Dear FRONTLINE,
I would like to express my extreme displeasure over "Frontline's"
production of "Murder on Abortion Row." The broadcast sadly demonstrated
yet again the continual failure of the majority of American news media to
present an unbiased, intelligent documentary which attempts to grapple
with this country's severe societal problems. My arguement is most fully
demonstrated by the repeated insult of denying individuals of a different
political persuasion the right to self-determination. (i.e., Pro-Lifers
were continually referred to as "anti-abortion," or "anti-choice.") Worse
still, "Frontline" has now produced a much-needed examination of the
potential role which silicon breast implants have played in the most un-
fortunate production of breast cancer -but all in a rather vain attempt at
identifying the previous program ("Murder on Abortion Row," and therefore
abortion) with a genuine women's issue, breast cancer. I am deeply
saddened by the state to which PBS has degenerated over the last decade.
The program was utterly absurd, and its bias so very pronounced that I am
sure it damaged (rather than aided) the genocidal hypocrisy which
"Frontline" is apparently so enamoured with.
Sincerely,
J.D.
Dear FRONTLINE,
My reaction to this program was nothing short of awe. The
story was compellingly and brilliantly presented. So much so
that the issue of abortion was almost secondary to the
people and their lives leading up to this tragedy. This
documentary was ten times as moving as any fictional film
I have ever seen. Thank you Frontline.
Todd Reece Douglas
Chicago, Illinois
Dear FRONTLINE,
Bill White As I have tried to request, via "snail-mail" in 1994 (with
no satisfying response forthcoming from you at that time), I
would like to see your show dispel the notion that you are
biased in your portrayal of pro-life issues ("anti-
abortion" or "anti-choice" as it is called in liberal
circles), or pushing your own editorial agenda which is not
allowed within the context of the Public Broadcasting Act,
by showing abortion in a more scientifically/ morally
balanced manner.
Abortion is linked to an increased incidence of breast cancer,
to post-abortion depression lingering years after the
procedure, and to fatalities (some abortionists have been
successfully prosecuted) attributable to the procedure.
Abortion clinic staff have a fairly high drop-out rate, which
says something about the gruesomeness of the procedures they
repeatably witness in clinics.The profitability of the
abortion industry is a topic completely ignored by your
program.
Abortion on Demand, without concern to the viability of the
fetus, as well as fetal tissue farming/research, are not
the highly popular opinions (of the majority of Americans)
that you sublimally indicate (as can readily be shown in a
variety of surveys). The public's funding of abortion (which
in most cases is performed for the birth control convenience
of the mother), and of abortion support groups such as
Planned Parenthood (which funding access is denied to groups
such as the National Right To Life organization offering
abortion alternatives), has nothing to do with an
individual's choice.
The application of the RICO act against peaceful pro-life
demonstrators at/near abortion clinics, when the authors of
the act have gone on public record to state that they
purposely wrote the act (in the late 60's?) to exclude it's
application to ethical, non-financially based demonstrations
such as the anti-Viet Nam War movement, is hypocritical on
the part of organizations such as NOW and Planned Parenthood
(which are pushing these prosecutions/persecutions).
This is far from the first program that you have produced and
aired, that shows pro-lifers in a negative, extremist light,
while "pro-abortion" advocates are depicted as reasonable,
non-violent people (again totally ignoring any evidence of
violence perpetrated against peaceful "anti-abortion"
demonstrators).
B. White
Billerica, MA
Dear FRONTLINE,
I was moved to tears by your excellent program "Murder on Abortion Row,"
and as a fellow journalist commend you for your excellent coverage of this
difficult subject. I was reminded of something an abortion clinic volunteer once
told me about the protests against the clinics in my own city. She said one of the
most vehement of the leaders of the pro-life movement here came to the clinic
secretly one evening and had an abortion. This woman, who is also an important
member of her religious community, then proceeded to resume her prominent place on
the picket line and loudly protest the clinic's existence some five days later.
Journalists come upon all kinds of outrageous and hypocritical behaviors in the
course of pursuing a story, but this one really took my breath away. On reflection,
however, I was not surprised. Religion has become such a snake oil business in this
country, that it can't help but attract the easily led and the ethically confused.
