It’s is almost Memorial Day or Decoration Day as it was once called.  As a young child, I could not wait to buy my POPPY at school and wear it proudly.  Being an American and saluting the veterans that not only fought for us but were stationed to support and defend us was an enlightening time.  Sadly much has changed since the 50s and early 60s beginning with the Vietnam War and now the intense craziness that we call our government leadership.  However, it is up to each of us as individuals to make a difference and reach out to our family and neighbors and shorten the differences between wants, needs, and greed!

There may be many things I may want, but what do I truly need, and how can I pursue that without being greedy?  If we each take one step in the direction of need versus want and remove the greed, we can renew our democratic philosophy and give peace a chance once again.

Last week, after Alabama passed and announced their new ANTI-ABORTION law, I announced on behalf of newclevelandradio.net, I will begin podcasting a new series on Women’s Rights.  When I speak of Women’s Rights, they are the rights for all.  No one should have the authority to tell you how to maintain your body!  Please note abortion has not been misused or abused.  Roe versus Wade was passed to provide birth control, maternity care, child health care, and in the rare case if need an abortion.  No child should be brought into this world if they are not wanted.  Women are not getting themselves pregnant and then submitting themselves to this procedure without thought and choice!

Statistically up until the 11^th or 12^th week of conception, the first trimester, “An embryo is called a fetus at a more advanced stage of development and up until birth or hatching. In humans, this is from the eleventh week of gestation.”  Therefore even the heartbeat which may be heard does not identify this as a viable life stage.

Pro-choice is just that; it is my, yours, ours, to decide what we are doing to our physical and mental health.  No one should have the power to put their needs and beliefs into the decisions I make – when it has no effect on them.  Not everyone who gets pregnant by accident, or through violence, submits themselves to this procedure.  That is why it is Pro-choice, you decide what is best for you today and into the future.

The Anti-abortion laws are just one segment of change that takes our choices and voices away.  Let us discuss the opportunity of becoming empowered without overpowering others!

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