What a weekend! On Saturday I did some stuff with the National APA Women's Forum, and then I headed to Dupont. It was a gooooorgeous day, so I sat in the circle and read and people watched. There was a big thing for the March for Women's LIves going on, with people everywhere. It was so fun to see the different types of people out, so much diversity. And did I mention it was a gorgeous day?

Warning: Controversial opinions coming. You may not agree. But it's my blog so I can say what I want! Also, there may be some ranting ahead. Just to warn you.

Yesterday I went to the March for Women's Lives. It was CRAZY. Seriously, I'm glad I went just for the fact that I got to experience something of that magnitude. I'm hearing that there were almost a million people there, and I believe it. It was nutty. So many women and men, of all ages and races. From teenagers to grandmas and grandpas, and everything in between.

Highlights: hanging out with Michelle, running into some NU friends, seeing the mothers/daughters/grandmothers marching together, listening to Hilary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Madeline Albright, Gloria Steinem, Sara Weddington, Carol King, etc. There were some amazing women who spoke, and I was really inspired by the passion and energy of women of all ages who were out there doing something and effecting change for something they really believe in. I can't help be inspired by people who are passionate and practical-- they believe strongly, and they go out and do something.

Not so highlights: The "Christian" anti-abortion protestors. Everyone has their opinion, and is more than entitled to express them. And I think most of the anti-abortion protestors were tasteful and respected the marchers right to their opinion as well. But it was the people-- almost all MEN (which I can't really figure out why)-- who yelled "You're all going straight to hell" and had signs that said "God Hates You- Just Kill Yourself" and held up pictures of Jesus while yelling "Jesus Died for Your Sins, You're damned to hell, Wait until Judgement Day" etc. that bothered the crap out of me. I mean, some guy had a three foot tall Jesus statue/doll (think of the Jesus action figure, but a lot bigger) that he was waving around. Way to be a witness guys. Claim to be speaking for God by telling people that God hates them and wants them to burn in hell. I think Christians could be doing such a better job explaining to non-Christians why they believe abortion is wrong, and advocating for things like adoption, economic equality, accessible health insurance to provide pre-natal and post-natal care, contraceptive methods, better welfare and worker's rights. Instead, the voices that stand out are the "Christians" who yell hate and violence instead of offering love to the women who are in such a desperate place they would even consider abortion.
You know what? I'm looking forward to the day when abortion is not necessary, when women have all forms of contraception available to them, all men take sex and their responsibility to women seriously, and all women feel they have the economic, social, personal, medical and educational resources necessary to raise a child. I hope it happens soon.
So that's my little rant about that. You may not like my opinion, but at least I have one.