Quasi-religious g!
roups like Operation Rescue simply play on the egos of the weak-minded and the
self-righteous. If it weren't abortion, it would be something else for people like
these. John Salvi is simply the logical extension of their collective,
conspicuously pious psyches. If these people really want to do some good, why don't
they "rescue" abandoned, crack-addicted, cruelly abused living children? I'll tell
you why. That would be a real commitment and too much like real work. By taking the
easy way out and screaming their silly heads off in front of abortion clinics, they
get the best of everything: approval from their leaders, both political and
religious, a chance to vent vile invectives against hapless women who can't answer
them in kind, get their ridiculous faces in the media. They want so much to be "in
the right" that they make it easy for someone like John Salvi to do real wrong.
D. S.
Akron, Ohio
Dear FRONTLINE,
Isn't the title of your program "Murder on Abortion Row"
a little redundant? Isn't it a little like saying
"dead bodies in a cemetary?" Those of us who are pro-life
do not think it news that murder occurs on "abortion row."
In fact, we believe it happens every day-about 30 million
since 1970.
If you folks at 'GBH are truly interested in respecting
the pro-life position, couldn't you have picked a
better title.
Sincerely Yours,
Tim Sheehan
Hopkinton, MA
tesheehan@alpinecsi.com
PS I do appreciate your programming very much!
Dear FRONTLINE,
I thought this piece was excellent, simply excellent. I felt as
though it succintly captured the current state of abortion in the US and in
particular the out-of-control nature of the pro-life movement.
Still, I feel as though the issue of John Salvi's involvement in the
abortion movement to be less a situation of the misguided and reckless
direction of the pro-lifers and more a case of simple mental
instability. he was an unbalanced person who happened to fall into this
destructive path. If he wouldn't have have walked into the abortion
clinics, he would have walked into his old job and wiped out two or three
people. and if not that, it would have been on a Boston train and five or
ten people.
But, and most importantly, where was the scrutiny of his old boss in
florida, the original owner of the gun and unquestionably one of the real
villians of the whole horrible incident. he gave John Salvi the gun that
killed these people -- knowing that he was mentally unstable. How in the world
can this man escape at least partial responsibility. In one statement the
man is saying he sold the gun to Salvi, in another he's saying that he
fired him from his job because he was mentally disturbed. Evidently the
man has no concept of personal responsibility. Does FRONTLINE?
P.R.
San Francisco, CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
I would like to comend you on an enlightening and necessary
program. I say enlightening because of the in-depth research
and interviews that provided the background of both Salvi
and the brutally murdered women, and necessary because I feel
it is important to understand how this could happen in order
to prevent it from ever happening again. Operation Rescue
should shoulder some of the blame for this event. How can
they claim otherwise when the climate they create through
fear and fanaticism gives birth to such human depraivity?
The "Rico" laws must be used, immediately, to end this climate
of hostility and restore intelligent, legal debate as the
forum for any discussion of abortion. I and other pro-choice
women are willing to discuss, but not in a place or situation
where we feel our lives and the lives of medical professionals
are threatened to any degree.
Sarah Quirk
North Aurora, Illinois
Dear FRONTLINE,
I watched with interest your program "Murder on Abortion
Row" last night and found it to be a masterfully crafted
piece of journalism. Instead of becoming mired in debating
the morality of abortion you focussed on the lives brutalized
by this tragic event. A true story of finding victims on
both sides. While your goals did not include defending
Frontline's politics, you defined yourselves as being
truely objective reporters. Those critics who in the past
have thought your program too liberal must be disappointed
that you navigated the abortion minefield successfully.
Murray Darrach
MDarrach@jpl.nasa.gov
Dear FRONTLINE,
You missed the boat with "Murder on Abortion Row." Violence
is inherent in an abortionist society, and begins with the
1.5 million acts of violence per year against the most
defenseless of the human communnity. The tragic deaths of
Shannon Lowney and Leigh Ann Nichols are the result of a
paradoxical society that is willing to accept the violence of
abortion, but is shocked at the violence of a man driven mad
by the very concept of abortion. Frontline's attempts to
portray Lowney and Nichols as the polar opposite of their
victimizer overlooks their similarities. They were all
willing to take part in violence.
Edward R. Cohn
Dear FRONTLINE,
I really thought you did a wonderful job of covering the problems surrounding
a person taking matters to violent extremes in attempting to persuade others
of their point of view. I was very frightened by the support given by clergy
to those that took the law into their own hands, murdering or commiting other
acts of violence upon people that happen to believe differently than they do.
I feel sorry for the parents on both sides and hope this opens the eyes of
family members or friends of individuals that are as disturbed as John Salvi
was prior to the murders.
J.C.
