Pro-Life Groups Fear Backlash After Tiller Murder

[Renegade]

Sunday, May 31, 2009

NEW YORK -- Anti-abortion leaders voiced concern Sunday that the Obama administration and other Democrats may try to capitalize on the murder of Dr. George Tiller to defuse the abortion issue in upcoming Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

Many anti-abortion groups condemned the killing of Tiller, a prominent abortion provider who was shot dead at his church in Wichita, Kansas. But they expressed concern that abortion-rights activists would use the occasion to brand the entire anti-abortion movement as extremist.

They also worried that there would now be an effort to stifle anti-abortion viewpoints during questioning of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Her exact views on abortion aren't known, but conservatives fear she supports abortion rights.

Said the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, an anti-abortion activist: "No one should use this tragedy for political gain."

Tiller, one the few American doctors specializing in late-term abortions, had been the target of repeated protests and harassment for many years, and he was wounded by gunfire from an anti-abortion activist in 1993.

"It is abhorrent that once again, individuals who oppose the right to choose have used violence to try to advance their extreme anti-choice agenda," said Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation.

"We condemn this lawless act of violence. The foundational right to life that our work is dedicated to extends to everyone. Whoever is responsible for this reprehensible violence must be brought to justice under the law," said Americans United for Life President and CEO, Dr. Charmaine Yoest, in a statement.

While many anti-abortion leaders swiftly issued statements condemning the shooting, their expressions of dismay were not echoed by Randall Terry, a veteran anti-abortion activist whose protests have often targeted Tiller.

"George Tiller was a mass murderer and we cannot stop saying that," Terry said. "He was an evil man -- his hands were covered with blood."

Terry said he was now concerned that the Obama administration "will use Tiller's killing to intimidate pro-lifers into surrendering our most effective rhetoric and actions."

A month ago, Terry was arrested protesting President Obama's appearance at the University of Notre Dame commencement. The president's graduation speech was dominated by abortion issue -- and an appeal for the nation to seek common ground instead of vitriol.

Mahoney said he had been conferring with other anti-abortion leaders about how to deal with any backlash to the Tiller killing that might undercut their cause at a time when they are trying to challenge Obama's support for abortion rights.

"I'd hope they wouldn't try to broad-brush the entire pro-life movement as some sort of extremist movement because of what happened in Wichita," Mahoney said. "That's really important -- don't use this personal loss for a political gain."

He noted that abortion is likely to be one of the most contentious issues at Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, and expressed hope that the Tiller murder would not be raised there.

Abortion rights leaders reacted to the killing with shock and determination

Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said the murder would "send a chill down the spines of the brave and courageous providers" offering abortion to American women.

"Violence and murder will never end the need for abortion," said Dr. Suzanne T. Poppema, board chair of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health. "With great sadness and discouragement we call on the government to reactivate its protection system for our nation's abortion providers."

Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women, said Tiller was aware of the dangers he faced, "yet he continued to protect his patients and provide safe and legal abortions to women in often-desperate circumstances."

She and other activists urged that Monday be observed as a national day of mourning for Tiller, as well as a day of commitment to the cause of abortion rights.

According to the National Abortion Federation, Tiller was the eighth U.S. abortion provider murdered since 1977, and 17 others had been targeted with attempted murder.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009...tiller-murder/

[clutterbug]

And right they should fear a backlash.

People are really tired of this form of terrorism. People like the anti-choice nuts are why the Patriot Act was enacted.

[Ought Six]

cb:

"People like the anti-choice nuts are why the Patriot Act was enacted."

Umm, no. That is a dangerous false belief; one the government would dearly like you to hold. The USA PATRIOT Act was passed because the fedgov desperately wanted more power over its citizens, and used the political fallout from the 9/11 attacks (not anti-abortion terrorists) as an excuse to further destroy our liberty. Any excuse would have done as well. Blaming the excuse, instead of the fedgov, for abominations like the USA PATRIOT Act is a huge mistake.

