Noemie Emery's article ("Abortion and the Republican Party: A New Approach," Dec. 25) was politically astute. By substituting moral suasion for political action against abortion, the COP might be able to hold the right-to- life vote while solidifying its grasp on suburban libertarians.
But for those of us who actually care about the rights of the unborn, her piece had some glaring omissions. For example, is Emery in favor of the Hyde Amendment? Also, assuming a right-to-life amendment couldn't pass a Republican Congress, is she in favor of a constitutional amendment to allow abortion to be regulated by the states? This might pass in the next few years, especially if a Republican president is willing to give more than lip service to the cause.
It probably doesn't suit the calculations of cynical political strategists, but the right-to-life movement is reaching a moment of truth with the Republicans. We may not prevail, but at least we will part company with sanctimonious moralists who really don't mean what they say.
MICHAEL FARRELL, WASHINGTON, DC