Morgantown, West Virginia
Dear FRONTLINE,
"Murder on Abortion Row" was an incredibly balanced program, and anyone who
tries to claim otherwise did not watch the whole thing. This kind of program is
such a breath of fresh air in the smog of so-called news shows on other networks.
After viewing the program, I am convinced that Mr. Salvi suffers from a severe
mental illness, but it is clear that he is not the only one out there. Hopefully,
the anti-abortion will realize that as well.
Hilary House
Dear FRONTLINE,
I found your episode "Murder on Abortion Row" to be
rather biased. Was there a terrible crime commited, yes, was
there repecusions, yes, was the Catholic Church at fault, NO.
I found the emphasis on Catholic Churches to be quite disturbing.
I thought that the days of attacking Catholics for being
different were over, guess I was wrong.
I also feel that your timing in presenting this episode could
have been better, a delay of a week would have been appropriate.
Otherwise, a good example of the human side of tragedy.
Steven White,
Lynn, MA
Dear FRONTLINE,
I have comments to make on so many different levels, I scarcely know where to
begin.
My heart aches at the loss of the two sweet girls. My mind cannot grasp the
concept that a man could actually extinguish these two lives, under the banner
of religion. But my heart also aches for Mr. and Mrs. Salvi, who are carrying
around a huge amount of guilt for something that they could not have foreseen.
Decent, God-fearing parents can raise a child the "right way" and can never be
assured s/he won't become the notorious monster of tomorrow's headlines.
Increasingly, to voice views contrary to those espoused by conservatives is a
brave thing, indeed. The omnipotent right-wing is a formidable critic of "the
media," and the lengths to which Rush Limbaugh's ilk will go to squelch or
discredit those who do voice an alternate opinion, border on frightening. I
applaud your bravery for airing this piece. At the same time, I am disgusted at
terming "brave" the act of broadcasting a non-Pro Life piece. This is not to
suggest that the documentary was biased against the Pro Life movement, only that
Pro Lifers will find anything not expressly FOR them to be AGAINST them.
How many millions of lives have been sacrificed for the sake of someone's "one,
true religion?" And in this the late second millenium on Planet Earth, how many
more will we allow? By our words, we influence. By our example, we lead.
Because of our superstitious beliefs, and because we, ourselves are desperate
for immortality, we murder. Although religions have given comfort and hope to
billions of mortals around the world for a million years, these same religions
have brought to an end millions of REAL lives, for the hope of being awarded a
life after their own death. Poppycock! Thanks, Frontline
Very truly yours,
A.A.N.
Dear FRONTLINE,
Violence is violence, no matter who the victims are (the aborted-murdered
children, and the workers at the abortion clinic). The Catholic Church does not
support this violence. You "sainted" the abortion worker, and judged John Salvi.
Both in my view behaved unjustly, and are considered unstable-the abortion workers
for aiding in the murder of children, and Salvi for his brutal tactics. You can
condemn behaviors, but do not judge anyone for acting on behaviors and ideas that
you yourself promote (ie. abortion workers committing violence to unborn children).
Complete a more balanced debate of the abortion issue. We are PRO-LIFE and want
to be refered to as such!!!!!
Stephen Scrimenti
Dear FRONTLINE,
I was really move by your program in the Feb. 6 broadcast. I would like to
thank this station and your staff about reporting such subject as aboration
with such fairness and insight.
I was across the street when the murder just happen, I was shock and sadden
by a group of people which think killing another human being will help save
another. Today people use violence to stop violence and the truth is it does
not work! I wish those people will watch the program and rethink about their
goal. I am not saying everyone is a murder, but not saying no means saying
yes in most situation.
Once again I would like to thank you for your insight and hard work to
bring this program to my TV set every Tuesday evening.
Sincerely yours,
R.L.
Boston, MA
Dear FRONTLINE,
Your murder in abortion row show was thought provoking.
What we were concerned with however was how you focused on the Pro-life protestors
and down played the pro-choice protests done in support for the clinic.
Where were all the volunteers who had the courage to escort the scared and
vulnerable women into the clinic. They risked their own lives to protect these
women from the pro-life fanatics.
We could not understand how pictures of aborted children were often focused on by
your cameras, yet there was no single picture or depiction of women who were
permanently injured or killed as a result of back alley abortions. Or better yet,
why not pictures of children found by police in dumpsters abandoned by their
mothers who could not take care of them.
We feel that if you will be presenting an objective view of abortion that you should
give equal attention and time to both sides.
Jenn & Ray
Dear FRONTLINE,
Regarding your report "Murder on Abortion Row", I sat in utter amazment as I
watched your reporting of this horrific tragedy. Your journalistic aproach
was awe-inspiring, leading from facts to interviews; moreover, the realistic
comments of Shannon's family themselves. Of course, I could go on and on
regarding those points of realism which surround such an issue, but I won't.
No need. Your reporting spoke for itself. I'm sure I was not the only
American watching others justify murder to encase murder. Supposed
"Christian-zealots", with their left hands oblivious to what their right
hands were doing. Yet, what I'd like to comment upon is your showcasing of
the very families themselves, and how they, in that effort of togetherness -
learned to deal with such a loss. Shannon's parents were so strong,
unwaivering in their love and rememberance of such a beautiful daughter - and
her brother and sister, oh God, why I was never left so touched. The
strength of Shannon's life flowed through them all, and the aborhance of such
a hideous act by those who claimed "Jesus" as their foundation, well, that
stood as the only sermon left to these ears.
Thank you Frontline for your reports. They bring our minds to the
"frontline", and those issues which will shape generations to come; moreover,
those very lives showcased.
Please give my heartfelt gratitude and support to the family of Shannon, as
well as to the other "sister" who died by her side. It's true Frontline, why
even in our day and age, why we still have heros.
D.F.
Mesa, Arizona
Dear FRONTLINE,
This program was ever so skillfully and
subtley anti-Catholic and pro-abortion. All of
the "pro-choice" people were made to appear very noble--
the nurse, for example, who was "in a procedure" when the
gunfire erupted. What procedure? Killing an unborn baby?
Meanwhile, John Salvi's apparent derangement is always
asssociated with reading the Bible, praying, having spiritual
delusionsã-and if that did not get the point across, the
narrative was accompanied by visuals of religious statues
or prayer processions. I must concur with Dr. William
Donahue of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights
that this program was anti-Catholic. It clearly wished
to associate the alleged crimes of John Salvi with the
Catholic faith that he professes yet, sad to say, does
not understand. I grieve for his suffering parents, as well
as for the murder victims--born and unborn--and their loved
ones.
Father Gregory Coiro, O.F.M.Cap.
Director of Media Relations
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Dear FRONTLINE,
I was so moved by the show on the John Salvi murders at the Brokline women's
clinics. It immediately brought back all the anger and sadness that I felt at the
time of the shootings a year ago.
I want to thank you for continuuing coverage on a topic so vitally important to all
women. It is a shame that the media opts not to continue coverage of such vital
importance over news such as Michael Jackson's divorce.
This show has inspired me continue taking positive action
for the feminist movement in spite of all the criticism
there. Thank you once again for remoinding me once again how much we have to do as
women for women.
T.K.
Warren, VT
Dear FRONTLINE,
After watching your documentary/coverage of this subject, it was clear that your
reporting was biased and
opinionated. As an "evangelical" Christian, I am tired of reporting which paints us
as fanatics who can't
think intellectually on subjects such as abortion. I happen to believe that
abortion is ending a human--that
it is in fact, murder. Given that I believe this, how should I act? Should I
simply say that abortion is
legal and therefore it is okay?
J.D.
Dear FRONTLINE,
What an incredibly moving documentary. You took me into the lives of these
people and made me care greatly about what happened to them as *individuals*. It
was more than another senseless murder story by some wacko with a gun -- it became
personal for me.
Heart-wrenching stuff as it should be. Keep up the excellent work.
Brad Ross
Toronto, CANADA
Dear FRONTLINE,
The presentation "Murder on Abortion Row" was unquestionnably well-produced
and deftly executed, providing a rich, dense tapestry of the human
condition. The power of this presentation was as compelling in its
production as in the subject matter.
Having practiced and taught differential diagnosis while working in locked
psychiatric facilities for more than six years, the content of your portrait
of John Salvi lead me to a firm conclusion that I was observing the onset
and outcome of a florid psychiatric disorder - Schizophrenia, Paranoid type.
It is important to know that this disorder is particularly disarming to the
families of the patient, because it is usually accompanied by reasonably
high, albeit guarded and rigid, daily functioning, and is usually
distinguished primarily by the presence of fixed and irrational illusions
that are not immediately apparent the the casual observer. For this reason,
it can also be one of the most dangerous conditions in that there is the
potential for exlosive, florid episodes that leave everyone around the
patient stunned and disoriented. In this respect, particularly, my heart
goes out to the family of John Salvi, who are victims as well in this human
pathos.
