Matter of economics

Editorials. Unsigned. We all read them, though they’re printed by those apparently without the guts to attach their names to their sentiments. The Oct. 8 editorial, however, begs questions. Topic? Abortion, something opined about regularly. Target? Planned Parenthood, which actually receives zero taxpayer dollars for said action (it’s called the Hyde Amendment).

“Abortion is no longer a crime—at least as far as courts are concerned.” True. Been that way for years. Called

Roe v. Wade. Dates back. Entitled to opinion, I’d only ask those unnamed editorial writers how many children they’ve adopted. Unsigned opinions aside, facts are hard to ignore.

According to the U.S. census, 21.3 percent of Americans receive some type of government assistance; 15.2 percent receive multiple programs. Where exactly do your writers think the vast majority of people on these programs come from? Odds on those children multiplying that same dependency cycle? Anyone? The Pew Institute notes only 46 percent of children now live in a home with two parents in their first marriage; 34 percent live in a single-parent environment.

According to almost all scientific data, our world population has increased almost 100-fold since what we recognize as the birth of Christ. The earth and the resources it provides to sustain life haven’t gotten any larger.

In short, I am happy to give tax dollars to Planned Parenthood for birth control or abortions (if it could do so legally). It’s a simple matter of resources and economics. Through education, prenatal care, and other vital services, they save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars every year, and could do more. A stitch in time saves nine. Again, opponents of abortion: How many children have you adopted? ANTHONY LLOYD

Hot Springs