Deacon Fournier's Plea to Senator Bob Casey: Fight for Life - Seize the Moment

Deacon Keith Fournier writes at Catholic Online:

I appeal to you, Senator Bob Casey, make history. Right the wrong that was the censoring of your fathers’ good voice in 1992. "Fight for Life" and defend the truth about life which he heroically stood for.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (Catholic Online) - It is official. The Democratic National Convention Committee has confirmed that Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey Jr. will speak at their Nominating Convention being held in Denver, Colorado. He is formally scheduled to address the crowd on Tuesday evening, August 26, 2008, the second night of this much anticipated Convention. Rumors of this possibility have circulated for some time.

Senator Casey’s father, the late, revered former Governor of Pennsylvania, Bob Casey Sr., was denied a speaking role at the 1992 Democratic nomination convention.

Oh, I know that historical revisionists are now attempting to say that he was omitted from a speaking role because of his opposition to the Clinton/Gore ticket. His son and the rest of us know that this is simply not the truth. The late Governor, one of the last truly pro-life and pro-poor Democrats, wrote a marvelous book entitled “Fighting for Life”, from which I excerpted the quote with which I began this editorial plea. The book details the whole troubling truth of the censorship effort and the Governors courage in the face of those who sold out the Party.

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To me and many others my age (53) and background (blue collar Catholics and others of our ilk) the censoring of Governor Bob Casey from speaking at the 1992 Democratic convention, precisely because of his support of the rights of all people including our first neighbors in the womb, was not only wrong but it caused me to leave the once great Party of the working poor, middle class and disenfranchised with which I used to be affiliated.

Along with the announcement of Senator Casey’s speaking role has come growing speculation concerning what the now famous son of the late Governor will address in this potentially historic speech. Many opine that he will avoid addressing the fundamental human right, the Right to Life. They say he will address instead issues of economic justice and solidarity with the working class.

I certainly hope he will consider all to whom we are joined in solidarity, including our youngest neighbors in the womb. Senator, how can you not speak of that entire class whom the late Mother Teresa rightly labeled the “poorest of the poor”, those with no voice but ours, our neighbors in the first home of the whole human race? I issue a plea to you, do so for your Dad! He taught you well. You know the truth that the child in the womb is our neighbor. Rise to the moment and make him, and all of us, proud.

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Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Casey Jr. to Get Prime-Time Slot in Denver to Appease Catholics [UPDATED]

"Casey Democrats" - Not the Party Faithful Anymore

"Mighty Casey Has Struck Out" [UPDATED]

Casey Jr. Defends Obama's "Punished With a Baby" Remark

The Curt Jester: "Shameless Garment" [UPDATED]

"Pro-Life" Casey Endorses Obama ...

Pro-Abortion Group Praises Casey For Votes

National Catholic Register: Pro-Lifers Assess Senator Casey’s Voting Record

Priest Blasts "Usual Suspects" For Votes Against Pro-Life Policy

Bob Casey Is Not His Father’s Pro-life Democrat

Senate Democrats (Including Allegedly "Pro Life" Bob Casey) Vote to Rescind Mexico City Policy