Pro-life Marchers Find Support From White House

CNSNews.com ^ | 1/22/02 | Jason Pierce

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Pro-life Marchers Find Support From White House
By Jason Pierce
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
January 22, 2002

Washington(CNSNews.com) - Tens of thousands of pro-lifers from across the nation converged on the nation's capital Tuesday to participate in the 29th March for Life, observing the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion in the U.S.

For the first time since the administration of his father, President George W. Bush addressed the crowd gathered within sight of the White House, thanking them for what he called their "hard work and dedication to the cause of human life."

Bush garnered the support of pro-lifers during the 2000 election campaign, and in August of last year, decided to limit embryonic stem cell research only to those stem cell lines already in existence.

"[The march] is an example of an aspiring commitment and human compassion," Bush said via telephone from West Virginia.

"Everyone here believes as I do, that every life is valuable, that our society has the responsibility to defend the vulnerable and weak, the imperfect, the unwanted, and that our nation should set a goal that unborn children should be welcomed in life, and protected in law."

The march, which attracted people from all over the nation, began at the Washington monument, with participants holding pro-life placards and banners bearing either the church and town they came from, or a pro-life slogan. Some chanted - "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Roe v. Wade has got to go" - while others prayed, or sang hymns or patriotic songs.

Others stood along the sidewalks, cheering as the mass of people continued to pass.

Dusty Hall, from Ennis, Tex., said the march shows the widespread support for the pro-life cause.

"Bush's recent comments about life issues have really pumped me up," Ennis said. "It seems that we might be moving into a new era in this country, one that respects life."

Marjorie Vanmeter of Alexandria, Va., said the pro-life movement shows no signs of slowing down.

"The march shows that the Pro-life movement is still a very dominant force, a very vital source," Vanmeter said. "The movement is still very vital and alive."

Michael Cole of New Orleans, La., came to Washington for the first time Tuesday to participate in the march. Cole said it was surprising for him to see the large show of support for a single cause.

"I have been Catholic and pro-life all my life," Cole said. "But to come out here and see how many others from across the country are pro-life, it gives hope to the idea of the U.S. banning abortion again.

"It is an amazing show of support, and shows that the pro-life movement is here to stay," Cole said.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), chairman of the Congressional pro-life caucus, said pro-life politicians, including himself, are guilty of being "lukewarm," in the fight against abortion.

"Our lukewarmness in government has enabled a holocaust of over 40 million children," Smith said. "This can and must change, and every single one of you can help make the difference. Your government must be lukewarm no more.

"The future can be different," Smith said. "America can yet embrace a culture of life where even so-called unwanted children are loved by someone, perhaps an adoptive parent, and protected by law."

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And, of course, wasn't that the issue all the time? Between Clinton, the "new age" leftist President, and Bush the conservative? Though no one should try to dictate to others, as the left would have everyone believe, good people in office should stand up for the 5,000 year old orthodox religious value of life. It's a civic responsibility!