The World of Grandpa Don

 As this is a matter of right and wrong, good and evil, these terms and concepts, basic beliefs if you will, should be defined before proceeding. I refer you to "Right and Wrong". It is the concept of right and wrong which has gone to forming my thoughts on this subject and is referenced often in what follows. If you do not know how I think about the absolute code of right and wrong and "The Way" please go to the link provided above.

Our 44th President says he is not qualified to determine the point at which human life begins and he is probably correct, neither am I, or at this point in our human development, is anyone else when speaking scientifically.  Based on that, the president, and many others do not feel they should make laws regarding abortion. Some (most?) religious belief puts the point of human existence at the time of conception and science does not exclude that possibility.  In my opinion, as long as there is a possibility of human life at conception, it should be respected as such. (Legally, that would be an application of the safe course of action when there is reasonable doubt.) Whether there are laws to that effect or not, it would seem to me that that life is protected by the absolute code of selflessness given to us by God.  Those of us who believe in "The Way" are duty bound to convince others to join us. We can promote laws prohibiting abortion an the basis of the reasonable possibility that human life exists and if enacted may save many lives.  However, these laws will be disobeyed and not be a deterrent to those who do not accept the absolute code of selflessness. They may also have the effect of harming those who avail themselves of illegal abortions. Of course there are those who would consider that a punishment but isn't that selflessness?

As to suicide, assisted suicide or so called mercy killing, I question that any person has the wisdom to know the future worth of a life and what the future, as bleak as it may seem at the time, will hold.  I believe that life is to be lived to it's natural end and every instant of life has its effect on, not only its being but those it touches. A burden to one may be a blessing in the long term to others. Where there is any doubt I chose to err on the side of safety. To take a life, ones own, or another's, for any reason is, it seems to me, a selfish act.