THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 5, 1996 TAG: 9608020019
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 31 lines
Who are we kidding here? Bob Dole says he's ``tolerant'' of pro-choice Republicans and insists he will not use abortion as a basis for selecting a running mate. These are two declarations that would be humorous if they weren't so insulting.
Let's look at a few facts: While appearing to be middle ground, Bob Dole supports a constitutional amendment to overturn Roe vs. Wade and criminalize abortion. That would be a tragic step backward for women as well as any father, brother or husband whose daughter, sister or wife might sometime need the medical procedure, abortion. Forcing women into dangerous back-alley or self-induced abortions is a slide back to primitive society.
Bob Dole in not kidding me. He is no more tolerant of choice than his 28-year record in office: Of 113 votes cast on abortion, Dole voted anti-choice 107 times! Dole is on record opposing funding for family-planning services and efforts to protect women and doctors from clinic violence, and he has helped erode access to abortion services. Already he has promised that, if elected, he would fill the courts with anti-choice appointees.
Daughters, sisters and wives deserve more than just tolerance. We deserve a president who will get government out of our lives and trust personal decisions about abortion to those most able to make the tough decision: women and their doctors.
ANNE LEWIS
Norfolk, July 21, 1996 by CNB