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Jeremy Workman and Robert Lyons, USA 2023
New York State Assemblyman George Michaels put his longstanding political career on the line to cast his vote on the New York State abortion bill fifty years ago. Filmmakers Workman and Lyons tell the story in DECIDING VOTE.
Michaels strongly believed that as an assemblyman he owed a lot to those he represented. He knew how to serve his constituents so that they got what they needed, and his track record proved it. He was deeply admired for his work; but, also for his strong moral and social consciousness. Michaels was held in high esteem and for the length of time that he held position in the state legislature, he was re-elected every two years. Jim Michaels (George's son) says, "Dad was known as the country lawyer in our community and often received payment in eggs or some other form of barter for service." Michael's reputation was known as a conservative politician for the people.
The 1970 abortion bill that was brought before his state legislators for a vote was a big deal. Its impact could be far reaching beyond what the politicians could imagine. This event was before Roe v. Wade. One has to remember that at the time, New York was the second largest state in the US. Michaels was not in favor of the bill and made it clear to his constituents of how he'd vote.
Days prior to the vote, Michaels’ adult children entered in debate with him over the pros and cons of the bill. Michaels, being a good father, listened to his children. What the organizers of the bill were asking was that abortions be done by a doctor in a safe manner.
The voting day arrives. Michaels stands to speak to the legislative body, and shares these words, "I hoped it [the vote] would not come to this." Neither Michaels nor his children wanted his vote to be the deciding factor, but as fate would have it, this was his destiny. He continues, "What's the point of getting elected or re-elected if you don't stand for something?" He cast his vote for the bill, and it passed by one vote.
Michaels knew that his deciding vote would cost him his political career—one that he loved dearly. He never imagined the impact his moral and political courage would have on American history. His political legacy went silent. But, with a clear conscious he knew that his deciding vote would make a difference. Jim Michaels notes, "The negative fallout only lasted a few weeks; but the positive never stopped, as he was loved, and revered his whole life."