Modern Day Know Nothings

Hugh Reynolds and the Hiberations are modern day Know Nothings when it comes to NYS law and women's right to choose. In 1970 NYS was the first state to legalize elective abortions up to week 24 (Penal Code 125.00). Other states followed our lead--Alaska, Hawaii & Washington.
Roe V Wade made abortions legal in the rest of the country as of January 1973.
If Roe V Wade is unfortunately overturned, NYS would still have legal abortions available.

Hugh Reynolds' column:

DAILY FREEMAN
Kingston , NY
Sat., Mar. 8, 2008

OPINION

“City Beat”

GETTING IN STEP – Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, will probably march as usual in Sunday’s 22 nd annual Kingston St. Patrick’s Day [parade], but not with the bright green sash of grand marshal stretched across his belly. The Hibernians’ honor has gone to insurance broker and former Ulster County Legislator John Dwyer, a fellow Kingston Democrat.
Initially nominated grand marshal by Hibernians, Cahill withdrew after some questioned his positions on abortion, divorce and other “Catholic issues.”
A letter to the editor from a Dutchess County Hibernian got the ball rolling. Cahill and his supporters – and there were many within the local organization – questioned why similar standards were not applied to any of the previous 21 grand marshals. The distinction, apparently, was that as a state legislator, Cahill is in a position to cast votes on some of those issues. Should, for instance, the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade , the Constitutional amendment that legalizes abortion, it would revert to all of the state legislatures.
Cahill, nominated for long service to the local Hibernian unit, graciously stepped aside.
Dwyer, his successor, chose not to revisit a controversy played out in the dead of winter mostly behind closed doors…”
_________
Hugh Reynolds is the Freeman’s political editor. His column appears Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Readers may write him by e-mail at hreynolds@freemanon line.com.