I took exception, however, to what appeared to be the pro-abortion
endorsement of the presentation. The form and texture of the presentation
portrayed the abortion staffs as clear-headed and clinical, while the
protesters seemed emotionally driven and somewhat irrational. I can point
specifically to the camera's focus on the black female protester who was
always seen spraying saliva as she spoke, and the unfortunate focus on the
white male with the bullhorn, shouting support at the building where John
Salvi was being held after his arrest. Within a different context, the
abortion staff might also have been seen as cold and unfeeling toward a
helpless fetus.
The clearest fact that could, and I believe should be conveyed, is that the
adversarial climate of the abortion dispute, maintained and promoted by both
sides, is a fertile environment for tragedy. It is axiomatic that a person
such as John Salvi will almost certainly be drawn to such an environment -
given that he most likely saw himself as a mesenger from God, an avenging
angel with a sacred mission. The line between John Salvi and the respective
opponents in this debate is a precariously thin one, that continues to hold
the potential for repetition.
I hold equal empathy for the families of the victims, whose losses are as
poignant as those of the Salvi family. I must point out, however, that
Shannon Lowney also appeared somewhat messianic, and perhaps, only
misguided, given her apparent interpersonal appeal. Her aggressive
behavior, as evidenced by the participation in the hostility toward the male
effigy figure and in confronting demonstrators, fairly consistently placed
her in harm's way. Yet her family was as oblivious to her apparent skew,
albeit less florid than John Salvi's. Such was also the case for his family.
Perhaps we were observing the steady march of two would-be martyrs, equally
messianic in their pursuits.
Your title was apt, if not brilliant. "Murder on Abortion Row" eloquently
conveys the gruesome turbulence inherent to an industry that alters life
potential. I only wish to challenge you to appear less sympathetic to the
pro-life position, and more focused on defusing this dangerous killing ground.
There are unquestionably more John Salvi's or "Joan Salvi's" out there, and
we all desperately need to devote our efforts to eliminate this fertile
ground that will most certainly nourish their growth and florid expression.
To do less verges on irresponsibility.
Again, your presentation was very powerful, if for no other reason than it
brilliantly captured the volatility of the situation.
Sincerely,
G.L.R. Ph.D.
Dear FRONTLINE,
What ever happened to the first rule of good journalism? - Objective not
subjective.
The light in which you showed the pro abortion issue was noticeably bias. You
played soothing, quite music while interviewing pro-abortion people. On the
other hand, no music or loud chanting background noise was constantlly
interviened, displaying an uneasyness while interviewing pro life persons.
Talk about experimenter bias. The sancity of life is at stake here and you
just gave the value of life a giant step backwards!
J.M.
Dear FRONTLINE,
Your presentation was quite illuminating overall. But I resent your
application of the label "Pro-Life" to those who seek to take away the right
to legal and safe abortions. By using a term invented by the antiabortion
movement, you are playing, however indirectly into their hands.
I would suggest you use the more generic term "anti-abortion" rather than
"Pro-Life" when you seek to describe the sides in this issue.
Sincerely,
K.W., MD
Family Physician
Hamilton, NY
Dear FRONTLINE,
As a member of the Boston College community, I want to thank you for your
fair portrayal of Boston College and what it stands for. Shannon Lowney
exemplifies all that Boston College stands for. I must take exception,though, with
the parents of John Salvi, not to act on their son's bizzare behavior when it first
manifested itself is a crime in itself. Regrets will not bring back two people
whose lives at such young ages were so valuable. Imagine what they could of
accomplished if fate had not entered upon the scene.
Maureen Eldredge
Dear FRONTLINE,
I saw your program last night on John Salvi and the victims that fell to his
psychotic anti-abortion display here in Boston. I have never seen a program with
such detail on the tragic shooting which affected us all. I have been keeping up
with this story in the Boston Globe and Herald, but nowhere have I learned so much
about John Salvi, the scary views of those who support him, his parents (whom I
feel sorry for) and the wonderful women who's lives were taken from us all. Much
congratulations on producing such a high quality and journalistic program. Keep up
the good work!
P.G.
Melrose, Massachusetts
Dear FRONTLINE,
My wife and I had intended to turn in early last night, but
instead, we found ourselves riveted to the television with
the story of the Brookline murders. We are great fans of
Frontline. We find it to be one of the more objective news
programs, dealing with some of the more newsworthy current
issues.
