The GOP's pro-life platform hasn't hurt the party

Elsie Hillman argues in her Feb. 19 letter that the GOP must reject traditional pro-life Republican ideas regarding abortion if the party is to ever be successful again ("GOP Must Reject Reproductive Rights Extremists").

Mrs. Hillman is welcome to her opinion and welcome to contribute to the party. However, her conclusions on this issue are in conflict with recent political history and, quite frankly, an insult to pro-life Republicans.

While the polls regarding views on abortion differ based on what specific question is asked, I am unaware of any major shift in overall public opinion. Thus, if people have held much the same views over the last 10 years, Mrs. Hillman needs to explain how George W. Bush was twice elected. The unabashedly pro-life Republican platform and Mr. Bush's clear pro-life position didn't seem to hurt the party in 2000 and 2004.

Wise up, Mrs. Hillman. John McCain ran a competitive race in an impossible economic climate against the biggest political phenomenon since JFK. The GOP needs a lot of help, but telling a key block of supporters to stifle their heartfelt views isn't the way to go.

 

DAVE SHEPLEY
Upper St. Clair