PROTEST: Fanatics aren't welcome

This past Saturday Right to Life of Cd’A hosted its annual March and Rally. The organization went through the entire process of paying a fee and coordinating with the city, Idaho Transportation Department and site host plus obtaining proof of insurance. Advertising was done via mailings to churches, radio announcements and Press notice — all of which included restrictions on type of signage allowed to be displayed.

For the second straight year a fanatical organization called Abolitionists attached themselves to the march at the last minute. They specialize in loudspeakers and truly grotesque blood and gore signage (which they were asked last year to forgo). RtL provides signage that is not graphic because, in addition to protesting against abortion, they also wish to protect innocent passers-by — especially children and women already suffering the effects of abortion — from such in-your-face shock tactics. The Abolitionists utterly ignored RtL requests and the police exercise no control over such tactics.

RtL has for decades cultivated an image of protest, but humane consideration for innocents as well. Fanatics who force themselves on our event convey to the public the false picture that the entire organization is equally brutal and thoughtless. Sure, they have free speech rights, but they can have their own rally. Why are they allowed to despoil the RtL march and besmirch their image? Does that seem right to you?

HANS NEUMANN

Spirit Lake