“Each person is born with very individual qualities and potential. We as a society owe it to women to create a truly supportive environment in which they too can move forward.” Diana (Spencer), Princess of Wales, June 1, 1993.

As an adult, Albert Spencer chose to work in two professions that are considered to be traditionally female: library science and education. From this framework, he quickly learned that as far as salary equality in the United States, we still have miles to go. There are also numerous other critical issues relative to the empowerment of women that need to be addressed.

• Nationally, 1 in 5 women have been raped
• Spousal abuse, primarily of the wife, is increasing throughout the United States and is a major problem in South Carolina
• Although salary scales are increasing, the number of women in chief executive positions remains abysmally low
• In a nation with an increasing life expectancy, women are generally looked upon to be caregivers for an elderly parent
• Pro-choice supporters claim that the risk due to abortion has been minimized with the passage of Roe v. Wade “legalizing abortion. There remain very serious health risks, physical, mental and social, with abortion that these supporters overlook

Albert F. Spencer was raised in an environment that taught the utmost respect for women. That 1 of 5 women has been, or will be, the victim of rape is totally unacceptable to him. If elected, Albert Spencer will seek to establish laws protecting women from this heinous crime by placing rapists in jail or institutions for maximal years without chance of parole. Also, American children, some of whom are raised without parental or proper adult supervision, must be taught in the classroom to respect others.

Similarly, Albert Spencer agrees with social scientists who state that the lessening of honor and values among men that can result in rape to be a main causal factor in the increase of violence in the home. Many men attempt to cajole by threat and force. Albert Spencer believes that the same laws that must protect women from rape must be enforced to protect them from other forms of physical or mental abuse. To do less, is akin to doing nothing.

Nationally, women own 40 percent of small businesses. Albert Spencer would like to see more incentives available to female entrepreneurs in South Carolina enabling them to invest more resources in the growth and development of their business enterprise.

Albert F. Spencer believes that salaries in traditionally female dominated service professions must be increased. Jobs and career growth projections indicate that the fastest growing professions throughout America by the year 2012 will be for registered nurses, teachers, retail sales, customer services, food preparation and cashiers. To maintain the status quo in salaries will increase, not decrease, the inequality between male and female salaries by the year 2012 if a change is not made. The world is changing, it’s time that American business changes with it.

Albert Spencer believes that it is time to look at the cause of the illness and fatigue that women encounter rather than to solely attempt to suppress or control it through medication. We must not disable women from reaching their maximum potential but enable them to grow and to reach beyond what was once considered their “domain.” We must make it easier for a woman to balance work and family.

The saddest event of the 20th, and now 21st, Century has been abortion. For a mother, with the aid of a physician who once took an oath to preserve life, to take the life of her unborn child is almost beyond comprehension. Regardless of the mother’s feelings toward the father, that unborn infant is also hers, with the same genes given to her at birth and passed down through her family. Perhaps the greatest American lie is that abortion is now safer than it was prior to Roe v. Wade. Numerous girls and women continue suffer untold physical, mental and emotional agony as a result of their “choice” to terminate the life that was created in their womb. Planned Parenthood now dispenses the drug, RU-486, at their clinics. It, like other forms of abortion, has resulted in hemorrhaging, bacterial infections, and even death.

The American tax structure presently gives billions of dollars of taxpayers’ earnings to furthering the support system of abortion. None is given to support pro-life or adoption. Albert F. Spencer will seek to correct this injustice by giving the pro-life taxpayer the opportunity to designate where their tax money is spent. We must have counseling and support for pregnant young girls and women that will enable them to keep their child, or if necessary, to give her or him up for adoption to a loving home.