But about the reversal of Roe v. Wade / Doe v. Bolton. . . I’m not holding my breath. But it was a poor decision, judicial activism — and apart from the abortion issue it should be reversed. I appreciated McCain bringing up that point in the third debate. I wish I could say I was surprised that Obama spoke in favor of activist judges. On a constitutional level, I’m concerned that the continued direction of appointing judges who legislate from the bench will upset the balance of powers in a manner that will hurt the U.S. for generations to come.

“We could decry the morals of the poor girls who are made to carry a teen pregnancy to term. We could vote against funding programs that would help the poor, single moms, claiming it is a redistribution of wealth or that they got themselves into this mess, or they need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, or whatever. . . . “

That IS cynical.

I’m sure you are right about the “not in my state” sort of ugly pride. But the people I know who are more ardently pro-life ARE the ones helping the poor, getting involved in the down-and-dirty reality of peoples’ lives, embracing young women who are pregnant in the church whether the pregnancy was longed for or an unhappy surprise. . . I’ve seen elders in the church standing by newly-single moms in practical ways, people giving sacrificially to both neighbors and non-profits near and far, volunteering time.

In other words, I’ve seen people REALLY put their money where there mouth is — I’m not as cynical as you are.

. . .

On the other hand, I’ve also seen a societal move away from helping people personally, donating to private charities, being involved when they think that a “program” already exists. The attitude of “It’s not my problem, that’s what the government is for. . .” is demoralizing. And THAT is what I don’t want to see develop.

. . .

Did you see Obama’s income tax returns? He itemized on his tax returns and so his charitable giving was noted. I would want to assume he gave more casually than he reported to his accountant. Before his books substantially increased his income, his charitable giving was a pittance. When his income was many times higher than our families, our GROSS giving was higher than his. (Say all you want about student loans and cost of living, I still find it shocking that he gave so very little.) And even now, with my husband under-employed, student loans coming due, and four young kids at home, our PERCENTAGE of charitable giving is still higher than his.

Honestly, I take offense when someone talks about the poor, the disenfranchised, the needy — and all they do is talk. I take even GREATER offense when the same person wants to take MY money and spend it on what THEY think is important — when they aren’t themselves willing to spend their own money on those very things.

. . .

So I guess we each have our cynicism. . . yours about the everyday people you see disregarding those in need. Me about the hypocrisy and misuse of power in government.