World Can't Wait

Going to Wichita: We Need a Polarization on the Side of Humanity

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Debra Sweet

 

By Debra Sweet
 
Why is World Can't Wait concerned with the murder of Dr. George Tiller, who provided abortion care of last resort for 36 years, apparently by a long-time anti-abortion protester?  
 
World Can't Wait began in 2005 with a Call to Drive Out the Bush Regime.  It said, "Your government is moving to deny women, here and around the world, access to birth control and abortion."  Under George Bush, federal and state restrictions on both, combined with the attacks on gay marriage, and the promotion of a narrow Christian fundamentalism from the White House, defined the Bush domestic program.
 
These restrictions didn't go away because Bush was replaced by Barack Obama; in fact the violence directed at abortion providers and clinics began to escalate in 2008, culminating in this outrageous act Sunday.  The 36 year long campaign by fundamentalists Christian protesters and right-wing talk show hosts that "abortion is murder" has worked on a lot of people. 
 
It's completely consistent, in their logic, for the anti-abortion movement to be "pro-life" until babies are actually born, and also to be pro-torture and pro-war. 
 
We need a different polarization on the side of humanity, where we openly defend the right of women to control their own bodies, stand up for the right of people in the US to not be surveilled by our own government.  This is consistent with our stand against torture being used by any government, for any reason, and against the unjust occupations and "war of terror" being carried out in our name. 
 
None of this happens without engagement in our society over what kind of world we want.  Just as in our efforts to stop the occupations, to stop torture by the US, the biggest need we have is for a vibrant, determined movement of people who refuse to accept either the terms set by the Cheney's, nor the leaders of the Democratic Party who tell us to seek common ground with fascists and religious fanatics.
 
I will be at George Tiller's funeral Saturday in Wichita to show my respect for him and his work.
 
Those of us who knew George, and have been in Wichita over decades defending the clinic from anti-abortion protesters are investigating a way to show our appreciation for Dr. Tiller on Sunday June 7.
 
Stay tuned for further plans as we consult with people in Wichita, and other abortion providers. The services are open to the public. If you want to join me, please come.
 
You can find me on FaceBook & follow me on Twitter for updates. Tell me what you think and help spread the word.
 
World Can't Wait's travel budget is less than zero after organizing the May protests against torture. A donation of $10 from 40 people will get me to Wichita.
 
Wherever you are, spend this week, while peoples' minds are open to the horror represented by this murder, to talk to people about abortion. Tell your stories, ask your friends and family to tell theirs. Almost half of women in this country have had abortions, and many say it saved their lives. Don't let that be a secret.

 

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World Can't Wait mobilizes people living in the United States to stand up and stop war on the world, repression and torture carried out by the US government. We take action, regardless of which political party holds power, to expose the crimes of our government, from war crimes to systematic mass incarceration, and to put humanity and the planet first.

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