This book caught my attention as I was browsing books on one of the display tables at Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago. I finally got around to start reading it and could not put it down today! At the risk of bringing up one of the never-ending hot and contentious debates out there, I have to share my shock, disgust and dismay at all that I'm reading. I'm not even talking about the topic of abortion itself: pro choice, pro life, whatever. I stay informed with the news and am fully aware that those who provide abortion/women's health services are at risk for a litany of judgment, scorn, self righteous indignation from anti-extremists....but this book has blasted my eyes and mind fully open to the dangerous risk and courage they have to muster in order to simply go to work every day.
Susan Wicklund is an admirable and brave woman in my eyes, as I read about how she has dodged past radical crazed protesters. They send her hate mail, block and barricade not only her work place but her HOME, make death threats, intimidate by physical force, even being so threatening and controlling as to force her to take alternate routes when she needs to leave for work/travel, dress in disguise,etc. I can't even IMAGINE having to cope with all these things on a daily basis, especially all in the name of a JOB. The protesters who harass her and her family claim to support life/not killing babies yet have no problem being a form of domestic terrorism. Don't they realize the hypocrisy in that?
My mom says she talks about terrorism with her students in her classes, pointing out that 'terrorism' exists in this country. I asked her if that stirs quite a bit of argument for discussion, but she tells me their reaction is more dumbfounded, like they had not thought of it before...or, they simply don't respond maybe because they don't want to be the voice of ignorance or dissent. I also wondered why law enforcement cannot get involved when a fair amount of evidence suggests violent threats are harming or causing emotional and physical distress to the doctor. For example, in one instance she cannot leave her house because it is completely barricaded by protesters. When she calls the police, they tell her they can't do anything about it because it would be MORE dangerous for them to attempt breaking it up seeing as there are only one or two officers in the county versus the overpowering 50 to 100 protesters. Seriously?! What happened to the duty of 'serve and protect' at all costs? If you don't have enough cops (I understand the reality of this being an issue, as my dad has told me about the bureaucratic nature and frustrations of what he himself has to contend with now and then...but still), isn't there an emergency backup plan to be instilled for such a scenario?
I realize there are certain protocols law enforcement has to follow, but at the same time shouldn't that also apply to protocols punishing the perpetrators? Freedom of Speech is a constitutional right, but Freedom of Violence or Imposing Your Radical Beliefs on another is not. The anti-extremists can be arrested hundreds of times, but there's no harsher and more punitive punishment given thereafter for making her life a living hell....and especially to keep them away the next time around (and there's always a next time).
Despite all the risks, she doesn't give up. I am in awe of her bravery and resilience. I don't know that I could be as strong! What I really wish the radicals would take the time and open-mindedness to realize is just how much Susan Wicklund cares about human life. Some may argue this sounds like an oxymoron. Yes, she performs abortions for women who have decided to make that decision for themselves. But she, along with other staff, talk with each woman extensively beforehand in efforts to facilitate the BEST decision for a woman. This includes providing in depth counseling for a woman: being absolutely positive beyond a shadow of a doubt that she does not want to carry the pregnancy to term.
If they could just see it from that perspective, maybe they wouldn't be so quick to label her a 'murderer' with hateful, hypocritical crusades.
4 comments:
Very nicely written! You are write, though...why can't these people spend all that time and energy doing something constructive for ALL people...not just a fetus that, considering they are goign to get abortated, would probable be better off not developing...
Law Enforcement can and should get involved in the situation about which you wrote. I would like to have a face to face with those officers who said they could do NOTHING, seeing as there were two of them but 50 or so of the protesters; we have this thing called "BACK UP," where you call in the cavalry, National Guard, Marines, Hulk Hogan or whoever when the situation warrants it. Sounds to me like they weren't interested in doing their JOBS!
To clarify one point, we don't "serve and protect at all costs;" the "at all costs" is not quite accurate, in most circumstances. We are not paid to summarily sacrifice ourselves. We don't have to act when there is a greater chance that we won't survive the incident.
Very well written; although I don't think abortion should be used as an excuse for poor planning on one or two people's "parts" (no pun intended,) I do think it is appropriate in certain circumstances (ie., rape, incest, etc)
BTW, it's spelled Thonotosassa and yes, your memory serves you correctly and your description was quite accurate.
OK, Katie, the Libertarian in me has to come out. You wrote: "Freedom of Speech is a constitutional right, but Freedom of Violence or Imposing Your Radical Beliefs on another is not."
I will definitely agree with you that violence is not at all condoned within the Bill of Rights. However, the mere voicing of a contrary opinion (even if it is done with a level of civility that barbarous Scythians may be ashamed of) is also protected. Once anybody (and I do mean anybody) opens their mouth or does something which constitutes public speech, which they have a right to do, that, in of itself, does not protect them from criticism, even harsh criticism. I'm sick to death of not only my students, but also adults saying that I can't criticize their positions because they have a right to say them. I don't contest their right to say whatever, but such does not guarantee them immunity from (sometimes harsh) rebuttals.
This abortion doctor made herself public with her book and she has every right to do so. She also made herself public, I'm nearly sure, by advertising herself as one who provides such services. Therefore, she has incurred on herself the right to be criticized.
Again, these protesters are not doing their cause any good and are not doing anything to strike at the root cause of why there are some 1.3 million abortions performed in this country every year. Civility and passion, unfortunately, do not go hand in hand. However, this doctor has opened the door for herself to be criticized in such a manner. She should at least own up to her responsibility which she has been given the right to exercise per the U.S. Constitution.
Chris, Thank you for your response. I understand what you're trying to say overall, however, I feel a need to clarify a bit.This stuff was going on BEFORE she wrote the book, when she was NOT advertising/drawing attention to herself (abortion clinics are typically kept nondescript and noncommercially advertised for this very reason)....she was basically being stalked in the name of free speech at her HOME.
I agree that one cannot protect oneself from harsh criticism, but one should be able to protect oneself and feel safe from real or perceived physical threats against one's life! Wouldn't you agree?
The fact is she wrote her book BECAUSE (at least partially because) there is such hypocrisy and violence going on in the name of the abortion issue, including against her because of what she does. I don't think it was her aim to capitalize upon it, make other people feel sorry for her, or to say people cannot voice their own opinions.
I realize that civility and passion don't go hand in hand. I think her book was a hopeful attempt to steer it in that direction though.
But that's just my 'perspective' and you are entitled to yours. :)
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