Comments on: First Person Dispatch: Why I wake up early on Saturdays

By: Larissa

Larissa — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:35:24 +0000

Wow. This was a really powerful & moving piece. Thanks for sharing this.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:33:26 +0000

When I read it on your blog I found it really moving but it’s just as powerful on the second read. Such an important story.

By: Gabriela Garcia

Gabriela Garcia — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:04:54 +0000

Eye opening and beautiful writing. Thanks for this!

By: Abbie

Abbie — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:34:11 +0000

I pretty much agree with the other comments – powerful, intense, and moving. Thank you.

By: Heather Carreiro

Heather Carreiro — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:53:35 +0000

Wow. Linda this is an awesome piece. I’ve never seen a protest at a clinic so this was really eye opening. I can’t imagine how stressful it must be for the women who are trying to get in. I just kept thinking about how much more effective it would be for the protestors to work at crisis pregnancy centers, offer to help pregnant women financially, help arrange adoptions etc. if they actually wanted to lessen the number of abortions that happen. Statistics clearly show that abortion is more often an economic choice than a “religious” choice, and I don’t see how accosting pregnant women who are already making a difficult choice is going to prevent any abortions. Maybe the protesters scare them off, but then unfortunately they may resort to other ways.

By: Leigh

Leigh — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:33:13 +0000

Of course! Your presentation of it, though, with no state judgment allowed that frustration to come through very powerfully.

Those folk who stand on their knees praying and shouting at others are an interesting bunch. I spent some time talking with and taking photos of a group of them who protested outside of a women’s clinic when I lived in Buffalo.

It amazes me how people feel that screaming and being abusive is God’s work. I suppose falling under the by any means necessary category?

By contrast, your understated actions and words ring far more clear and true.

By: Linda

Linda — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:13:43 +0000

Wow! Thanks everyone. I was nervous about first publishing this to my blog (which gets like, three hits and maybe a few more when I actually do MatU assignment), and more nervous about putting it out where there’s actually traffic. Relieved at what the response has been so far. I can do the Saturday mornings, but I can’t do the arguing that many people wish to engage in on the sidewalk (or the internet).

@Leigh – The “c’est la vie” was an incredibly frustrating response to hear, because actually, no, dying because you don’t know what to do with your pregnant self should NOT be life.

@Kate – I’ve only been in Louisville since September. I’d like it a lot more if it stopped snowing.

@Norma Boyd – I’ve directed escorts over here, so I hope they see your comment.

Finally, if anyone is interested, other escorts, some who have been doing this for years, blog at everysaturdaymorning.com.

By: Sophie

Sophie — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:29:27 +0000

Very evocative and well-written piece! Thanks!

By: Sej

Sej — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:06:19 +0000

Such a beautiful and powerful piece, Linda! It had me in tears. Looking forward to reading more of your stuff.

By: Lola

Lola — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:52:50 +0000

Thanks for taking us along on this powerful ride, Linda!