Sometimes I just don’t understand this state. It is full of contradictions: high academia vs. proud ignorance; a Democratic legacy (Kennedys) vs. a history of Republicans in positions of high political power; comprehensive social benefits vs. a rise in indignant, right-wing voters. The capital’s progressive move to legalize gay marriage vs. the city’s dark history of racism and discrimination. And now this.
According to The Republican‘s Greg Saulmon,
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is set to offer a “Choose Life” plate sponsored by the anti-abortion organization Massachusetts Choose Life, Inc. The plate’s design features a yellow heart behind an image of a mother holding a child.
I’m struggling with this one. Theoretically, anyone who can come up with a $100,000 bond and sell 3,000 plates should be allowed to design one. But does that mean The Church of Satan would be approved? Or NAMBLA? Choose Life, Inc. does have non-profit status, like other organizations who benefit from the sale of special plates, but none of them (Massachusetts Environmental Trust, Diane Connolly-Zaniboni Breast Cancer Research Fund at Tufts Medical Center, Massachusetts 9/11 Fund, the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund) are so politically charged.
The “Choose Life” plate leaves a bad tast in my mouth for another reason: it smacks of propaganda. Just like the entire “choose Life” movement, anti-abortion groups have coopted a pro-choice ideal (um, choice?) and have manipulated it to fit their needs. It’s hard to argue with the rhetoric of “choose life,” but it’s not impossible.
Choice, two or more options from which to choose, if possessed, cannot be made for someone. Sure, if you are anti-abortion, you have the right, the choice, to slap bumper stickers on your car, peacefully protest, write a blog, vote for candidates who support your agenda. But the minute the state allows this message to be splayed across liscense plates, tacit governmental alliance with the anti-abortion agenda, with only one option (thus eliminating support of choice), could be construed. It just doesn’t feel right.
Related: Virginia has a similar “Choose Life” plate. In February, the VA House rejected a plate that would have benefited Planned Parenthood, a legitimate, medical organization. That plate would have read, “Trust Women, Respect Choice.”
