Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it." Nineteenth century suffragist Susan B. Anthony spoke these words long ago, but her message is incredibly relevant as Georgia voters face a runoff election for two U.S. Senate seats. Like few before, this election will determine the political direction of the Senate and likely the direction of the entire U.S. government.
Given the stakes, Georgians should consider the bold plans New York senator Chuck Schumer has for Georgia and the rest of the nation if he gets his way. One should ask what exactly he meant when he proclaimed to his constituents, "Now we take Georgia, then we change America!" Given his record, I have a pretty good idea—and it's not the kind of change that helps families, promotes genuine diversity or fosters human flourishing.
If Senator Schumer has the opportunity to lead the Senate, he and his allies in the White House will "change America" in at least three ways. One is by pursuing a radical pro-abortion agenda. Pro-abortion activists hope a Senate controlled by the far left will help fund, export and expand the "choice" to end the lives of unborn babies. Yet Americans remain deeply divided on abortion, showing broad support for state laws that protect mothers and limit abortions. Georgians will have the power to protect babies in the womb or they will empower those who say that unborn babies have no value and women need abortion to live productive lives.
Second, far-left activists have demanded, and their political allies have promised, the speedy passage of the so-called Equality Act. Georgia voters should know the far left needs support from the Senate to do it. The deceptively named bill would discriminate against people of faith and harm women and girls.
The bill would use civil rights legislation to punish citizens (whether cake artists, floral artists, T-shirt designers or adoption providers) who hold to a traditional understanding of marriage and sexuality. By adding "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the list of protected classes in federal law, it promotes fluid notions of gender identity over the God-designed and immutable reality of being made female or male. The bill could force women and girls to share intimate spaces with and compete athletically against males who present themselves as female.
Third, Joe Biden expressed his intent to select judicial nominees not primarily based on their record, but on the color of their skin and commitment to protecting Roe v. Wade. Since Biden has opposed nominees who apply the law as written, U.S. Senators are in a unique position to prevent the confirmation of judges with a history of judicial policymaking. As progressives call to pack the Supreme Court with their own policy allies, the Senate serves as an important check against the politicization of the highest court in the land.
Georgia voters are in an extraordinary position to shape national decisions on life, liberty and judges. It all comes down to whom they will select as their senators. And on these questions, their choice will help define America. It's difficult to imagine much higher stakes. Let's hope they choose well.
Kristen K. Waggoner serves as General Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom. She can be followed on Twitter @KWaggonerADF.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
