E-Gram for Life
Fall 2005
Without too much drama, there is no doubt that the fight over the direction of our party on life issues began in the auditorium of the Greensboro Day School on Saturday, August 27th.As the platform discussions began and delegates came up to the microphones to express their opinions, one vocal member of the Platform Committee stepped up to give her self congratulatory assessment of the wonderful job they had done mentioning, "that it represented the ideals and hopes of our entire party."As fate would have it, I was next in line.Every head turned as this statement was proclaimed, "No, Mr. Chairman, this platform doesn't reflect the ideals and hopes of our entire party.My name is Eva Ritchey and I represent pro-life Democrats who don't agree with our party's platform on abortion."
As you know, we failed to even get the following compromise clause adopted:
"We recognize that many Democrats do not support this particular reproductive rights issue, and, accordingly, we respect the right of those whose opposing position is a matter of their spiritual values or religious faith."
I don't want to fail to mention that Ray McKinnon was also present in Greensboro and his support was very much appreciated.He also bravely made remarks from the gallery.
I was heartened though, by the reaction of a number of delegates.One party official handed me a hastily written note of support as I left the floor and a women who passed me in the doorway offered her regrets.She said, "You know I am a pro choice Democrat but I don't think what happened here today was right.I voted for your conscience clause."I received several emails of support from delegates with the common message, "Don't give up."
We won't. North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats are undaunted knowing our point of view is on solid ethical high ground. We will continue organizing and pressing this issue until we have removed all abortion language from our party platform.
UNDER THE DOME : Raleigh News & Observer: August 30, 2005
Democrats not quite united
The state Democratic Party adopted a platform over the weekend -- the result of months of work and hearings.
Meeting in Greensboro on Saturday, the state Democratic Executive Committee produced an 18-page document dealing with everything from the party's support for the Bill of Rights to its support for veterans.
One of the few points of contention was over abortion.
Eva Ritchey, president of N.C. Pro-Life Democrats, led a contingent of abortion opponents who tried unsuccessfully to get pro-abortion language either taken out of the platform or modified. Also rejected was language saying that many Democrats do not support reproductive rights and that the party respects their opposing view. "We were disappointed that such a reasonable request was denied," Ritchey said. "The pro-life Democrats, who make up 43 percent of our party, have been repeatedly ignored and minimized within our North Carolina party."
The platform says: "We believe that a woman's decisions regarding pregnancy should be her own and not that of the government. Furthermore, abortion must be safe, legal and accessible to all North Carolina women."
The platform is normally passed at the state convention during even-numbered years. But the Democrats did not have a quorum last year, so the platform was left to the executive committee.
Former state Rep. Wayne Goodwin, who led the platform committee, said there were seven regional hearings held across the state, the platform was made available before hand, and all amendments were allowed to be offered from the floor.
"It was the first time there was so much input before consideration," Goodwin said. "It was more transparent and more grass-roots-oriented."
By staff writer Rob Christensen. Christensen can be reached at 829-4532 or robc@newsobserver.com.
We have a new name!
At our August meeting in Charlotte some very momentous and exciting events took place.We elected our first board and we adopted a new name.It was the consensus of those present that it is difficult for others to ascertain our identity from our former name North Carolina Democrats for Life.Our national organization allows us to use another name as long as the intent is clear.And soon--if the paperwork is accepted by the State of North Carolina--we will be known as North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats, Inc.
After two years of organizing it is indeed a pleasure to introduce you to your new board:
President:Eva Ritchey, elritchey@cytechusa.com
Vice President: Stephen Lewis, slewis@purseroil.com
Secretary:Christa Carter, chlatoya84@aol.com
Treasurer:David Six, dsix@biochem.duke.edu
Board Member: Kathy Hough, kmhough310@aol.com
Board Member: Ray McKinnon, raymckinnon@yahoo.com
I am very appreciative that these dedicated Democrats have stepped forward to help with the growing workload of this organization.And while I may be president now instead of coordinator, you may be assured that there will be no change in tone, attitude or direction.We are an organization of equals working towards a common goal - the restoration of the protection and respect of all life within our political party.Equality is the Democratic way.
We will be opening our bank account within the next few weeks.If you would like to make a "charter" contribution to NC Pro Life Democrats, please contact David Six, our treasurer.All charter contributions will receive a letter of receipt of a charter contribution.
State
Dr. David Six is our representative on the Faith and Values Committee of the State Democratic Party.He reports that two meetings have taken place and that interesting and productive conversations are now ongoing.Our next newsletter will contain an update from Dr. Six on their progress.
For the last ten days, I have been working on and off at the Democratic Party booth at the Mountain State Fair.This is the largest regional fair in Western North Carolina.I have placed our pro-life literature in a very prominent place and have had many interesting conversations as a result.I would encourage all of you to look for opportunities to spread our message far and wide.
National
The power of united pro-life Democrats can do good on many fronts.I sent out an action alert last week to you concerning Bill Gluba.As you know, Bill Gluba is the only pro-life Democrat running in a primary field for an open congressional seat in Iowa's 1st District.Mr. Gluba has been associated with Democracy for America (democracyforamerica.org), Howard Dean's grassroots movement and would like to get their endorsement. His pro-choice Democrat opponent will be supported no doubt by many pro-choice organizations. It certainly is a credit to our new shore to shore strength that you were able to join our national family and pull him up into the top 10 on this issue.The voting is now closed and results won't be known until Tuesday.However, win or lose, you definitely made a difference and this is one significant way that we will let our DNC leadership know that pro-life Democrats are here to stay.
Other Voices
The following two letters to the editor were sent in response to the News & Observer "Under the Dome" article concerning our rebuff at the State Executive Meeting:
Response to "Democrats not quite united " (09.12.05)
Another Response to "Democrats not quite united" (09.12.05)
Dear fellow pro-life friends, I have only two requests of you at this time:
- Send me the name of one pro-life Democrat who would like to be added to this email list and
- When you purchase your new planning calendar for the 2006 year, please plan to be in attendance at the next annual Democratic Executive Meeting.We have an important job to finish and we will need everyone's help to do it.
Yours for Life,
Eva
Legislative Alert
NC Pro-Life Democrats support HB 263, Victims of Unborn Violence Act
We ask that every pro-life Democrat please contact your representative. For more information:
Contact your representativeLifeNews: North Carolina Needs Unborn Victims Law...
Please call the speaker of the NC House, Joe Hackney, at (919) 733-3451 and the President Pro-Tempore of the NC Senate, Marc Basnight at (919) 733 6854 to ask them to allow the citizens of our state the opportunity to purchase a "Choose Life" license plate. The money raised by the sale of the plate would help fund crisis pregnancy centers.
Upcoming Events
Event: North Carolina Right to Life 35th Anniversary Dinner
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Greensboro, NC
Note: Please join NC Pro-Life Democrats at the NCRTL's 35th
Anniversary Dinner. Special Guests: Wanda Franz, Ph. D and Sentor Elizabeth Dole. For more info, visit: http://ncrtl.org
Past Events
Thanks for joining us at...
Event: State Executive Committee Meeting
Date: Saturday, January 26, 2008
Time: 10:00pm
Place: Hamlet, NC
Note: We will be petitioning for the passage of HB 263, Victims of Unborn Violence Act and the "Choose Life" license plate. For more info, visit: http://ncdp.org
North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats is just one chapter in a large collective of pro-life Democrats.
We are proud affiliates with the national Democrats for Life effort. Find out more about the nationwide effort by going to democratsforlife.org.