1989 public letters
Pro-lifers perpetuate Roman anti-feminism
Western patriarchy's influence on secular and religious laws limiting what women may do with their bodies has been so successful over the last 2,000 years as to win numerous converts, including many women. Prolific examples are visitble in the columns of local newspapers.
Presumptuous and invasive "pro-lifers" seek to dictate by law whether a woman must carry an unwanted or dangerous pregnancy to full term. Some have compared the feeling of being thus intruded upon by government with the experience of being raped.
Prior to the conquest of Britain by Emperor Claudius in 61 C.E., Celtic women had a tremendous amount of freedom. They owned property and could divorce at will. The last rebellion against the Romans was led by an axe-weilding Queen. Women were expected to train their children in the use of weapons.
As far as the issue of abortion was concerned, women had complete freedom to choose their lifestyle. It has always been a serious thing to take any life, but the ancient Celts would never have presumed to tell anyone what to with their body in such a personal area.
Between 70 and 80 C.E., Celtic culture was subdued by Rome; the cultural heir of phallus-worshipping Athens. Roman influence on English common law may be seen today in the U.S. in the laws and regulations concerning abortion.
No one I know is "pro-abortion." The procedure can be excruciatingly painful, physically and emotionally. However, it seems inconsistent with American principles of religious liberty, to perpetuate Roman anti-feminism as a matter of public policy.
Ethical viewpoints and religious doctronis, imposed as spearpoint by conquering Roman barbarians two millenia ago on the people of Britain must not be permitted to dictate today's law.
Individual dignity and self-determination demand that abortion be a matter left to a woman's personal choice.
The River Reporter, Narrowsburg, NY, 09-28-1989
The Pike County Dispatch, Milford, PA, 10-05-1989
[and other area newspapers about the same time]
Hope for Rehabilitation
Recently, I had the privilege to attend commencement ceremonies at Sullivan County Community College's extension program at Sullivan Correctional Facility -- a maximum security state prison in the town of Fallsburg.
Some who have not witnessed thededication and commitment of these incarcerated students might questionthe value of prison educational programs. But without opportunities for educational advancement, or social rehabilitation, the prison, the prison experience would be even more of a meaningless wast of life and money than it currently is.
When community based correction is not a viable option, and the death penalty is unacceptable, society becomes morally bound to do more than simply contain its wrongdoers behind razor-wire fences.
Locally, program offerings are commendable as are many of the inmates who participate. As an adjunct instructor in the alcohol and drug abuse counseling track at Sullivan, my contacts have rewed my faith in the ability of human beings to render positive change, first within their own souls and then to facilitate it in those around it.
And in my full-time position, as a probation officer, I have observed that courts sometimes go to great lengths to preserve defendants' liberty. But when jail cells are the only alternative, county and state governments must keep focused on the goals of re-education and rehabilitation.
Times Herald-Record, Middletown, NY, 03-27-1989
03-24-1998