[Renegade]

Attorney General Directs U.S. Marshals to Protect Abortion Providers After Murder

Attorney general dispatches the U.S. Marshals Service to protect "appropriate people and facilities around the nation" in the wake of the murder of a late-term abortion provider.

FOXNews.com

Monday, June 01, 2009

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder dispatched the U.S. Marshals Service to protect "appropriate people and facilities around the nation" in the wake of the murder of late-term abortion provider Dr. George Tiller in Wichita, Kansas on Sunday morning.

U.S. Marshals spokesman Jeff Carter, who confirmed the new security measures, told FOX News, "I can not disclose the subjects of our security efforts as it is the policy of the U.S. Marshals not to comment on the status of any protective detail."

Anti-abortion leaders voiced concern Sunday that the Obama administration and other Democrats may try to capitalize on the murder of Tiller to defuse the abortion issue in upcoming Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

Many anti-abortion groups condemned the killing of Tiller, a prominent abortion provider who was shot dead at his church in Wichita, Kansas. But they expressed concern that abortion-rights activists would use the occasion to brand the entire anti-abortion movement as extremist.

They also worried that there would now be an effort to stifle anti-abortion viewpoints during questioning of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Her exact views on abortion aren't known, but conservatives fear she supports abortion rights.

Said the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, an anti-abortion activist: "No one should use this tragedy for political gain."

Tiller, one the few American doctors specializing in late-term abortions, had been the target of repeated protests and harassment for many years, and he was wounded by gunfire from an anti-abortion activist in 1993.

"It is abhorrent that once again, individuals who oppose the right to choose have used violence to try to advance their extreme anti-choice agenda," said Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation.

"We condemn this lawless act of violence. The foundational right to life that our work is dedicated to extends to everyone. Whoever is responsible for this reprehensible violence must be brought to justice under the law," said Americans United for Life President and CEO, Dr. Charmaine Yoest, in a statement.

While many anti-abortion leaders swiftly issued statements condemning the shooting, their expressions of dismay were not echoed by Randall Terry, a veteran anti-abortion activist whose protests have often targeted Tiller.

"George Tiller was a mass murderer and we cannot stop saying that," Terry said. "He was an evil man -- his hands were covered with blood."

Terry said he was now concerned that the Obama administration "will use Tiller's killing to intimidate pro-lifers into surrendering our most effective rhetoric and actions."

A month ago, Terry was arrested protesting President Obama's appearance at the University of Notre Dame commencement. The president's graduation speech was dominated by abortion issue -- and an appeal for the nation to seek common ground instead of vitriol.

Mahoney said he had been conferring with other anti-abortion leaders about how to deal with any backlash to the Tiller killing that might undercut their cause at a time when they are trying to challenge Obama's support for abortion rights.

"I'd hope they wouldn't try to broad-brush the entire pro-life movement as some sort of extremist movement because of what happened in Wichita," Mahoney said. "That's really important -- don't use this personal loss for a political gain."

He noted that abortion is likely to be one of the most contentious issues at Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, and expressed hope that the Tiller murder would not be raised there.

Abortion rights leaders reacted to the killing with shock and determination

Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said the murder would "send a chill down the spines of the brave and courageous providers" offering abortion to American women.

"Violence and murder will never end the need for abortion," said Dr. Suzanne T. Poppema, board chair of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health. "With great sadness and discouragement we call on the government to reactivate its protection system for our nation's abortion providers."

Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women, said Tiller was aware of the dangers he faced, "yet he continued to protect his patients and provide safe and legal abortions to women in often-desperate circumstances."

She and other activists urged that Monday be observed as a national day of mourning for Tiller, as well as a day of commitment to the cause of abortion rights.

According to the National Abortion Federation, Tiller was the eighth U.S. abortion provider murdered since 1977, and 17 others had been targeted with attempted murder.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009...tiller-murder/

[grannyclampett]

Not only will it be used against the pro-life groups but it'll also be another reason for more restrictive gun laws.

They already told us that folks who hold anti-abortion views might be terrorists. This goes nicely to their point.

