Stand Out For Life

Despite the threat of rain, more than 50 of us gathered outside Planned Parenthood this morning (June 23) for Stand Our For Life.

The rally included a rosary, silent prayers, and songs.

One of the clinic escorts actually began to cry. We don't know if our message of love began to touch her - I'd like to think that. Of course, it could have been frustration that they could do nothing to stop us, or that the pro-life side is winning more and more.

Interestingly, the police showed up. Our rally leader, small child in arms, went over and talked to the three officer. Then the police approached the escorts. After a few minutes the police stood off to the side, chatting amicably with the prolifers. We were not told to move or to stop.

We'll be back in July.

Pax et bonum

So ... Trump approved funding for Planned Parenthood?

By signing the budget he apparently did fund Planned Parenthood again to the tune of $500 million. And he also approved funding for "population control" in other lands.

So much for the GOP siding with pro-lifers.

Pax et bonum

New Budget Funds Planned Parenthood????

If the reports are accurate, the new Federal (massive and almost unreadable) budget once again funds Planned Parenthood.

If that is the case - and several sources say that it is - then the Republicans once again have betrayed their pro-life supporters.

I pray this is incorrect, or that there is something in the works to cut funding.

But as for me, this kind of situation is one reason I am not a registered Republican.

I hate feeling used.

Pax et bonum

At Planned Parenthood (Rosary)

woman gives finger
to group saying rosary -
who's more violent?

Pax et bonum

40 Days for Life - one early Saturday morning

I was outside Planned Parenthood shortly after 7 a.m. this morning holding up my 40 Days for Life sign ("Pray For An End To Abortion") saying a rosary when a driver pulled up to me.

Not know what to expect I said good morning through his open window.

He greeted me back, and said that abortion is wrong (phew), but it won't change until the government does.

I agreed that the government has to change, but noted that the current administration is cutting back on Planned Parenthood /abortion funding, and we have a chance to change the Supreme Court.

He thought it was good to cut their funding, then repeated the government has to do something.

I said that I thought Planned Parenthood is getting scared they will lose funding and that the laws will change, and that I'm more optimistic.

He said that's good, then drove off.

Several other people drove or walked by and gave a thumbs up or waved. Only one person gave me the finger.

A woman walked behind me. I said, "Good morning." She responded in kind, then asked what my sign said. She walked in front of me, read it, and commented that it would be good if we could get rid of abortion. We chatted for a moment, then she wished me well and turned to leave. I said "God bless." She nodded, then continued down the street.

As staff arrived at the clinic I turned my sign toward them. I kept smiling - and hoping that their hearts will be touched. I prayed for them.

I'm optimistic.

I sense things are slowly changing.

Pax et bonum

At Planned Parenthood

at Planned Parenthood
crows cry as the staff arrives -
clouds heavy with rain

I went to hold vigil outside Planned Parenthood this morning as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign.

I got there at 7, picked up a sign (PRAY FOR AN END TO ABORTION), and took a position in front of the clinic. There are lines in the sidewalk based on an old court injunction prohibiting certain people and groups from protesting too close to the clinic's parking lot entrance. But I'm not named in the injunction, nor am I a member of any group named in it. So, I stood beyond the line, not blocking entrance in any way, but clearly visible.

I said a Rosary, and began to sing quietly a few pro-life songs and hymns, mixing in repetitions of "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

About 7:20, a vehicle pulled in to the parking lot. Crows in the trees began to call out. Over the next 20 minutes or so more cars arrived.

At about 7:45 a man from the clinic with a Planned Parenthood identification approached me. We exchanged a few pleasantries - good morning, are you a Red Sox fan (my hat), when I said yes he  "jokingly" said to get out of there, I laughed as said he must be a Yankee fan.

Then he said because of the court order I had to go back on the other side of the line.

I pointed out that I was aware of the old court order, but explained that the order applied only to certain named individuals and groups - and that I was not one of the named individuals and did not belong to any of the groups. I said I would not move.

He asked me to show him the court order. I replied that he had to show me the order (after all, he was the one demanding that I move).

He said he had a copy and would go get it.

He left.

He did not return, though, to be fair, I was only there for a few minutes more. 

I kept praying where I was until my shift ended at 8.

I then left.

I will be back.

Pax et bonum

The myth of no alternatives to Planned Parenthood

Some folks on the prochoice side have been touting Planned Parenthood clinics as health care providers arguing that Planned Parenthood is the only health care options for many women.

That claim is not quite true.

 

Pax et bonum

X-Files Cigarette Smoking Man - and Planned Parenthood

So, Cecile Richards, you have a supply of human tissue.

I know some people who could use such a supply.

There'll be generous compensation.

We'll call it a handling fee.

Just don't ask questions.

And don't answer any.

At least not honestly.

Care for a cigarette?

Pax et bonum