Is it me, or does Florida have an unusually high number of themed license plates? It seems like almost every day I see a design I've never encountered before - an animal, like the Florida panther or a manatee, or maybe a school I've ever heard of (Lynn University?) ... and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Did you know that Florida offers license plate designs that identify you as a Miccosukee or Seminole Indian? How about plates that identify us as the "Golf Capital of the World" or ask us to "Support Soccer"? Every branch of the military is represented by their own plate design, and firefighters, sheriffs, and the police force all have a plate (as well as P.A.L and the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches). There are plates asking us to stop child abuse, salute veterans, share the road, stop heart disease, and protect everything from coral reefs to dolphins to sea turtles. I can't imagine how we stack up against other states, but it seems like a little bit of overkill, all these choices, don't you think?
Speaking of choices, please note that Florida offers not just one, but THREE plate designs all aimed at conservative pro-life citizens (Choose Life, Family First, and Family Values), but there is not even ONE plate designed for the part of the population who believes that their choices about their bodies are their own. No "Choose Choice" or "Choice First", is there? Sometimes it is tough to believe that we are indeed in the 21st century, and, in the good old U.S. of A. there are still people who believe that it is their own job to make personal choices for other people. I would never insist that someone change their religion, or make a choice about their own body and health simply to conform with my own ideas of right and wrong. Your body, YOUR choice: my body, MY choice. Women have spent too many years in ignorance and fear to ignore the choices that are safe, ready, and on the table.
What a shame that such a culturally rich state, with more than its share of women in the population, has allowed these three license plate designs - three! - to be made available, without a single counterpart showing the other side of the debate. In fact, let me amend: I think that NONE of these plates should be available. This is a personal issue, decided one woman and one family at a time, so let the discussion stay there, instead of emblazoned on the back of your car. Free speech is indeed a right in this country, so I suppose people will continue to purchase and display these overplayed designs, and those of us who don't agree will just continue to grin and bear it.
I don't object so much to the opinion of the "Choose Life" folks as much as I object to the way that the plate seems to be an order, badly camouflaged by the child's crayon drawing that is the background. It's like forcing down bad-tasting medicine by encasing it in a spoonful of honey - I'd rather taste the medicine, thanks - at least I know what I'm getting, and I know it's the truth. I won't choose ANYTHING just to please someone else, or to fit in with their view of the world. I truly don't understand why those of us who urge the right to make our own choices are so opposed. We are asking that right for everyone, not just some people. I personally don't care what another person decides in regards to their unwanted pregnancy. All I care about is that this country offers that woman the security and freedom to make that choice, as needed, and provides the training necessary to its medical community so that women can seek care not only for abortions, but for everything associated with women's health - including prenatal and postnatal care.
Hmmm. All that from a few license plate designs. Yikes.
Speaking of choices, please note that Florida offers not just one, but THREE plate designs all aimed at conservative pro-life citizens (Choose Life, Family First, and Family Values), but there is not even ONE plate designed for the part of the population who believes that their choices about their bodies are their own. No "Choose Choice" or "Choice First", is there? Sometimes it is tough to believe that we are indeed in the 21st century, and, in the good old U.S. of A. there are still people who believe that it is their own job to make personal choices for other people. I would never insist that someone change their religion, or make a choice about their own body and health simply to conform with my own ideas of right and wrong. Your body, YOUR choice: my body, MY choice. Women have spent too many years in ignorance and fear to ignore the choices that are safe, ready, and on the table.
What a shame that such a culturally rich state, with more than its share of women in the population, has allowed these three license plate designs - three! - to be made available, without a single counterpart showing the other side of the debate. In fact, let me amend: I think that NONE of these plates should be available. This is a personal issue, decided one woman and one family at a time, so let the discussion stay there, instead of emblazoned on the back of your car. Free speech is indeed a right in this country, so I suppose people will continue to purchase and display these overplayed designs, and those of us who don't agree will just continue to grin and bear it.
I don't object so much to the opinion of the "Choose Life" folks as much as I object to the way that the plate seems to be an order, badly camouflaged by the child's crayon drawing that is the background. It's like forcing down bad-tasting medicine by encasing it in a spoonful of honey - I'd rather taste the medicine, thanks - at least I know what I'm getting, and I know it's the truth. I won't choose ANYTHING just to please someone else, or to fit in with their view of the world. I truly don't understand why those of us who urge the right to make our own choices are so opposed. We are asking that right for everyone, not just some people. I personally don't care what another person decides in regards to their unwanted pregnancy. All I care about is that this country offers that woman the security and freedom to make that choice, as needed, and provides the training necessary to its medical community so that women can seek care not only for abortions, but for everything associated with women's health - including prenatal and postnatal care.
Hmmm. All that from a few license plate designs. Yikes.
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