I am a big fan of pro-life Democrats like Bart Stupak. The guts of that guy standing up to the President, Nancy Pelosi, and the majority of the entire Democratic Party along with about 35 others was inspiring and heartening to see.
Today, you’d think, would be a good day to be a Democrat for Life. But then there’s this comment from Kristen Day Executive Director of Democrats for Life who said something that just struck me as odd.
Democrats For Life of America applauds Speaker Nancy Pelosi for agreeing to clear the way for the passage of this historic legislation. But we would be remiss if we didn’t thank Congressmen Bart Stupak, Brad Ellsworth and other Members for their heroic efforts to fight for the amendment that removed tax payer funded abortions from the final bill.
Democrats proved today that we are a big tent party that can put our differences aside to help the American people. Republicans can’t make that claim.
Uhm. Kristen Day of Democrats for Life is mocking the Republican Party for being unwavering and “small tent?” What kind of sense does that make? Does she want Republicans to become more “big tent” on abortion?
Day is saying here that she’s proud that the Democrats have a big tent that allows almost all of its members to be unwaveringly pro-choice.
And let’s see how “big tent” the Democrats are in the Senate? Pro-life Dems like Bob Casey and Ben Nelson haven’t offered up any amendments to stop abortion in the Senate version of healthcare? Casey, who puts the Democrat in Democrats for Life, even meekly said he didn’t want to “draw a line in the sand” over abortion in the healthcare plan.
And let’s see if the Stupak Amendment even survives the reconciliation process. I pray that it does but I have grave doubts. I have a feeling this “big tent” the Democrats are crowing about is a collapsible one.
November 9, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I suspect she is saying that to remind the Democratic Party that its current pro-abortion only stance is not in line with the stated values of the Democratic Party of tolerance and inclusiveness. Trying to restate that the "Democrats for Life" is not supposed to be an oxymoron.
November 9, 2009 at 7:05 pm
She's making a lemonade out of the lemon of a defeat, kind of making good use of a crisis.
It is not like they magnanimously allowed the Stupak ammendment out of the kindness of their hearts. They had no choice (pardon the expression).
November 9, 2009 at 8:23 pm
The bill will not survive.
The Senate will have a number of changes–taking out Public Option and coverage of illegals–and then re-inserting abortion coverage–are the first few which come to mind.
And the Senate will not spend near as much, nor tax near as much.
November 9, 2009 at 9:32 pm
What do you do if all your (D) US/State senators and rep.s (delegates) are 100% NARAL rated to get them to vote for the preborn (non-voters) besides voting against them every time? Has anyone been successful? I live in Baltimore County, MD.
gbm3
November 10, 2009 at 12:53 am
gbm3,
I live in Illinois, I feel your pain.
kt
November 10, 2009 at 1:03 am
GBM and KT I hear you too. I really don't know what Kristen Day meant, since there are many high profile pro-abortion Repbulicans; the Governator, Giuliani, Romney (you better believe it) etc. If this is the deterioration the Republican party is supposed to succumb to as some sort of Democratic ideal, then they can have it.
November 11, 2009 at 6:05 am
It's all right. Let Kristen have her Day. It's not everyday that Democrats for Life get to see the light of day in that Party.
I'm neither Republican nor Democrat – just a Catholic American who votes pro-life. And I must admit, there aren't many opportunities to vote Democrat these days, considering their party's pro-death platform.
So give Kristen this bragging right this time. They've earned it. More power to Democrats for Life!
November 11, 2009 at 8:37 am
Another pro-life, anti-gay marriage Democrat courageously fighting an uphill battle in New York.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/nyregion/10marriage.html?pagewanted=1&ref=nyregion
On these two key moral issues, he who is with us must be supported (with prayers, if nothing else), regardless of Party. God bless NY State Senator Ruben Diaz.
November 12, 2009 at 12:53 pm
My question is this: Do Democrats for Life vote for Democrats whether they're pro-life or pro-death? If they vote pro-death, their mission is a cover for pro-deathers and a distraction for pro-lifers.