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It’s hot outside and hot in the political arena as the candidates square off. Many already have grown weary of the political season. Now, however, is not the time to grow weary! This year is shaping up to be one of the most critical ever for issues that affect our families.
But many believe that policy decisions will have no impact on them as individuals, so why care about politics?
Let’s take a closer look at the attitude that says “who cares about politics because they don’t affect me.” That attitude is based on the false premise that the law’s importance should be judged solely on how it affects my everyday life. Many laws don’t affect us individually but benefit society generally. Public policy is put in place for all of society, not just for certain individuals.
One decision with a big impact on society is the May 15th ruling by the California Supreme Court re-defining marriage. Now, the question is not whether same-sex “marriage” impacts my life or my marriage –the question is whether and how same-sex “marriage” impacts marriage, family, and society.
Same-sex “marriage” affects society by changing the definition of the family, despite overwhelming social science data showing the benefits to society of marriage between one man and one woman, and by denying children a mother and a father in a world where we see the serious consequences of children being raised in homes without both parents. Same-sex “marriage” also impacts religious freedom, parental rights, and freedom of association.
Another example is physician-assisted suicide. Even if you are not personally suffering from a terminal illness, physician-assisted suicide has very real effects on society by confusing the role of doctors, damaging the patient-physician relationship, and devaluing the ill and elderly by characterizing them as emotional and financial burdens to be “eliminated.”
Our votes matter for the kind of world we are passing on to the next generation. It’s time to put aside the apathy and do your part. The deadline is August 4th to register to vote in the September primary. Don’t miss your chance to choose what kind of society you want to live in. To register to vote or find non-partisan information about the candidates, visit www.azpolicy.org or www.votesmartaz.org.
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
