Your stand on abortion deeply troubles me. Yes, I know you are a Democrat and thus, sadly, almost by definition, you must be pro-choice. But do you need to be one of the most tone-deaf Democrats when it comes to the painful, divisive issue of abortion?
It bothers me greatly that as a state Senator in Illinois, you opposed a bill (the Born Alive Infants Protection Act) that would have defended the life of a living baby, outside the womb, that had been aborted but had somehow survived? (You voted against that legislation twice and, a third time, prevented the legislation from leaving your committee.) Do you really think being pro-choice means not caring for a living baby outside the womb?
If you want to build bridges, you must do more to understand and respect those of us who feel that the present thinking and action on abortion in America is a moral tragedy. You could at least say clearly and strongly that abortion is always a moral tragedy. You could at least say strongly that you want to substantially reduce the number of abortions while keeping abortion legal. You could insist that being pro-choice means respecting and protecting the right of pro-life hospitals and doctors to refuse all involvement in abortion. You could acknowledge a change of mind on the Illinois legislation. You could affirm the importance of the family and support legislation making it illegal to transport minors across state lines for an abortion without their parents consent. And by all means, do not ask or insist that those who oppose abortion pay for abortions through your health plan.
Please, Senator Obama, show us clearly that you understand the concerns of pro-life Americans and want to build bridges to them wherever possible.