OPINION| Phil Paleologos: Quincy Mayor is a Lifesaver

You've heard the expression, "It was the last straw to break the camel's back." It means the final terrible thing that makes a situation unbearable! For Quincy Mayor Tom Koch, that straw was a charge by Tom Perez, the Democratic National Committee chairman, when he said there was no room in the party for people who are "pro-life" and who oppose allowing abortion.

So Mayor Koch, a Democrat since he was 18, made the decision to leave the Democratic Party, it was announced this week.

Saying the Democrats have moved way too far to the left, especially on the moral issue of abortion, Koch officially changed his party registration. That's almost unheard of nowadays! What a powerful message this sends to both pro-choice and pro-life people. It's interesting to note that years ago, Koch's father stopped working with the late Sen. Edward Kennedy's campaign when the senator became pro-choice, supporting abortion rights.

In Massachusetts, an abortion may be performed at 24 or more weeks. After that, abortion is allowed only in cases such as when the life of the mother is in danger.

I am proud to say that Mayor Tom Koch is both a man of principle and of faith, and he references his religious foundation when explaining his rationale for decisions. He's also my new 'champion exemplar!' Mayor Koch reminds me of what MLK Jr. described when he said, "The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict."