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 Yet this right has been rescinded by six radical, ultraconservative Supreme Court judges, three of whom were appointed by a president who failed to win the popular vote.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.

Dalton Planning Board Denies Berkshire Concrete's Special Permit

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — After five meetings, the Planning Board voted to deny Berkshire Concrete's special permit, however, the company can still reapply before its current permit expires. 
 
After about 40 minutes of deliberation, board members reiterated recurring concerns raised in previous meetings: the company's lack of clear mitigation plans and ambiguous documentation outlining its work plans.
 
"I really have no confidence in their proposal so far," said Chair Zack McCain III.
 
The board denied the permit without prejudice, meaning Berkshire Concrete, a subsidiary of Petricca Industries, can reapply before its current permit expires in December 2027. 
 
According to the current permit, earth removal, such as excavation, processing, and reclamation is allowed on lots 217-3 and 106-55.1, but is subject to several conditions set forth in 1992, 1994, and 2000. 
 
Conditions include hours of operations, traffic regulations, restoration requirements, and other stipulations. 
 
This decision indicates the board's belief, based on testimony and provided evidence that the excavation activities in the areas cannot occur without having a negative impact on the abutting neighborhood. 
 
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