LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Clarksburg Exponent Telegram

From late 1969 to 1973 ( year of Roe vs. Wade ), I, a liberal minister in an Indiana college town, was active with a nationwide Clergy Referral Service (CRS), counselling women/families about abortion and where they could safely go for an abortion. Indeed, some “back alley” addresses, but most were legitimate in places like Canada, Mexico, and Europe.  (I, also, did “Bonding Ceremonies” and sexual-identity counselling .) — Then 1973. The CRS dissolved. Planned Parenthood arrived with a woman’s freedom to choose, and a doctor’s freedom to perform abortions. It became a constitutional/freedom victory associated with the Democrats, the non-Catholics/non Evangelicals, and the growing liberal factions of society. Those religiously concerned about use of Federal Taxes — should think of refusing tax deferments. 

In Trump’s era of revived conservatism, America is splitting again –Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life. Anti-abortionists are back — both as political power thrusts and as ultra-religious conservatives. The “copy-cat-heartbeat-at-six-weeks” legislation is happening everywhere — so the USA Today (6/21) reports and  that Janet Porter, founder of Faith2Action —  behind such legislation– said that “God”– “’put this idea in my heart.’” And — that “the state of Ohio motto says “’With God all things are possible.’” Porter’s stated GOP goal is that “life begins at conception.” The law firm, Americans United for Life, is “the most prolific copycat abortion” legislator in the country. We are in the grasp of legal wars to come. The heartbeat bill has yet to win.  But the GOP is Trumping towards multiple anti-abortion victories. The Gov. of Wisconsin just vetoed 4 A-A bills. Missouri has an after 8-weeks ban. My hope, for freedom’s sake, is that Justice-Freedom wins for the country again and religion returns to its congregants. Politicians must rule for America not their religion. We must maintain the Separation of Church and State: withdraw the stigma that abortion is murder. America is so vulnerable on so many fronts of dissention. Harrison County’s courthouse displays two massive iron-work Ten Commandments: half of ten are religious. Local/County police cars now have “In God We Trust” painted on them. Why? Our Constitution’s system is to enact liberty and justice for all — not a religion. We must re-enact 1973’s “choice” directive — “In Freedom We Trust” —  “In Justice We Trust.”  Act like it or lose it. — M.D.O’Kelly — 6/2419

This 400 word Letter to the Editor submitted by Michael D. O’Kelly, 253 Magnolia Ave., Clarksburg, WV 26301. Phone 304-972-6365. Email — mdokelly@msn.com