Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Why the deaths of Dr. Tiller and Jim Pouillon are not comparable
1 comments
I want to send my condolences to the family of the anti-abortion activist, Jim Pouillon, who was gunned down outside a high school, as well as to the family of the business owner who was killed shortly after by the same man. Luckily, the murderer's third target was able to flee.
However tragic these deaths are, I want to take a minute to acknowledge that the death of the anti-choice activist is by no means relatable to the death of abortion provider Dr. Tiller.
While I am sure that anti-choice groups will attempt to use this to show that they are the "oppressed victims" as well, I refuse to admit that there is any kernel of truth in that. As Lauren of Choice Words points out, there are significant differences between the two murderers, namely the fact that Scott Roeder, the fellow who killed Dr. Tiller, was a known anti-abortion activist, a staunch and devout anti-choicer, whereas Harlan Drake, the killer of the anti-abortion protester, is not known to be a pro-choice activist and has not expressed any sort of pro-abortion rights sentiments, except to say that he "didn't like" the protester's graphic signs depicting late-term abortions.
HUGE difference.
However tragic these deaths are, I want to take a minute to acknowledge that the death of the anti-choice activist is by no means relatable to the death of abortion provider Dr. Tiller.
While I am sure that anti-choice groups will attempt to use this to show that they are the "oppressed victims" as well, I refuse to admit that there is any kernel of truth in that. As Lauren of Choice Words points out, there are significant differences between the two murderers, namely the fact that Scott Roeder, the fellow who killed Dr. Tiller, was a known anti-abortion activist, a staunch and devout anti-choicer, whereas Harlan Drake, the killer of the anti-abortion protester, is not known to be a pro-choice activist and has not expressed any sort of pro-abortion rights sentiments, except to say that he "didn't like" the protester's graphic signs depicting late-term abortions.
HUGE difference.
September 15, 2009 at 10:17 PM
There's some sexual or business (including possible illicit business) disagreement going on in this case. The anti-abortion folks will overlook the other victim, a gravel pit owner.