Wednesday, October 15, 2014 begins early voting in Tennessee. I normally do not blog things like this. However, we Tennesseans have an opportunity to make a step in the right direct with Amendment One. In our local paper, an opposing view was given about three weeks ago. While I disagree with this person’s view, I did not want it to be the only view presented. So, I wrote a very short letter to the editor. I post it here for those who might read this through other means:

A Letter to the Editor,

“January 22, 1973 – The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision, affirms the legality of a woman’s right to have an abortion under the Fourteenth amendment to the Constitution.” I was born in September 1974 (you can do the math). Some years later, I wondered what my mom thought about me in the months during her pregnancy. There was legal opportunity for her to abort. So, I asked if she considered abortion. “No,” she said. “It did not even cross my mind.” My heart warmed with that answer.

I had little doubts that she had considered abortion. Yet, with the newness of the decision and a movement that was gaining speed, I wondered how all of that affected her. I think the decision to allow abortion encouraged abortion. So, someone like my mom who, I believe would have never considered abortion could have considered it because it had been legalized. That option was now put on the table for her. Now that option has been etched in the very hearts of all Americans.

Obviously, my desire would have been a denial of legality for a woman’s right to have an abortion. Nevertheless, my question is since this is the law, “How can we make the option of giving life more appealing than death?” First, I would like the option of life given with the same emphasis as those who give the option to abort. Second, I would like the option of death to be harder than easier. Decisions in haste are often regretted and in this case it is a decision that is not reversible.

I want to encourage Tennesseans to vote Yes on amendment one. You cannot imagine how thankful I am to be alive. My mom chose life and I hope all Tennesseans will too. Voting yes on amendment one is a vote for life. See www.yeson1tn.org/ for more information.

Sincerely,

Jason Snider

I would urge you to please vote. It is your responsibility.