Letter: Abortion Is Health Care

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To the Editor:

Seventy percent of Americans support safe and legal abortions. Abortion is health care, and is a basic human right that has been protected by Roe for the past 50 years. Yet this right has been rescinded by six radical, ultraconservative Supreme Court judges, three of whom were appointed by a president who failed to win the popular vote.

Maybe that 70 percent got too complacent and took this right for granted. But the lesson is learned: No constitutional right is safe any longer. Many of us are outraged by the court's decision that does not even allow for abortion in cases of rape or incest.

But if we want our rights restored, outrage alone is not enough. We must do all we can to mobilize the vote for pro-choice Democratic candidates this November and in November of 2024 to keep Democrats in control of Congress and ensure that abortion rights are protected. If Republicans take back Congress in November, we face the dire prospect that they will enact a federal ban on abortion, criminalizing the procedure nationwide, and that other reproductive rights, such as access to contraception and the right to marry whom we choose, will be under attack.

In the meantime, if you want to join the fight, visit the Berkshire Brigades Facebook page.

Louise Farkas
Pittsfield, Mass.

Farkas is a member of the Berkshire Brigades steering committee. 

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Parks Commission OKs Wahconah Park Event, Clapp Park Dugouts

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Baseball dugouts are planned for Clapp Park, and in April, the community will have one last look inside the historic Wahconah Park grandstand before it is demolished. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved a "Farewell to the Grandstand at Wahconah Park" event to be held on April 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Recreation and Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer explained that the event will allow the community to see the more than 100-year-old structure before it comes down later in the spring. 

"Attendees will be able to go up to the top of the ramp to get a look into the grandstand for one last chance and quick photo op, but they can't get any further due to safety concerns," she explained. 

The property at 105 Wahconah St. has drawn attention for several years after the grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022. Planners have determined that starting from square one is the best option; a $15 million rebuild is on the table. 

There will be speeches from city officials and Baseball in the Berkshire Director Larry Moore, a slideshow with old photographs and memories shared from the community, a table with renderings of the new grandstand, a memory table, and a story booth where short interviews can be recorded. 

"Ernie the Hot Dog Guy" is also confirmed as a food vendor. 

"We're looking forward to great weather, and unfortunately, we won't be able to get everyone fully into the grandstand, but certainly we'll be able to have folks view the grandstand from the safe areas of the grandstand," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath explained. 

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