In 1963-1964 the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama was a scene of numerous efforts to bring peaceful attention to the denial of a civil right (right to vote) among Americans (particularly African Americans). On Saturday June 14, 2009 another effort was launched to bring peaceful attention to the denial of a civil right (right to life) among Americans (unborn Americans). This Civil Rights March for the Unborn started with a march across the Pettus bridge in Selma, Alabama and ended with an address by Dr. Alveda King in front of the Alabama State House (like her uncle Martin Luther King in 1964.)
The bloody and repressive response of society in the early 1960's has similarities and differences to the response of society in 2009.
A huge difference is that the role of the federal government is now reversed. Federal institutions in the 1960's were unleashed in support of the civil rights. The U.S. Army, National Guard, FBI agents and Federal Marshals were used to secure the right to vote, to assemble and to march in peace. In contrast the federal government today uses its institutions to suppress the civil right to life. The state of Alabama would likely, if allowed by federal powers, protect the civil right to life of the unborn. Now the federal government acts to suppress the most basic of all civil rights (the right to life.)
A similar strand of evil linking these two events is racism. The same racism that aimed to prevent Black American particpation in government also disproportionately terminates unborn children of that same minority today. Planned Parenthood founder (Margaret Sanger) noted that "We do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population," she said, "if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members." (as reported in "Woman's Body, Woman's Right: A Social History of Birth Control in America" by Linda Gordon).
Dr. Alveda King spoke eloquently in front of the Alabama State House. In her address to those of us who took part in "2009 Civil Rights March for the Unborn" she requested that we consider "blogging" the experience. This blog is in direct response to her request.
We (my wife and particpating family members) will treasure this experience in support of the unborn for years to come. We are also immensely grateful to those who came to walk with us across that bridge of infamy (especially Dr. Alveda King!) I am not a professional writer. I am just a one person who hopes that our society comes to value all human life as precious and enriching.
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Please note that the views expressed here by me do not represent the views of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Archdiocese of Mobile or any part of the Universal Catholic Church.
