When our founding fathers were creating this wonderful new country, John Adams, who would become our second President, wrote, “It has been the will of Heaven that we should be thrown into existence at a period when the greatest philosophers and lawgivers of antiquity would have wished to live … a period when a coincidence of circumstances without example has afforded to thirteen colonies at once an opportunity of beginning government anew from the foundation and building as they choose. How few of the human race have ever had an opportunity of choosing a system of government for themselves and their children? How few have ever had anything more of choice in government than in climate?”
We were blessed to live in a democratic republic. Our governing authority is not a dictator, nor a monarch on the throne because he or she was born into the right family.
We have a system of government that allows for a regular, peaceful process to take place as we choose our leaders through a democratic system. We have the ability to assemble, to organize, and to petition our government for a redress of grievances.
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However, if we do not work to preserve our government, if we do not participate in the political process, we will lose those precious freedoms.
Some would shrug their shoulders, and say, “Government is bad; our leaders are all crooks. What’s the point?” If that’s our attitude, why should we be surprised when government is bad and some of our leaders are crooks?
Our government operates on three levels—federal, state, and local. We have the responsibility, the duty—as good citizens—to be watchful of all and involved in all.
This includes our local government—mayors, city councilors, school board members, county commissioners or supervisors, in some places the sheriff and judges. All of these positions are important. These are people that make decisions for and about us, impacting our every-day lives, as well as the lives of generations yet to come.
We need to be involved in the legislative process when Congress and the state legislatures begin introducing and passing or defeating bills that could become our laws.
State legislatures are usually more accessible for public input. If a bill on life is being heard in a committee hearing, make an effort to be there. Let committee members know you support or oppose the legislation. Don’t be afraid to testify before the committee. Most of them allow time for the public to provide input.
If you aren’t a public speaker, provide written testimony. The committee members may or may not read it but it becomes part of the record so no one can say there was no interest.
Encourage your pro-life friends and family members to get involved in politics and to persevere.
The great William Wilberforce was a member of parliament at the end of the 18th century into the early 19th century when he became a Christian. He was going to give up his seat because he thought politics and religion don’t mix. Wilberforce didn’t think being a politician was a good vocation for a Christian.
Fortunately, friends prevailed on him to stay. Wilberforce is given credit for almost single-handedly abolishing the slave trade in England, then abolishing slavery there altogether.
It’s easy to say, “I don’t have time,” because most everyone seems too busy these days. If you think you “don’t have time,” decide how much time you can give, either in hours or minutes, and do something. There are many ways to become involved.
Some people may be afraid to speak up because they don’t think they know enough about the issue. Then learn more about abortion and Life. The NRLC website (www.nrlc.org) has an incredible amount of comprehensive information.
Sign up to get NRL News Today, a wonderful resource, which is automatically sent to your email in-box Monday through Saturday. Forward the articles to your family and friends. The URL is Join the NRLC Email List – National Right to Life
Others may think they’re too shy, that they can’t talk to anyone. That is the beauty of today’s interconnected world; you can find your voice through the use of your computer. Start by posting comments on friendly, pro-life websites, then add your voice to comments under news articles. Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Send a letter or email to your state legislator or member of Congress.
Or you can wear a t-shirt with a pro-life message to the store.
Or carry around the sonogram picture of your unborn baby or grandbaby and show it to someone you meet. There are many ways we can make another person think about the humanity of the unborn child.
LIFE is too important to be put into a box or added to a list of other “things” to be addressed. LIFE is too important to be put on the back-burner.
And LIFE is too important for excuses.
I love this quote from Winston Churchill: “Why do we regard history as of the past and forget we are making it?”
Post-Dobbs is a new era in the pro-life movement. Get involved and be a part of MAKING history.
LifeNews Note: Carol Tobias is the president of the National Right to Life Committee.
