Checkpoint 2: Interest Groups

Wednesday, October 25th, 2017

Checkpoint 2: Interest Groups

Welcome to Deconstructing Politics in America!

The interest group I chose was the topic of abortion. I chose this interest group because this is a very controversial subject, that I believe is commonly misunderstood. As well, I have a very strong opinion on this subject.

The Republican opinion of this argument comes from a site titled, "National Right to Life". This site's main focus is on persuading the audience to see the issue of abortion as life or death. They have different clickable links as to how one can help, the facts, take action and much more. A tab is even included for a hotline for pregnant women who seek abortions. Republican's are typically known as "pro-life". This belief is defined by the belief that "every life should be valued" and that abortions are a form of murder.

http://www.nrlc.org/

The Democratic opinion on this argument is access to reproductive freedom for all. "NARAL Pro-Choice America", talks of the current stance on reproductive freedom, policies that impact one another and statistics about Americans pro-choice stance on abortion.

https://www.prochoiceamerica.org/

Democratic's and Republicans have a very opposite way of approach for the issues of abortion. Democrat's are focused on the idea that abortion is no one's business but the women herself. While Republicans are focused on the idea that any type of abortion is murder and must be stopped. Both sides are both very politically involved in protest.

Interest groups in general are a huge part of whom a voter chooses to vote for. These groups help bring new or more explained arguments into play through the media, protests and many more ways. If an argument one interest group heavily influences a voter, it could completely cast there vote from Republican to Democrat or visa versa. This is especially common when interest groups endorse a certain candidate, giving the voter a direct arrow to who to vote for.

Personally, I believe that the issue of abortion is no one's business but a women's own. If she does not feel comfortable with getting an abortion then she can have the baby or give it up for adoption. If this women is not ready to pursue a pregnancy for whatever reason, it is up to her to abort the baby. Making abortion illgeal does not in fact stop the amount of abortions that take place yearly, as many would assume. These women will still find a way (an extremely and potentially deathly way), to abort.  I as well disagree with "trap laws", as they give the opposite affect than what they attempt to give. Common "trap laws" are present in more conservative states. These "laws" focus on ways to "hold off" on a women's choice to abort. Such as therapy meetings, suicide pleads, pictures of growth and many more. These laws have been shown to not change the mind of the women who plans to abort, but instead carry out so this cell is now a growing baby, which no human wants to abort. The biggest issue of all is more access and education to contraceptive's so that unwanted pregnancies do not occur. Therefor, defunding planned parenthood does not make sense, because this organization provides education and contraceptives to many.

I look forward to expressing my ideas on this platform!

Checkpoint 1: Introductory

Welcome to Deconstructing Politics in America!

My name is Rachel Treckeme, and I am a 17-year-old senior living just outside of San Fransico. I attend Summit Shasta highschool. My school has given a chance for every senior to create there own blog and speak of there political beliefs.

I grew up with a Democratic mother and a Republican father. After a split between my parents, my dad moved farther and left me spending more time with my Democratic mother. As well, my relatives and all family friends growing up were Democrats. Simply to say, I have been influenced since a young age with Democratic morals.

Growing up with solid morals and not previously labeling myself either Democratic or Republican, a political ideology test gave me a label. Leading up to this test I started to become more active in politics and attending San Fransico marches along the lines of equal human rights. This test asked a series of questions that either was leaning towards Democratic or Republican -

and nothing in between. My final result was not surprising, Solid Liberal. The website emphasized the views optimistic about future and change, good diplomacy rather than strength and social safety net.

I look forward to expressing my ideas on this platform!