The US Supreme Court has overturned the Massachusetts version of a law that requires protesters at abortion clinics to stay a certain distance in feet away from the entrance as a violation of free speech in a matter of life and death. Though it may be upsetting for clients seeking abortions, think of the valuable pro-life precedent this case might set.
A Good Pro-Life Precedent
Ted Rall
Ted Rall is a syndicated political cartoonist for Andrews McMeel Syndication, WhoWhatWhy.org and Counterpoint. He is a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal, a graphic novelist and author of many books of art and prose, and an occasional war correspondent. He is, recently, the author of the graphic novel "The Stringer."
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Many years ago, a lady friend of mine called & said her appointment at ‘the clinic’ was that afternoon. Only she was afraid to go because the radio said there were protesters down there. I wound up taking the day off work.
We pulled up and there was a noisy mob out front, pretty much blocking the path. I picked out the biggest guy, pointed at him & started walking directly towards him, friend in tow. I was prepared to go over, under, or through & I suspect the look on my face made that plain. He evidently wasn’t as dumb as he looked. He moved, and all of a sudden the path was clear.
Just as we went in the door, a woman SCREAMED right in my friend’s face, “DON”T KILL YOUR BABY!”
That’s not free speech. That’s intimidation. Blocking a clinic door is a violation of *her* right to freedom of movement. Making her believe she is in physical danger is assault. Pretending to be a ‘pregnancy counselor’ is fraud. We shouldn’t have to enact laws just to get people to behave decently – but if that’s what it takes, I can live with it. Her rights outweigh those of the idiot protesters.
Most of my friends are now above the age where they have to worry about unwanted pregnancies – but I still stand ready as an escort for anyone who asks. Getting a opportunity to wallop some hardhearted, overbearing, superstitious jackass is just icing on the cake…
I once escorted a frightened woman to visit a clinic that also performed abortions.
I escorted her with an aluminum baseball bat, ready to abort some wacko’s brain in the event of hostile actions intended to do harm.
Being a pacifist only means you’re opposed to violence, not that you’re incapable – given cause.
The Shaolin monks are pacifists, and also some of the greatest hand-to-hand fighters on the planet. (yeah, I know they’ve sorta sold out; but they still train up some incredible athletes.)
Too many conflate passivism with pacifism.
So you’re ok with threats and intimidation and assault and fraud and denying the rights of women who are merely trying to get a medical procedure(as eloquently described by Crazyh above)?
You’re wrong on a regular and consistent basis, but this is the first time you’ve ever been disgusting.
Look up in the sky, Whimsical: it’s the point of this cartoon flying way, way over your head. I bet this happens a lot.
Not at all. The point is, like most “progressives” that Ted is ok with things going to hell as long as it means he gets to express his hurt fee-fee’s in Obama’s face.
Its disgusting personally, and a large part of the reason “progressives” are so hideously ineffective politically.
You are almost as funny as Ted’s cartoon.
Not quite, but almost.
Perhaps the precedent will also apply to army bases, diplomatic (CIA) outposts, gulf state (western side) embassies, TX open carry enthusiasts, and funerals (oops, that was a earlier precedent).
Another upside to this decision is that the “free speech zones” at party conventions will have to be eliminated. No more preemptive self incarceration will be required in order to exempt oneself from the preemptive clubbings that have become traditional at these conventions.
The bad news for me is that my plans to market mobile “free speech zone” cages may take a hit.
Well, Ted, on one notable occasion some five years ago a certain Addison Graves Wilson interrupted Mr Obama’s State of the Union speech to a joint session of the US Congress to call him a «liar». He also seems to like red shirts (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_070625-N-3642E-582_Sgt._Matt_Piano_briefs_the_safety_procedure_to_firing_a_M136_AT4_to_the_Secretary_of_the_Navy_%28SECNAV%29_The_Honorable_Dr._Donald_C._Winter_and_Rep._Joe_Wilson,_left,_2nd_South_Carolina_Congressional_Di.jpg) and the military. The perfect choice to call the Droner-in-Chief a murderer ?…
Henri
Whim, I’m pretty sure Ted is pointing out the hypocracy of the decision because we all know they’ll never allow the second panel to happen. But in the alternative universe where panel 2 is feasible I’d call it a fair trade.