[dreamseeer]

Their fear is what is wrong with this country. PC has turned people into not just sheep but outright worms that hide in the dirt.

This man MURDERED MANY VIABLE HUMAN BEINGS THAT VERY WELL COULD HAVE SURVIVED AND LIVED AND HAD A LIFE.

Don't you recall the woman pleading on a TV commercial to stop this butchery? She was an aborted baby that refused to die........lived and has a life.

HOW CAN THIS KIND OF CARNAGE BE ALLOWED JUST BECAUSE SOME ADULTS THINK IT IS OKAY TO JUST SNUFF OUT A VIABLE HUMAN LIFE AT THEIR WHIM.....IT IS OUTRIGHT MURDER. It is murder on the part of the parent that wants it done and it is murder on the person that facilitates the action.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE STUPID ADULTS KEEPING THEIR LEGS TOGETHER AND NOT JUST HAVING FUN FOR ONE NIGHT WITH NO REGARD TO THE MURDER THEY WILL CAUSE.. AH YES, IT IS JUST THAT SAME "IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT - GET RID OF IT" MENTALITY.

Granted, vigilantism may not have been a good way to go at all but why was this doctor and all those like him stopped before he could fill his lifetime with butchering babies......that could not defend themselves nor protest nor put up a fight........helpless babies.....innocent...............and murdered.

I'm not trying to think or speak for GOD but I personnally don't think GOD would be too lenient on this doctor's actions and certainly not be happy with him for is chosen career.

[dreamseeer]

Originally Posted by grannyclampett

Not only will it be used against the pro-life groups but it'll also be another reason for more restrictive gun laws.

They already told us that folks who hold anti-abortion views might be terrorists. This goes nicely to their point.

Well,,,,,,,,,,,,there ya go.

Now people who value life and the sanctity of it are terrorist.

What is wrong with this statement????????

Frankly we should start throwing it back into their faces that THEY ARE THE TERRORIST WHO ONLY SEEK DEATH OF THE HUMAN RACE.

THEY ARE THE TERRORIST WHO WORSHIP DEATH AND DYING......INSTEAD OF LIFE AND LIVING.

PATOOOIE.

People are weasels, wimps and so by their actions they are slaves........

oh yeah, and now terrorist.

Sick sick world........sick sick land we live in. Sick

And the majority in general are cowards without guts or principles or morals.

[dreamseeer]

Just announced on FoxNews that this one doctor is responsible for

60,000 abortions over his career....he started his career around 1975 when Roe VS Wade became legal.

Now on FoxNews they are debating this issue.

[dreamseeer]

This doctor is not a planned parenthood abortionist.....this doctor's specialty is not dealing with a woman whose life is in jepordy. This doctor did his Dr Mengala horror on women that just didn't want "the thing in them".

So...............so sick.

[A.T. Hagan]

Originally Posted by dreamseeer

I'm not trying to think or speak for GOD but I personnally don't think GOD would be too lenient on this doctor's actions and certainly not be happy with him for is chosen career.

But you do in fact seem to be trying to speak for God. And further seem to be tacitly endorsing homicidal lunatics who are willing to act on what they think God believes.

No matter how you try to whitewash it what was done was blatant murder. Period. Stop.

.....Alan.

[Potemkin]

Originally Posted by dreamseeer

This man MURDERED MANY VIABLE HUMAN BEINGS THAT VERY WELL COULD HAVE SURVIVED AND LIVED AND HAD A LIFE.

I find it ironic that there is little or no venom for the mothers who had these late term abortions.

And mothers it is. Why a man may have been in the decision process, remember, it is the woman who has control over her own body and makes the final decision.

These late term abortions weren't "convenience" abortions. These were abortions were a woman's life was at risk and the fetus/baby/unborn (what ever euphemism you want) was not viable after birth. (Remember the second opinion law they passed?)

I would hate to have to make this decision but I can say in the clear light of day now the risk of my wife's life isn't worth salving the conscience of a pro-lifer.

[dreamseeer]

deleted ..........its not worth the arguement.

