By Carol Tobias, President
Editor’s note. This appears on page three of the October issue of NRL News.
For the past several days, an old song has been running through my head. Made popular by “Up With People,” the song hinted that America was at a crossroads and wondered which way the country would go.
WHICH WAY, AMERICA?
Which way America? Which way America?
Which way America? Which way to go?
This is my country and I want to know
Which way America is going to go.
There is many a road to travel
Many a hill to climb
I’m gonna find the straightest road
And walk it ‘til the end of time.
There is many a storm before us
Many a choice to make
I’m gonna ask the Lord above
To show me the road to take.
I want America to be a light to the world, a beacon to all because we love and protect innocent human life. How will we make that happen?
Since the Supreme Court’s June 24thDobbs v Jackson decision overturning Roe v Wade, I’ve been thinking about that question. Needless to say, as we approach the November 8th midterm elections, the answer has become even more critical.
Is America going to elect men and women who respect the value and dignity of human life? Or will we elect men and women who see life as a burden– inconvenient and disposable?
The contrast between parties and candidates on many issues is stark, but none more so than Life.
From America’s founding, the country has provided hope to the world. Quoting from ushistory.org, “The passengers of the Arbella who left England in 1630 with their new charter had a great vision. They were to be an example for the rest of the world in rightful living. Future governor John Winthrop stated their purpose quite clearly: ‘We shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us.’”
President Ronald Reagan frequently referred to America as a shining city on a hill. I’ve kept that image tucked away in my heart for many years. Can America be, or remain, a shining city on a hill with the eyes of all people upon us? Are we an example of what is good and right about how people should live and how leaders should govern?
I truly believe that a country’s attitude toward human life is critical. It colors how the country will handle so many other issues. After all, if we can’t respect and protect innocent human life, why would we care about other issues?
If our elected officials don’t respect human life, will they care about how our taxes are spent? If they don’t care about protecting innocent human life, will they care about whether or not children have a good education? If they don’t see how precious human life is, will they protect us from crime and violence?
In Dobbs, the Supreme Court cleared away the “right” to abortion and put us back on a path that allows us to protect the lives of defenseless preborn babies. But we have “many a road to travel and many a hill to climb. ”We have “many a storm before us and many a choice to make.”
We have elections and ballot measures and legislative sessions ahead. We have hearts to soften and minds to change. A big task? Sure, but pro-life people are up to the challenge.
We have fought for 50 years to protect unborn children. We have faced storms and climbed hills. We have overcome obstacles and torn down barriers.
We’re not going to stop now. How could we? The littlest Americans are counting on us.