Queen Elizabeth, abortion politics and an endorsement for Michele Meyer: Letters

An open letter in response to Robert Azzi column on Queen Elizabeth

Sept. 19 — To the Editor:

On the next occasion you are tempted to opportunistically use the death of a notable public figure-fellow human being to indict not only an historic tradition she/he represents, but indeed, an entire commonwealth, I sincerely pray you will first reflect on the sentiments quoted above.

For you, Mr. Robert Azzi, like me, and every other human being are, by very nature, imperfect in judgment and in perennial need of loving forgiveness for misguided, consequential actions. For example: should not we, the American nation, for indigenous populations native to this continent who were slaughtered or displaced in the name of American Manifest Destiny have (in your own words) “a full accounting of the plunder, the desecration, the scars and sins inflicted on the victims…for the creation of religious, social, racial, and ethnic tensions exploited by colonizers to weaken the Other and for reparations to be made, sacred objects to be repatriated”?  Let us acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, and grow in wisdom.

More: Azzi: Queen Elizabeth II is dead: Too bad she didn't take the monarchy with her

In the spirit of agape, I offer you unconditional  forgiveness for your churlish condemnation of Queen Elizabeth II, the British Monarchy and Commonwealth.

Peace be with you,

Clinton Frederick Miller, MD

Rye

Don Bolduc's flip flops on election, abortion are too brazen for belief

Sept. 18 — To the Editor:

So, we’re to believe that Don Bolduc has “done a lot of research in the past couple of weeks” that has led him to now conclude that the 2020 election was not stolen from Donald Trump.

One can only wonder what evidence he considered that was not available well before the Republican primary contest was concluded. But this is not the only issue upon which Mr. Bolduc has chosen to signal some separation with the MAGA Republican base now that he is focused on the general election.

Regarding the proposal to institute a federal ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy Bolduc, who has said we should “rejoice” at the overturning of Roe v. Wade, has indicated that he believes abortion laws are better left to each individual state. In his reasoning he has stated “women on both sides of the issue will get a better voice at the state level.” If Mr. Bolduc is genuinely concerned with allowing women to have their “voice” considered, how about granting each woman her right to decide whether she wants to carry her pregnancy to term?

The 2022 midterm elections will determine control of the legislative branch of our federal government. Would New Hampshire really want to give one of its votes in the U.S. Senate to someone Gov. Chris Sununu has described as “not a serious candidate” and a “conspiracy theorist?

Dennis Mathews

Barrington

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Hassan and Pappas are too extreme on abortion

Sept. 20 — To the Editor:

In a 2013 forum Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg identified Roe v. Wade as a flawed decision. Other legal scholars felt the same. Dodd v. Jackson was an opportunity to fix this flaw.

On May 2, 2022, a draft decision by Justice Alito was leaked, stating Roe would be overturned. In response, left-wing extremists began illegally protesting outside of justices’ homes, and burning and vandalizing dozens of women’s health clinics across the country.  Luckily an assassination attempt on Justice Brett Cavanaugh was stopped, and an existential threat to our constitution was avoided. There was no statement condemning the violence from Sen. Maggie Hassan or Rep. Chris Pappas. There have also been no congressional hearings. I think we all know why.

Despite all of this, Roe v. Wade was overruled. In response, Hassan and Pappas voted for the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022. The bill was promoted as “codifying” Roe v. Wade. However, it would have done much more. It would overrule abortion laws in all 50 states. It prohibited any exemption for viability, and would have funded abortions until birth. It did not pass — they couldn’t even get Joe Manchin to vote for it.

Pew Research indicates that 63% of Americans support some form of restriction on abortion. Who knows what the right answer is? New Hampshire’s current law with its exceptions, seem a reasonable starting point. Gov. Chris Sununu said if Roe were overruled, nothing in New Hampshire changes. But why would Hassan and Pappas try to change our law?

Hassan and Pappas have lost touch with New Hampshire voters, and in the process condoned violence against women’s health. Hassan and Pappas do not trust New Hampshire voters to do what is right for New Hampshire.

It’s time for change in Washington.

Jim Fernald

Portsmouth

Please consider Michele Meyer for Maine state rep. in District 150

Sept. 19 — To the Editor:

Please consider supporting Michele Meyer for Maine state representative for District 150, Eliot and parts of South Berwick and Kittery, Maine.

The past few years have been tumultuous. After the Jan. 6 attack on our legislators, I have new found respect for my representatives. It takes courage to stand up to and protect our democracy. Michele does it with careful consideration of all sides and a focus on the protection of what our democracy means! Protection of our rights, laws and decency!

As I stood on South Berwick Town Hall lawn with a sign, “Motherhood should be a choice!” Michele was right there beside me. Being a mom is a wonderful experience, but ideally, you should be ready for it.

Thank you, Michele, for being a strong voice protecting our rights. I feel so fortunate to have you as my representative!

Hope C. Murphy

South Berwick, Maine

Sen. Graham's proposal is not 'pro-life' it's 'forced birth'

Sept. 20 – To the Editor:

Lindsey Graham: 67 years old, never married, no children, male; obviously the ideal person to decide that women should be forced to give birth.

Graham’s proposed law would ban, nationally, all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy except to protect the life of the mother (many Republican senators and congressmen even object to this exclusion), and if the woman/child becomes pregnant through rape or incest (even more Republican lawmakers object to this provision).

It’s a sad fact that Sen. Graham and his Republican colleagues are so much more qualified to make life decisions for women than the women themselves.

Luckily, this isn’t government overreach — not like the FBI getting back stolen top-security documents to protect the country!

Michael Frandzel

Portsmouth

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Queen Elizabeth, abortion politics and endorsement for Meyer: Letters