More Low Behavior On The Right

I am in favor of the state staying out of reproductive issues of all kinds. This means, of course, that the continuation of a pregnancy should be between a woman and her doctor.

Making Light has sponsored links in the left-hand column, below the fold. One is to SaveRoe (a Planned Parenthood link) that points out a disgusting comment Karen Hughes made this week:

Demand that Karen Hughes Apologize!

On April 25, after the largest showing of support for reproductive rights in history, presidential adviser Karen Hughes invoked the memory of 9/11 and essentially equated pro-choice advocates to terrorists in her attempt to defend President George W. Bush's anti-choice policies.

BLITZER: Karen, how big of an issue will this abortion rights issue be in this campaign?

HUGHES: Well..I think after September 11th the American people are valuing life more and realizing that we need policies to value the dignity and worth of every life...particularly at a time when we're facing an enemy, and really the fundamental difference between us and the terror network we fight is that we value every life...
--Source: Karen Hughes, CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, April 25, 2004

Invoking 9/11 to defend this administration's policies regarding reproductive rights was an insensitive and divisive overreach. We are all Americans, and we are patriots, too. An apology is in order.

That is just low. People who believe in reproductive freedom=terrorists. The site is demanding an apology, and links to a site that teaches the technique of apology:

It's hard to apologize. Many of us are ashamed or have too much pride. Sometimes we just
don't know how to do it. Here are some tips that may make it easier to say you're sorry.

• Take responsibility. The first step in apologizing is to admit to yourself that you have offended someone. You may know this right away, or the other person's reaction may let you know you have done something hurtful. But you must admit you have done wrong and accept responsibility for your actions.

• Explain. It's important to let the person you hurt know that you didn't mean to do harm. At the same time, you must show that you take your mistake seriously. Recognize that your actions caused a problem for the other person.

• Show your regret. The other person needs to see that you have suffered, too. Come
  right out and say you are sorry or ashamed. I felt bad the minute I told your secret.
  I'm ashamed of myself.

• Repair the damage. To be complete, an apology must correct the injury. If you damaged
  someone's property, offer to fix it. If the damage isn't so obvious, ask What can I do
  to make it up to you? There may be nothing concrete you can do, but the offer must be
  sincere. I'll try to keep my mouth shut in the future. Meantime, let me buy you a cup
  of coffee. Another way to repair the damage is to send a note or a small gift.

• Use good timing. Apologize right away for little things. For example, if you bump into
  someone, say you're sorry right away. Don't wait until the next day to apologize. However,
  if you have done something more serious, like insult a friend, your apology should be more
  thoughtful. A quick apology might seem phony. Take the time to sit down, look the person in
  the eye, and apologize honestly.

• It's not about who "won" or who "lost." It's about keeping a strong friendship.

  
  

This "how to apologize" is part of a larger website developed by the state of Nebraska offering a curriculum for welfare clients on how to get off welfare, get and hold a job, and have a stable life. Lot of good advice.