While some people seem to find his statements contradictory or confusing (possibly because they don’t understand the distinction he is making), I think Herman Cain has made it pretty clear that while he is a social conservative, he is not a statist social conservative. In response to a series of questions about homosexuality and abortion, Cain differentiated between his own opinions (he believes homosexuality is a sin and he is “anti-abortion in all cases”) and whether he would the government enforce them:
Here’s what he said about homosexuality:
Cain explained that, because of his religious beliefs, he believes that homosexuality is a sin in addition to considering it a choice. Morgan seemed not to buy the sincerity of Cain’s belief in the latter, but Cain held his ground, adding that neither Morgan nor anyone else has been able to offer him sound scientific evidence to convince him that a person is born homosexual rather than choosing to become gay at some point in one’s life. That said, he believes gay Americans have a right to make that choice, and “you don’t see me bashing them for it.” Furthermore, “I respect their right to make that choice,” even though “I don’t have to agree with it.”
Later, Cain conceded that Morgan “might be right” about homosexuality being something inherent and not chosen, and maintained that homosexuality as choice is “his opinion.”
And abortion:
it comes down to is, it’s not the government’s role — or anybody else’s role — to make that decision. Secondly, if you look at the statistical incidents, you’re not talking about that big a number. So what I’m saying is, it ultimately gets down to a choice that that family or that mother has to make. Not me as president. Not some politician. Not a bureaucrat. It gets down to that family. And whatever they decide, they decide. I shouldn’t try to tell them what decision to make for such a sensitive decision.
Morgan then said that Cain cannot hide behind the “mask of the pizza guy,” and that, as a person who may potentially become president, his views on issues like abortion become “a directive to the nation.” Cain’s response?
No, they don’t. I can have an opinion on an issue without it being a directive on the nation. The government shouldn’t be trying to tell people everything to do, especially when it comes to a social decision that they need to make.
I have to say, he talks like a genuine non-statist, and I hope he means what he says.
I think it is refreshing to hear such talk from a leading contender for the presidency.
UPDATE: As of today (October 24) Cain seems to have reversed himself.
But maybe he’ll reverse himself again!
Comments
4 responses to ““The government shouldn’t be trying to tell people everything to do””
The problem with being a libertarian, rather than a Libertarian, is that there are so many flavours to choose from. If asked, I am opposed to abortion under all conditions. At the same time, I don’t think it is the correct role for government to play, in criminalizing abortion. It is a private decision, dependent upon the self, the pastor or priest (or Rabbi, whatever) the family and the doctors involved. It is an extremely private decision, one which should be strongly counseled against.
On the other hand, we have the reality, which is if one chooses to have an abortion, one may do so in the country of ones choice, if the funds are available. Or, a return to backroom abortions, or, attempts at self-inflicted abortion.
My personal beliefs that the miracle of life begins at conception isn’t rarely stumbled over; many agree with this view. But the data proves, that when abortion is criminalized, abortions still occur. Oregon decriminalized abortion in the 1960’s. It didn’t speak of a “woman’s right to choose.” It dealt with a human reality.
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Cain’s comments agree with my own opinions (not that anyone needs to care about my opinions ) – other people’s business is other people’s business, not the governments’.
I am so sick and tired of politicians opening their mouths for political gain. I don’t believe what anyone of them say about anything. They lie and spout popular sentiment that they feel will boost their popularity.
When it comes to homosexuality that is an issue that does not belong in the political forum and politicians would be wise to keep their opinions to themselves . Sexual orientation is a private matter and the government should keep their noses out of that area.
As far a abortion goes, I see many upstanding citizens pointing a finger at women who choose abortion because they would not be able to care for their children properly, whether that be because of their financial situation or that they are alone. However, I have not seen anyone of these people offering help to a woman who would want to keep the baby. Instead they would rather condemn them opposed to helping them.
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