[Ought Six]

There are two seperate and valid points here. One is that, as Alan said, what this scumbag did was murder. He does not deserve any support from anyone. The second is that our government will likely try to use this incident as justification to further erode the liberty of Americans. Pro-life activists are generally profiled as 'potential terrorists' by our fedgov, though the actual number of bona fide terrorist acts committed by this very large group is quite tiny.

[dreamseeer]

Originally Posted by Ought Six

There are two seperate and valid points here. One is that, as Alan said, what this scumbag did was murder. He does not deserve any support from anyone. The second is that our government will likely try to use this incident as justification to further erode the liberty of Americans. Pro-life activists are generally profiled as 'potential terrorists' by our fedgov, though the actual number of bona fide terrorist acts committed by this very large group is quite tiny.

Thanks for mediating.

I agree that the man was murdered.

I addressed the issue of "mother's wanting this done"

and I posted a quote from FoxNews that this doctor's specialty was NOT with women that had a life threatening situation.

It is like the posters didn't read what I posted but rather wanted to go after my opinion.

I can't imagine anyone thinking that GOD would be happy with what this man has done.

60,000 abortions by one man is a tragedy beyond comprehension.

I personally don't see how any feeling person with a conscience could support what this man did.

This is my opinion.........everybody is entitle to one and my opinion about what GOD thinks isn't the issue at all.

[frodo]

Either "Anti Abortion Activists" are domestic political terrorists, or the Taliban are "Conservative Muslim activists."

The support groups, sorry, "anrti abortion activists" deliberately recruit and convert people like Roeder.

[Ought Six]

f:

"The support groups, sorry, "anrti abortion activists" deliberately recruit and convert people like Roeder."

The only thing this statement reveals is your personal bigotry.

[Renegade]

Originally Posted by Ought Six

f:The only thing this statement reveals is your personal bigotry.

Agreed 100%.

[dyrt]

According to the laws of the US, the only person that committed murder is Roeder. No matter how much the religious folks wish it otherwise, abortion is not murder. They can work to change the law but as long as their most radical members commit violence in their name then their political aspirations will be stopped

A murder like this has huge political implications. Even though the Obamarama is keen on taking advantage of any crisis, I think this is one domestic argument that they really don't want flaring up. Comments here and around the net indicate the fire is light.

The article supports the notion that those that want to change abortion law don't want a flareup either. The political environment is bad.

The doctor's murder might very well have caused another big disruption to Obama's agenda and set back the politics of the anti-abortion activists at the same time.

[free ranger]

I wonder if the death of a young US soldier killed by a Muslim terrorist will evoke such a response...or if his death doesn't matter as much as an abortionist's death to the MSM & the pundits.

http://thisbluemarble.com/showthread.php?t=14586

[rc]

In another news story, an army recruiter was murdered by some nutcase.

If the nutcase in that case turns out to be a peace activist, will we be saying the same things about all peace activists?

And right they should fear a backlash.

People are really tired of this form of terrorism. People like the anti-war nuts are why the Patriot Act was enacted.

Attorney General Directs U.S. Marshals to Protect Army Recruiters After Murder

Either "Anti War Activists" are domestic political terrorists, or the Taliban are "Conservative Muslim activists."

The support groups, sorry, "anrti war activists" deliberately recruit and convert people like the murderer

Admittedly, there probably will be a small handful who say things like:

Granted, vigilantism may not have been a good way to go at all but why was this recruiter and all those like him stopped before he could fill his lifetime with butchering innocent civilians.

[Potemkin]

Originally Posted by dreamseeer

I addressed the issue of "mother's wanting this done"

Only in the most general "adults should keep their legs together" form.

In this procedures, mothers hold a more significant role.

Originally Posted by dreamseeer

and I posted a quote from FoxNews that this doctor's specialty was NOT with women that had a life threatening situation.

Now "Faux News" in a definitive news source.

Originally Posted by dreamseeer

I personally don't see how any feeling person with a conscience could support what this man did.

There you go "assUming".