We are not solidly aligned with either the pro-choice or
right to life movements. We feel there is a need to consider
the right of abortion in certain cases. This program did not
alter our beliefs, perhaps, but we were both struck with a
sense of disbelief in the naivetÈ of some of right to life
activists who feel that there is any justification for the
taking of a persons life. I think the excerpt from Shannon's
diary addressed this point in a most eloquent manner. We
were struck by the irony!
Jay Burrill
70610.1521@compuserve.com
Dear FRONTLINE,
As a personal friend and Boston College classmate of Shannon Lowney, I commend
you on your program "Murder on Abortion Row". As you well know, yours was
the first program to grapple with the personal side of this unbelieveable
tragedy. Those who watched last night's program and did not know Shannon
personally now understand why the sun has shone a bit more dimly since
December 30th, 1994.
While I can not speak more highly of the content of your program, I was
troubled by your decision to air it during the jury selection phase of
Salvi's trial. You must have known how difficult and tedious the selection
process can be - especially in a high-profile case such as this. Were the
ratings really worth the risk of poisoning the jury pool? Could you not
have waited at least until a jury was chosen? For your sake, I hope your
decision does not jeopardize the integrity of this important trial. The
Lowneys and Shannon deserve better after all they have been through.
Sincerely,
G.P.V. Esq.
Dear FRONTLINE,
Your program caused me to wonder if any statistical information has been
gathered regarding other activities of self-proclaimed militant
right-to-lifers. Specifically, I wonder: 1)What percentage of them
volunteer regularly at children's hospitals? 2)What percentage of them
devote their time to helping children born with AIDS or addicted to drugs?
3)What percentage of them regularly volunteer to teach underprivileged
children, or house them, or clothe them? 4)What percentage of them have
in fact adopted children? 5)What percentage of them have devoted their
spare time to educate MEN in their reproductive responsibilities? 6)What
percentage of them serve as foster parents for children in crisis, victims
of abuse, or casualties of divorce? In short, does any statistical
evidence exist which might demonstrate that right-to-lifers are as zealous
on behalf of the already-born as they claim to be on behalf of the
un-born?
C.B.
Chicago, Illinois
Dear FRONTLINE,
A sad and scary documentary. Killing life in the name of saving life?
A crazy logic if there ever was one.
One would think that after the Inquisition, the Salem witch trials, etc. the
church would have learned about the collective group ego, and how
self-righteousness, and judgement in the service of "my beliefs are right,
therfore I can judge, try, and execute", usurp those rights usually left to
God's judgement not man's.
Someone said that Jesus is a crutch for the ego that is a mortally dangerous
fundamentalist totem with two heads, one human, one divine, of which
the history is extremely bloody, neither human nor divine.
"It is wise to avoid militants of all plumage, to trust only the fanatically
unfanatic."
K.B.
Menlo Park, CA
Dear FRONTLINE,
I sat transfixed, unmoving, staring at my screen. Mostly, I was
trying to comprehend how this much insanity can continue in American
cities for so long.
About the time of these murders, I was living a block from a Planned
Parenthood clinic in San Rafael, CA. One night, as I passed by the window
overlooking the clinic, a bomb exploded.
I weep for the families of all those who lost loved ones. I weep for
the parents of that young man. For they have lost a loved one, too.
Thank you for the continuing excellence you present as you practice your
craft. I'd say more, but the program numbed me to the point of
speechlessness. Sad, so sad.
R.E.
Dear FRONTLINE,
I was impressed and moved by your excellent program on the
Brookline shootings. More than anything else, I came away
from your program deeply saddened and disturbed not only by
the actions of John Salvi, nor by the response of the anti-
choice movement, but most of all by the sense of profound
loss felt by those who knew and loved Shannon Lowney and
Leigh Ann Nichols.
Perhaps the greatest tragedy in this is simply the refusal
of the anti-choice movement to recognize their responsibility
in the murders of these two young women.
Perhaps a program on John Burt (of Pensacola fame) would be
in order, as well?
Sincerely,
Greg Rucka
Eugene, OR
Dear FRONTLINE,
The report "Murder On `Abortion Row'" was both sensitive and provocative.
I was greatly moved by the tragic and senseless end of two beautiful lives.
Although Salvi was deemed competent I am left wondering if he isn't really
insane. How can such behaviour as his before the murders go unchecked?
