Life Issues / Family Ethics Political Action Committee of Southwest Washington

2009 Port Commission / Others Survey

Candidates: You can copy and paste the survey questions below into your email write screen, type your answers and then send to lifepac@lifepac.org.  Alternatively, you can send in your own composition using some of the survey's themes.  Responses will be authenticated.

AN ETHIC OF LIFE IN PUBLIC POLICY
1.
Do regional governments and their agencies have a serious responsibility to advance a consistent ethic regarding the respect of human life?  A consistent ethic of life often focuses on major policy issues which include first abortion and euthanasia, but also others such as poverty, capital punishment, war, racism, nuclear arms and exploitation.  While these are national issues, regional governments sometimes can and should address related local policy and social factors.  A consistent ethic of life recognizes that each and every human being is unique and important, that no person is defined by someone else's choices, and that no one exists solely as a means to someone else's happiness.  The choices we make, as individuals and as a society, must be weighed in light of their impact on human life and dignity.   Do regional governments and their agencies have a serious responsibility to implement public policies and facilitate community action that further a consistent respect for all human life?


ABORTION
2. Do you believe that it is scientifically accurate and honest to say that human life begins at conception?


3. The 14th Amendment states "nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade, 1973, stated that "if this suggestion of personhood is established, the appellant's case, of course, collapses, for the fetus' right to life would then be guaranteed specifically by the [14th] Amendment."  The Court regrettably concluded though that "we need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer."   Do you believe that life begins at conception and that the State has a compelling interest in protecting that life?


4.
Is taking the life of a pre-born child through abortion ever permissible?  Check all that apply:

_____ No, it's never permissible

_____ Yes, to save mother's life

_____ Yes, in cases of rape or incest

_____ Yes, for physical deformity

_____  Yes, for genetic predispositions

_____  Yes, for gender

_____  Yes, for race

_____   Yes, for economic hardship

_____  Yes, to punish spouse

_____  Yes, it's always permissible

 

5. Do you support parental notification and/or consent before a minor (under 18 years of age) could have an abortion? A judicial bypass of parents would be allowed when necessary.

Notification?

Consent?    
 

CONTRIBUTIONS OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
6.
"Religious communities are the largest and best-organized civil institutions in the world, claiming the allegiance of billions across race, class, and national divides. These communities have particular cultural understandings, infrastructures, and resources to get help where it is needed most" (World Conference of Religions for Peace).  Southwest Washington has a broad range of religious communities that contribute substantially to the welfare of families, children, seniors, the homeless, sick, and refugees.  They are a highly valued part of our community which respects and defends human life at every stage.  Are you an active member in a church, synagogue, temple, mosque or other religious assembly?

If so, you may state here where at:
 

FAITH-BASED AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIPS
7. The White House's Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships ensures that religious and other community organizations are able to compete on an equal footing for participation in Federal programs without impairing the character of such organizations and without diminishing the religious freedom of those served.  Does the collaboration of government with faith-based charitable works lawfully ensure fair treatment of religious organizations, and is it good for our communities?
 

QUALIFICATIONS
8. Please state your professional experience, community involvement, education and other qualifications for a port commission or other position.


9. May LifePac post your returned survey on our website?  Surveys are posted only with your permission. 
Please give your campaign web address if you have one.