Double standards?

I am currently reading a book called "Closed Chambers" authored by Edward P. Lazarus who clerked for Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun in the October '88 year. This book outlines many behind the scene accounts that took place during many controversial cases being decided by the Supreme Court (henceforth referred to as the Court) throughout the past 60 years.

There are essentially three sections of this book. The first examines specifics regarding the shaping of our nations current laws and case history regarding the death penalty. The second, shorter, section documents the background of a number of civil rights cases that faced the Court. The third section, by far the most controversial section, recounts the history of abortion politics since the Roe v. Wade decision, the sanctity and strength of stare decisis (Latin "to stand by that which is decided." The principal that the precedent decisions are to be followed by the courts.), and most specifically, the role partisan politics plays within the Court and affecting the Court's decisions.

In one section the author praises the champions of civil liberties that emerged during the Warren Era. He carefully outlines the birthing pains of civil rights since Plessy v. Ferguson. The freedom that so many people enjoy in our society now would not be possible had it not been for some dramatic changes in our established ideals. These changes would have been nearly impossible if the Court had not specifically overruled old thoughts of race and gender. Lazarus has definitely written an engaging and informative piece of literature. That is why I am so disappointed. He drops that same ball that he carries when addressing abortion.

In his arguments defending the Roe majority his only real consideration of the idea that a "fetus" may be "viable" at conception (meaning that from the moment a baby is concieved it is a person) is that if a fetus was a person then people having abortions and doctors performing abortions would be committing murder. Giving 14th Amendment due process rights to fetuses would be too much of a burden on our entire legal system and life as we know it. We would have to reverse so much that is engrained into our present society and ideals.

Now, DOESN'T THAT SOUND EXACTLY LIKE WHAT HAPPENED WHEN WE FORCED PEOPLE AROUND THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO TREAT OTHER RACES AS EQUALS????? If people were willing to champion that exact same thinking for the benefit of those who have the reasonable ability to physically defend their lives how can we not even entertain the idea of extending the same consideration for millions who have no voice?

Let the debate begin.