Featured speeches given by County Executive, Ron Sims

Jan. 23, 2006

Executive Sims speaks on Roe v. Wade anniversary at a NARAL rally

And I've told people once you secure your rights, you have to be diligent and to ensure you will never loose that right.

And today in the country we face those forces, who would rather take away rights, than ensure their rights that have been gained.

We have to have a position that we will loose no ground!

And there is an issue about gender and quality – this is an issue about women being able to make their own private medical decision. But, somebody says to me "Oh I'm pro-life," I say, you know, "all of us are, all of us are." But, we also believe in a women's fundamental right to make the most difficult decision she is ever going to make, and to keep the governments hands and his foes out of that decision.

But, what I would tell all of those people who say I am pro-life. Your pro-life when every person under 18 in this country has healthcare – then talk to me about pro-life!

The largest group of homelessness in this community are children, when you start talking about a commitment to end homelessness to ensure that "every child!", "every child!" has a home then you can talk to me about your pro-life views!

When we look at hunger in this country and this state and realize there are more children who go to bed hungry every night; than we have ever had before. When you want to put a plate a food in front of every child for three full meals, then talk to me about your views.

Otherwise, I tell you you're all talk and hypocritical! We believe in all of those things! Making sure that children are not homeless, making sure that children are being fed, making sure that children have healthcare.

But, we differ from them, because we know the bottom line is that government has no role in the decisions that women will make.

The government should be supportive. That is a precious right, and if this country cannot ensure the right to choose? What country will? What country will? Where is the grand experiment in the whole world? Nothing has ever existed like this! My God! I'll tell you there is a line in the sand. There is a line in the sand. There is a line to rights, to privacy rights, to choice, and on the other side there is another line and that line says, "Backroom Alleys." Well, "Backroom Alleys No More!"

There will be a 34th anniversary. We will continue to celebrate this precious right and privilege that we have gotten! It is so precious. It is so needed.

It's great to be here. Happy 34, 35, 36, 37, and there will never be a retreat.

Thank you.

Watch the speech

Watch a three minute video of Executive Sims' speech from the rally. (Windows Media required, 16 MG).