COMMUNITY FORUM: 40 years of Planned Parenthood protests

THE ISSUE: A Feb. 8 Sidestreets column by Gazette columnist Bill Vogrin, about a man, Chuck Leggett who endured 40 years of protests against Planned Parenthood near his home, resulted in a number of letters to the editor.

Participants are a last hope

I have met Chuck Leggett after praying outside of Planned Parenthood when it was on Colorado Ave. I’m sure the unruly people were quite a hassle for him. But please know that many people go out there in peaceful prayer. We may not get a lot of attention because we aren’t making a fuss.

The 40 Days for Life participants are there as a last hope that someone may change their mind before aborting their baby. How can I drive by and not stop, knowing I might be able to offer some help?

Michele Wood

Colorado Springs

Now that is a real story

Regarding the Feb. 8: “Dentist gets red carpet after abortion protesters, Slurpees.”

This article is really a cheap shot at the many hundreds of people who peacefully prayed or protested at the Planned Parenthood abortion mill on West Colorado Avenue.

Of course, there were some protesters during the 25-year period that Planned Parenthood operated their death chamber that were obnoxious and rude. But this article makes it sound like they were in the majority rather than the 1 percent fringe that actually occurred. Why don’t you concentrate on the real story — that more babies die via abortion in the U.S. each year (1.4 million), than all the U.S. military deaths in all wars since the Revolutionary War (1.1 million). Now that is a real story.

Planned Parenthood has made so much money legally killing babies, that they were able to move to an extravagant “fortress” on the west side of Colorado Springs.

Jerry Klazura

Monument

What caused the noise

In response to the article on “Dentist gets red carpet”, I would like to clear up what really goes on with the protesters outside of Planned Parenthood.

The majority of those who stand on the sidewalk are peacefully praying.

They are praying for an end to abortion, for the mothers and fathers who are entering the place, for the workers inside, and for all of the families torn up by this holocaust. Where does the noise come from that Chuck Leggett spoke of?

Well, it comes from those who drive by in their cars and hurl insults and profanities, from folks who walk up and yell at the people on the sidewalk, and most surprisingly of all, from the angry, screaming mothers who have had past abortions. These mothers eventually break down into tears about their own guilt and anguish over a decision they made and still regret.

They will never get that child back, but they remember that child always and their pain comes out as anger. Yes, all of them are being prayed for, no matter what they say or how.

Maybe the next time those of you who drive by the folks standing on the sidewalk want to yell something or strike out, you should take time out of the noise and hustle of your life to have a peaceful discussion, maybe even pray.

Amanda Larsen

Colorado Springs

Deserves peace after unrest

I am responding to “Dentist gets red carpet” I am sad that Chuck Leggett had to endure what he did. He deserves peace after all those years of unrest. 

I’ve been out on the sidewalk praying near his home and I must say, while there have been some graphic signs and angry people throughout the years, most of the people out there praying were simply that, praying. 

As the local leader for the international 40 Days for Life movement, I cannot stress enough how important it is to participate in a peaceful prayer vigil when getting involved.

Violence and anger are counterproductive and one day perhaps people will realize that.

Our mission is to pray to end abortion and to be out there to help women, men, and their pre-born babies.

We are also out there to help women who have had abortions in the past, and men who are also hurting because of abortion.

We are not out there to judge people, which is a common misconception. Our upcoming 40 Days for Life effort will begin on Feb. 22.

Please go to 40daysforlife.com for more information or to our local website 40daysforlife.com/coloradosprings.

Michele Mason, 40 Days for Life

Colorado Springs

It is a lifelong process

I just want to apologize and ask for forgiveness from Chuck Leggett and his neighbors for all that he suffered, while Planned Parenthood was by his house, because of angry protesters who carried graphic posters of late-term abortions and confronted everyone they saw: clients, passersby or neighbors.

Please forgive us for being a mess, for the roughnecks and for being hostile with neighbors at random. Forgive us for yelling at you and making you feel attacked. Jesus would never do that, He taught us to love and to turn the other cheek but we are disobedient many times.

Many times we want to do “eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” or violence for violence, but Jesus taught all of us to be different, to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27-28).

We are still learning, it is a life-long process... Please forgive us, in Jesus’ name.

Mariel Catarisano

Colorado Springs