grodscorp@grods.comEmotional terrorism hits home
 | Posted by Ant Rogenous on Thursday 13 March 2008, 1:49 pm Categories: Life, Religion Tags: abortion, Christianity, FertilityControlClinic, passive-aggression, zealotry |
Every time I’m riding a tram down Wellington Parade in East Melbourne, I have to stop myself from alighting at the Fertility Control Clinic and breaking the necks of the anti-abortion protesters who stand at the gate terrorising passers-by and patients with graphic posters of maimed foetuses.
I am neither pro nor anti-abortion, but I virulently oppose this kind of wanton emotional violence.
Contrary to what these zealots seem to believe, the decision to have an abortion is not undertaken lightly. The overwhelming number of people who use abortion clinics do so under extreme stress, and arrive there having made the most excruciating decision of their lives.
Do these (mostly Christian) crusaders honestly believe their god would condone their judgemental bullying, or even reward them for it in the hereafter? The god I learned about in 15-odd years of Catholic catechism would take a particularly dim view of such despicable passive-aggression.
Anyway, my contempt for these people was thrown into sharp relief today when I received an email from my wife, E. She’d returned home from a walk with Baby Rogenous to find an anti-abortion leaflet in the letterbox, containing several bloody photographs of aborted foetuses.
E and I suffered the pain of a miscarriage two years ago. It hasn’t gone away; I suspect it never will. She was, understandably, distraught upon seeing the pictures.
Do the people who peddle this kind of indiscriminate emotional terrorism give a fuck? Does the elderly woman next door to us, who in her youth suffered years of failed attempts at pregnancy, have anything to gain by seeing these images?
What of the people who receive this leaflet who have had abortions, and who might be battling the demons of regret — as many do for the rest of their lives? Does it persuade them any more than the residual torment of their procedure already has that abortion is a course of action not to be taken lightly? That it’s morally wrong?
Does enforced guilt serve any purpose other than to compound remorse or suffering? Has guilt ever helped anyone make a resolution for the right reasons?
I don’t think I’ve ever been more appalled than I am today. For the safety of the ever-present East Melbourne protesters, I think I’ll catch the train home tonight.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 2:05 pm #keri
Well said, Ant. Well said.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 2:24 pm #Jeremy
Damn right. It would take a lot to provoke me to violence, but those thugs and bullies get closer than I’m comfortable with.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 2:32 pm #Wah
MK and his bully boys harp on about the threat of Islamic fundamentalists in Australia, while we have our own Christian fundies here.
Some nutter shot a security guard at this clinic once, he would have shot a lot more people but for the bravery of two guys who tackled him.
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/stories/s330340.htm
Thursday 13 March 2008, 2:44 pm #AV
Ah, yes: the appeal to disgust. The last refuge of those who are either unable to unwilling to defend their position with reasoned argument and evidence. “Defending” fetuses by turning them into kiddie snuff porn. If these dendrite-starved fundies had more than a brain cell between them, they might recognise the irony.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 2:50 pm #The Editor
I too used to live down the road from these sorry excuse for “Christians” and I too used to consider getting off the tram and having a few stern words every day on the way to uni.
They are the epitome of everything that’s wrong and contrary about hardcore religion.
“Do the people who peddle this kind of indiscriminate emotional terrorism give a fuck?”
Of course they don’t. They are so full of self-righteous self-love that there’s no room in their heads or hearts to think about other people.
Speaking of self-love, the guys have only ever had sex as many times as they’ve had kids (plus one hooker a year at Christmas) so they’re probably big Fleshlight fans.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 2:57 pm #Ant Rogenous
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the (Flesh)light. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:00 pm #keri
Fuckers. If I had to walk past them, they’d be getting a piece of my mind, that’s for damn sure.
I’m sorry your wife had to come home to that, Ant.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:00 pm #The Editor
Solid gold, Ant. I think we just found the new GrodsMotto. I’m putting it into the random quote generator in the header.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:03 pm #Ant Rogenous
Thanks Keri. At least it gave me the chance to blog about something other than Fleshlights. Oh, wait…
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:06 pm #keri
Oh, Ant. The day you don’t mention Fleshlights it the day I really start to worry.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:09 pm #EC
What Keri said Ant.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:09 pm #Dave from Albury
I’m quite proud of my Catholic upbringing, I personally could not condone an abortion where I was responsible for the conception, however I share your absolute disgust for these self righteous cunts.
These Old Testament, guilt and damnation obsessed fuckwits are a stain on Christianity who have no place in the 21st century. If you follow the spurious arguments of these pricks all you find is a bunch of arseholes who want to repress women wherever possible. It’s not about religion, it’s not about saving babies, it’s a disgusting attempt to marginalise and control women, nothing more.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:13 pm #Ant Rogenous
Thanks EC.
And Dave, that’s a terrific passage — sums things up beautifully.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:14 pm #EC
Well I meant this bit of what Keri said -
“Fuckers. If I had to walk past them, they’d be getting a piece of my mind, that’s for damn sure.I’m sorry your wife had to come home to that, Ant.”
Anyhoo, fleshlights! Dozens of them to beat the fuck out of the Christian bullying fuckwits with!
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:37 pm #Ant Rogenous
That’d be a waste of a dozen perfectly good Fleshlights, EC.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 3:53 pm #Damian
Good on ya, Ant.
Fucking professional protesters. Get a life.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 4:05 pm #Dave from Albury
Beating is too good for these people, besides which it only fulfils their martyrdom fantasies.
It amazes me, after spending time at Church every weekend for the first eighteen years of my life, what people claim to be doing in the name of Christianity. I think if I had grown up in the USA, where these nutjobs appear to be even more prevalent, I probably would have become an atheist by now.
We have this sort of crap outside an abortion clinic here in Albury and if I have to drive past I can feel my blood boiling. I reject the impulse to run them all down and simply hope that their faith is well founded and that they are ready for whatever judgement awaits them.
Ant, apologies for focussing on my own anger first and foremost, I hope that you and E can focus on dealing once more with your own grief rather than these vile creatures.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 4:07 pm #Bridgit Gread
Given that these fundy nutcases would joyfully support the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran (coming soon to a Middle-Eastern theatre near you) we should go down there with some pictures of Muslim children rendered limbless or headless with US artillery. Give ‘em a taste of their own pathetic medicine and see how they answer.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 4:20 pm #Ant Rogenous
No problem at all, Dave — I agreed with your post 100 per cent.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 4:28 pm #krypto
I always remember the story of a young Irish woman (southern Ireland) who was raped and discovered she was pregnant as a result.
Understandably less than keen to bear the child of a scumbag like that, she travelled to London to have a termination.
When she returned SHE was charged.
No charges were laid against her rapist.
THIS is why there NEEDS to be safe, legal access to pregnancy termination for women.
Abortion is not pleasant, making it illegal is INFINITELY worse.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 4:49 pm #Skeptic
A friend of mine used to work at the clinic where the security guard was shot.
The crap the employees, not to mention patients, had to put up with from the nutters outside was just disgraceful.
A pox on their houses.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 4:56 pm #John Surname
Very well said, Ant. Kudos.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 5:28 pm #THR
AV said:
Ah, yes: the appeal to disgust. The last refuge of those who are either unable to unwilling to defend their position with reasoned argument and evidence. “Defending” fetuses by turning them into kiddie snuff porn.
Kind of analogous to the poo-and-entrails ‘art’ that the same Tory types like to rail against, and hold as a symbol of society’s degeneracy.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 6:05 pm #Zombie Mao
Religon. Shit it.
- Stephen Fry
Thursday 13 March 2008, 7:46 pm #Mikey
Concur. They are fuckwits. I’ve seen them in action. Typically look like recovering alcoholics from the Y too.
Favourite clinic story was the one from the US where fundies were protesting. One one of the days the protest wasn’t on one of the fundy women came in with her daughter to get a termination. The next day both of them were in the resumed protest party.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 8:16 pm #Dave from Albury
Mikey, I heard an abortion Doctor from the US tell a similar story, apparently that sort of thing isn’t at all uncommon. It just adds to the WTF factor of the whole thing.
Thursday 13 March 2008, 9:51 pm #magic bellybutton
Fuckers.
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 10:09 am #Suburban Marxist
Some nutter shot a security guard at this clinic once, he would have shot a lot more people but for the bravery of two guys who tackled him.
I believe this is the only example of religious inspired terrorism in Australia in recent memory…committed by an Xtian no less…
Also, if these people are ‘pro-life’, how come we never see them at anti-war rallies?
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 11:50 am #Bron
Fuckers, indeed, as someone already said.
This sort of thing makes me furious, especially when people like you and your wife, given your sad loss, Ant, have to be confronted with this insensitive and cruel crap.
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 12:17 pm #Suburban Marxist
Maybe a counter-demo needs to be organised to drive them off the streets..?
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 12:52 pm #Bron
I’ve often wondered what would happen if there was a counter-response. Would they dig their heels in, in the belief of their righteous Godly indignation, or would they be cowed into running away?
Leafletting - pictures of women dying from illegal and/or unsafe backyard abortions. Would that make them see the sense of having a safe, viable abortion clinic, even if they don’t like the idea of abortion per se?
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 12:55 pm #keri
It takes time, patience and a fairly moderate response, Bron. It’s been done before at a clinic in the West, but it took eight weeks of anti-picketing (Running cake stalls in front of them donating the money raised to family planning charities) to get it done.
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 12:58 pm #Damian
Bron, I reckon they’d shit themselves if a group of people stood up to them. They’d start off mouthing all of their slogans, they’d look around for supporters, then they’d claim their free speech was being trampled, then they’d leave.
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 12:59 pm #Damian
Keri, that’s awesome. A classic example of nonviolent political action - with lamingtons. Hello progressive Strayer!
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 1:07 pm #keri
I still reckon if they had Lamingtons in the Middle East it’d be problem solved.
You can’t shoot someone when you’re trying to get coconut off your uniform, can you?
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 1:09 pm #Damian
Keri, thx 4 da lolz.
If only the Late Show had worked a few lamingtons into their Arafat-tea towel sketches…
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 1:20 pm #Ant Rogenous
I still giggle when I think of Sitch’s Arafat bragging about winning first prize in a Ringo Starr-lookalike competition.
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 2:01 pm #Bron
Oooh lamington, I shoulda bought that for my snack just now, instead of the tasty strawberry-topped doughnut. Lamingtons = the answer to all wars and general crankiness caused by people who hog the whole footpath and walk verrrry slowly in humid weather.
I should be complaining on Jeremy’s special whinge post. Never mind, I’m sure I can complain some more. It’s my specialty.
“It takes time, patience and a fairly moderate response…” - yes, I agree that’s the best response, Keri. Just not in this heat/humidity, cos who’s got time or patience when the cold waters of the beach is calling?!
Damian, yeah I reckon that’d be what they’d (they being anti-abortionist picketer dickheads) do, in that order too.
So, who’s up for picketing against the picketers this winter?
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 2:07 pm #Ant Rogenous
So, who’s up for picketing against the picketers this winter?
Honestly, Bron, I have neither the patience nor the restraint for that. I admire those who do, of course, but I don’t think I could trust myself around those barbarians — which worries me, since I’m not at all violent.
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 2:15 pm #Suburban Marxist
So, who’s up for picketing against the picketers this winter?
I’ll be there! Although its usually better to have superior numbers in this type of situation in case the Xtians turn nasty.
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 2:27 pm #Bron
I understand, Ant. I’m not a violent person either (but I’m good at shouting insulting epithets!).
Suburban Marxist, true: the larger the numbers, the more effective the message would be, let alone the safety factor should they turn nasty! And they will turn nasty - fundamentalist Christianity has always had an odd habit of attracting a few loose screws. (Or is that “lose”? Mr The Editor? You’ll know…)
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 2:34 pm #Damian
Perhaps a targeted missile strike would be best. Somalia-style. We just have to convince Shrub that these numbskulls are “terrists” and we’ll be right.
