Monday, November 3, 2008

Tomorrow Is Another Day

Well, it’s over — for them at least.

The 40-days vigils have come to an end. Across the nation, these vigils sprung up at our health centers, disrupting basic women’s health care. And at each of those health centers, Planned Parenthood staff came to work every day. Our clients still came in for health care. We continued to do the important work we do, regardless of the opposition.

These vigils are a symbolic event, full of hype and hyperbole. But even symbolic events can be a barrier. Nothing should stand in the way of women, men, and teens accessing safe and legal health care. And especially in the midst of a growing health care crisis, it’s appalling for people to make it harder to access affordable care. Planned Parenthood health centers are a key part of the health care safety net in this country. Who benefits when you stand in the way of that?

But today, I’m not concerned about our protesters — I’m concerned with November 4. We are on the eve of one of the most important elections in my lifetime. Tomorrow, I will vote — I urge you to do the same.

And while the 40 days have ended, today, tomorrow, and every day to follow, our work goes on.

I am a volunteer.

I am an escort.

I am a health center manager.

I am a physician’s assistant.

I am a doctor.

I am a minister.

I am a woman.

I am a teenager.

I am Planned Parenthood.

You are Planned Parenthood, too.

If you want to be part of the Planned Parenthood family, please join us: http://www.plannedparenthood.org.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

i am a social worker :)

and i am voting for the candidate that supports women!

thisone said...

i am a mom and retired school teacher, and i am assuredly planned parenthood.

I Am Emily A said...

Dear Emily X,

I am appalled at the news of people throwing asphalt at your walls and spray painting your facilities. This is destructive and disrespectful, and accomplishes nothing. Anyone who resorts to this kind of protesting is obviously mistaken in their actions.

If one truly wishes to accomplish anything in protest, the best way to support their freedom of speech is to show that you truly bear ill will toward the idea, not the people, with which you disagree.

PLEASE: if there are protesters out there truly fighting for what you believe in, don't make your efforts pointless by committing violence or illegal acts toward Planned Parenthood. Your message will be lost and your credibility in your convictions will vanish.

Be civil. Be silent. Be strong.
Thank you.

I am Emily A.

I Am Emily A said...

Yay for healthcare for all people!