Post by PinkSquirrel on Jun 13, 2012 15:40:45 GMT -5
Oh you should also definitely pat yourself on the back for biting your tongue. I've never done much escorting, have done enough abortion related volunteer work to have seen people who can't bit their tongues and try to argue with the crazies. It never goes well. You can't have a rational discussion/argument with crazy.
Post by basilosaurus on Jun 13, 2012 15:57:46 GMT -5
What everyone else said. You did do something. You were there to help, even in a small way, women in need.
I know how powerless it makes you feel, to not say anything, to not do anything more to protect those women. I would wonder if it even mattered that I was there. But it does. I later saw cards patients had written, in appreciation of escorts and staff, and I carried that in my mind when I had a day like yours. They notice, and they appreciate what you do.
you are fabulous, and Im so sorry your experience was So shitty, but how wonderful that you were there to support these women. I wish I was as brave as you are.
Totally normal to be upset by the hatred being spewed at you. I agree with all the rest that you are incredibly strong just to be there and to refuse to engage. Keep up the good work.
In no way, shape or form did you do NOTHING. You were THERE, and you stood there and didn't leave. You infuriated them by standing there and bearing silent witness to your cause. You were STRONG, and you did what needed to be done.
You, m'dear, are a hero. Don't you EVER forget that.
Post by earlgreyhot on Jun 13, 2012 17:07:40 GMT -5
((hugs))
I, too, think you are a hero continuing to stand there and not engage. It's not a weakness to feel as you do, as that was there intent. But to stand your ground in spite of is what counts. I thank you, and more importantly the patients thank you.
In no way, shape or form did you do NOTHING. You were THERE, and you stood there and didn't leave. You infuriated them by standing there and bearing silent witness to your cause. You were STRONG, and you did what needed to be done.
You, m'dear, are a hero. Don't you EVER forget that.
Pixy is wise. You should listen to her.
You know I know what you're up against, and it's hard to be called those revolting names by those fucking wastes of flesh, but you are better than they are. You're spending your time helping someone who is going through what may be the hardest thing she's ever done. You're lending support and humanity in the face of inhumanity and vitriol, and you're doing it because you are fucking strong and good and kind.
They are spending the same time making a mockery of "love thy neighbor" and "judge not, lest ye be judged" and "blessed be the peacemakers" and "he who is without sin may cast the first stone". They are spewing hatred and causing pain. You are a million times better than that. Fuck them.
Also, ask PP if they're allowed to take pictures/video. It may be worthy of a police visit.
Post by basilosaurus on Jun 13, 2012 17:35:00 GMT -5
Unfortunately, it's probably entirely legal to take photos. This is why a lot of clinics will have a privacy fence.
What may not be legal is that combined with a threat. Also, publishing the photos may not be legal.
I'm certainly not a lawyer, but that's my understanding from my training. It's something about not being able to publish private information about someone. Kinda like people getting banned on the nest for outing names and addresses.
Post by lyssbobiss, Command, B613 on Jun 13, 2012 17:37:40 GMT -5
Thank you, so so much, for giving your time, and your sense of safety, to take care of these women. What you do is truly nothing short of amazing. Those men wanted a reaction out of you, and you didn't give it to them. You did the right thing, start to finish, like a total class act. Those are not men. They are sick little boys hiding behind hate.
"This prick is asking for someone here to bring him to task Somebody give me some dirt on this vacuous mass so we can at last unmask him I'll pull the trigger on it, someone load the gun and cock it While we were all watching, he got Washington in his pocket."
I'm a lurker, mostly, but I read this and didn't want to just leave it.
I'm sorry that you were subjected to their hate and continuous barrage. Thank you, for doing what you do to help the women who need your help.
It take a lot of courage to listen to the unrelenting hatred, and the personal attacks. You are a brave woman, and I hope that your guilt doesn't last long. I think you have nothing to feel guilty about. You are doing a wonderful thing for the patients.
I had to quote this. I'm new here. Only really lurked on TN prior. I don't have children, nor am I pregnant now and I'm very sorry you had to deal with this. I am generally a pretty quiet and non-confrontational person and I seriously doubt my ability to keep quiet and not scream so many things at people like that.
Please don't feel guilty for what you do. You are helping so many people.
In no way, shape or form did you do NOTHING. You were THERE, and you stood there and didn't leave. You infuriated them by standing there and bearing silent witness to your cause. You were STRONG, and you did what needed to be done.
You, m'dear, are a hero. Don't you EVER forget that.
Post by curmudgeon on Jun 13, 2012 21:04:17 GMT -5
You took the higher road today, as a random stranger on the Internet, I applaud your courage. I hope the pain you feel fades quickly and I hope such assholes do not bother you again as you do this great service. The women you helped (and will help) are already suffering and you eased their burden, please remember that.
I hope someday you get a smile knowing that a couple of jackasses went home today feeling like crap because you did not engage with their tirades.
I never comment on abortion threads because compared to the rest of this board I'm not very good at expressing my views on the matter, but you deserve huge, HUGE kudos for what you do for your patients. I know they appreciate you and your partner.
I'm so sorry you had to take all that abuse from those crazy douchebags. ((((hugs))))
Thank you for being there for those women. I cannot imagine how much it means to them that you were willing to stand by them through the hateful attacks.