Texas HB2 - Opposed

An Open Letter to the Texas House of Representative's State Affairs Committee

As narrow-minded, religiously controlled politicians (mostly Republican) continue to violate the very basis of freedom, many have gathered to show opposition to extremely limiting bills that will force the closure of access for many women in rural areas of Texas.  Media may portray this as an abortion rights issue, but the fact is that this IS a human rights issue, a Women's rights issue, and a Religious issue!  The authors of HB2 are women, which is amazing considering the heavy price women have paid to achieve equal standing and the right to choice, irregardless of religious convictions.

Not being able to be present at the committee hearing today at the Texas State Capital in Austin, I did compose my response and emailed it to every committee member, although experience has shown that few politicians actually consider the views of the people and show a total disregard for the communications sent to them, well, unless such is joined with a large campaign contribution.

Here is my response to the House Bill 2 - HB2

Authors: Laubenberg | Burkett | Harper-Brown | Greg Bonnen
Coauthors: Frullo | Rick Miller | Simmons | White

May I begin by stating that as a man, a registered Republican, and as a former Southern Baptist preacher that I, by pure logical reason, have to call into question the motives and reasoning of the current legislation being presented as HB2. 

Over the last many years, elected officials, such as the authors of this bill, have completely disregarded the desires and direction of the people they represent, calling into question whether they are capable and reliable to effectively represent.  The State Affairs Committee hearing regarding this potentially damaging legislation is being held today, and as I cannot be present in person, I am writing this via email to show due cause for the cessation of this bill and to request that you personally ensure that this bill isn't allowed to continue. 

If this bill was truly in the interest of the public, then it would be widely supported by the voters of Texas, which it isn't based upon a recent poll by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research - "A majority of Texans oppose the legislation currently being considered by the legislature that imposes restrictions on abortion and 80 percent do not want abortion to be raised during the special session of the legislature called at the end of May by Governor Rick Perry." 

The bill states, "the state has a compelling state interest" which is not the case, as the state has no interest in governing the rights already obtained by women - the right to choice, which was established via Roe vs. Wade. 

"does not impose an undue burden or a substantial obstacle..."  This bill does in fact cause undue burden and substantial obstacles by forcing the closure of many rural facilities that allow lower income and those that are challenged by location/transportation easy access. 

"is located not further than 30 miles from the location..."  Such a limitation is cause enough for cessation, as most rural towns do not have hospitals and furthermore, most even lack more than a general physician. 

Further from the point of the mere act of Governor Perry calling an expensive Special Session, "Eight in ten voters agree that the special session should be focused on issues like "education, jobs, and economy instead of bringing up social issues like abortion; 71 percent think that the Governor and the legislature should spend less time passing laws restricting abortion." 

Responsible government doesn't seek to limit the rights of its people, it does provide for the freedom and liberties and ensures such.  The Texas House of Representatives is dangerously allowing the future of the failure of a democracy.  Adolf Hitler once commented, "The National Government will regard it as its first and foremost duty to revive in the nation the spirit of unity and cooperation. It will preserve and defend those basic principles on which our nation has been built. It regards Christianity as the foundation of our national morality, and the family as the basis of national life."  History has clearly shown the downfalls of government attempting to legislate moral issues and to elevate a particular religious view over others.  Will your participation in this bill be marked throughout history as the very stepping stone that allowed the demise of democracy and the very freedoms it is built upon?

Finally, in the words of Thomas Jefferson, "Nothing can be more exactly and seriously true than what is there [the very words only of Jesus] stated; that but a short time elapsed after the death of the great reformer of the Jewish religion, before his principles were departed from by those who professed to be his special servants, and perverted into an engine for enslaving mankind, and aggrandising their oppressors in Church and State; that the purest system of morals ever before preached to man, has been adulterated and sophisticated by artificial constructions, into a mere contrivance to filch wealth and power to themselves; that rational men not being able to swallow their impious heresies, in order to force them down their throats, they raise the hue and cry of infidelity, while themselves are the greatest obstacles to the advancement of the real doctrines of Jesus, and do in fact constitute the real Anti-Christ." 

Our country was founded on freedom from religious persecution, and this bill is itself a form of religious persecution, as it raises into law one religions ideals of morality and ignores the very fact of allowing individual choice, freedom, and rights.  Therefore, I encourage you to not allow yourselves to be entangled by such and to instead show support for such as is right, fair, and just by not allowing this bill to continue on any level or derivation. 

Signed:  Sebastian Barrett St.Troy

Yes, I do Stand with Texas Women and fully support their rights, shouldn't you?  Yes, I'm a proud Texan, an active Voter, and I am very ashamed of Governor Rick Perry (who should address his own 'sins' of not being forthright and honest about his sexual orientation) and the politicians supporting this legislation, especially considering the fact that Perry's Special Session is costing Texas taxpayers millions, which should be spent on education, improved infrastructure, and public transportation!