Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveZ
Now to be very cynical....
"We" have raised an entire generation with the belief that if a child is going to be a burden, abort it so all of the burdens and problems go away. It's not a giant leap for that belief to be extended by the current (and upcoming) generations - especially the narcissic and impatient - to "born" children when they become a burden as time goes by. The question this generation (and upcoming) will have to resolve is how can one keep from getting prosecuted for something they believe is their right - freeing themselves from parental responsibility via a violent act. It's happened once already, therefore the precedent exists.
Now to add to the cynicism....
The grandparents, neighbors and others knew the child was in harms way. However, who wants to "get involved" when the parent is a neighbor who you have to see and deal with, because odds are the complaint and investigation will lead back to who called, and the parent will still be around the neighborhood even if the Department of Children and Families removes the child?
The grandparents in situations like this tend to try to mitigate the harm through extra babysitting, prayer and hope - sometimes even with money. In the end, they don't want the "secret" to become public because of embarrassment. After all, how many grandparents want to answer questions or respond to looks from their friends, neighbors and other relatives because their kid went off the deep end with regards to child abuse.
Had Ms. Anthony aborted her pregnancy, there never would have been a Caylee, and all those photos of the little girl and the impact she made upon others would never have happened, because the "burden" would have been avoided. Ms. Anthony (if she is guilty of homicide) just waited a couple years too long before disposing of her burden.
Defense counsel for Ms. Anthony (if charged with any degree of homicide and the physical evidence conclusive) may even decide to get creative by indicating a defense that includes diminished responsibility based on how she interprets "child disposal" as a public policy. That could impact a plea bargain or mitigate sentencing, depending how it's played. In notorious cases which can cost the state a fortune, anything can happen.
So, is the Anthony story a tragedy? Yes.
Could it have been stopped before the worst happened? No doubt!
Could the circumstances which led to killing been prevented? Probably.
Will such a situation happen again? As long as children can be considered by today's generation (and upcoming) as a burden which can be corrected by disposal, what do you think?
I realize there is a significant pro-"choice" segment who won't see the link, or will come up with all sorts of exceptions, twists or "rights" as to why I'm off base with this. However, that doesn't change the fact that there is a dead child being highly publicized as the ultimate product of child abuse without ever discussing why the abuse occurred and whether the parent (if guilty) believed "if only I had aborted" then I wouldn't be behind bars, but instead be bellying back up to some bar for more fun and games.
Morality, responsibility, conscience - we seem to have politicked these almost to oblivion in the quest for the "free life."
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Steve,
As much as I usually agree with you and I truly respect your very sincere values, I don't think I can agree with you completely on this post.
I could NEVER have an abortion, but sometimes they do have a need. I have never marched or contributed, but as a Catholic, I still can see that sometimes it is a choice.
I don't believe that we are seeing young people raised in a way to consider their offsprings disposable. I think that maternal and paternal instinct is in place the way it always was. I think that people are not as clear as to how to go about it. I think that some get convinced that a Lexus is a better trip to the grocery than a Ford and gives their children a few points among their peers. The recent financial unpleasantness is gonna fix that problem, sad as it is for us older ones.
I think the Anthonys are screwed up morally lax people, but I don't think there were signs of overt physical child abuse, so that neighbors could report it. I think the grandparents really loved that child, who wouldn't, except the mother perhaps. The blame rests primarily on Casey Anthony who was old enough to know better, and apparently has sociapathic tendencies. No excuse. The parents covered for her and I am sure they did all of her life. I am sure that she got herself in trouble in lots of ways and they fished her out.
I just don't think that the issue is abortion. I do agree that the Anthonys will either burn in Hell or live the Hell for the rest of their life of NOT having that child with them and knowing what happened to her. I share that Hell. I can't put her little face out of my mind. It is so sick and so sad and so wrong. I do understand where you are coming from Steve and you may be right. Abortion should never be used for birth control or to solve a selfish problem, but there are terrible things that happen to people that are not to be believed.
I keep typing and like most old fools have lost my train of thought. I need coffee and I think that what you typed is your usual very considered belief and I recognize and support the intelligence behind your usual goodness.
How sad that we have to discuss this horrible act at this wonderful time of the year.