.

The best way to beat them is also the right waytake our message of substance straight to the voters. And that is exactly what this campaign is all about.

But we need your help to hit our goal. Please give what you can today.

www.johnedwards.com/rightwing

And thank you for all that you do to support this cause.

Sincerely,

- Elizabeth Edwards
Wednesday June 27, 2007

Elizabeth Edwards for President!

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