I believe that the extremist pro-life groups that sanction murder need to
do some radical soul-searching and basic instruction in logic. Isn't the
advocation of murder a gross contradiction of Christ's lessons? Religion
aside, I feel that pro-life leaders advocating murder, such as Rev. Spitz,
bear heavy moral responsibility for violent acts committed in support of
their cause. Spitz, and others, should be tried along with Salvi.
Someday I hope that abortions will no longer be necessary. But for now, our
world just isn't that perfect. Women must have the right to choose their
reproductive future.
M.S.
Dear FRONTLINE,
As I watched your piece on the killing of two receptionists at
women's clinics in Boston, I found myself overcome by several emotions. I
felt pity for LeeAnn's fiance who seemed to be drowning alone in grief and
loss; I felt compassion and hurt for Shannon's family whose love and pain
were so easily heard in their words about Shannon. I found myself
understanding the tears of John Salvo's parents as they wrestled with their
shock, disappointment and tremendous guilt. But beyond these, I realized
that what upset me the most about your story was the reactions of the
protesters whose presence eventually led to these killings. Where was the
remorse? Do these people not realize that by labelling the clinic and its
employees murderers, they were inciting violence, and that once violence
erupted, they would have no one to blame but themselves?
Those who protested against the clinics led directly to these
women's deaths; their rhetoric of anger and hate manipulated and catalyzed
the actions of Salvo, a man who obviously suffers from schitzophrenic
tendencies. While the picketers may control their own actions, they also
contribute to the actions of others, and in this case their contribution was
death.
The people who claim such concern over amorphous cells within a
woman's body seemed to lose their compassion when it comes to those already
born. Where were the prayers for Shannon and LeeAnn? I find it
unconscionable that after two innocent people died, protesters still came,
shouting their hateful, murderous words.
In the past I have thought about members of Operation Rescue,
considering them passionate about their beliefs while misguided in their
attempts to help those about whom they profess to care (namely, the unborn).
Yet, after watching your documentary, I realized for the first time that
these protesters are agents of propaganda for their moralizing male leaders.
They shout the slogans of their leaders; they do the work of their
organizers. And for this reason they are no different from Salvo, the man
who committed the murders. They are all agents for the men who tell them
how to think and act. The only difference between Salvo and the picketers
is that Salvo suffers from schitzophrenia.
The deaths of LeeAnn and Shannon are the obvious outcome from such
demonstrations. For when one preaches that abortion is murder, how can one
then be surprised when murder ensues?
On a totally different note, I thought that LeeAnn warranted more
time than your piece allowed her. Her life was stolen from her, and you
owed her at least as much coverage as the man who took this life from her.
Otherwise, I found this to be a riviting and amazing piece of reporting.
Sincerely,
E.W.N.
Austin, Texas
Dear FRONTLINE,
My heart was broken repeatedly throughout your very poignant and
thought-provoking broadcast tonight. The many levels on which it reached me are a
measure of the multilayered complexities of the many issues you raised.
I think it's tragic how Americans seem to be unable to engage in dialog about
abortion. Instead, we seem to stand on our own sidewalk, be it in front of a
clinic, in the halls of academia, or in a church, and shout at the opposite
sidewalk. We're both unable to listen or be heard. As a society we seem stuck in
ethical adolencense, where we can't seem to allow that abortion is possibly an
immoral choice - but only the woman can make that determination.
I think it's tragic that radical pro-life activists feel so marginalized in our
culture that the basic bonds of the social contract are broken, and they can
rationalize committing murder. What led them to so completely identify with
fetuses?
I can hardly speak of Shannon Lowrey's and her family's tragedy. I'm Shannon's age,
and her academic and ethical interests are a virtual mirror to my own. I
especially understand her struggle to grow and learn in an academic environment
marked by dramatic conflict between left and right. I admire and respect her
organization of the debate you refered to - "Men and Abortion." Here was a woman
actively searching for understanding, and constructively working it out. It's hard
for me to hear her story and not despair for the future, to feel that the stuggle
to find meaning and purpose is not ultimately futile.
I'm left with the root of the tragedy, which, thankfully, is one where perhaps some
positive change can occur. Had Salvi's parents and others understood mental
illness better, perhaps some intervention could have occured before things
culminated in a larger tragedy. Ignorance about the nature of mental illness leads
to not just oversight, but stigmatization and ultimately persecution. When
members of our society better understand the nature of mental illness, at the very
least the debate about the insanity defense will be better informed, leading to
real justice. And ultimately, a better understanding will lead to better
idenfication of mental illness and better solutions . When we can look into our
heart of darkness, see ourselves unflinchingly and compassionately, then perhaps
we'll have a chance at preventing the cycle of burgeoning tragedy.
