People being fed to wild beasts in an arena, or burned alive as torches. Unwanted infants abandoned outside to die of exposure or starvation. Gladiators fighting each other to the death in a grand spectacle. Many of us would recognize these as images of the ancient Roman Empire. Today, we find it difficult to imagine a life where such violence was commonplace or legally sanctioned.The foregoing address was delivered by Mira Kanzelberger last fall at a Toastmasters convocation in Seattle, Washington, preceeding the national presidential election in November. Her paper is offered in rememberance of the 4000 unborn children who have been killed every day in the United States for the last 32 years on this anniversary of Roe v. Wade (Jan. 22, 1972), the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in this country.
In later centuries, however, the Empire went through a profound transformation, and none of these gruesome practices survived. While a thorough analysis of the history of the western world is beyond the scope of this short speech, and beyond my ability to provide, there is an important point here. The change that came over the Roman Empire was not a matter of changing a few laws. It went much, much further than that, and it affects this Western Civilization, which, like it or not, we are part of, even in our time.
Much could be said about this transformation, but I will draw attention to only one aspect. On some level, there came to be a recognition, however imperfect, of the unique value and dignity of every human being. It is not hard to see that such an understanding would have far-reaching consequences in many areas of life, including the laws of a society. If a human being possesses a unique value and dignity, no one has the right to treat him or her any old way, not even someone in a position of power. Might does not make right.
As I see it, this recognition of the unique value and dignity of each human being is one of the greatest legacies we have inherited down through the centuries, one of the most fundamental principles of Western Civilization.
Now let's see what's happening in 21st century America: A baby is being delivered. The legs are out. The arms are out. Just a few more inches and there will be a new citizen, somewhat premature, but healthy and viable with modern neonatal care. But that is not what happens. A doctor so-called, completely unworthy of the name, pierces the skull, uses modern technology to suck out its brain, collapses its skull, and delivers a little corpse instead. I don't know about you, but it boggles my mind that this goes on in our society.
We like to fancy ourselves so advanced and civilized and refined, so modern and progressive... but what has become of the value and dignity of every human being? Do we recognize it no longer? Is it okay to deny another their value and dignity if no one can hear them scream? If it is done in a modern, clean, antiseptic way - quietly - away from the noise of the arena?
Some argue that the little unborn ones in question are not really human... but I have seen that argument before. It was used by some of those who argued in the past that women didn't need to be given basic rights. They said women weren't fully human... It was used of people of various races. Members of those races weren't fully human, so denying them various rights was justified. Is the argument really any more believable this time? Isn't it more likely that once again, we find it easier to deny someone their rights, or treat them however we please, if we have first denied their humanity?
And hasn't all the once-popular rhetoric reached a level of complete absurdity when the difference between a citizen and a lump of tissue to be dealt with as we please is a mere several inches in the position of the head?
And now to the 2004 election. So-called doctors, completely unworthy of the name, who perform the above described quiet, clean, modern, murderous procedure support the Kerry campaign. They are familiar with his voting record, and know that Senator Kerry has consistently voted against any attempt to ban or restrict the procedure in any way.
Am I the only one that finds this troubling? Don't we all think that recognizing and respecting the value and dignity of every human being, whether or not it is convenient, is a matter of great importance? Is a fundamental principle of our civilization - a principle that goes a long way toward making our society truly civilized - at stake?
I had requested to speak last month, or later this month, but that is not the way the schedule worked out. I had planned to give a nice little speech on a nice little topic, but in the end I just couldn't do it.
First, there was the article in the October Toastmaster magazine suggesting that we shouldn't avoid controversial topics. Then, there were the weeks of working on a campus which seemed thoroughly enamored with Kerry, riding my bike home each day with these thoughts coursing through my veins and seeing Kerry/Edwards signs sprouting along my route like mushrooms after the rain. I actually didn't see people engaged in thoughtful discussion with each other, just little hints and remarks that assume that everyone must obviously be on their side too, that any educated, sensitive, reasonable person could not do otherwise. For weeks, I was very quiet. In the end, I felt that if I didn't let these thoughts out they would burn a hole in my insides.
Enough apologizing and explaining. Here are my final questions. Have the citizens on this campus and in this city given this matter I have discussed any thought? Is Western Civilization in decline?
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