By Debra Sweet
Why is World Can’t Wait concerned with the murder of Dr. George Tiller, who provided abortion care of last resort for 36 years, apparently by a long-time anti-abortion protester?
World Can’t Wait began in 2005 with a Call to Drive Out the Bush Regime. It said, "Your government is moving to deny women, here and around the world, access to birth control and abortion." Under George Bush, federal and state restrictions on both, combined with the attacks on gay marriage, and the promotion of a narrow Christian fundamentalism from the White House, defined the Bush domestic program.
These restrictions didn’t go away because Bush was replaced by Barack Obama; in fact the violence directed at abortion providers and clinics began to escalate in 2008, culminating in this outrageous act Sunday. The 36 year long campaign by fundamentalists Christian protesters and right-wing talk show hosts that "abortion is murder" has worked on a lot of people.
It’s completely consistent, in their logic, for the anti-abortion movement to be "pro-life" until babies are actually born, and also to be pro-torture and pro-war.
We need a different polarization on the side of humanity, where we openly defend the right of women to control their own bodies, stand up for the right of people in the US to not be surveilled by our own government. This is consistent with our stand against torture being used by any government, for any reason, and against the unjust occupations and "war of terror" being carried out in our name.
None of this happens without engagement in our society over what kind of world we want. Just as in our efforts to stop the occupations, to stop torture by the US, the biggest need we have is for a vibrant, determined movement of people who refuse to accept either the terms set by the Cheney’s, nor the leaders of the Democratic Party who tell us to seek common ground with fascists and religious fanatics.
I will be at George Tiller’s funeral Saturday in Wichita to show my respect for him and his work.
Those of us who knew George, and have been in Wichita over decades defending the clinic from anti-abortion protesters are investigating a way to show our appreciation for Dr. Tiller on Sunday June 7.
Stay tuned for further plans as we consult with people in Wichita, and other abortion providers. The services are open to the public. If you want to join me, please come.
You can find me on FaceBook & follow me on Twitter for updates. Tell me what you think and help spread the word.
World Can’t Wait’s travel budget is less than zero after organizing the May protests against torture. A donation of $10 from 40 people will get me to Wichita.
Wherever you are, spend this week, while peoples’ minds are open to the horror represented by this murder, to talk to people about abortion. Tell your stories, ask your friends and family to tell theirs. Almost half of women in this country have had abortions, and many say it saved their lives. Don’t let that be a secret.
Dear Debs,
I can’t understand why you are so upset about a murderer’s(Tiller) murder. After all, his life was just aborted. Another person made a personal decision Tiller’s life should not continue.Isn’t that what you say should be public policy. I personally believe everyone who thinks abortion is okay, should have their lives aborted. George Tiller has sown in the wind and reaped in the whirlwind.So shall it be with all who support this sinful obnoxious and murderous behavior. You have been warned that Justice will take hold. The blood of 50 million little innocents cries out from the ground for it.
Consider what you are thinking and doing in light of the Justice which awaits us all at the end of our lives. (you don’t have to beleive in something {a last judgment} for it to be true) Save yourself from this evil and perverse generation while their is still time for you. George’s time is up. One day yours will be too. Randall Terry is screaming at the pro death movement and those persons involved in it out of love for you, the babies who are being mercilessly slaughtered and with certain knowledge that a severs chastisement and punishment is coming from the God in which you do not and refuse to believe has revealed the Truth to you. Again, you don’t have to believe He exists for His existence to be true.
It is not a suggestion: it is a commandment “THOU SHALT NOT KILL”
Both Tiller and Roeder are wrong and two wrong can never make a right. Unfortunately so are you. Repent and save yourself. Time is running out for you.
Ask that God you don’t believe in to reveal Himself to you. Do it on a dare.If you have the guts. Bet you don’t. Because you love the darkness, and the light would only bring to your consciousness that which you have so desperately attempted to keep hidden.
you hypocrits claim self-righteously to decry violence, while babies(yes the supreme court may err at times) are burned alive and pulled apart with your consent. I hope God makes you look as ugly as you really are. It would be altogether appropriate