|
Dear Volunteers,
Thank all of you who have taken an interest in the Maryland Project.
We
have been providing information about John Clemens because he attacked
the clinic workers at Dr. Carhart's office. I am pleased to say we can
discontinue the project, at least for now.
Voice
of Choice has a goal to lower hate and rhetoric. While we may disagree
with the beliefs and opinions of those on the pro-life side, we respect
their rights to have their opinions. We stand up for those who are being
bullied and harassed by people who do not respect the rights of others
who disagree with them.
In
my interviews and blogs I continue to ask the same sarcastic question,
"Don't you want the unsolicited opinions of strangers?" Of course no one
does. That is what makes the phone calling campaigns effective. The
people doing the harassing learn that what they are doing is
uncomfortable and unchristian like. They also learn that they will not
be able to bully people with impunity.
I
had a very civil dialog with John Clemens yesterday. John is passionate
about his beliefs, like many of us. However, until Voice of Choice
started to contact him he did not fully understand that not everyone
feels the same way he does. I think that when you are totally involved
in a cause you find a peer group that shares your passion and agree with
you. That is John's peer group and people he spends his free time
socializing with.
The
efforts of Voice of Choice have opened his eyes. He now understands how
people outside his circle perceive his behavior and he may be able to
communicate that to others close to him.
John
has promised not to contact or bully any clinic workers. He has
promised to stay within socially acceptable limits while fighting for
his cause. I am prepared to take John at his word, at least for now.
Please
stop calling John Clemens. We will keep track of John and everyone else
who acts aggressively and ask for your participation in stopping
unwanted behavior when it is warranted.
Please consider this a victory for Voice of Choice. We were able to stop the attacks and bring down the level of hate.
I look forward to your comments.
Thank you all again for your continued support.
Todd
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment