43% and the Long Road to Boston
Aug. 3, 2004
By Eva L. Ritchey, President, North Carolilna Pro-Life Democrats
"Listen my children, and you shall hear, of the midnight ride of Paul Revere." With those words the poet Longfellow began his splendid account of a patriot's adventure. On a spring night in 1775 silversmith Paul Revere charged through Boston towards Lexington and Concord to warn his fellow countrymen of impending danger. Over 225 years later a charge of a similar sort took place but this time it wasn't on horseback. With equal vigor, pro-life Democrats descended on that colonial cradle of discontent with an equally urgent message of impending political danger--"Ignore us at your peril."
Claiming the streets, buttonholing the delegates, members of Democrats for Life of America provided real debate and dissent to the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Their arrival lent an authentic splash of color and controversy to a political convention woefully stuck in monochromatic dull. Delegates desperate for victory were uncharacteristically muzzled by their extreme obeisance to unity.
In 2004, conformity was in, debate was out. This unusual political situation made for great opportunity since the multitudes of media present were desperate for stories and pro-life Democrats had one to tell.
I left my North Carolina Blue Ridge mountain home early Friday morning on July 23rd to attend my first national political convention. After making an overnight stop in Washington, I got up early Sunday, adorned myself like a political billboard, loaded my pyramid of luggage and wheeled out the door for the Metro. I arrived at Amtrak for the 9:25 to Boston and everything went smoothly. Trains are wonderful. Gliding up the backbone of the East Coast, I arrived at Amtrack's Back Bay Station at 5:30. The weather was beautiful and I stepped out onto the streets of downtown Boston.
Fiscal prudence had necessitated staying at the Fenway Youth Hostel (the well heeled N.C. delegation was at the Hyatt Regency.) The hostel turned out to be a grand choice. Not only was I surrounded by most of the Democrats for Life (democratsforlife.org) delegation, but the rooms were comfortable and conveniently located across from donuts, the "T" underground subway and the world's greatest pizza.
As soon as I arrived through the doors I was warmly greeted by Carol Crossed, President of Democrats for Life, Lou Koenig and others. Looking to find a dinner spot, we didn't get any further than across the street. UNO Pizzeria and Pub made a great place to watch the fans streaming into Fenway Park for the Red Sox-Yankees game. "Oh, but for one of those tickets!" but we had another game plan to plot. Councilwoman Rosemary Reynolds from Fitchburg, Mass. and Pat Amato of New York were great table mates and we spent a wonderful evening exchanging ideas and brainstorming talking points.
Carol had no time for the concept of tired and that very evening on our return to the hostel we began making signs for the rally on Tuesday. Pat was especially helpful, bustling around the work tables and cheering us on.
Monday morning we all met across the street at that strategically placed Dunkin Donuts. We started the day by sharing stories and honing our talking points. We didn't have long to wait for an opportunity to use them. Right outside the door was a reporter from the Chicago Tribune who was curious and looking for a story. Jay Ware, Carol, and myself passed a considerable amount of time responding to his questions. I came to appreciate Jay as a formidable debater with a deep font of spiritual knowledge. The buttons we were all wearing by this time, "43% of Democrats can't be wrong" taken from the results of a January 2004 Zogby poll where 43% of polled Democrats responded that abortion is manslaughter, conveyed the clear message that there is a vital issue that has not been resolved within our party. We endeavored to convey that central message to everyone we met during the week.
Late morning and afternoon a number of us stood at Fenueil Hall with our signs and brochures. It was a great spot because there were literally thousands of people who poured past us from public transit stops on their way to work or to the popular Quincy Market Square that is located behind Fenueil Hall. Amid the sea of stone faces there were many who expressed support and some who expressed dismay. A few disapproving frowns from those who I assumed from their badges were party officials seemed to convey their desire that this convention was about unity and nothing more. One set of obviously Republican ladies who passed my sign "Democrats for Life Deserve a Place at the Table" turned around and sneered, "Well, if you want a place at the table, you had better become a Republican."
But then there was the professionally dressed young man who stopped but seemed a little nervous to be talking with me. "You know, " he said, "I'm a Republican and I'm not too happy with what's been happening these last three years." He paused for a moment and then continued, "But I just can't join your party because of this one issue. I just don't know." I assured him that many of us within our party felt similarly torn on this issue but that the Democratic Party still offered the best whole life approach to social issues and that we pro life Democrats had decided to stay and fight for that ethic within the party. I handed him a brochure and encouraged him to join us. Perhaps he will be a Kerry vote but how sad that so many view us as the party of abortion. "43 percent" says we aren't.
