Like many across our state and our country, the MainStream Coalition was saddened and outraged by the assassination of Dr. George Tiller. But, it is sad to say, we are not shocked. Though we all knew he was in danger, it is completely reprehensible that Dr. Tiller was gunned down in what is supposed to be a place of sanctuary and peace.
The MAINStream Coalition is particularly alarmed about the heated rhetoric used in civic debates regarding abortion and reproductive rights, especially language that demonizes or de-humanizes those with whom you disagree. One of the reasons that the MainStream Coalition was founded 16 years ago was because the rhetoric and actions of those who oppose abortion rights had become scary, yet claimed religious superiority.
Today, years later, we must reinvigorate our own efforts to expose and condemn the tone and tenor of political discussion that creates an environment in which persons like Dr. Tiller and our own Chairman Emeritus Rev. Bob Meneilly are branded with epithets such as "killer" and "hate monger."
Dismissing language as unimportant is to not understand the history of the worldundefinedwe are a people of words and ideas. However, often when the use of harsh language is pointed out, the criticism is dismissed as "politically correct." So, today, with an invitational tone to all who are part of the conversation in our public square, the MAINstream Coalition comes out in favor of political correctness that means those of us in the public square will be careful with the words we choose and the labels we throw out.
Today, here in Johnson County, Kansas and across the heart of the Midwest, the time for a new voice on choice is now! The MainStream Coalition is pleased to announce the formation of our latest 1st Tuesday group, “A New Voice on Choice.”
This policy group will work on strategies to promote contraception, adoption, family planning, and comprehensive sex education. We will partner with other groups around the state to bring attention to the need for a holistic approach to reproductive policies and practice.
With the hope of curbing the hate-filled speech that preceded and perhaps inspired Dr. Tiller’s murder in his church, the MAINstream Coalition hopes to practice what we preach by approaching these issues with an open spirit and an invitation to anyone who is interested in advancing policy that respects the rights of all of us to act in ways that reflect our moral and religious understandings. No demonizing; no litmus tests.
Email us now if you want to be part of MAINstream's New Voice on Choice.