Governor Carcieri
Dear Governor Carcieri,
I write to you to express my displeasure regarding a recent “Pro-Life” rally in the State House. Though I fully support any view you or anyone else may hold on this issue, I find it quite inappropriate for you to host such an event in the State House rotunda. You, as governor, are the representative of each and every Rhode Islander. For you to open the doors of the State House for supporters of one belief, simultaneously slams the doors on the other. Would you allow a pro-choice rally within the rotunda? Would you lend voice to the other segment of the population of this state who support the right to choose? I doubt it. I would like to know if you feel this particular rally interferes with the separation of Church and State—which is, after all, central to the foundation of Democracy. I understand that every citizen in this nation is granted the freedom of religion. Conversely, every citizen is also afforded freedom from religion.
Mr. Carcieri,…your slogans never comforted the fears of a teenage girl with a difficult decision to make.
May I ask you, Mr. Governor, shouldn't your pursuit for the “Right to Life” take you down other avenues as well? Should you not be fighting tooth and nail to extricate the sons and daughters of Rhode Island from the wars in the Middle East? Should you not be devoting your full attention to the starving and suffering masses of your state, as it teeters near collapse? Please Governor, I urge you to put your full effort into making life in this state more conducive for people from all walks of life, from all demographics and socio-economic backgrounds, to welcome a new life into the world. At the end of the day Mr. Carcieri, your rally doesn't end homelessness, or provide affordable housing. Your prayers never helped a single mother make ends meet. Your slogans never comforted the fears of a teenage girl with a difficult decision to make. Sir, your efforts, your intelligence, your ambition and your abilities can help unite this state, and fix those problems. I am sorry to say, Mr. Governor, your prayers cannot.
Scott Matthieu
Cumberland, RI
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