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 4:51 pm #Suburban Marxist
Well perhaps we should put out a call on the Left/liberal blogosphere in regards to calling a rally?
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 5:09 pm #THR
I’d be up for some old-fashioned rallyin’ if need be. Based on mainstream public opinion in Australia, the ‘pro-lifers’ should definitely not have the numbers.
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 5:42 pm #Bron
If a definite date is set, I’d be happy to fly down to Melbourne.
(When it’s cooler, of course……….)
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 6:13 pm #Terry Wright
Damian: that these numbskulls are “terrists” and we’ll be right
What about ‘terryists’?
Tuesday 18 March 2008, 6:39 pm #Bron
Do I need to remind everyone of the Chaser’s hilarious “Terry Wrist” gag at the airport?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FkYPV7Iwu4
Sunday 23 March 2008, 2:16 am #Dr. Cam
Peeps might be interested to know that there are regular clinic defence rallies on the fourth saturday of every month.
Tuesday 25 March 2008, 3:43 am #Dr. Cam
These are the details of the next clinic defence rally. There will prob. be at least 80 RTLers, so it would be good to get as many people as possible along.
Tuesday 25 March 2008, 7:27 am #The Editor
I might just be there. Thanks for the details, Dr. C.
Tuesday 25 March 2008, 10:11 am #Ant Rogenous
Thanks Dr Cam.
Wednesday 13 May 2009, 1:17 am #Cntlemre
last week i was suspicious that i was pregnant. 3 pregnancy tests confirmed that i was. i wanted to keep it more than anything as I was against abortions, but my boyfriend and i knew that we were not ready for a child yet. earlier this year i did an oral presentation on abortions, getting an A. Researching this made me 100% against abortions but what i realize now is that you can never consider ALL of the negatives and positives of terminations of pregnancies. i cannot stress just how hard it is to decide on this unfortunate decision, i have never cried so much in my life. i ended up having the procedure done yesterday, an hour after finding out i was almost 5 weeks pregnant. at 3 weeks the fetus has a heartbeat, that made me cry. i hate myself for this. i went to the fertility control clinic on wellington parade in east melbourne, and as if i wasnt feeling as bad enough already that morning, there stood a bloody bunch of protesters with their signs and posters of aborted babies. what the fuck are you trying to do? as if we do not already feel remorse and guilt for deciding on this decision after many, MANY nights of thinking. i was so upset i wanted to kick their signs down and spit in their faces.
Wednesday 13 May 2009, 7:33 am #Ant Rogenous
Hi Cntlemre,
I’m really sorry that, firstly, you had to make that difficult decision and, secondly, you were subjected to cruelty and harassment outside the clinic. Yours was exactly the kind of story I had in mind when I wrote this post about these bastards.
I hope you’re able to find the support and love you need during this time.
Take care, Ant.
Wednesday 13 May 2009, 2:27 pm #Cntlemre
thank you so much. i realize that my post was so late as opposed to others before mine, i do apologize. i cry alot cos everything comes rushing back to me and what haunts me the most are those bloody protesters and their photos!
Wednesday 13 May 2009, 3:40 pm #Bron
I’m so sorry you’re in a lot of pain, Cntlemre. Those bloody protestors do more harm than good, despite what they think. Most of us here share the same revulsion and disgust for these protestors.
I hope things get better for you soon and, as Ant said, that you have the support and love you need during this time.
By the way, no need to apologise for posting your comments “late”. It’s all good.
Wednesday 13 May 2009, 6:27 pm #Cntlemre
When I was doing my research on abortions earlier this year, i was against abortions but not to the extent where i would spend my days protesting against it. luckily they werent outside when i was allowed home, cos if they were, i wouldve cried on the spot. even in the daytime where its sunny and i can see clearly, i still feel like im on that operating bed in the blue gown and the protesters are still outside. i wish i could wish it all away but i cant..