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 Yet this right has been rescinded by six radical, ultraconservative Supreme Court judges, three of whom were appointed by a president who failed to win the popular vote.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

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. —The Fire Department may once again have a ladder truck thanks to a donation from the Dalton Fireman's Association. 
 
During the Board of Water Commissioners meeting on Monday, the donation was presented to the board by interim Chief Chris Cachat. 
 
The department has been without a ladder truck for two years. It's had two ladder trucks since its establishment and both were obtained from other departments. 
 
"We brought them to town, we made them our own, and a lot of people put a lot of hard work into it, and it became part of us … It really took the hit of morale when we didn't have our ladder truck anymore, and it kind of lingered for a year or so," Cachat said. 
 
"We understand the financial responsibilities we have towards the district and the taxpayers of Dalton. We had a meeting with our Dalton Firemen's Association, and we discussed possibilities of what we could possibly do to help out the district, the town of Dalton, and the Fire Department." 
 
The association decided to donate the funds generated by its fundraising efforts, including the carnival, and use it to purchase a ladder truck, he said.  
 
"We would be very proud to accept that truck. We know how much the association means to the Dalton Fire Department and the citizens of Dalton. You guys have always stepped up," board Chair James Driscoll said.
 
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