NationStates Jolt Archive

So today, I had my yearly HIV test at the Planned Parenthood near me (free clinics are a bit of a hike for me, and PP claimed it would only cost me about $50...liars. But anyway)

When I came out, there was an older woman and older man standing just outside the white line. Now, you could see their initial confusion as a boy came walking out of the dreaded abortion clinic (mind you, this one doesn't perform abortions) but the woman then said "Please, young man, don't abandon her. We can help her. You can change her mind"

Now, I tried to ignore her, but she kept following and telling me not to lose faith and abandon "her". I have no idea what "her" was being referenced, but it finally became enough to push me a bit too far. It was 8 AM and daddy didn't get enough sleep last night.

So I turned around and kinda yelled "I don't know who you are to imply that I would ever abandon a girl I had impregnated along with my future child. I also don't know who you are to think I would be controlling enough to demand she changes her mind to fit my, or anyone elses, opinions simply because I said so. And for your information, I was here for an HIV test. Yes. HIV.And by the way, my "girlfriend" has an 8" penis and is named John. Thanks"

So the last part isn't true, but it was entirely worth saying just to see her face.

Anyone else have fun encounters with obnoxious protesters?

lol

stupid bitch protesting abortion at a place that doesnt do them. making stupid assumptions about people leaving the place.

great response!

what was her reaction to your declaration?

My "girlfriend" has an 8" penis and is named John. Thanks"

I'm sorry to bring this too you but I think your girlfriend may be a man (who isn't actually pregnant!):p

lol

stupid bitch protesting abortion at a place that doesnt do them. making stupid assumptions about people leaving the place.

great response!

what was her reaction to your declaration?

I don't think a single word registered up untill I said the word "penis". She kept trying to cut me off and tell me the evils of abortion, then just looked shocked and a little frightened.

I'm sorry to bring this too you but I think your girlfriend may be a man (who isn't actually pregnant!):p

Then it isn't just me. I was getting that same impression! *nod*

Is it possible for the OP to win the thread? :confused:

I'm sorry to bring this too you but I think your girlfriend may be a man (who isn't actually pregnant!):p
I think he might also be shocked to hear that he doesn't exist. Although, on both accounts, it would save those pesky pregnancy scares
Is it possible for the OP to win the thread? :confused:

:cool:


I'm not a nice person at 8 AM. I feel bad for my future students already.

I volunteered at a free clinic, and encountered a lot of protesters like the ones in the OP.

Funny thing was, our clinic didn't actually perform abortions. We provided references and referrals to doctors who would, but our clinic was far more focused on providing contraception, reproductive health care like Pap exams, and prenatal care.

When anti-choice people protest at Planned Parenthood or other similar clinics, they're basically just showing their cards. They're proving, conclusively, that they aren't actually interested in preventing abortions at all. See, clinics like mine, and like Planned Parenthood, PREVENT ABORTION. It's just that we don't do it by hurting women and treating them like subhumans, we do it by giving them accurate information and access to contraception and medical care so that they can ensure that if they get pregnant it's because they want to be pregnant. If anti-choicers actually cared about preventing abortion then they would get off their lazy asses and learn the facts about abortion. They'd know that their anti-choice tactics don't work (and never have), but Planned Parenthood's do.

I would bet my life savings that Planned Parenthood as an organization has prevented more abortions than every single "pro-life" organization in the world combined. No contest, not even close. Indeed, every one of the big "pro-life" organizations in my country (the USA) has either a neutral or negative stance on contraception, which means that most of them are actively helping to increase the number of abortions that occur.

Anyhoo, that's why anti-choice protesters are morons. Laugh at them whenever you can.

I volunteered at a free clinic, and encountered a lot of protesters like the ones in the OP.

Funny thing was, our clinic didn't actually perform abortions. We provided references and referrals to doctors who would, but our clinic was far more focused on providing contraception, reproductive health care like Pap exams, and prenatal care.

When anti-choice people protest at Planned Parenthood or other similar clinics, they're basically just showing their cards. They're proving, conclusively, that they aren't actually interested in preventing abortions at all. See, clinics like mine, and like Planned Parenthood, PREVENT ABORTION. It's just that we don't do it by hurting women and treating them like subhumans, we do it by giving them accurate information and access to contraception and medical care so that they can ensure that if they get pregnant it's because they want to be pregnant. If anti-choicers actually cared about preventing abortion then they would get off their lazy asses and learn the facts about abortion. They'd know that their anti-choice tactics don't work (and never have), but Planned Parenthood's do.

