On respect:

I apologize to my readers, specifically Thom, that I was disrespectful in response to his debate.

Something that upsets me greatly is snideness in debate. I generally see no reason to be rude to another person, even if that person holds views quite contrary to your own. I strive to stay away from vulgarity or personal attacks.

Because of the nature of the debate, I think it's important for us all to be cognisant to the feelings our words inspire. It is easy to feel personally attacked in this most unusual of debates.

I feel it is important to acknowledge that pregnancy is an unusual circumstance. There is no direct correlative. Fetal development is not unusual when viewed in terms of the continuum of life, however it is quite extraordinary that one cell merged from two is "us". I understand the unique nature of the debate.

I also understand that through misconception and outright lies on the part of people who stood to gain financially, abortion has become a feminist issue. This is not to deny that the physical act of carrying a child within one's womb is a challenging, and often frightening experience.

However, within these concessions, I will not deny the humanity of the unborn, nor will I deny the responsibility of the mother. However, I will strive to remain respectful of the other's views, even as I see them as flawed.

Thom, I apologize for my language in discussion with you. If you agree to be respectful to me in your debate, I would like to continue conversation. If not, I respectfully ask you to leave debate on this blog, as neither of us will gain anything if we can not show courtesy to one another.