... In total numbers, 7,869 more abortions were performed in these sixteen states during George W. Bush's second year in office than previously. If this trend reflects our nation, 24,000 more abortions were performed during George W. Bush’s second year in office than the year before (or three years before in the first three states). Had the previous trends continued, 28,000 fewer abortions should have occurred each year of the Bush era.

Stassen then outlines three contributing factors, all of which are tied to unemployment and the economy. His conclusion: “Economic policy and abortion are not separate issues; they form one moral imperative. Rhetoric is hollow, mere tinkling brass, without healthcare, health insurance, jobs, childcare, and a living wage. Pro-life in deed, not merely in word, means we need a president who will do something about jobs and health insurance and support for prospective mothers.”

The question is: Which candidate is really going to do better with jobs and the economy? I’m still not convinced that Kerry could’ve done any better than Bush has following 9/11. And furthermore, the economy is a “big deal” to Americans—in part, because of how it affects things like the abortion rate, as Stassen points out—but is the American economy the most important issue in the election?

Maybe that’s not a valid question, but it seems like people get hung up on one thing or another, instead of looking at things holistically. Personally when I add everything up, I’m just not convinced that Kerry would be better for our country (and the world) than Bush.

UPDATE 10/25: Stassen's Bush Bash Stymied?