Summer camp is a tool used by the YMCA to promote good, healthy values in youth. Things like teamwork; respect; nature; cooperation. The thinking is: show kids the rewards of a good, wholesome life and they’re more likely to reject evils like violence, drug use, and ignorance. In other words, this Christian organization knows that they are more likely to get youth turned towards God by example, rather than by shoving religious doctrine at them.

That’s why I feel we are having the wrong argument about women’s reproductive rights. The Church wants the government to ban abortion, when it’s really the Church’s job to preach to its members and to try to draw more people into its church, rather than using the force of government to accomplish their goals. If they can’t get people to follow their religion, they should not use the government to force the rest of us to follow them. That’s not the government’s job.

The government’s job is to protect the rights of everyone.

We know that abortion rates go down when Democrats are in charge, as our policies favor ordinary people, making life better with access to a strong social safety net, health care, and essentials like food and housing.

And when Republicans are in charge, they typically favor the rich and powerful, leaving the middle classes (and lower) to fend for themselves. Not surprisingly, abortion rates increase.

So why do so many Republicans vote for the wrong solution? Propaganda. They’ve been convinced that if you oppose aborting pregnancy, you should vote Republican. Even though abortion rates increase when Republicans are in charge!

Hillary famously said that abortion should be legal, safe, and rare. Who ensures healthcare is legal? The government. Safe? The government. Rare? I think the government can help there, too.

Those people truly opposed to abortion can help reduce the abortion rate and truly help families by voting for Democrats.

It’s really that simple.

Pete Radosevich is available to speak at your meeting or event. Contact him at Pete@PeteRadosevichForHouse11a.com.