NARAL Pro-Choice America Demands Apology from Bush Advisor Karen Hughes

Last Sunday, over one million Americans gathered in Washington, DC to express concern about the erosion of reproductive rights in this country.  A march is a quintessential expression of American freedom – a peaceful means enabling Americans to come together and speak with one voice to our leaders.  And an advisor to the President of this great nation likens the marchers to terrorists? 

Karen Hughes’ remarks were beyond the pale, completely unacceptable discourse.  And her non-apology is appalling.  President Bush needs to disown these remarks immediately. 

NARAL Pro-Choice America is tired of this administration’s attempts to manipulate Americans’ fear.  This is not the first time the Bush administration has called its political opponents terrorists.  The administration continues to try and take advantage of the terrorist attacks of 9-11 to justify its attempts to alter the very values that embody us as Americans – privacy and freedom from government interference in personal decisions.  How dare they play on great tragedy to pull back on our basic liberties, including the right to choose?

Rather than using fear as an excuse for moving backwards, our leaders should have looked to the great sadness surrounding 9-11 as an opportunity to reaffirm and protect our fundamental rights. 

As President Roosevelt said – “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”  We cannot afford to be fearful.  We cannot afford to turn back the clock.  Americans must stand vigilant to protect our rights.  Or we risk losing them altogether.

Last Sunday, over one million Americans gathered in Washington, DC to express concern about the erosion of reproductive rights in this country.  A march is a quintessential expression of American freedom – a peaceful means enabling Americans to come together and speak with one voice to our leaders.  And an advisor to the President of this great nation likens the marchers to terrorists? 

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032