Richards Takes Over Planned Parenthood
Texans are a scrappy lot, even if they come from pampered Bush stock. Once they get it into their heads to, say, abolish a woman’s right to choose, it is hard to stop them. But Planned Parenthood found their own Lone Star hero in Cecile Richards, daughter of former governor Ann Richards and the incoming PPFA president.
The announcement coincides with the beginning of the Samuel Alito Supreme Court nomination hearings, a historic event that exactly 26 Americans are aware of. Selected by Bush for his steady conservative record, Alito’s presence on the Court would likely lead to a weakening of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case that stated the right to privacy “is broad enough to encompass a woman’s decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy.” Your body, your private life, your decision? A profane notion in W’s America.
Richards has a long history of political activism and a staunch distaste for the radical right. Plus it is in her blood to take on the Georges. With Planned Parenthood solidly focused on defying Bush and protecting Roe, Richards should be the perfect Texan for the job.
