As the eyes of the world lay fixed upon our nation, the piercing burden to carry the weight of the world compels us, as Americans, to constantly examine our society and even ourselves. All this in hopes of bettering our people as well as those whose attention we so heavily induce.

This responsibility, when coupled with the preservation of our freedom of speech and press, has allotted our country the ability to expose and eventually dissolve many of its imperfections. The microscope of self-examination has led Americans to countless victories for human rights?two examples being the abolition of slavery and the institution of women?s voting rights.

Though Americans typically have attacked social issues in order of significance, it seems as though a link in the fence of social injustice has been overlooked. When discussed, this link is enough to incite rage in an activist, fear in a would-be father and bring a mother to her knees with tears. Yes, the word abortion is enough to tear this nation in two.

Americans often claim to hold three truths to be self-evident, for our society believes we maintain certain unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Today, let us examine the first inalienable right?life. For surely if given the ability, the millions of babies terminated before their first breath would attest to the social injustice they have endured. On the other side of the coin lies the argument of a woman?s right to choose.

Americans have chosen convenience over principle. The abortion discussion is one that ultimately comes to whether or not a woman chooses to inconvenience herself with pregnancy. Arguments which commonly have resulted in women opting for abortions are rape and the endangerment of a mother?s life. Though both scenarios appear to be solid arguments for a woman?s choice, they are all easily countered with more fruitful replies.As for the rape scenario, need we be reminded of an adoption system, which will allow for a baby to be carried to term and then placed in a loving home which the mother can take the liberty of choosing. The second question can be easily answered with another piercing question: What true mother wouldn?t die in place of their child? Maybe Americans are just afraid of death.

Until the day we can liberate the least and most helpless members of our nation, we will not be able to consider America a land of freedom. Behind the lies we choose to live dwells a guilt that?s unseen, and we cast a shadow to give, our pride forsaken redeemed.

But, if we can?t see ourselves, for mirrors reflect only our sins, we are left to dwell on blank images that could have been.

Joshua Wood can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].