Robin SmithThe term “pro-life” has become synonymous with the efforts to oppose abortion. Yet, being pro-life must extend to issues beyond the first cellular identification of humanity in the womb.
Seniors now must think about health care rationing. In a March 12, 2012, article published in the Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics is this statement: “This article lays out the need for rationing, based on projections of Medicare expenditure in the near future, and the judgment of policy experts that there will be no technological breakthrough that might lower costs.”
This topic mobilized activists based on the devaluing of human life and a contrived definition of viability to afford bureaucratic control.
Recently, Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker introduced legislation that would address international human trafficking, the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act of 2015. Called a “game-changer” in TheHill.com, the bipartisan bill will create a mechanism, led by the U.S. but in partnership with other nations and private donors, to address the corruption of law enforcement and judicial officials that enable human trafficking through their lack of enforcement.
The legislation is expected to pass both the Senate and the U.S. House with no indication of a presidential veto.
But, what creates the demand for human trafficking? Why is slavery an issue in 2015?
Factually, it is an issue of pro-life.
Regrettably, America is among the countries whose appetite for cheap goods is satisfied by foreign corporations turning a profit by employing individuals enslaved by traffickers and whose desire for perverted sexual pleasure is gratified by the service of girls whose average age is 12 to 14.
Global human slavery exists in 167 countries, despite being universally illegal, generating approximately $150.2 billion per year and, according to TheEndItMovement.org, that total exceeds the combined annual revenue of Google, Amazon, and eBay. The enslavement of humans, apparently, meets a consumer need and continues to exist because of the demand for pornography, underage sex and cheap goods, all of which are fostered by the corruption of judicial systems.
While Sen. Corker is using the skills, platform and power he has to impact this cultural rot in the area of corruption, what can you and I do?
If you’re pro-life and find value in the existence of human life, this issue should be included in your interests.
Very often, corporate greed is assigned the role of villain in such a social evil. But, let’s face it: A corporation, an organization, a group, etc. take the morality of their owners and leadership in their pursuits to succeed.
Visit www.EndItMovement.com to access information and ways to draw attention to modern-day human slavery. The U.S. Department of State also publishes an annual report that summarizes the human traffic activity in each country at http://www.state.gov/j/tip/. Make your consumer choices by informing yourself of nations who ignore the value of humanity, but also note the State Department’s narrative that “domestic servitude” may involve areas of “both legal and illicit industries or markets, including in brothels, escort services, massage parlors, strip clubs, street prostitution, hotel services, hospitality, sales crews, agriculture, manufacturing, janitorial services, construction, health and elder care, and domestic service.”
Let’s do our part by changing our buying habits and rejecting and condemning the pornographic sex enterprises that exist on the backs of slaves.
Robin Smith, immediate past chairwoman of the Tennessee Republican Party, is the owner of Rivers Edge Alliance.