A number of Democrats stopped to tell us that they just appreciated that we were there. We were also accompanied that day by a wonderful DFLA member from Maryland, Bill Vaughan, who is a professional photographer. With infinite patience he recorded many of the eventful moments. So expect some great pictures to be coming along soon. They will probably be posted on our web site, democratsforlife.org.
Early afternoon, we left in order to get ready for the Third Annual Hall of Fame Dinner at the Massachusetts State House. Due to the efforts of DFLA member Brian Keaney, a researcher for a company that analyzes policy issues before the State Legislature, we were able to use the State House for our dinner that evening. It was closed to the general public during the convention for security reasons. Dressed in our finery, we felt very special as we passed the guards and check points to get into the venerable building. After asking directions from the first set of guards, I heard one of them say, "Pro Life Democrats, isn't that a contradiction or something?" So, I turned around, took a brochure from my purse and politely handed it to him. "No," I said, "43% of Democrats believe abortion is manslaughter. We've just been quiet for too long."
The heavy hor d'oeurves dinner was delicious but being in the company of so many committed pro life Democrats was even more delightful. We were regaled with a number of pro life luminaries including Tom Finneran, Massachusetts Speaker of the House, The Honorable Ray Flynn, Former Mayor of Boston and Ambassador to the Vatican, US Congressman Bart Stupak from Michigan James Zogby, Director of the Arab American Institute and Robert Casey Jr., Auditor General of PA and son of former Governor Bob Casey. You will remember that Governor Casey was excluded from speaking at the 1992 Democratic Convention for his pro-life beliefs.
I sat between Sylvia Delamar, a personable political newcomer who is running for the US Congress from Atlanta, Georgia and a quiet and genteel environmentalist from Boston. Mrs. Delmar who was accompanied by her husband was a bubbly tablemate with lots of enthusiasm for the pro-life position. There was one surprise guest. About half way through the program, Carol announced that Eunice Kennedy Shriver was there. As all eyes turned, indeed she was seated at the next table. It was very gracious of her to attend, considering her age and the fact that she had been to a dedication ceremony that day for a greenway to honor her mother, Rose Kennedy.
After the dinner, a group of us stopped in at a pub right across from the Statehouse to continue the conversation. We passed a very tall young gentlemen in the doorway. I said to him, "Do you have to stand there all night?" "Yes, " he replied rather cheerfully, "Sometimes until two in the morning." In a rather crowded space, we talked for another hour before heading home. Never a great beer fan, I was pleasantly surprised to discover one I actually liked--Sam Adams. Boston is an interesting place and quite polite.
After we arrived at the Hostel, we had a state chapter gathering. Bob Cassidy of Pennsylvania generously volunteered to take notes. (By the way, Bob is quite an American history buff.) It was so interesting to learn what other chapters around the country are doing. Some chapters are small and just getting started while others, like Texas, have long histories and wonderful accomplishments. Together, we are all making a Gideon shout.
Tuesday morning, we were up bright and early to prepare for the rally. Brian, ever present and willing, carried the signs and boxes down to Fenueil Hall. DFLA had engaged the services of an advertising firm to set up the stage and sound system. At ten, we were nervously wondering how many people would actually show up for the rally. We needn't have worried. By 10:45, invited elected officials, interested folks, curious bystanders, media and some counter protestors had swelled our numbers to fill the plaza. Floating above the crowd were signs that read, "Safe, Legal, and Rare? How Rare is 4200/day?," "Our Party's Right to Choose is our Party's Right to Lose," and "Women Deserve Better than Abortion." A faltering sound system was saved by the angels from the Women Deserve Better group. One leaped on the stage with a megaphone and the speakers carried on.
Pastor Clenard Childress of New Jersey led the parade of speakers with a rousing passionate address. He was followed by US Senator Ben Nelson, US Congressman Charles Stenholm, Pro-life Democratic Candidates for US Congress Sylvia Delamar (Georgia) and Bill Gluba (Iowa), Pastor LeFlore (LEARN), and Representative Mary Ellen Outremba.
I especially liked the former mayor of Boston Raymond Flynn's encouraging remark to the crowd in reference to our minority status. He said, "Sam Adams had less people with him than we have here today," pointing to the American Revolution hero depicted in a statue behind him. "Let this be a revolution for life." Pro life Democrats have stepped up to this call to "revolution" and we intend to stay the course.
I was thrilled that two members of the North Carolina delegation from my region, Mae Alexander and Mary Cude went to the trouble to hire a taxi and came to the rally. Mae is a long time faithful worker bee in the Democratic Party in my home community of Henderson County. Mary Cude has expressed an interest in joining DFLA. In Mary's official capacity she is the Southern Regional Director for the Federation of Democratic Women.
Exhilarated, but exhausted, I went back to the Hostel to take a nap.
