Specter, ScAlito and Roe

It becomes increasingly difficult for anyone to argue against the view that confirming Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court would be providing a sure vote for overturning a women's constitutional right to privacy and to choose whether to carry a pregnancy to term. It is no secret that this is what Extremist Conservatives like James Dobson and Pat Robertson demand of the Republican Party. It is always rather amusing to see those who advocate most vociferously for the overturning of Roe v. Wade then protest just as vociferously when a nominee they heartily endorse is properly described as anti-choice. Why do they fear having this accurately stated and debated? You know why. The American People support the right to choose. They want to strip women of their constitutional right to choice by deception and stealth. Well, with ScAlito, that won't happen. His paper trail is too clear. Senate Arlen Specter (R-PA), makes it crystal:

In the [1985] memo, [Alito] wrote: "What can be made of this opportunity to advance the goals of bringing about the eventual overruling of Roe v. Wade and, in the meantime of mitigating its effects?"

. . . Yesterday's disclosure added fuel to the already-inflamed debate over his candidacy for the court.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), a supporter of abortion rights, said the memo and job-application letter will be "the lead question" he will pursue when he presides over Alito's confirmation hearings, to begin on Jan. 9. Specter said in an interview that he will ask Alito "how he will factor whatever personal views he may have contrasted with the [Roe] case, which has stood for 32 years. . . . I want to hear what he has to say, and I want to hear how he says it."

Let's be clear here. You can not claim to be pro-choice and vote for the confirmation of Judge Sam Alito, a sure vote to overturn Roe.

There are many other strong reasons to oppose the confirmation of Judge Sam Alito. And these isssues deserve a prominent discussion. And they will get that discussion. But let's have no illusions. It is beyond doubt now that a Yes vote for Alito is a No vote for a woman's right to choose.