Mary MacDonald
mary.macdonald@dartmouth.edu
Dear FRONTLINE,
Your story tonight saddened me all over again. I clearly remember watching last
year in disbelief the reports on these horrible killings. As a Christian I was
horrified yet again that the "Christian" community either condoned these
murders, or kept a hypocritical silence. The acts of these missionaries of hate
sickens me, and enrages me further when they invoke God's name. Their Praise
the Lord and Pass the Ammunition mentality is in no way Christian. Christ's
only messages were of love and forgiveness. The only judgement he spoke of was
reserved for the Divine. Those terrorists who condone and encourage these and
other murders may think they are holding the hand of God, but it is the Prince
of Lies who puts the loaded gun in their other hand. Those of us who believe in
the lessons Jesus taught must start speaking up if we wish to reclaim the true
message of our beliefs, and bring an end to the evil among us. If these acts are
not evil, then everything in our belief system is fraudulent; and I cannot
accept that.
If I had one criticism of your program, it was that there was no spokesperson
for the Christian faith who vehemently decried the murders, and the terrorists
who encourage them. The Monsignor (I'm sorry, was it Cardinal) who was
interviewed was certainly a dispassionate spokesperson, and represented his
church well; however I would like to see others who were less restrained in
their views. Perhaps this would only add fuel to the fire, however. I am not
qualified to say.
Thank you for your always thought provoking program.
J.L.R.
Houston, TX
Dear FRONTLINE,
Excellent in-depth study, especially the portions revealing the mind-set of
those who still, after lapse of 20 years since Roe v. Wade, will not accept
the right of a woman to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.
Religion is, and always has been, the curse of mankind.
A.R.D.
Grand Rapids, MI
Dear FRONTLINE,
A sad but important program that the zealots and idealogues
on both sides of this issue should be compelled to watch.
I was transfixed to the set. My compliments to Frontline
for avoiding the emotional treatment that we see on the
commercial networks. The program was in the best tradition
of Ed Murrow and what is right about broadcast journalism.
It is truly sad that men and women are driven to irrational
acts by a society that seems to have forgotten how to
respect opposing viewpoints.
Frank Brennan
fbrennan@ix.netcom.com
Dear FRONTLINE,
As a clinic worker who daily puts her own ;ife on the ;line I want to thank
you for the very excellent job you did with a sensitive and emotionally charged
subject. I believe that the story accurately portrayed the reality of aobortion in
this country today and I hope that others who are not as closely asociated with the
frontlines will havde a better feel for the danger that we encounter each day as we
are exposed to the retoric and hatred of a zealous few. It's important for the
general public to understand the issue from the frontlines if abortion is to remain
a truly legal and viable option. Thank you for a jo well done. My passion for the
issue will never wane but it is nice to have it acknowledged from time to time on
national television.
A.W.
Dear FRONTLINE,
Tonight's Frontline was perhaps the best use of television
journalism that I have ever seen. Thank you for showing this
in its entirety.
But you have put forward quite a profound question : Who is
guilty? Although I totally support a woman's right to have an
abortion, I find it hard to blame the Church for these
gruesome murders. On the other hand, John Salvi certainly had
soaked up religios doctrine to the point that he felt justified
in his actions. Anti-abortionists should be aware that their
anger is a force that could be used again and again by unstable
individuals, and that because of the constant repetition of this
violence, have become partners in crime.
This was such a tragedy-tone down your rhetoric !
Don Meskie
chaski@seacoast.com
Dear FRONTLINE,
What an absolutely devastating peice. I pride myself on not being shaken by
media accounts and still wept throughout the whole program. I have never
before seen the aftermath of violence portrayed in such emotional depth.
What a horrendous, horrible loss to those who knew both of these excellent
human beings.
Congratulations on a peice of excellent journalism that I wish never had to
be made.
T.M.A.
Boston, MA
Dear FRONTLINE,
Although I am pro-life, and found this program to sometimes seem
to drift to the 'choice' side of the coin, I must tell you
that I found your coverage to be more unbiased than anything
I have ever seen in the media on this issue. I feel that
you covered the story well, and my heart goes out to the
families of the victims of John Salvi. I also vehemently
admonish the radical people who praise the actions of men
like Salvi. They claim to be Christian, but I see no
evidence that they are reading the same bible that the rest
of us are.
D.A.P.
Simcoe, Ontario