PRESS RELEASES
National Organization for Women - New York State Leaders Meet with Senator Clinton on Robers Confirmation
Hopes Fall Short When Senator Clinton Will Not Commit
September 15, 2005 |
Search Site With  |
|
|
|
The hopes and dreams of having leaders who will stand firm on abortion rights became a dim possibility when leaders from The National Organization for Women-New York State met with Senator Hillary Clinton, on September 15th, 2005.
Marcia Pappas, President of NOW New York State and Marilyn Fitterman, Former NOW New York State President and current NOW Northeast Regional Director, flew to Washington, DC to attempt to convince the New York Senator to vote NO on the Roberts confirmation.
During the 30 minute meeting, what they received was a statement of non-commitment. Clinton informed NOW-NYS leaders that Democrats are not divulging their position. But given the political climate and the risk of losing Roe v Wade, women’s rights groups like NOW-New York State want to know just what kind of a fight they are facing.
“Looking for a commitment from Senator Clinton to say NO on the Roberts nomination seemed fruitless. We were counting on our Senators from New York to keep our state pro-abortion rights. Further, we are disappointed in Senator Schumer for his recent support of an anti-choice candidate in Pennsylvania. We are starting to feel that our supposed friends are not really with us,” states Pappas.
Clinton implied that we are probably going to be stuck with Roberts and that most NO votes in the Senate will be “symbolic.” Pappas wants the Senator to know that New Yorkers expect her to be one of those “symbolic” NO votes, to show her supporters that she is serious about saving women’s lives. Pappas further states “We are tired of talking about strategy and want to know upfront who supports abortion rights. We need politicians who vote on principle, not strategy.”
Marilyn Fitterman, Past NOW-NYS President talked about her own illegal abortion back in the 60’s and reminded Senator Clinton, “that women will die.”
Pappas is urging all New York State constituents to call Senators Clinton and Schumer demanding a NO vote on Roberts.
|
