Massive anti-choice protests in D.C. right now. Where is OUR side?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

I'm always amazed at how well organized the opposition to progressive/liberals causes are. The Religious Right and conservatives are consistent with getting their message across. As I traveled to D.C. this afternoon for work, there were huge crowds of people holding the most despicable signs with fetuses and other deplorable anti-choice depictions scrawled on them. But my anger turned to concern when I didn't see any attempts on the part of the pro-choice movement and other progressive organizations to provide counter arguments.

Where are we? Once again, the so-called "Right" is out manuevering us while we remain silent. The result? Proposition 8 wins and other further assaults on our freedoms could be met with success if we don't start doing better, speaking up and out, and providing alternative answers that resonate with the American people.

[davepc]

1. In the White House signing executive orders freeing up federal funds for aid agencies

that were previously denied money because they dared teach modern responsible family planning in developing countries.

[Robb]

26. Exactly. nt

[Fireweed247]

2. they are organized because they are so happy to be let out of their MKULTRA dungeon

Why don't these pro 'lifers' focus on saving the lives of people already walking the earth?

[ogneopasno]

3. In the White House. Besides, it's easier to protest against something rather than in support of

something.

[RayOfHope]

4. Probably they are all headed home after the inauguration? n/t

[The_Casual_Observer]

5. These idiots all backed bush, who started a war of choice on their

behalf. I have no respect for them or their "beliefs".

[PVnRT]

6. This is about the only case where the Right is well-organized and protests

Any other time, protesting is what whiners and possibly homosexual liberals do. Besides, the end of the gag rule was coming, they all knew that - I imagine this planned well in advance.

[Ichingcarpenter]

7. Any news agency covering this?

I'd like to know what 'MASSIVE' means.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

9. Though I did see massive crowds, I do wonder if the media will cover the protests...

There were huge numbers of people on the Mall.

[ogneopasno]

11. The media isn't usually interested in RvW protests, because they happen every year.

[Warren DeMontague]

8. You saw all those people at the inauguration? The last time that many people were on the mall:

April, 2004. March for Womens' Lives. 1.2 Million people.

Grossly underreported in the media, nevertheless it was the largest assembly on the mall up until that time. Ever.

The "right" is not out-manuevering us. The MAJORITY OF AMERICANS ARE PRO CHOICE. The anti-choicers are frustrated because they thought, rightly so, that four more years of GOP rule would bring the overturning of Roe & Griswold, hastening the arrival of that joyous god-fearing day when all non-procreative fucking is made illegal. They are suffering from SCOTUS interruptus.

Absolutely, there should be a response, but blame the media- the pro choice rallies of the past several years have been EXTREMELY well attended.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

12. I was at the Inauguration, and no crowds could surpass that. However, it'd be

nice to get some representation, as this is the anniversary of Roe. Sure, most Americans are pro-choice, but the narrative has been sullied by the anti-choice movement, and Americans seem to be changing in their views. States are chipping away at reproductive rights while we look away and take for granted that nothing would ever happened to Roe. Thank God Obama won by an overwhelming majority, but we need to keep an eye on what the states do and respond appropritely.

I am not whining; just sharing what I witnessed this afternoon.

[Warren DeMontague]

15. The anniversary of Roe is when the anti-choicers traditionally have their big rally.

Just remember, 1.2 Million people in April 2004.

http://march.now.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_for_Women%27s_Lives

This idea that "Americans seem to be changing their views" is another deliberately perpetuated lie, along with the myth of the "All Powerful Values Voter". The truth is, the American People are more liberal-- and FAR MORE socially libertarian-- than the Powers That Be Will admit. Americans overwhelmingly support a Woman's right to control her own body. Americans want government out of their bedrooms and bloodstreams. Americans want an end to the wasteful, idiotic drug war. Americans are anti-censorship.

You bring up Prop. 8, and clearly, that was a disappointment. But the real story with Prop 8 is not that it passed, but the margins and who voted how. 10 years ago the vote- ANY vote- on "gay marriage" wouldn't even have been close; even in California. 10 years ago the debate was almost entirely around "civil unions" and there was temerity at mentioning the "M" word. And who voted overwhelmingly against Prop. 8? Young people. So the tide is turning, and not in the wingnuts' favor.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

16. I do hope you're right. The passage of Prop 8 left me breathless.

I am a black woman who is totally for gay/lesbian marriage. I feel that I have much more work to do convincing everyone I know in my community to open their hearts and minds.

[Warren DeMontague]

20. Certainly. As a long-time Californian, it was beyond disappointing.

Still, I take comfort in the numbers-- Northern California, for one, was 2-1 against in most counties. And like I said, younger voters have their heads together on this a lot more. I think the trend is in the right direction; as far as GLBT acceptance in the African American community goes, this is one area where I think Obama's bully pulpit can potentially be exceptionally effective.

