by Linda Schmitt, Chair, Ravalli County Democratic, Central Committee
FREEDOM! That word is the clarion call of the Republican Party. It is on practically all their parade banners and political signs. It is so widely espoused that it is maddening and confounding that the Republican Party doesn’t see the hypocrisy in the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade which took away a woman’s constitutional right of autonomy and freedom to make decisions about her own life.
Women have exercised the freedom to make their own personal health and reproductive decisions for over 50 years, resulting in a general increase in their standard of living. It afforded the freedom to obtain better access to health care and education, increasing the economic wellbeing of their children, family, and the nation.
Since the Supreme Court’s decision took away a woman’s Constitutional right and deferred the issue to individual State governments, the Republican Party of Montana has pledged to take away that freedom by amending the Montana Constitution, attacking Article II, Part X “Right of Privacy: The right of individual privacy is essential to the well-being of a free society and shall not be infringed without the showing of a compelling state interest.”
There is no predicting the amount of pain, suffering, and economic impact to the women and children in Montana that will be caused by eliminating a woman’s right and freedom to make her own reproductive decisions without interference by the government. And if the Right of Privacy clause is amended to prohibit abortion, it’s predictable that other rights or life decisions made that are dependent on privacy by anyone will also be in jeopardy. This is unacceptable.
The Ravalli County Democratic Party will not stand by and allow the Republican Party to take away a woman’s freedom, autonomy, and right to live her life the way she chooses. We will fight to ensure that the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness is guaranteed to all its citizens. Freedom isn’t just for those who agree with Republican ideology. Freedom means freedom for everyone.
The Ravalli County Republican Party has been busy pushing to get the State party to adopt their resolution that continues to promote propaganda and the lie that the 2020 election was stolen and they have been browbeating their own candidates to take an oath of allegiance to the GOP Party Platform. In contrast, the Ravalli County Democratic Party has passed a resolution that is committed to protect everyone’s freedoms and our right to privacy.
We strongly believe that the government has no place in invading this most intimate aspect of a woman’s life. We also believe that the notion that life begins at conception is no more correct or deserving of legal protection than the belief that it does not.
We want the voters of Ravalli County to know that the Ravalli County Democrats are committed to keeping this issue front and center for the voters of Ravalli County. We will work hard to protect the Montana Constitution from being used as an ideological warclub.
Of all the state constitutions in the nation, the Montana State Constitution provides us with the most expansive rights, the strongest protections, and the greatest ability to observe and participate in our government. Protecting the Democratic values enshrined in our state constitution is the highest priority issue facing voters in the next election and the 2023 Legislative Session. The Ravalli County Democrats will do everything in our power to protect freedom for all Montanans now and into the future. Join us in making that happen.
Helen SAbin says
Linda – there is NO constitutional right to an abortion. Please cite where we can find it in case I am incorrect. I don’t think abortion is a word to find in the Constitution.
Howard S. says
There’s no mention of God, Jesus, Christ, or Christianity either
Gary says
So let me get this straight. women want to be able to kill their child because it would be a financial and psychological burden on them. And are these same women so simple minded they can’t, oh say, keep their knees together. Maybe learn to swallow. Are women now so so free with their bodies that accidental pregnancies are as common as the hangovers.
Typical liberal mentality. No responsibility for ones own actions. Is this truly the thought process of the left. If you don’t agree with or even “like” anything, it is to be eliminated. Erased from history and thought. OK. So we’ve established liberals are weak minded, take no responsibility for themselves, and are so psychologically impotent they can not learn from mistakes.
The sheer ignorance of the left to push for balkanization of the nation is astounding. And it will happen. Far too many are tired of the childish rhetoric. And obviously the left never thought this through. The big picture. Most, if not all skilled trade are right leaning. Most farmers are right leaning. Most working folks are right leaning. After you fracture this nation, what will you have? A few states lacking the necessary resources to sustain a population. You just think other nations are going to simply give you what you need. You see, back to not learning from your mistakes.
At the end of the day, liberals are no different than that petulant child. Screaming and flailing on the ground for some sugar cereal. All bluster and noise.
Empty can rattles the most.
Gomez says
Thank you for this letter. While we may not drive around with tacky flags on our trucks, we are still here, and we quietly vote blue.
Alan says
Hey big G, I found some blue pompom’s on Amazon, you want I should order them for you?
David Welch says
Alan: What grade are you in? Do your parents know you are posting in an adult online forum?