The very real anti-choice terrorist threat

There has been some debate in the wake of the Tiller assassination about free speech, and many are questioning whether the murderer was acting as a "lone wolf" or as a member of a larger terrorist network.

On The Rachel Maddow Show last week, GW constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley argued that Scott Roeder is not a terrorist but rather one crazy guy "at war with the world."



I strongly disagree with Turley's assessment of the situation. Roeder is not a loner, but an active member of the anti-choice movement. People underestimate the sophistication of the anti-choicers, evidenced by this astounding manual Amanda Marcotte of RH Reality Check brought to light last week. While four bumbling ex-cons who can't even tell they bought fake bombs are given the "terrorist" label (a categorization with which I agree) quickly and without question by law enforcement and the media, there is resistance to acknowledging the very real threat of the anti-choice movement.

Anti-choice groups have realized that the right to choose is constitutionally sound and that it is difficult to overturn Roe v. Wade through legal means, as they have been trying to do for thirty-six years. Instead, they use terror to scare abortion providers and limit the procedure's availability to women. The news has reminded us time and time again this past week that Dr. Tiller was one of the few physicians in the country who performed late abortions. The implication is that low number is due to a moral choice, when in reality so few doctors are willing to put themselves in that risky position, a choice for which I do not blame them. Dr. Tiller faced an assassination attempt in the 90s, multiple threats against himself, his family, and staff, acts of vandalism at his clinic, and millions of dollars in legal fees before his tragic murder. Those working against him were not exercising their right to free speech--they were terrorizing him, his loved ones, staff, and the women he helped everyday.

We are not dealing with people carrying a couple of "choose life" placards and rosary beads. This article from the New York Times describes the typical scene at Dr. Tiller's clinic:

"trucks bearing enormous images of bloody fetuses, the signs offering the home addresses of clinic workers, the crowd of protesters yelling to women as they enter."

They are all gone now, as the clinic remains shuttered, its future uncertain. Sadly, the future of the thousands of women Dr. Tiller served is also uncertain. They are the other victims of this terrorist act.

SOAPBOX! History of Anti-Abortion Terrorism

So I've decided to go on my soapbox today. I hope you all don't mind. I was watching a youtube clip of the Rachel Maddow Show this week where Maddow highlighted a timeline of past acts of terror and murder against abortion providers, and a few things came to mind. Check it out and tell us what you think!



This youtube clip is ironically titled "Brief History of Pro-Life Terrorism", but it's essentially an oxymoron. There's nothing pro-life about political terrorism and murder. There's nothing pro-life about honoring assassins. Anti-abortion extremists that justify their terrorist acts through arguments of morality and faith only attempt to dismiss the ethical and medical reasonings for abortion services. Therefore, the two arguments aren't even on the same page, let alone the same book! You would think we would have a greater understanding of this since we've been inundated with the "war on terrorism" for the past 8 years. How funny that we turn a blind eye to it here at home.

The one question I have is: why is mainstream media referring to Dr. Tiller's death as simply a murder. Dr. Tiller was ASSASSINATED! By making this claim, this politicizes the issue of terrorism and extremism in our country as it relates to reproductive justice. This issue can no longer be simplified and unchallenged because of differences of moral beliefs. As Maddow mentioned, "violence [is being used] as a political strategy" and these acts are "politically motivated" to "intimidate women from seeking these services". This is a political issue if history has shown a continuum of radical acts of violence against abortion providers.

In my last attempt to rant on my soapbox, I wholeheartedly wish that the dialogue among those who define themselves as "pro-choice", "anti-choice", "pro-life", "anti-abortion", and anything else in between can expand beyond life vs. abortion. This black and white dichotomy doesn't give room for the exceptional realities that lie in the gray area. Are we hearing those stories? If we stick to "objective", factual information, then maybe we can reach some plausible conclusions. Essentially, we must do right by women who have to live out their choices day in and day out, with or without the consent of those who do not live her reality. If we hope to see substantive change in our nation, let it come because we've assumed the posture of allowing true democratic freedoms to exist for everyone involved.

One more thing, check out Melissa Harris-Lacewell's article "Countering Anti-Choice Terrorism" in the Nation.

Peace.

Tiny Mini-Me Kid Terrorist Soldiers: The Explorers' Program

If you thought that our country couldn't get anymore high off of fighting terrorism...think again! The New York Times reported Wednesday on a unique coeducational training program called The Explorers in affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America. This program is designed to equip teens with skills in combating terrorism, strengthening border control, and halting "illegal immigration." 

At first glance, this may seem like nothing more than a modernized military experience for the young scouts; however the description of training activities can paint a pretty disturbing picture of the ways in which our youth are being advised to view our country's most sensitive political issues.  The Explorers offer examples of scouts "chasing down illegal border crossers", practicing drug smuggling raids on a simulated marijuana field, to "rescuing hostages from a bus taken over by terrorists" dressed in "traditional Arab dress" all while toting airsoft, plastic pellet shooting guns. 

Though I'm not against the notion of educating young people on diplomatic, peace and conflict resoultion strategies to confront issues of immigration, drug and human trafficking, and national/global security; I'm especially disguisted with the reinforcement of racist, hyper-masculine, violent indoctrination imposed on young women and men who may ultimately continue to uphold archiac, destructive political ideals.

In the words of Whitney Houston, "I believe the children are our future. Teach 'em well and let them lead the way." Well, that depends on who's doing the teaching.

Peace.