Subject: RE: Enrolments to the 1994 radical party
X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0 -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas
X-Comment: The Transnational Radical Party List
To Emma Bonino and others
Jim Shaw's comment, however heartfelt, is disingenuous. The fact is that
"right to life" IS used in the US as a codeword by very conservative
Christian groups. That it is also a POSITION taken by some progressive
Christians (usually Catholics) I would not dispute. But the effect of
using that particular formulation "right to life" is problematic in the
context of US politics. No one where I live (Lancaster, PA) would hear
"right to life" and think "progressive politics"-- and, indeed, most "right
to lifers" in my neck of the woods are virulent proponents of the death
penalty. As a pro-choice activist who also works against the death penalty
and for world wide human rights and justic, I am happy to work with and
even salute Mr Shaw and others who are consistent in their support of the
sanctity of life in all contexts, but I wouldn't let my admiration for that
position undermine clear political analysis.
If we are to work together we must learn not to let words divide us and
respect serious differences. This requires honesty and discipline
Ed Reed