[dyrt]

Originally Posted by free ranger

I wonder if the death of a young US soldier killed by a Muslim terrorist will evoke such a response...or if his death doesn't matter as much as an abortionist's death to the MSM & the pundits.

http://thisbluemarble.com/showthread.php?t=14586

Shall you count the words to see? How is it important?

The murderers are the same. Crazy religious people killing for political purposes. Each hoping their sacrifice will ignite the revolution that will bring their most different utopias.

If we are not careful, they will only bring the anarchist.

[vita-mines]

How does Bill O'Reilly know that every single woman was having an abortion because she just loves killing babies for fun? This doctor was certainly not kidnapping these women and forcing them to have abortions against their will, and nobody ever said he did. What makes you think that Bill O'Reilly has access to confidential patient records for every single patient, or that not a single woman in this clinic was diagnosed with cancer and needed chemo to live, or was delivering a dead or dying baby? How do you know?

One thing I have really noticed about people that call themselves "right to lifers" is that they refuse to acknowledge that many women have abortions because either they or their baby are seriously ill. It's as if they truly believe that every single woman having an abortion would be delivering a happy healthy baby with no problems at all. That's not even statisically possible, let alone likely.

Also, regarding the 60,000 abortions one doctor did, there are only 3 doctors in the entire country - 2 now that one is murdered, that do this procedure. Women are being sent to him because there's nobody else available. That implies that women in the first trimester are getting their abortions elsewhere, and he was dealing exclusively with women that could not.

Being a woman personally, I can understand the idea that childbirth can sometimes be dangerous, particularly for women with some type of health problem. Bill O'Reilly dismissing women as "being a little depressed and deciding to execute their baby" is just ridiculous. If they were a little bit depressed they would be getting some type of medical help for that. Almost all pregnant women are under a doctor's care.

To a woman, this just sounds like you think women are worthless and should be executed for not being able to carry a fetus to term. That's what not being able to get an abortion means for some high risk women. Death. And nobody values the woman - she's supposed to be murdered for the crime of not being able to deliver a healthy baby. How do you think that makes a woman feel? Especially since all the people saying abortion doctors should be murdered are men. You must really hate us if you want us to die.

I know you think you should be able to advocate terrorism against womens' doctors with impunity, and nobody should have the nerve to argue against you. But I will, because you should THINK about what this means to women. If you don't want us to control our own bodies, then who do you think you are? Our owners? I don't even know you. You don't own me. Flame away. I don't care.

[frodo]

If the nutcase in that case turns out to be a peace activist, will we be saying the same things about all peace activists?

Absolutely Yes, but only about the particular supporters group.

As we know, there are Islamic clubs and groups then there are other Islamic groups with a more nefarious purpose.

[Ought Six]

v-m:

"How does Bill O'Reilly know that every single woman was having an abortion because she just loves killing babies for fun?"

I am no O'Reilly fan, but I would bet he never said anything even remotely like this. This is a profoundly dumb statement.
----------

"One thing I have really noticed about people that call themselves "right to lifers" is that they refuse to acknowledge that many women have abortions because either they or their baby are seriously ill."

False. I have seen lots of debate where pro-lifers talk extensively about women having abortions for this very reason. They usually compare it to Nazi eugenics programs, which is IMO a pretty retarded argument.
----------

"To a woman, this just sounds like you think women are worthless and should be executed for not being able to carry a fetus to term. That's what not being able to get an abortion means for some high risk women. Death. And nobody values the woman - she's supposed to be murdered for the crime of not being able to deliver a healthy baby. How do you think that makes a woman feel? Especially since all the people saying abortion doctors should be murdered are men. You must really hate us if you want us to die."

This is an extremely twisted way to look at it. I have never seen any indication that such a view exists among pro-lifers.
----------

"I know you think you should be able to advocate terrorism against womens' doctors with impunity, and nobody should have the nerve to argue against you."

I do not think that anyone on this thread feels that way. You are spouting BS.
----------

"Flame away. I don't care."

Then do not expect anyone to give a damn about your rant. Instead, you might try a little less emotion and a little more reason.