I think it’s OK to be pro-life in California politics.  I am not planning to run for office. The notorious Oscar Wilde is rumored to have said, “The problem with socialism is that it will take up too many evenings;” and I’ve found that the same is true, in our society that is oriented to event-based fundraising, of conservatism, capitalism, and even, ironically enough, family values.  It does create employment for babysitters, who are often of an age that is difficult to employ.

The aspiring candidate should mainly talk about economic issues, and when someone asks him about abortion or gay marriage, I’d say, “Why are you bringing up these divisive social issues?” and a little later, “But I do have a position paper if you’re really interested in these divisive social issues.”  Throw the “why are you bringing up these issues?” albatross back on the other side, consistently.

The position paper would read something like this:

I believe in dealing with crisis or inconvenient pregnancy by surrendering for adoption, or in some cases–if sufficient family support is available–prompt marriage.  Abortion and single parenting are less desirable alternatives both for the child and the mother because two parents are better than one.  [If questioned, two parents of the opposite sex are better than two of the same sex, but two of the same sex are probably better than single parenting.]  I believe that people are human from conception on.  And while the majority of the public claims that they uphold Roe v. Wade, they also tell pollsters that they would oppose many of the abortions of convenience, late term abortions, and sex selection abortions that Roe actually permits.  I would like to see our legislatures free to make decisions about this highly sensitive issue.  It’s strange that in our society we think so easily of divorce, but that surrendering for adoption is considered extremely painful.  I think we as a society should consider divorce and surrendering for adoption the same way; as the unfortunate severing of a relationship that is occasionally necessary but always a tragedy.  And ultimately our public policy should reflect that.

If they push you with, “Well, what laws would you enact about abortion?”  the answer you should give is, “There you go with those divisive social issues again!”  If pushed further say, “I’ll support whatever restrictions on abortion the society is ready to enact. I’m only running to be one legislator, or one governor, not the government, and I’ll hardly be in a position to push an agenda singlehandedly!”

I myself would have answered the rape and incest exceptions questions with “I’ll take it either way!” but I don’t know what I would have suggested to someone else.