Why Forward?
Learn More Learn More Forward Thinking - Blog Stepping Forward - Media FAQ Press Candidate Application Endorsements Meet the Board
Join the Movement Join the Movement Find Your State
Forward Thinking - Blog
Politicians weigh in on SC Decision
Laura Del Savio | June 30, 2022
One value that is important to us at Forward is respect for the diversity of political views. Our diversity should be a strength, not a wedge. Two of the most divisive issues in America—guns and reproductive rights—were the subject of Supreme Court decisions last week. Those decisions have each created excitement and outrage, highlighting the divide between many Americans on these issues. While the Supreme Court's overturning of a New York law that banned concealed carry has touched a nerve among many concerned by the increasing gun violence in the nation, it's the overturning of Roe v. Wade that has sparked the most intense nationwide reaction.
Thirteen states currently have "trigger laws" to ban abortion within 30 days of the ruling. These laws have sparked litigation in several states.
WHAT THE POLITICIANS ARE SAYING
In the wake of the ruling, former President Barack Obama said that the Supreme Court has "relegated the most intensely personal decision someone can make to the whims of politicians and ideologues." This statement was met with criticism.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts said, "The Court's decision to overrule Roe and Casey is a serious jolt to the legal system—regardless of how you view those cases." Roberts, the sole Republican-appointed Justice to vote against overturning Roe v. Wade, voted to uphold Mississippi's 15 week abortion law but stated that a "narrower decision…would be markedly less unsettling, and nothing more is needed to decide this case."
President Biden said Americans must "elect more senators and representatives to codify a woman's right to choose into federal law [and] elect more state leaders to protect this right at the local level."
In a joint statement, Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise, and Elise Stefanik, the top three Republicans in the House of Representatives, said, "The Supreme Court is right to return the power to protect the unborn to the people's elected representatives in Congress and the states."
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was asked if overturning of Roe v. Wade could lead to a national ban on abortion, and responded that "legislative bodies—not only at the state level but at the federal level—certainly could legislate in that area." Earlier this year, Democrats tried to pass a bill to codify abortion rights but failed with Sens. Collins (R-ME), Murkowski (R-AL) and Manchin (D-WV) saying the bill went too far.
President Biden is at odds with some members of his party over expanding the Supreme Court, but is urging Congress to pass a bill to codify abortion rights.
POLITICS IS PERSONAL
America is steeped in partisanship, and emotions are running high. Historians and legal scholars are divided on how the Supreme Court ruling will impact polarization, but given Sen. McConnell's statement that a national abortion ban is now on the table, the argument that the ruling will take abortion out of national politics doesn't seem to hold water. Abortion is now an issue of actual, immediate relevance, and it will likely play a central role in every election, local to federal. As one of the most divisive issues in the country, it is likely to turn up the temperature of an already historically high degree of polarization.
With this issue, as with all issues, voters should feel empowered to influence legislation through their vote. Voting reform remains the most critical battle to make elections an opportunity to elect leaders who will lead—who will actually find compromise and legislate, rather than kick decisions to others who end up ping-ponging the rest of us between extremes. There were literally decades for Congress to pass legislation on this issue, and they waited until a Supreme Court decision threw the country into turmoil.
Shoring up confidence that elections represent the will of the people and that people who will actually legislate is critical—and it is why the Forward Party is focused on forging a better path.
Politics is personal. Ranked-choice voting in place of plurality voting will unlock representation by a majority. Promoting candidates who are interested in solutions, instead of soundbites and fundraising, is key. Repairing the system is the best way to ensure that your voice matters.
This is the way Forward. To pave this path, we need you, your friends, your families, and your community. Help us by becoming a Forward activist, fighting for the change we want to see in this country. With the enormous uptick in volunteer activities around the country, now is the perfect time to join. We can build a better, more hopeful America—together.
Roe,
Obama,
ranked choice voting,
About Laura Del Savio
Laura is the Deputy Director, Integration and Operations at Forward Party HQ.
James Pritchard commented on Newsletter June 29 2022 2022-08-14 20:10:21 -0400
I don't think this thing will be around for very long. It's not a political party. I have read every work on this web page (and watched Andrew Yang in interviews), and I don't see many (any) positions on any issues. I agree that we need a third, centrist party; and I think it is actually possible. But even a centrist party needs to take positions. My sense is you took the cake out of the oven before it was done. In my view, the "platform" published here isn't a platorm. It's more of a vision statement. My suggestion is to slow down, gather up all the issues you need to take a position on and adopt the position that you think is centrist (which honestly will likely be different from my idea of centrist). How do you figure that out? No idea. That's the hard part and your job. Take the best ideas from the Ds and the best ideas from the Rs, and maybe some voters will follow. But first you need to tell us what they are. Til then, meh. Probably won't throw any $$$ your way. Good luck and Godspeed.
Gary Michels commented on Newsletter June 29 2022 2022-07-29 07:43:33 -0400
Seems that J S in comments has not read deeply the "Why Forward" page. I can respect that J S holds an opposing view of abortion than mine. My question is, where in this post is my opposing view not treated like the enemy position? Where does J S approach myself and others with grace and tolerance? This country will not survive another presidential election without widespread violence (imagine Jan 6 coming to city near you) if upon all the hostility in our hearts and all the polarization already present, we superimpose the divisiveness of abortion. I pray that rational leaders will be chosen who can turn down the volume, seek peaceful compromise, and respect the rule of law.
page follow
Gary Michels followed Newsletter June 29 2022 2022-07-29 06:32:18 -0400
J S commented on Newsletter June 29 2022 2022-07-28 18:03:41 -0400
While I agree we need a new, moderate party, I see nothing here that tells me what you stand for. It's fluff. What is this party's stance on abortion? If women are not allowed total and complete body autonomy then this party does not have a leg to stand on. Access to health care does not have a compromise. Regarding guns, what is your compromise? What about LBGTQ rights? Comprehensive sex Ed? Prayer and religion in schools? Tell us something with substance, otherwise you are another wasted third party vote which will hurt our country even more. We need to fight against fascism so what exactly are you going to do?
Laura Del Savio published Newsletter June 29 2022 in Forward Thinking - Blog 2022-06-30 08:57:00 -0400
Forward Party
PO Box 9172, Fredericksburg, VA 22403, United States
Paid for by Forward Party and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. ForwardParty.com
@Fwd_Party is fighting for the American people with practical, common-sense solutions. Join us on the most critical mission of our era - building the foundation for a representative and stable democracy. Not left. Not right. FORWARD.