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Monday, June 30, 2008
Harry R. Jackson, Jr. :: Townhall.com Columnist
Your Tax Money At Work: Funding Abortions
by Harry R. Jackson, Jr.
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For the last few decades, evangelicals repeatedly have mobilized and demonstrated to oppose the operation of abortion clinics. Over the years, many have believed that being anti-abortion had become a litmus test for their support of politicians and policies, which vie for evangelical votes.

Last Thursday I joined 60 African Americans from around the country. We descended upon both the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) offices in Washington, DC. This group asked for Planned Parenthood to be defunded. We cited three reasons for the defunding:

1. numerous accusations of under-aged girls receiving unauthorized abortions,

2. alleged cover-ups of sexual abuse of minors, and

3. racial targeting of African Americans by PPFA.

As I approached the demonstration point last week, I couldn’t help remembering a continuing education class I had taken over a decade ago. A local director of a Planned Parenthood Center held back tears as she described the bombing of abortion clinics and her concern for people under her safety. I was deeply moved by this story and I was appalled by the fact that terrorists had committed violent acts against abortion clinic workers and physicians. This kind of terrorism should be legally prosecuted and never tolerated. Conversely, illegal or unethical practices by those who perform abortions should never be tolerated either.

I couldn’t help but think that the nation needs to find a way so that no one’s daughter has to consider having an abortion because of poverty, lack of adoption options, or other factors of this nature. Like many of my peers, I wish this battle would end. Yet, all sixty of last Thursday’s participants believe that it is especially important that African Americans stand up at this unique time in history. We cannot remain silent and ignore the increasing number of African-American children who are dying needlessly at the hands of Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers.

On Thursday, we also gathered to speak out against Planned Parenthood because of its blatant disregard for the law. Let me recap some of the legal accusations that have been levied against PPFA.

1. In Kansas the organization is under criminal investigation for falsifying documents and performing late term abortions. It faces 23 felony counts.

2. Planned Parenthood has also dealt in the realm of deception concerning the age of its customers. In Ohio, Planned Parenthood is being sued for failing to report the rape of a 16-year-old by her father. This is not the first time that center leaders have tried to bend the age-related reporting requirement. Continued...
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About The Author

Bishop Harry Jackson is chairman of the High Impact Leadership Coalition and senior pastor of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, MD, and co-authored, Personal Faith, Public Policy [FrontLine; March 2008] with Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.

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Reply # 1
Date: Jul 3, 2008 - 11:23 AM EST
Subject: Declaring Independence from ...
At the beginning of July, when we tend to read more about Independence Day, I read a health care newsletter wherein the editor shared the struggles of Great Britain's National Health Service, which celebrates (if you can call it that) its 60th Anniversary on 5 July. He opined: "This year it sounds like a lot of Brits are ready to sign a Declaration of Independence from the National Health Service. Let's see if they are up to the task."



This put me to thinking: In a sense, I declared independence from the American health insurance system when I joined a Health Care Sharing Ministry in Oct. 2004. No longer would I be tied to a job, wondering about losing my health insurance if I changed jobs. Instead, I have complete portability. No longer would I be tied to a PPO, HMO, or any other managed care system. Instead, I am free to choose whatever doctor or specialist I desire--and I shop before I purchase so that I get the best buy. No longer would I be compelled to pay increased premiums without a say. Instead, I get to vote on whether my monthly share should be increased. No longer would my conscience be heavy with the knowledge that my insurance premium might be going to pay for abortions or other morally repugnant procedures or medicines. Instead, I share bills with other Christians who value life from conception. No longer would I have to pay high premiums. Instead, I share one-fifth the cost on a monthly basis, thus freeing up more of my hard-earned money for other necessities and desires. Overall, my declaration has saved me at least $10,000 in three-and-a-half years.



And as a reward for my declaration, I can pray specifically for the health of other members in the ministry and send them notes of encouragement. When was the last time you heard of an insurance company sending you a get-well card telling you that they were praying for you?



Happy Independence Day!!

http://gojoe.blogtownhall.com/
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Reply # 2
Date: Jul 2, 2008 - 9:49 EST
truetolife
---DA's posts are always downers. He's angry at himself and the world. There is no joy in anything about any of his posts.---

Is there ever joy in speaking out against person’s who want to suppress the rights and liberties of their fellow citizens?

---He is here to antagonize---

I am here to illicit thought and to express my side

---I really believe that there are "homosexuals" and "atheists" that are "assigned" to certain posts. It has even been suggested in the past that they are paid for these postings---

While that is absurd, it is almost a compliment.

---At the very least, they are here because they violently hate the truth …---

I don’t hate the truth, I am in a constant search for knowledge and truth.

---DA obviously thinks a lot about truth---

Definitely…

---and does his best to obfuscate it.---

Not at all. I am trying to share my knowledge and experience. It would appear that many people do not care about reality or facts.
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