[niyad]

13. as dearly as I enjoyed seeing all those people on the mall tuesday, it pissed me off that when

the media were comparing the crowds, they did not even bother to mention the March for Women's Lives. they did mention the million man march. guess we don't count.

[Warren DeMontague]

14. Par for the course. I was there, in 2004, and I remember clearly that, for instance, CNN

spent the whole day talking about the elusive "NASCAR Voter" and Estee Lauder's death.

[SidneyCarton]

25. SCOTUS INTERRUPTUS???

:rofl:

I love it!

[krispos42]

10. Too bad the Inaugural Crowd couldn't hang around a couple more days

That would be... interesting.

[Stinky The Clown]

17. Every "Christian" church is actually a sleeper cell

I use "Christian" in quotes to denote that I do not see them the same as the quietly religious.

[Hekate]

18. How many constitutes "massive"? We pulled a million+ into DC in 2004

The Right can't pull those kinds of numbers, ever... I think the pro-choice folks were there for the Inauguration and have gone home to rebuild the nation.

There is NO silence from those of us who are pro-choice.

Hekate

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

19. I think I was making the point that today is a very important day,

and there is little to no presence from the pro-choice community. I'm not comparing this to any other occasion...JUST TODAY!!!!

[4 t 4]

21. It doesn't matter- for the next four

years. let those who want to scream and yell do it It won't matter for years. One of my many beefs about this subject with those protesters is Men have No place in this argument. They will never, ever know what it might be like to think you are pregnant and be scared about it.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

24. AMEN!! n/t

[Zomby Woof]

22. We have the Constitution on our side

Roe V. Wade is the law of the land, so they can suck it. We don't need demonstrations as long as we have a pro-constitution president on our side.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

23. Again, I hope you're right!

Rally marks Roe v. Wade anniversary, new president
By BRIAN WESTLEY, Associated Press Writer Brian Westley, Associated Press Writer 4 mins ago
WASHINGTON – Tens of thousands of abortion opponents rallied Thursday on the National Mall to mark the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade amid concerns they could face political setbacks under the new president.

The rally and subsequent march to the Supreme Court came two days after the swearing-in of President Barack Obama, which many demonstrators said emphasized their need to become more vocal with their message.

Among those attending the rally was Kirk Kramer of Cottage City, Md., who held up a sign reading: "The Audacity Of Hope: No More Roe."

Kramer, a Democrat, said he has mixed feelings about Obama. He supports the president's position on Iraq but said he was concerned about statements Obama made during the campaign indicating support for the Freedom of Choice Act, which would overrule many state-level restrictions on access to abortion.

"Love always finds a way. There's a way we can find for every pregnant woman to have a child or give it up for adoption," he said.

In a letter posted on their Web site, organizers invited Obama to speak at Thursday's rally.

"America needs your strong leadership as president of all the people to stop the intentional killing of an estimated 3,000 pre-born boys and girls each day and the brutalizing of mind, heart and body of pregnant mothers," the letter states.

Obama, who did not attend the rally, issued a statement Thursday saying the government "should not intrude on our most private family matters" and reaffirming his support for abortion rights.

"While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make," Obama said.

A small group of abortion-rights supporters also gathered in front of the Supreme Court on Thursday.

Lisa King of Washington, D.C., said she is disappointed that Obama did not immediately move to overturn the so-called "global gag rule," which denies U.S. funds to any international family planning group that provides abortion-related services or information.

"I'm just waiting and seeing really," King said. "I don't have any huge expectations just because he's a Democrat."

She said she worries the abortion issue will be a low priority, given all the other problems that Obama faces.

President George W. Bush regularly voiced support for those attending the annual anti-abortion rally. In audio remarks broadcast to demonstrators last year, he said biology confirms that from the start, each unborn child is a separate individual with his or her own genetic code.

Speakers at this year's rally included Republican Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana.

"We're going to win this fight," he told cheering supporters, "because of your faith and your commitment to your work."

American public opinion about abortion has been fairly stable in recent decades, with polls nearly always finding a narrow majority saying the procedure should be legal in all or most cases.

Lyn Williams, who traveled to Thursday's rally from State College, Pa., said she did not vote for Obama because she said he ran a left-wing ticket, but that she's been pleased with his more moderate choices for his Cabinet.

"Maybe he's going to surprise us, and I'm praying he will," she said.

The rally stretched for about three blocks on the Mall and included many young people.

The Rev. Boniface Ewah, who leads a Corning, N.Y., parish, said he likes Obama's message of hope and believes that Catholics have an opportunity to educate Obama about the importance of protecting the unborn.

"It's a moment for us to pray," he said. "I believe that God can touch the heart of the president."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090122/ap_on_re_us/abortion_anniversary/print