Stanzas On Freedom By James Russell Lowell

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“They are slaves who fear to speak/ For the fallen and the weak.” This line is from the poem “Stanzas on Freedom”. It was written by one of the Cambridge poets, James Russell Lowell, during the 1800 's, a time when the issue of slavery was constantly debated, and was on everyone’s mind. Some felt that slavery was a completely virtuous practice, saying that life as a slave in America was far better than being a free man in Africa (Miller, 132) Others didn 't themselves agree with slavery, but believed that the citizens of a free country should be able to choose whether or not they wanted to own slaves. Others believed that slavery was completely and utterly evil; no man, woman or child should be forced to live a life not of their own choosing. …show more content…

Today one of those issues is abortion. Some people think that abortion is a very good thing, other people say they wouldn 't personally have an abortion, but believe women should have the opportunity to choose whether or not they want one. Some people believe that abortion, no matter how or when it takes place, is totally and completely evil. I think “Stanzas on Freedom” is a call to people across the United States to stand up for what they believe in. I think the poem inspires us to speak our minds and not be afraid to do so. Today, I begin my journey as a person who isn 't afraid to say what on their mind, or speak about what they believe in, and as you read this, I hope you find this courage as well. When considering the issue of abortion a few questions may come into your mind, such as: what is abortion? Where did abortion come from? What happens during an abortion? Is the baby alive? And what is the difference between pro-life and pro-choice? I hope to answer those …show more content…

They also believed that birth control alone would never be enough, and that the U.S. government should legalize sterilization and abortion. This did not happen. So instead Planned Parenthood, along with the Population Council, began funding the research for a birth control medication in the 1950 's. After years of research, birth control pills became available to women in 1960. (Bound4life.org, “History of Abortion”) This was the gateway that led to legalized

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