Why do we get hung up on the wrong things?

Question

Why are abortion and gay marriage federal issues? What on earth do either of those have to do with running a country? I realize they're emotional issues, but they're immaterial to the actual duties of governing. The federal government is not here to decide what's moral. The church has it's own pulpit, and the government already has too much to do. Let's hear the candidates talk about their ideas for the economy, education, security, foreign relations, and things they can actually do something about. Why do both parties waste so much time on controversial things that the government should never be involved with in the first place??

Answer 1

The federal government gets involved in these issues because political strategists have decided that they stand a better chance of winning by challenging their opponents on social issues rather than fundamental issues such as foreign policy, education, and the national debt.

Karl Rove developed this strategy in the late ninties. His strategy was to get the Christian base emotional involved by bringing up these issues of abortion, gay marriage, and stem cell research. He directed the RNC to make these issues seem important in places where typically conservatives stay home during the elections and large amounts of Democratic turn out exist. His philosophy was that the candidates in these areas probably were not going to win based on the issues at hand because of the traditional Democratic views in those areas on topics of general basis, so he would intercede and plant other issues that would get the Christian vote by questioning the Democrats on "Christian value" topics. It was a divide and conquer theory. Ever wonder why Bush decided to make gay marriage an issue during the 2004 election? If you look at the polls at the time, Kerry and Bush were neck and neck and he had just been killed in the first debate. Then he makes mention out of the blue about gay marriage to divert attention away from his shortcomings and get the Christian movement in an anti-liberal uproar. Kerry and most Democrats do not fare well on these issues because they really do not have any feelings on them. The typical Democrat has no interest in the average American's private life as long as it does not interfere with other people's life. Some Democrats that lean far left do have an opinion on these issues that are the opposite of the Republicans, but those are a minority of the Democrats. The RNC takes these views of a small percentage of Democrats and paints the whole party with them.

Again these issues serve to divide America and conquer so that the RNC can win the Christian vote. They are playing on people's religion and emotions instead of debating the issues.

Answer 2

Without these issues the politicians would have nothing to bring to the podium. They do talk about the economy, education, security and foreign relations. But as always when they do get into office they have forgotten all their promises. What we need to do as people find one or two politicians that can really make a change in the important issues of this country. Peace should be our priority.

Answer 3

abortion is also a medical issue, and marriage is regulated by the state, so both technically are within the confines of the government.

Besides, the church says thou shall not kill, does that mean we remove the murder laws? Just because something is a religious issue does not mean it is none of the government's business, it just means that the church cannot dictate what the government does, and vice versa.

They are emotional issues and something some people feel very stongly about, so they are used as talking points to distract people from other issues

Answer 4

Each party has its BASE. It is the so-called BASE that supplies the MONEY and the POWER to the parties. The bases are polar opposites and keep the DIVISION in government a wide gaping chasm that is difficult to bridge.
In actual fact, most of us are not hung up on those extreme issues but we are ignored because we don't make exciting news topics.
We also don't tend to support candidates.
We also have a very bad habit of not supporting moderate candidates and probably give a poor turnout in the PRIMARIES.
Go vote!

Answer 5

Its because they are highly charged issues that divide us. The politicos use those issues to mobilize their political base.

Its a bunch of nonsense. Abortion and gay marriage affect a very small percentage of the population when compared to things like the deficit, health care, education, trade policy etc. The economy for the most part gets dealt with well for the most part -- regardless of president.

Answer 6

Very good point, particularly in view of the fact that politicians' own morals and ethics are always in question! You'll find that those with the least education and intelligence, and with questionable morals and ethics themselves will resort to name-calling, mud-slinging, use of slogans and rhetorical propaganda... as usual... rather than discussing issues like adults... they try to find means to disagree (and won't let go regardless of how absurd and ridiculous they appear) rather than find reasons for agreeing to an adult, intelligent and civil discourse or discussion... let's face it, those are the sheep and lemmings that try to outshout reason and facts when they find that they have no original thought or simply have nothing to say.

It's almost hilarious how Rove, Gingrich, Foley, Haggard are the ones screaming like sissies about moral decay and the need for ethics (and mentioning Slick Willy for being with a woman, and not another man or boy)... my goodness.... all they have to do is take a good look in the mirror or their closets; how can those moral eunuchs even show their faces in public, let alone talk of ethics, morals and fairness... do a Google search and look up their bios... they're a joke, but no one is laughing; we're just taking notes and waiting for the next election!

Answer 7

Abortion is a federal issue to many because they believe it is taking of a life, which the Constitution has a right to uphold.

As for gay marriage, we have courts deciding to tell legislatures that it must happen. Totally violates separation of powers.

Not being involved is your opinion. You are clearly a libertarian.

I do agree with you that we waste a lot of time on issues that are not going to change, no matter what they do.

Answer 8

The best way to get a vote is play on the emotions of the common man.
They do this so that they can continue their own agendas while pandering to their political base.
Also, they likely believe we common people cannot understand what it is that they do.
At times I cannot help but believe the same thing when I hear the arguments made by "my fellow Americans".

Answer 9

They are valid issues to discuss, because people are concerned with them. But I do agree with you that they take up more 'air time' than they should warrant according to their importance.

I think these issues are often used as a distraction by politicians who don't want us paying attention to other issues that may shed light on their transgressions.

Answer 10

The issues win elections.