Later that afternoon, around five, I met Carol in the lobby. She looked as exhausted as I had earlier. She approached me and said, "Would you like to use our two tickets to go the convention this evening? I am just too tired to go." Well, that was like asking Cinderella if she really wanted a new dress for the ball. I tried to feign reluctance but to no avail. Even with only 30 minutes to be ready, I was willing to try. I am very appreciative to Carol for generously allowing me to go that evening since that was my last evening before leaving the next day.
However, like Cinderella, nothing comes entirely that easily. Jay and I had to meet DFLA's Director, Kristen Day, downtown at the Four Season's Hotel to retrieve the tickets. I have yet to mention Kristen, but let me say that her presence was ever present through her fabulous organizing attention to detail for the entire event. She was also the center of attention with her very cute three month old, Katherine Rose. This adorable child was so patient and lovable throughout our entire odyssey of chasing down the convention passes through the Four Seasons, Ritz Hotel and finally the Marriott. Special guest passes to the convention are extremely hard to get and Kristen is to be commended for her many loyal contacts who made it possible. It is very evident that Kristen is highly respected within her Washington political community.
I will leave long details of the convention to a pleasant gathering of friends, but a few highlights are related to this story. As Jay and I arrived, a sense of drama was created by the long corridor lined with white barricades leading to the security tent. This corridor was lined with advocates of every issue. (That is where Carol and others stood late into Tuesday night to bring the pro life message to the delegates.) At the end of this pathway, was the only negative experience I had connected with the convention--The Cage. This is the area where dissenters and protesters were imprisoned--literally. The authorities had overlayed the area with so much fencing, barbed wire, and black plastic that all you could hear were the cries of the protesters trying to project their pleas beyond the walls. In my mind, it was the perfect metaphor for a nation that has abandoned the crest of the hill for the caverns of fear below. If this is the only way we can deal with dissent, then Osama won.
Upon arriving inside the Fleet Center Arena, I was instantly struck with how many media people there were. It wasn't until later that week that I read that an estimated 15,000 media people were in Boston to cover the event. I believe it and I think they everyone of them were inside the convention center that night! It wasn't hard to interest them in our issue, as radio stations were lined up back to back and hungry for stories. I participated in a 10 minute interview on Air America outlining the position of pro life Democrats. The only controversy in the interview involved stem cell research. While I explained that we are not "the ends justify the means" kind of Democrats, I did find myself unsteady on the subject. I left the interview with the full intention of remedying that weakness.
As I roamed the hallways looking for opportunities to spread the word, I found myself often on quiet stairwells. On one of these trips between floors, I met a man I recognized. He was obviously in a hurry, but I stopped him with these words, "Sir, I know you are stopped by so many people, but I just want to tell you that I am a pro life Democrat from North Carolina and we are here to represent the pro life ethic. I so appreciate your support of this issue. I have copied your article many times and sent it far and wide." Well, he just took my hand ever so warmly and said, "My Dear, thank you so much for caring about pro-life, here let me give you a kiss." In the most galant Irish manner, he kissed me right on the cheek. We parted and I will never forget that chance meeting with Mark Shields, journalist and PBS commentator.
Being busy in the mission, I didn't hear many of the speakers. However, I did settle in to listen to one of my favorites, Howard Dean. No, he isn't pro life (yet) but he has conviction, something I can celebrate. He was met with thunderous cheering applause including that of the family from Vermont who sat directly in back of me. The arena was literally aglitter with color and movement. Next to me sat a wonderful older gentlemen from Texas. His hat was decorated with an array of Democratic medals and buttons and he assured me several times that Texas was going to be retaken.
I left the building around 10, exhausted but exhillarated. Had the adventure come to an end? Well I thought so as I fell onto the pillow. But then you have never encountered the dedication and energy of Carol Crossed. At somewhere around one in the morning I was awakened by a knock on the door. It was Carol. She had met a reporter writing for the Winston Salem Journal and this lady reporter wanted to talk to a pro-life person from North Carolina. So, at one in the morning I told her our story. The most interesting part of the conversation was how interested she was in the subject. She asked lots of questions that other reporters had to be coaxed to ask. At the end, I found out why. She confided in me that both her parents had left the Democratic Party over this issue.
There was a very popular T shirt design that could be seen in numerous kiosks around town. On the front was a picture of Paul Revere astride his horse leaving Boston's Old North Church. Emblazoned upon it were the words, "The Democrats are Coming, The Democrats are coming." They seemed prophetic to our presence in Boston.
Democrats for Life were seen and we were heard. Holding a modern day lantern, 43% of Democrats will continue to advocate for a higher ethic, one that acknowledges and defends the sanctity of all life.
We are coming, we are coming and "Let this be a revolution for life."
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.