Wither Choice?

This morning I went to pick up some bagels and beverages at our local coffee shop, which is known for its support of various "left-wing" causes. They hosted numerous Democratic meet-ups during last year's election, and there are always "liberal" pamphlets and signs adorning the walls. Things were a little discombubulated in there this morning, and I felt like I had to wait an inordinantly long time for three toasted bagels. As I waited, I thought to myself, "If the Democrats can't even run this bloody coffee house, is it any wonder people think they can't run the government?"

I continue to be deeply disturbed by all of the rhetorical maneuvers going on within my party at the moment, particularly as relates to the abortion issue...and all of this of course brings me back to my deep unease with the way things are shaping up here in PA. as all the big Dems gear up to support anti-choice Bob Casey for a run against Santorum (aka The Dark Lord) in November of '06. I know I keep making passing references to this situation, but I am really stuck on it, and I can't quite seem to get over my issues. Everyone wants me to believe that the most important thing is gaining a Democratic majority in the Senate. But is it OK to sacrifice our principles on the abortion issue in the process? Katha Pollitt speaks for me this week. She makes a pretty compelling case: if we want to re-focus the debate, shouldn't we be talking about a whole panoply of rights - paid maternity leave, health care, etc.?