FIELDS COLUMN UNDERCUTS PROGRESS OF ALL WOMEN.(MAIN)

Byline: JARALYN GIBSON Saratoga Springs

I am deeply disturbed by Suzanne Fields' Sept. 1 commentary ``A bigoted Ms.-take from the people at NOW,'' in which she lashes out at the National Organization for Women for opposing the men-only, reactionary Christian Promise Keepers organization. Yet again, Ms. Fields has offered up the progressive women's movement as fodder for the conservative feeding-frenzy sweeping society.

Contrary to Ms. Fields' suggestion, NOW is not in the business of mandating the individual beliefs of women. Rather, NOW's members have common concerns -- women's civil rights, economic progress and status in society. A million-plus, …