How liberal is Barack Obama? His wife used the ban on partial birth abortion (sucking the brains out of half-delivered babies) as a scare tactic and fundraising ploy:
From: email-list@obamaforillinois.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 7:41 AM
Subject: A Message from Michelle Obama
February 17, 2004
Dear Friends:
We have all been concerned lately with the rise of conservatism in this country, especially as it relates to women. Youve read the alarming news about the Justice Departments request for hospitals to turn over the private medical records of dozens of patients. This cynical ploy is designed to intimidate a group of physicians and force them to drop their lawsuit seeking to have the so-called partial birth abortion ban ruled unconstitutional.
The fact remains, with no provision to protect the health of the mother, this ban on a legitimate medical procedure is clearly unconstitutional and must be overturned. Attorney General Ashcroft and president bush believe so zealously in their cause that the privacy rights of patients are under assault. They believe we have no federal right to privacy when it concerns our medical histories.
On March 16th, we have a chance to nominate a candidate who will be tireless in the fight to protect women. It isnt simply about the right to choose, or privacy rights. It is about pay equity, about ending domestic violence, promoting health care around the world, and letting doctors decide treatment options, not federal judges.
It goes without saying that we must win back the U.S. Senate and hold our ground as a check against the right-wing executive branch. Illinois will be a key battleground and your vote is critical.
My husband has stood up for women time and again, and I am proud of his record. He understands that casting a vote on the floor of the Senate takes greater courage than issuing a position paper. Oftentimes, a well intentioned law is in fact a flawed law. Thats why it is critical we nominate someone who has faced these tough choices. Thats why nominating an experienced legislator is so important in this race. It takes courage to cast a vote.
Who among the Democrats running has a proven record? Who among the candidates running for the Senate in Illinois has stood up to the right wing politicians and voted against their agenda? Who can we count on to keep the Bush/Ashcroft team from appointing the Supreme Court Justice that will vote against Roe v. Wade?
Please join me in sending a message of unity and strength by attending the Women for Obama Luncheon on February 23rd at the Hyatt Regency. Lunch costs $150 and includes remarks from our friends the Reverend Willie Barrow and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. To reserve your seat please call the campaign office headquarters at 312-427-6400 or log on to the Obama for Illinois Website.
I urge you to stand with me and support my husband at this event. You know the stakes have never been higher and we cant depend on untested amateurs and administrators in this fight. Barack is a fighter and he will be a champion we can be proud of.
Thanks you so much for all of your support.
Signature: Michelle Obama
