My fellow Americans. I know some of you believe that science clearly shows us that unborn life is just that — developing human life. I know you believe they, too, are made in the image and likeness of God. And you know what? I want to be your president too. Let’s work together, Republicans and Democrats and independents and everyone, to help women who want to be mothers, and families who are struggling. Let’s expect men to be fathers to their children. Let’s unite where we can unite. We can disagree and live together. Religious freedom is a pillar of our nation — we can’t have our soul without it. This is an inflection point in history. Either we are a pluralistic people, or we are doomed to division and chaos and anger.
If the president actually wanted to unite, he wouldn’t have attacked Americans who believe abortion is the civil-rights issue of our lives. He wouldn’t have mentioned contraception (no one is taking it away — it’s a scare tactic, and it’s a cynical, underhanded attack on the likes of the Little Sisters of the Poor, on conscience rights). And he wouldn’t have mentioned this moment in league with abolition, the suffragettes, and the civil-rights movement.
I could have agreed with much that he said — about the election results, about division and anger and violence — if he hadn’t made sure to make Planned Parenthood happy during the speech. They are purveyors of violence and ought to be renamed UnParenthood.