Humanist Kurtz dies and Republican want to end abortions for life

Paul Kurtz, who has been called the father of secular humanism, died recently  He helped jumpstart the modern humanist movement. A movement that I can proudly say I am a part. A movement that works to ensure that society and public policy is reason based, and not religious doctrine/dogma based. He has been the editor of the Humanist and Free Inquiry magazines, two of my favorite magazines, and magazines I wish more Americans would read because they explain the humanist worldview beautifully.

Now, moving on to another subject, a couple of Republican congressman have made comments or taken actions about abortion. Florida Republican Congressman Scott DesJarlais' who is strongly anti-abortion pressured his mistress to have an abortion. In fact he recorded himself in the call telling the woman, "You told me you'd have an abortion, and now we're getting too far along without one."

He goes on to say, "If we need to go to Atlanta, or whatever, to get this solved and get it over with so we can get on with our lives, then let's do it. Well, we’ve got to do something soon. And you’ve even got to admit that because the clock is ticking right?”

Now, one can still argue against the right of women to have an abortion. DesJalais's obvious hypocrisy doesn't logically mean they should be legal. But it is amazing how quick some on the religious right-wing are to utilize them when arguing that it should be illegal for everyone.

Illinois Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, in a heated battle to preserve his seat with Democrat and warhero Tammy Duckworth, stated that abortion is never necessary anymore to save the lift of the mother. He stated to reporters, "There’s no such exception as life of the mother." So, if Walsh has his way, women will die from not being able to have abortions. That's just a fact. In a way this is worst then the hypocrisy of DesJalais, because this extremist position will lead to the death of many women.