I know - Alabama is considered by most to be backwards, the stereotypical rednecks, etc. But the fact is, there are a few of us here with brains (and jobs!) Heck, we have one of the most technology-forward cities in the United States here with Huntsville, AL.
What we don't have is legislators with common sense.
The following emails are relating to HB 57 - a TRAP bill - proposed in Alabama. Today was a public hearing on the bill and despite more opposition than support, it passed out of committee.
Surprised right?
I know you're not. But at least you can be outraged with the rest of us at this response constituents are getting from Representative Kurt Wallace.
Below is the transcript of emails sent to him, and his response.
On Wed, Feb 6, 2013 at 9:24 PM, Anna Smith* wrote:As if this evidence of Mr. Wallace's intent to legislate his religious beliefs, a conversation with a different constituent follows, with similar outcome:I'm not really certain why this bill is being rushed through the house but it can't possibly be for the benefit of women no matter what you may be hearing. This bill is meant for the sole purpose of forcing the women's clinics in Alabama to close and I don't think some of you have thought through what it would mean to women in the state. Closing clinics isn't going to stop abortion in Alabama, it just means that women will return to the days of back alleys, coat hangers and other means to self abort. You're hurting the babies who will be born to mothers who can't support them, don't want them or will make the child miserable for the rest of its life because it was born. If you don't believe me, please read some reputable information on the subject....not the material given to you by some self-serving entity with an agenda.
If you're against this bill, thank you. If you're considering voting for this bill, please at least give yourself time to fully understand the implications and what passing this bill will mean to the women of this state. We will remember, and we DO vote.
Anna Smith
In a message dated 2/6/2013 10:36:26 P.M. Central Standard Time, representativewallace@gmail.com writes:
Anna,Stop trying to play God. If you don't want children don't get pregnant. Only God gives life and you have no right to decide when to end it. You're concerned about us "hurting babies who will be born to mothers that can't support them". So rather than have a child born, and possibly adopted by a loving family that can't have children, you would rather KILL the child. There is a big difference between "hurt" and "kill".
Respectfully,
Rep. WallaceFrom: Anna Smith
Reply to: Rep. WallaceI'm a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother and I've lost three babies due to miscarriage. During one pregnancy the fetus died in utero and began to decompose spreading toxins throughout my body. It was in the '60s before abortion was legal and I had to carry the poison until my body expelled the fetus. There are more things that go on in a clinic besides terminating a viable fetus and by trying to close them, you're forcing women to put their lives on the line like I did over forty years ago.
Anna Smith
Wed, Feb 6, 2013 at 8:54 PM, Polly Winters* wrote:* Names changed to protect privacy
Subject: Please vote no on TRAP bill (HB 57). This bill would devastate clinics in Alabama.Dear Rep. Wallace
Anti-choice politicians continue working to take away a woman's right to choose what is best for her and her family.
Please let me know what I can do to help.
With your help, we will work to ensure reproductive rights don't become a thing of the past in our state.
Sincerely,
Polly WintersOn Wed, Feb 6, 2013 at 10:49 PM, Kurt Wallace wrote:
Polly,
Thank you for your concern. However, by definition a "family" is a husband, wife, and children. If we kill all our children before they are born we won't have any families and therefore, nothing to choose. Not getting pregnant is not rocket science, but carelessly getting pregnant and then killing your child is just plain wrong!
Respectfully,Reply to: Rep. Wallace
Well, why don't you come on down to the women's clinic in Huntsville that I volunteer at & explain that to the 13 year old that was raped by her father, or the young couple that very much wanted a baby and the fetus had died that YOU would prefer that they not have an abortion. Or perhaps I could put you in touch with my friend that was pregnant with her wanted third child, only to find that the fetus suffered from anencephaly, a severe congenital birth defect in which the fetus will have no brain. Of course, I'm sure you would feel that she should have carried out the pregnancy, even though there was a good chance that it would kill her & leave Jennie's other two children without a mother.I suppose if your wife and mother of your children was told that continuing her pregnancy would kill her, you could just find another wife and mother to your children.
Actually, Rep. Wallace, I have a much better idea. Why don't you leave medical decisions about a woman's body to her and her physician.
Respectfully,
Polly Winters
This is sadly not uncommon in our state - but for it to be put in writing is. Most are more underhanded.
My goal here is to get this shared far and wide, and - most importantly - get this misogynist legislator out of office asap. His contact info is below. If you feel motivated to respond to him based on the content of what he has sent to these constituents, feel free. Thanks for reading my first diary - guess I finally had something I felt needed to be shared. Too bad it's a craptastic example of the woman-hate in Alabama.
Kurt Wallace
Alabama House of Representatives
District 42
P O Box 581
Maplesville AL 36750
representativewallace@gmail.com
334-366-4211 office
334-259-4076 Cell
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/02/07/1185256/-In-Alabama-Rep-Wallace-Believes-Religion-is-Law
