In a piece by Kansas City Star reporter Matt Schofield - he explores the "Summer of Mercy" and how the protests effected him, our city and ultimately the state. As the quote on the News! page points out - at least two political careers were launched out of the protests.
I remember the "Summer of Mercy" vividly. As an almost high-schooler - I remember being livid that these rabid protesters had invaded my state looking to undermine the rights of women. I had extended family members getting arrested at the protests. Driving through the city, if anywhere near one of the clinics, was almost impossible. They blocked traffic, they made asses of themselves and they cost the city and state countless dollars and man hours. Yes, it was their right to protest - however, I don't know many that would call the siege carried out here "peaceful".
I remember the "Summer of Mercy" vividly. As an almost high-schooler - I remember being livid that these rabid protesters had invaded my state looking to undermine the rights of women. I had extended family members getting arrested at the protests. Driving through the city, if anywhere near one of the clinics, was almost impossible. They blocked traffic, they made asses of themselves and they cost the city and state countless dollars and man hours. Yes, it was their right to protest - however, I don't know many that would call the siege carried out here "peaceful".
I can't pretend to understand the toll that these protests took on the ProChoice community here - I know many of those involved speak of it like they were serving in war. Ultimately, that may be an appropriate description. What started here that summer was a terrorist uprising. The violence and harassment has been continuous since the Summer of Mercy.
The twenty years since the siege have done little to heal the wounds here. The increased political power of those that would deny a woman her basic rights serves as a brutal reminder that our rights are not ours, unless we stand and fight for them.
For those that have the time and the means: Many of the same bullies that overtook Wichita are threatening mayhem in Germantown, MD for a Summer of Mercy 2.0. Please check out Summer Celebration of Choice for more info.
The twenty years since the siege have done little to heal the wounds here. The increased political power of those that would deny a woman her basic rights serves as a brutal reminder that our rights are not ours, unless we stand and fight for them.
For those that have the time and the means: Many of the same bullies that overtook Wichita are threatening mayhem in Germantown, MD for a Summer of Mercy 2.0. Please check out Summer Celebration of Choice for more info.
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