Hugh Mensch: Schaffer’s inconsistent views
Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer is the sponsor of legislation seeking to impose a 72-hour waiting period prior to an abortion. Although I can’t agree with her views on abortion, I realize that they are driven by her fundamentalist Christian views.
What I don’t understand is how she reconciles this pro-life stance with the pro-gun bills she also sponsors, as highlighted in your May 2 editorial “A bad aim.” She is not promoting gun ownership for sport; she is proposing to allow weapons into courtrooms and school grounds. Her bills would also put guns into the hands of those who have committed prior misdemeanors and may have psychological disorders. Whether for criminal activity or self-defense, the only use of these weapons will be against other people.
How can this be pro-life? Her views seem both extreme and inconsistent, yet she was elected as a state representative twice, in 2012 and 2014.
How did this happen? As it turns out, she could also be the poster child for gerrymandering. In her mostly one-party district, she won by default, running unopposed in both elections.
Hugh Mensch
Southern Pines
This story was originally published May 4, 2015 at 5:17 PM with the headline "Hugh Mensch: Schaffer’s inconsistent views."