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Show by and I JayWamsley CCkS There is an expression used in journalism education referred to as the "must editorial" or the "must column." It is, as the name implies, im-plies, a subject so close to home, or so timely, or so important that it cries out for something to be said. Something "must" be expressed concerning the subject, whatever it may be. Well, a "must" subject was brought to mind this past week. As reported by the CBS and ABC radio networks-and undoubtedly other places as well-last year the number of illegitimate babies born in Washington, D.C., outnumbered the number of legitimate babies. And the number of estimated abortions exceeds the combined total of the two previous figures. Another shocking statistic: It has been estimated that between 50 and 85 percent, depending on the source, of the abortions in the nation's capitol were paid for by federal funds. All moral and religious implications aside, (although they, too, cry out for some exposure) that is a shocking figure. To imagine that legislation has actually been passed allowing our tax dollars to be spent for something we may consider a grievous wrong, rubs me the wrong way and I hope it does you. Sure, we can complain of money being spent on areas and programs we do not fully agree with, but something about the abortion funding sticks out like a sore thumb. Rep. Gunn McKay, from Utah's First Congressional District, saw the sore thumb and has pronounced his definite stand against any more Congress-based okays for abortion funding. Chances are the rest of Utah's delegation has echoed or will echo his words. If you've never written a letter to your Congressman or Senator before, now is the time. Why stop there? There's a wide-grinned and wide-eyed young man from Georgia just itching to know what in the world the people of this country want done. '2 If the three figures at the start of this column make you a little sick, write. It's a "must." |