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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Vogel (R)

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Reflecting on both ends of the human spectrum

Friday, January 29, 2016

Dear Neighbor,

 

Last week was interesting in terms of reflecting on both ends of the human spectrum. On Jan. 21, I toured the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine. The very next day, I attended the March for Life rally in St. Paul.

 

It gave me time to reflect on where we have been in the past, and where we are today. I grew up in New Market during the 1950s and 60s, which was not only a different time and place, but in comparison to today’s world, was an entirely different experience.

 

Issues faced by both those attending the rally, and the families and caregivers at the nursing home, certainly are not driven by the same determining factors today as was the case while a youth in New Market. At that time in my life, I doubt whether I had ever heard the word "abortion" or the phrase "assisted suicide," whereas today I’d assume most school children are probably aware that both things exist, and quite possibly may have had discussions about one or both issues.

 

I write this knowing there are deep-seated beliefs on both sides of whether or not we have the right to determine when a life can be terminated, and if it’s believed that right does exist at which times during a life it can be exercised. My reflection above comes because decisions we are faced with today either because of societal norms, or changing technology, often make them much more complicated and difficult than they were in times past.

 

As I’ve entered this new elected-office endeavor in my life, I’ve made no secret that l believe life begins at conception and does not end until natural death. Toward that commitment I was a supporter and voted for bills like the “Born Alive Infant Act,” and “Safe Place for Newborns” because I believed issues addressed in that legislation where important to protect the dignity of life at its very beginning.

 

I also was very supportive of increasing funding to our nursing homes so they could give the best care possible to people on the other end of the life spectrum. Going forward, I’m also supporting efforts to pass the CARE Act which further helps to provide for the care some of the aging population needs.

 

I bring this to your attention not to boast about the bills I’ve been involved with, but to note the range of issues driven by bills as they come to the Legislature, and how important I feel it is to have a “compass” so I can stay consistent when looking at life issues.

 

It’s hard to think of anything on this earth more important than life, and the love of others as a result of that life. It’s also quite ironic that in some cases there is nothing more divisive than those two things when debated and codified in law. For that reason, I always invite thoughts from people no matter what side of an issue they believe in so I can be better prepared with the knowledge and information I need when it comes to pushing the green or red button on my desk at the Capitol.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bob