Thank God the election is over. The barrage of annoying political ads have finally ceased, at least for a while. I often wonder how stupid the candidates must think we are. Unfortunately, they may be right. People make bad choices every day. Those same people help choose our leaders.
I must say I was surprised by the result of the presidential election. As I have stated before, the abortion stance is a litmus test for me. While it may seem inconsequential for determining a candidate’s qualifications to develop foreign and domestic policies, I believe it is a strong indicator of one’s moral compass. While I saw many more Trump signs in our conservative Indiana, I was also very aware of a strong dislike for him personally. Several women I know view him only as a sexual predator and convicted felon. I viewed the election as a choice between two platforms and how they aligned with my own ideals. The candidate’s character, though important, was less important.
As a Catholic, I could not vote for someone who refused to place any limits on abortion. In fact, I fail to see how any practicing Catholic could still consider themselves a Democrat these days. Nonetheless, I know Catholics in my own family who voted Democratic. They have their reasons. I just disagree.
The day after the election, my wife and I had lunch at a local cafĂ©. An elderly woman who works there part time was lamenting the fact that Trump won. She brought up all the pro-choice talking points, rape, incest, and all the women who are going to die because they can’t get an abortion. Another Mexican friend who has been an American citizen for many decades supposed that he would be deported. So sad that so many people latch onto the incessant fearmongering.
My wife was moved by the story of the Texas woman who died when doctors said they could not intervene in her miscarriage due to strict anti-abortion laws in the state. She says she is against abortion but believes these decisions should be left to the woman and her doctors. I might agree in the rare situations where the death of the woman or her child is imminent. The problem, aside from the fact that the baby has no say in this decision, is doctors will protect their own interests. They want to make sure the patient is aware of every possible bad outcome in a higher risk pregnancy even when those chances are minimal. They are less likely to face a wrongful death lawsuit from the unborn baby than from the mother. Even in relatively routine minor surgeries, someone on the medical team will often make the patient aware of rare unintended consequences.
My wife said she was disappointed in our citizens who would elect a convicted felon to the presidency. Personally, I believe his conviction was politically motivated. Maybe Trump inflated his property values to obtain loans, but his lenders are no fools. They knew with whom they were dealing and were undoubtedly comfortable doing so. His wealth and demeanor make him disliked by many, but it is hard to argue with his success as a businessman.
As a pro-life Catholic, I am encouraged by the conservative outcome on election day. Yes, I wish the executive branch was manned by someone a little less egocentric, but no candidate is perfect. Should vacancies appear on the Supreme Court, I am confident the Republicans will nominate justices who support the constitution rather than an ideology. The next four years will be interesting. I remain optimistic.