A caution needs to be sent out to those of us taking a serious interest in our civic duty, as not to be influenced by emotional pleas or far right rhetoric and trapping tactics. For years, these Republicans tout the right to life and the overturn of Roe v. Wade as a reward for your vote. Let's take a look at the facts.

When Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, seven out of nine Supreme Court Justices voted in favor of the right of a woman's privacy to choose to terminate her pregnancy. Five of those seven voting in favor of abortion rights were nominated to the Supreme Court by Republican presidents. As a matter of fact, the so called "Father of Abortion Rights," Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun, was nominated by President Richard Nixon. Over the past 25 years, six Supreme Court Justices who favor abortion rights were nominated to the court by Republican presidents.

So the lie is unveiled -- just because you elect a Republican president doesn't mean the court will be changed or laws overturned instantly.

Of the current justices, only three are openly against abortion rights and nominated by Republican presidents. Five are openly for abortion rights, three of whom were nominated by republican Presidents. And one, Samuel Alito, nominated by President George W. Bush, hasn't made up his mind where he stands. Alito has in the past voted to prevent the state of New Jersey from banning partial birth abortions and says he has an open mind on abortions.

Those of us with religious convictions and moral standards need to wake up and see that we've been played too long and blinded by those who call themselves the "right." If we are going to make a change, we need to start with ourselves first in the way we scrutinize our politicians and their ulterior motives.

Brent Bingaman,

Mifflinburg