Mark Twain wrote, 鈥淗istory doesn鈥檛 repeat itself, but it often rhymes.鈥 We see many historical examples where we have dehumanized the 鈥渙ther鈥 to justify their enslavement or extermination. Our nation was plagued by this sad reality during the Civil War, and it played out again in Nazi Germany. Just two examples among many.
Recalling our scarred past, we鈥檝e understandably asked, How could we have stooped so low? What culture and legacy do we want to leave for future generations?
We鈥檒l have an opportunity to answer those existential questions Nov. 5 in our vote on Amendment 3聽鈥 a vote whose outcome will set the tone in Missouri for many years.
We hear themes from across the political spectrum about caring for the 鈥渓east among us鈥 and giving a voice to the voiceless. Protecting the lives of the most defenseless humans聽鈥 the unborn聽鈥 is a golden opportunity to come together, heal from our past, and promote a culture of life.
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If Amendment 3 passes, I foresee a continued deterioration of our overall respect for the dignity of human life and predict a pivot to physician-assisted suicide and, eventually, full-on euthanasia. Targeting the disabled, the elderly, the inconvenient. Future rhymes to the poem of our broken past.
Let us begin a new rhyme, one where all lives are valued through the bond of our common humanity. Let鈥檚 courageously vote "no" on Amendment 3.聽
George Barnidge
Rock Hill