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1880 - Pico Oil Spring Mine Section 2 patented by R.F. Baker and Edward F. Beale [story]
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Commentary by Samantha Graham
| Friday, Nov 4, 2016

samanthagrahamA few weeks ago, I attended a function at which U.S. Rep. Steve Knight spoke. The congressman openly and honestly shared his opinions on the hot-topic issues facing this district.

Unfortunately, in the political realm, facts tend to get mutilated, issues become emotionally charged, and public interest clings to personalities instead of ideas. Therefore, hearing Knight personally express his views in an honest, conversational manner was helpful and informative to me. I enjoyed hearing him recap his achievements from his past service, describe his vision for future service, and address his political positions.

One matter he addressed was especially interesting: his pro-life stance. Just last week, I heard Knight being attacked for this position on the radio. His opponent and the various facets of the political sphere have been quick to criticize the congressman’s “pro-life, no exceptions” stance; yet nobody explains why he holds this view.

At this function, the congressman shared with us that his wife works at Antelope Valley Hospital as a NICU nurse. Recently, his wife cared for a 23-week-old baby who is not only viable and surviving, but thriving. This baby, born below the 24-week viability assumption of current science gives perspective that each of us must consider. Steve Knight embraces the medical advances of our nation and the great potential of life that our country holds.

Knight affirmed that although he holds a personal pro-life belief, he is not out to repeal the precedent of Roe v. Wade. He is simply an elected official bravely upholding his personal moral belief: When given the opportunity, life must be chosen, not death.

We must elect those who support our country’s great capacity for life. Lily Knight’s care of babies who could have otherwise been aborted shows the value of life we must hold, regardless of the age of the person.

We must respect the beliefs of Mr. Knight, whether we agree or disagree on abortion-related policy and positions. An individual’s support of life deserves admiration, and I believe it deserves your vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

 

Samantha Graham is a resident of Santa Clarita and a senior at The Master’s University. 

 

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5 Comments

  1. Samantha Graham-Tolmach

  2. Kieran Wong says:

    Thank you for taking the time to meet with him as well as writing about it.

  3. Steve & Mary Ann says:

    One of many reasons Steve Knight has our family’s vote.

  4. I am in full agreement that hearing the candidates in person is very important–the sound bites that are used for campaigning are very mis-leading. I am a big Bryan Caforio fan in that I have heard Bryan speak three times and have spent time around him and his wife. They are top notch people. The ads that paint him as a slick Beverly Hills Lawyer are so off base. But I guess this is what politics have come to. It makes me sad–the only way to really know a candidate is to hear them question them, look at their platforms, and listen to their debates.

  5. Anita Meyer says:

    Elizabeth, the irony of your comment is that Mr. Caforio has been the one sending out mass attacks towards the Congressman. I do agree with the value of meeting candidates in person, but Mr. Caforio’s campaign has been the guilty culprit in regards to painting someone in a disrespectful manner.

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