A Cry for Dignity

“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the center of the universe.”

Elie Wiesel

 

This was one of the quotes referenced last night by Rev. Pat Mahoney,  Director of the Christian Defense Coalition. The event was called, "A Cry for Dignity," formed to hasten the release of the babies killed by now life-imprisoned late term abortionist Kermit Gosnell. 

I wrote about the first gathering on that sweltering day, July 19th. Last night's and today's events went together; a candlelight vigil at Gosnell's former "clinic,"and today, a witness at the Medical Examiner's, in which we held up placards with each baby's name and prayed.

Here are a few of my pictures: 

 Some group left pamphlets under the door

 Here is what they said

And here is one taken by someone else.

It was meant to be a candlelight vigil, but it was too windy. It didn't take away from the powerful prayer and sense of purpose.

And today:

In attendance at both gatherings were several pro life leaders and priests, some driving from as far as Birmingham, Alabama.
Here,  Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life, gives a talk. You can see Malaika and I.



The speakers from both events were wonderfully skilled at articulating the significance of Gosnell. Not that it is a singular situation, as abortion clinics go, but they pointed out that the Gosnell debacle has gotten the attention of the public, and is a window in to the world of the abortion industry.

The "Cry for Dignity" events are to bring awareness to the fact that the victims of Gosnell  deserve the respect due to all humans. The Medical Examiner has stated they DO plan to bury the babies, but may in fact take up to TEN YEARS to do so. There is much legal wrangling going on behind the scenes; the M.E. happens to be violating its own policies.

The powers that be, i.e., Dr. Donald Swartz, Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity (a mouthful),  Mayor Nutter, and Chief M.E., Dr. Sam Gulino, are avoiding entering in to the arena, it seems to me and others, for fear they would be entering in to abortion politics and appearing to side with  pro life.

Here are a few links to some articles:

http://www.lifenews.com/2013/08/26/medical-examiner-may-not-release-bodies-of-babies-gosnell-killed-for-10-years/

http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/08/25/3135253/abortion-foes-seek-fetuses-from.html