Letters to the Editor

U.S. Sen. Scott Brown’s dismal voting record

As a graduate student on a tight budget, I constantly worry about how an emergency or unexpected expense could throw a wrench into my finances, forcing me to choose between maxing out my credit card or skipping class so I can work extra hours to pay my bills.

With disproportionately high rates of single parenthood and a high risk of HIV/AIDS among black women, access to basic reproductive health care services is a key issue in keeping our community healthy and able to work toward a better tomorrow.

But here in the Bay State we are now represented by a senator who has consistently voted to dismantle hard-fought programs that work to protect and preserve women’s economic and reproductive health.

When U.S. Sen. Scott Brown voted to eliminate family planning funding, he voted against the millions of women and men who spend the majority of their reproductive years trying to prevent unwanted pregnancy so they can get ahead in life.

When he voted to defund Planned Parenthood, he voted against the 25 percent of American women who get basic reproductive health care services, such as cancer-screenings, contraceptive, and gynecologic care, through Planned Parenthood.

When he voted for the Blunt Amendment, he voted against the entire female workforce’s right to have access to basic health insurance coverage, including reproductive health care. And when he voted against women’s fair pay, he voted against 47 percent of the American labor force.

Scott Brown calls himself pro-choice, but his anti-woman voting record speaks for itself. The stakes are too high for both women and their families to be represented by someone who wants to deny women the ability to control their healthcare, make decisions about their reproductive futures and access the same economic opportunities as men.  

Bosede A. Opetubo
Dorchester

Vote and be counted

I consider the minority vote very, very important in this close election. Therefore it is important that people of color realize what the nation will be like after a Mitt Romney victory. Staying home is definitely a vote for Romney, and people of all colors who do this will suffer greatly if Obama is not re-elected.

Michael Passanisi
Via email

 

Kudos for Merren

Huge shout to you my cousin Mark Merren. (“Mark Merren: Boston’s master motivator,” Bay State Banner, Oct. 25, 2012).

Love your enthusiasm and love for music. God gave you a gift and you made use of it.

Your confidence is a showstopper and courage is a rock. U GO BOY!!! Straight from your Brooklyn, NY family.

Evelyn
Via email