Abortion and gay rights aren't even national issues, duh. Laws governing murder and marriage are passed in the state houses. So why, every election cycle, do we hear candidates for national offices from both parties spouting off about them? It's called "sleight of hand." Keep the dumbass voters distracted with one, on issues about which you can and will do nothing during your term, while with the other, you're picking their pockets.

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They assume an authority which is nowhere so dangerous as in the hands of those who have folly and presumption enough to fancy themselves fit to exercise it. --Adam Smith