Posted by
Ron Devito on Tuesday, April 09, 2013 6:27:39 AM
North Dakota State Representative Dan Ruby stops by The Palin Radio Update with Kevin Scholla to discuss a measure that could effectively outlaw abortions! Ruby talks to Kevin about the specifics of the legislation as well as other bills that stand up for life. During her speech at the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network's Award Gala, Sarah Palin said we are gaining momentum in the fight for life. Strides in North Dakota and Kansas prove just that. We'll look back at Governor Palin's heartfelt remarks. Mother knows best. Governor Palin showcases a video featuring some astute American moms. Plus, Fisker Automotive's Karma, an Obama pet project, goes the way of the Edsel, Governor Palin recognizes World Autism Day, and an Alaskan Easter. Steel Resolve, our weekly commentary with Sarah Steelman is featured as well.
Life Begins at Conception...
As Scholla opened the show, he said both Kansas and North Dakota have passed measures stating that human life begins at fertilization. In Ruby's case, the process began six years ago with an attempt to pass legislation stating that life begins at conception. Now, he is working on it to be included in North Dakota's state constitution. Its inclusion in the state constitution would not initiate a ban on abortion. The language is "foundational" and builds on existing language in the state Constitution which is similar to the federal Constitution regarding life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As such, the language defining life as beginning at conception would not be stricken as unconstitutional. As the measure is drafted, it will be on the 2014 general election ballot, however, it could be put on the primary ballot by amendment.
Planned Parenthood's Idea of "Shameful"
As the bill was being debated, Ruby noted that existing North Dakota legislation defines seeds, pits, and buds as plants. "If a seed is a plant, how can an embryo not be a human?" he asked. Scholla noted that Planned Parenthood railed against the measure calling it "a shameful day in North Dakota." He asked, "what does that say about Planned Parenthood that they would call protecting life 'shameful'"?
"So much of what they stand for is shameful. I can't believe the positions that they take and the things they are willing to defend," Ruby said. He continued, "I think a lot of it is under false pretenses. When we push legislation, we hear the most extreme cases." Ruby said abortions for rape or incest are rare; the vast majority are for birth control or convenience. "I don't think we have the right to play God like that and determine that lives are expendable, because they're inconvenient for us," he said.
Heartbeat, Fetal Pain, Admitting Privileges Bills
Scholla asked if heartbeat and progression of pregnancy come into play, along with a fertilized egg being a legal person. Ruby answered, "They're different bills. The heartbeat bill is a bill that puts language in our Century Code - our Book of Laws - that would ban abortion once a heartbeat can be recognized....there's also a bill that deals with fetal pain, and I believe that's at around the 20-week range. Of course, that is left somewhat open as to when that can be determined." Ruby said a heartbeat can be determined at between 14 and 16 weeks. Another bill requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges with a hospital.
"It was a pretty good year for North Dakota, the unborn, and the pro-life movement," Ruby said. The heartbeat and admitting privileges bills were signed. The constitutional language does not require the governor's signature. The fetal pain bill was sent back to the state Senate because it has an amendment and could go to a conference committee.
Gov. Palin a Pro-Life Warrior
Ruby has gotten more support than backlash on the bills. He said people have gone after other legislators more so than him, targeting particularly pro-life women in the legislature. Scholla noted Gov. Palin's pro-life record and asked Ruby what he thinks of her pro-life stance, adding, "she's been a warrior."
"Yes, she has, and I've always appreciated that about her," Ruby said. He continued, "I admired her for taking that on at the national stage. I don't think she is out of the mainstream on that. I think that she says what I think the majority of Americans believe and I really appreciate what she does for the cause."
Conservative Successes in North Dakota and Kansas
Scholla said a lot of other good conservative initiatives are taking hold in North Dakota. Ruby said the state has a surplus, the oil industry strong, people are moving to the state to work, and wages are rising. He said the recession in many other states have gone largely unnoticed in North Dakota. The state's worker's compensation and unemployment funds are solvent, and budgets are balanced.
Scholla reported that Kansas has followed North Dakota's lead. Legislation has passed the Kansas House and Senate defining life as beginning at conception, prohibiting abortion clinic employees from providing sex education in schools, banning tax credits for abortion services, and requiring abortion clinics to give details to women about fetal development and abortion health risks. It also outlaws gender-based abortion. The strongly pro-life governor Sam Brownback will more than likely sign it into law.
Steel Resolve: The Greatest Tragedy of Obama's "Politics of Hope"
"'In the end that's what this election is about: did we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope?' Guess who said that? You guessed it: Barack Obama," Sarah Steelman said as she opened her Steel Resolve segment.
"Most of us understand what the politics of cynicism is, but what the heck is the politics of hope? One thing is for sure: there is no hope in the jobless numbers released this last Friday. Only 88,000 jobs were added to the economy this quarter. Many economists blame the rise in the payroll tax which hit consumers' wallets. It is also important to note that the job participation rate is the lowest it has been since 1979. None of this is surprising to those of us who know anything about economics."
"President Obama continues to argue for more government benefits and more regulations, despite the writing on the wall, or in this case, the statistics that his big government, big spending policies are not working. What is even worse is the human toll that is hidden in the job statistics. Those who remain unemployed or who drop out of the workforce suffer more than just lost wages or income. It is demoralizing and hopeless for many of our fellow citizens who cannot find work to take care of their families. This is greatest tragedy of Obama's 'politics of hope,'" Steelman concluded.
Complete Audio Transcript of Interview with ND State Rep. Dan Ruby
Downloadable Audio Transcript of Interview with ND State Rep. Dan Ruby
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