Post away.
Shalom.
Sorry I had to scoot out on all of you, but I wanted to get near the front of the march in order to make it to see Rick Santorum, which I did. I also heard Arlen Specter via cell phone.(Blecchh)A pro-life physician got up and asked him a few questions, he basically did his typical dodging act, saying he is personally opposed but that oppositon should be dealt with in the family, and is not a matter for government. He then stated that the Supreme Court had made a decision, and that they are the highest authority. What happened next made my day. The doc informed him that God was the higher authority. Well Mr. Specter musn't have taken his congeniality pills, because he lost it on the good doc. He started the relationship with God and the concept of him is so personal... blah... basically what he said was "How dare you question me, and it's none of your damn business!" His tone said it all!
Concerning the atmosphere, I heard people discussing how next year it will probably be like a picnic, and that was not meant in a complimentary sense. My mom has attended March for Life for about the last 12 years, she also stated that things have changed. Not having marched before, I had no idea what to expect, or how people would behave.
I must say that law enforcement were polite and helpful, and I didn't see any disruptive behavior. I also didn't see any protesters, not one. I would imagine they were kept at a safe distance. I did hear that they were to have held a prayer vigil in front of the Supreme Court.
I must say I was struck by the sheer number of the participants. My mom and a friend that has attended previous years, encouraged me to turn around briefly and look behind on the way up to the Capital. It was unbelievable!
I hope everyone else had a great day, but I have to say that this gal is still a wee bit tired.
I did see the pro-abort protesters. I shouted over the heads of the crowd to them that they had gotten off at the wrong Metro stop. People around me laughed, but it was supposed to have a deeper meaning too. I pray for them now and for all pro-abort people that they will understand the call to repentance before it's too late.
The March was smaller than last year's, probably because the Inauguration drew a larger crowd. It was icy cold and damp last year, but yesterday it was so warm we had to take our jackets off, until the shadow of the Washington Monument passed over us---then we had to put them back on.
I was interviewed by a New York publication. The reporter liked my sign, which maybe you will see later when Teacup gets the photos up. He took my name and where I had come from ("I'm the only pro-life woman on the Upper West Side," I told him) and also ELS's name and hometown.
ELS and I went to the Susan B. Anthony reception in the Rayburn Building, and then headed for Union Station. I fell asleep almost immediately and didn't wake up till Princeton Junction.
It was so wonderful to spend time with all of you. I hope we will have more chances to meet in the future, and more chances to help in this important cause.
Photos later
It was so great to be surrounded by so many pro-life people. I didn't see any anti-lifers, but the people with the gruesome photographs got a bit annoying, since they were basically preaching to the choir.
OK, next year I'll get my act together and meet some of you guys - because I'll be there again!
As you all know, I am not a Catholic but I have great respect for the Church.
I also know that there are some valid points of contention between the Catholics and the Protestants. I don't ask the Church to give up her position, but she must know those points exist.
That said, do any of you see a problem in a unity event like the national March for Life with people loudly praying the Rosary, holding placards asking Mary to pray for us, etc.? I do not mean to call into question the validity of the Rosary or asking Mary to pray for us. I think I understand the Church's position on both and do not wish to argue it. But Catholics must know that such things make non-Catholics uncomfortable. Wouldn't it be reasonable to focus on the ties that bind all of us together rather than loudly proclaim our distinctives?
And I don't even want to think about how the Jewish pro-lifers felt about many of the signs proclaiming Jesus.
Just to be sure everyone here understands. I'm not asking anyone to denounce their beliefs. I'm just wondering about the wisdom of proclaiming every one of them when the people of G-d are finally unified on something.
I'm interested in your comments.
Shalom.
The rally and march were AWESOME. There were many, many people there, from many states, religions, races, and ages. I saw only 3 "pro-choice" (really pro-abortion) women all day; each was walking against-the-flow by herself and carrying a sign.
This was my first March. An inspiring experience, and I believe that the pro-life message is finally being heard--and seriously considered--by the masses. With God's help, we will prevail!