Casey & Clinton.

In his article on the Democratic Party and abortion, Fr. William Byron repeats the story (often heard on Fox News) of how Governor Robert Casey of Pennsylvania was barred from speaking at the 1992 Democratic National Convention "because of his outspoken defense of human life." In fact, Casey was denied a turn at the podium because he would not endorse the party's nominee, Bill Clinton (see "Casey Closed," the New Republic, September 16 & 23, 1996). Casey called the party's selection of Clinton "tragic," and urged that the convention ignore the choice of the primary voters and select an alternate candidate. To allow Casey to speak would have been bizarre, especially in an age in which conventions are little more than long infomercials for the presidential nominee.

DANIEL McCARTHY

New Rochelle, N.Y.