I work in a rail yard driving crews from place to place. I often see the same people every week or month. I’ve written before about discussions with certain railroaders, and I’ve gotten a little bit of a reputation for being super liberal. I try not to be in peoples’ faces with my opinions, and I will ask Trumpers lots of questions to figure out what they think and why. Sometimes they are leading questions, and the Trumper ends up looking a little foolish in front of other railroaders (which is probably where I got my rep), but most of the time my questions are just questions to find out how other people think and see the world.
Some of the railroaders are liberal themselves, and they like a progressive person to chat with. Some (most) ignore me, which is fine too. Some try to ‘trigger’ me by saying over the top conservative things or they pick discussions or even arguments with me. And one or two try to convert me.
Last night I chatted with the converting type. I’ll call him Sarge.
Sarge is a short, burly guy, who reminds me of a Tolkien character. He would look right at home with a broadsword, sitting by a fire, reminiscing about all the Orcs he has killed. He is a fundamentalist, young Earth Christian, who likes to talk loudly about God and the miracle of Creation while I drive. We’ve discussed his beliefs, and how I think he should call himself a Paulian, because he believes those teachings more than those of Christ. He was a little insulted, I think. He fears for my immortal soul. I like him because he is a good person who truly tries to do what he thinks is right, and seems to really care about those around him.
Last night, Sarge saw me driving up and said, “I heard on the radio it was you coming for us, and I was glad that we get to talk.” I like Sarge, so I smiled and said, “I can’t wait to hear what you have for me tonight.”
Once settled in the car, Sarge asked me what I thought about the possibility that Roe vs Wade might be overturned. “I know you are the parent of a special needs daughter. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if special people like her weren’t just thrown away? Wouldn’t outlawing abortion be wonderful for the unborn?”
In the past we have talked what I think “pro-life” does mean and should mean. He knows I consider life sacred, but that I think a fetus is not alive until it breathes. And he also knows that I wouldn’t think of telling any other person what to do with their body. He considers the fact that I like humans to live as long as possible as an ‘in’ for him to convert me to both Christianity and Conservatism, I think. I also know that he is pretty much a single issue voter. If you claim you are anti-abortion, he will vote for you, no matter what kind of crook you are.
So I said, “What if I were a candidate for President, and told you that if you voted for me, I would use proven methods to reduce abortion numbers to almost nothing- much lower than ever before. However, I wouldn’t interfere with abortion clinics, or make laws against abortion. Instead, I would fight the reasons why women have abortions. I would be aggressive against poverty, would be pro-education, and would have the government fund contraceptives. I would fund research for male contraceptives and more effective contraceptives with no side effects. Abortion numbers would drop to all time lows.”
I went on, “However, my opponent just outlaws abortions. Women turn to coat hangers and pills mailed from dubious sources. Abortions still happen, but they are secret, and have dire consequences. Poor women who can’t afford illegal methods stay pregnant, and have more children, and perpetuate their poverty to even more children for another generation. Men who recklessly get women pregnant still get no punishment whatsoever. Legal abortions stop, but the overall number of abortions is not much lower than now- they are just all done on the down low.
So, who do you vote for? Me, who lowers the number of abortions or the other person, who outlaws them, but keeps the actual numbers about the same?”
And this is why I really like Sarge. He actually thought about it. He asked, “Is this a trick question? Is it a trap?”
I laughed and said, “Its only a trap if you say that you are against abortion, but really are trying to control women. If you are against abortion you vote for the one that lowers actual abortion numbers. If its really all about women’s behavior, then you vote for the other person.”
He never answered me. His train came pretty soon after that, but he was quiet and thoughtful until it came. I’m looking forward to our next trip. I hope he’ll be able to answer by then. Maybe.