Prolife democrats.

John Garvey's column ("None of the Above," September 10) highlights the difficulties facing prolife voters in the upcoming presidential election. We are faced with two miserable alternatives: (1) fight back the nausea and pull one of the levers, or (2) sit this one out, as Garvey suggests.

Let's face it, many of us who started out as Democrats are hamstrung and don't know whom to vote for. Why? The Republican economic policy is hurting the middle class, and its foreign policy has been disastrous. The Democratic Party, meanwhile, remains intransigent on just about all of the right-to-life issues, with the exception of the death penalty. So it has been since 1992 when Governor Robert Casey was silenced and exiled; and so it is understandable that Garvey is very frustrated with the former party of choice.

On the other hand, a dissenting prolife voice is exerting some influence within the Democratic Party. It is a relatively small voice, however, and it needs to grow louder. Democrats for Life of America (DFLA) is a national organization with chapters in thirty-two states. I urge Commonweal readers to view the DFLA Web site (www.democratsforlife.org) and join in its efforts. More information is available by writing 1667 K Street, NW, Suite 520, Washington, DC 20006.

TONY ROTTINO

Racine, Wis.