News from Patrick Flynn

It’s hard to decide on the most appropriate response to a recent column authored by Jim Minnery, president of the Alaska Family Council.  Minnery, a hard-right field marshal in the never-ending culture wars that consume far more energy than their lack of appreciable societal change merits, evokes Billy Joel’s song “Honesty” in complaining his political opponents are (surprise) employing rhetoric they feel will most effectively make their case regarding ballot measure 2.  This from the guy whose acolytes employed, shall we say, somewhat inaccurate rhetoric during last summer’s equal rights debate.

(Please don’t take this as an effort to demonize Mr. Minnery.  He and I met and talked last summer and I found him to be a decent, thoughtful man who loves his family very much.  Our political views differ and political opponents sometimes allow their written words to say that which they wouldn’t utter face-to-face.  I try to avoid that and suspect Mr. Minnery does too.  Now, on with the discussion.)

Given that Mr. Minnery somehow forgot to step in and gently corral those misconceptions last year, I suppose one could be bemused that he’s chosen to do so this year.  Or one could resurrect that old saying about pots and kettles.  Instead I’d like to focus on what Billy Joel lyrics might be more appropriate in this circumstance, and I’d suggest something from The Stranger:

“Though we share so many secrets, there are some we never tell”

Since I’m not involved in this particular ballot measure I’m happy to share the secret neither side is likely to tell you – this proposal has nothing to do parental notification.

Well it does, actually, since that’s what’s on the ballot (read the Division of Elections information here) but really the issue is a proxy for the broader question of whether abortion should be legal in Alaska.  Ballot measure 2 proponents generally oppose abortion and, if they could, would outlaw it.  But they lack both the political support and legal basis to do so and therefore employ a strategy of incrementalism; enact as many roadblocks as possible in order to achieve indirectly what can’t be done otherwise.

Which is why ballot measure 2 opponents, who generally support abortion rights, feel compelled to fight tooth and nail against a proposal that would only affect a relatively small segment of the population (those younger than 18 who become pregnant, wish to have an abortion and don’t want to or can’t tell their parents).  Their thinking, as I interpret it, is that surrender on this point won’t assuage abortion opponents but instead embolden them to seek further restrictions.  And they’re probably right.  Here’s what The Stranger says:

“Though you drown in good intentions you will never quench the fire”

Given the intensely personal nature of abortion politics I usually don’t bother trying to convince anyone to change their point of view and I won’t do so here.  Vote as you wish but do so knowing that whatever the result the arguments won’t stop after August 24.  And maybe, just maybe, you might take a moment to think about how the energies employed in this battle might be better used to help the children both sides claim to care so much about.

Regards,

Patrick

P.S.  Here’s the full lyrics of “The Stranger.”  Enjoy!

Well we all have a face that we hide away forever
And we take them out and show ourselves when everyone has gone
Some are satin some are steel
Some are silk and some are leather
They’re the faces of the stranger but we love to try them on

Well we all fall in love but we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets, there are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised that you never saw the stranger
Did you ever let your lover see the stranger in yourself?

Don’t be afraid to try again
Everyone goes south
Every now and then
You’ve done it, why can’t someone else?
You should know by now
You’ve been there yourself

Once I used to believe I was such a great romancer
Then I came home to a woman that I could not recognize
When I pressed her for a reason she refused to even answer
It was then I felt the stranger kick me right between the eyes

Well we all fall in love but we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets, there are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised that you never saw the stranger
Did you ever let your lover see the stranger in yourself?

Don’t be afraid to try again
Everyone goes south
Every now and then
You’ve done it why can’t someone else?
You should know by now
You’ve been there yourself

You may never understand how the stranger is inspired
But he isn’t always evil and he is not always wrong
Though you drown in good intentions you will never quench the fire
You’ll give in to your desire when the stranger comes along.