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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Language: Today's phrases are "domestic terrorism" and "anti-choice"

In the slew of reports about Dr. Tiller's death, there are those that mourn him for the services he provided for women, and there are those whose hatred of a woman's right to choose runs so deep that they have asserted that his death is just. The paradox that is the anti-choice movement (valuing life, yet finding justification in killing in the name of that "life") continues to astound me. This illogical notion can only mean that they're real movement is about controlling a woman's body. These "pro-lifers" don't give a shit about life once it's here--if they did they would be more involved with organizations that help children, or help adults. They're all about forcing women into giving birth to children, but they do nothing to help them. And clearly the lives of adults don't mean shit to them, since comments all over the internet are filled with the vicious bile that Tiller got what he deserved (I'm not even going to quote specific comments--it's just too disgusting). Yes, that's so "pro-life" of you, assholes.

As I've already pointed out, the word "terrorist" has become a term that describes non-whites, usually non-Americans. The death of Dr. Tiller illustrates an act of terrorism, yet the general outcry is not referring to the suspect as such, nor the act as an act of terrorism. Which makes this article unique, and to which I respond with an exultant "Thank you" to the author. The opening paragraph states:

The murder of Dr. George Tiller, who was shot to death as he stood in the foyer of his church in Wichita, Kan., on Sunday morning, was a reprehensible act of domestic terrorism directed toward the dwindling cadre of physicians who risk their safety to perform legal medical procedures.
The article also uses the more accurate label of "anti-choice" to refer to those who pretend to be "pro-life."

Renee at Womanist Musings has a post up about who is responsible for the death of Dr. Tiller. She states:

Speech is how we organize our social discourse and when we add this to the power that a man like Bill O’Reilly exists with, it has the ability to cause real damage or as in the case of Dr. Tiller death. It is simply impossible to deny that there is a link and therefore the right to be offensive does not lead to a free society. Using veiled language to encourage those already existing in fringe groups to ferment in their hatred is the same as loading the weapon that shot Dr. Tiller. As much as the right wing pro birth movement would like to pass this off as the act of a lone individual, each person that consumed shows like O’Reilly and or directly or indirectly supported his speech, participated in ending a life. For people who believe in life, they certainly have actively worked to ensure that Dr. Tillers ended far too soon.

Dr. Tiller is certainly a man who will be missed; this tragedy has cost us more than just a man's life.

For more information, check out the following links:

Updates of the Murder of Dr. Tiller
A list of links for more information on Dr. Tiller's death, as well as some actions you can take, such as sending condolences, and donating to pro-choice organizations.

...excuse me?
Jill's problems with the use of the word "abortionist."

I Write Letters

Liss' letter to Obama regarding Dr. Tiller's death in which she points out the disparity in this "debate."

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