Tonight, a vigil for Tiller in Houston; Saturday I'll be a client escort.

Tonight about 150 people showed up at Planned Parenthood in Houston for a memorial vigil for Dr. Tiller. People who knew him spoke, recalling memories of him, especially how much he truly cared about his patients, what a devoted family man he was, and how kind and unassuming he was despite his celebrity status among people who fight for our rights. It was very moving. It was also standing room only. More people came than expected apparently. After the service, we each went outside and tied a black ribbon into a bow around a piece of the decorative metalwork on the outside of the building. It was very solemn.

I have been a volunteer escort several times during anti-abortion protest events called "40 Days of Harassment." I spoke to 2 people I met who had never volunteered or had anything to do with Planned Parenthood before, but they were so angered by the murder that they felt compelled to attend the vigil. Both planned to volunteer as well. I hope that this is what Dr Tiller's legacy will be... a new force of people newly dedicated to working for a cause they may have taken for granted before... maybe because they hadn't needed the service themselves.

Saturday is an idiotic national anti-choice event called "the pill kills." I'll be there in case I need to block anyone from confronting a client. I have only actually had to put my body between a protester and client once... the rest of the times were pretty quiet... but I was glad I was there at that moment.

Please check with your local clinics to see if they need any client escorts. You would want someone to be there for you if you were the one walking through the door.

If you can't volunteer, the one I go to keeps bottled waters, cookies, etc for the escorts for while we are working. The ones near you might need supplies or donations in addition to volunteer help.

But I'll be there with you Saturday and donated to PP Houston in honor of Dr. Tiller.

:pals:

:bounce: :fistbump:

K&R

if only I didn't work full time!

Thanks for the rec! :pals:

They don't want to prevent pregnancies, they don't want to pay welfare...

These people are NOT Christians!

I don't recall where I heard that... I think it was in a parody song. Seriously though... the hardcore fundies think it is as sinful to prevent pregnancy as it is to end one... crazy? Yes, but crazy they are.

That's a good crowd to show their respects. I wonder if it will make the local news.

I have the DVR set!

Thank you Lisa for stepping up to help. :applause:

Our vigil in memory of Dr. Tiller will be tomorrow in Austin.

Sonia

I hope it is nice and has good attendance.

:pals:

Planned parenthood of SE Texas, Inc. v. Operation Rescue etal.

The anti-abortion nuts started raising hell in Houston during the '92 Republican Convention. PP got a temporary injunction then.

It went to trial in 1994 and it was very traumatic to look at those people -- Randall Terry, Don Treshman, Flip Benham and their attorneys.

Those people are very very scary.

but I have read about it since. Really scary shit. But now I am a middle aged bad ass who won't back down! LOL! But seriously... I worry, but feel strongly enough to stand up.