I would bet my life savings that Planned Parenthood as an organization has prevented more abortions than every single "pro-life" organization in the world combined. No contest, not even close. Indeed, every one of the big "pro-life" organizations in my country (the USA) has either a neutral or negative stance on contraception, which means that most of them are actively helping to increase the number of abortions that occur.

Anyhoo, that's why anti-choice protesters are morons. Laugh at them whenever you can.
Out of curiosity, you didn't happen to volunteer at PP on Comm Ave, did you?

I volunteered at a free clinic, and encountered a lot of protesters like the ones in the OP.

Do you recall any specific incident that stood out or are they all kind of just one long blurry memory? :)

Funny thing was, our clinic didn't actually perform abortions. We provided references and referrals to doctors who would, but our clinic was far more focused on providing contraception, reproductive health care like Pap exams, and prenatal care.

The irony. How amusing. :)

When anti-choice people protest at Planned Parenthood or other similar clinics, they're basically just showing their cards. They're proving, conclusively, that they aren't actually interested in preventing abortions at all. See, clinics like mine, and like Planned Parenthood, PREVENT ABORTION. It's just that we don't do it by hurting women and treating them like subhumans, we do it by giving them accurate information and access to contraception and medical care so that they can ensure that if they get pregnant it's because they want to be pregnant. If anti-choicers actually cared about preventing abortion then they would get off their lazy asses and learn the facts about abortion. They'd know that their anti-choice tactics don't work (and never have), but Planned Parenthood's do.

How enlightened that sounds. How... progressive. An example of how abortion should be prevented; by giving the women accurate knowledge as well as providing contraceptives so they can protect themselves.

You just taught me something. I wasn't aware that PP actually tried to actively prevent abortion, I thought they simply provided guidance for the women seeking it, as well as numerous other services. Though this doesn't change my positive view of PP. I'm actually pleased to have learn something.

I would bet my life savings that Planned Parenthood as an organization has prevented more abortions than every single "pro-life" organization in the world combined. No contest, not even close. Indeed, every one of the big "pro-life" organizations in my country (the USA) has either a neutral or negative stance on contraception, which means that most of them are actively helping to increase the number of abortions that occur.

Some how that makes a lot of sense.

Pro-life seems to not actual reduce abortions because they also appear to be anti-contraceptive in some cases. Aren't these the same groups that tend to believe only in marital relations? As if sex within marriage is a magical contraceptive? Heh.

Greenpeace truly do my nut. Like when they shimmied up one of Didcot A's (power station) towers with that stupid banner.

Sometimes I just wish they would turn all the power stations off just to spite them, show what life would really be like if they had their way. Fortunately, I'm just a lab technician and it's not under my control. Lucky bastards...

I'm waiting for their next protest at Didcot - we're running biofuels there now. Should make for some decent laughs.

In my experiences, I did meet one anti-animal testing guy. Turns out he visited his doctor often. Took a fair bit of medication, too. I was this close *makes tiny gap between fingers, as you do* to slapping him. I then pointed out to a guy who was holding a placard, one side with a picture of a guy who I believe was supposed to be a muslim terrorist (headscarf and the like) and one of a guy in a surgeons hat and mask, and pointed out to him that technically, neither of those were illegal. Before reminding him that barring me access to that shop by holding that damned placard in front of my face might result in an illegal action.

None of these lunatics here, thankfully. But I just have to post a link to my favourite anti-loonie measure:

Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania’s 3rd Annual Pledge-A-Picket campaign (http://www.ppsp.org/PledgePicket.asp):
Here’s how it works: You decide on the amount you would like to pledge for each protester (minimum 10¢). When protesters show up on our sidewalks, Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania will count and record their number each day from October 1 through November 30, 2007. We will place a sign outside the health center that tracks pledges and makes protesters fully aware that their actions are benefiting PPSP. At the end of the two-month campaign, we will send you an update on protest activities and a pledge reminder.

Love it.

Do you recall any specific incident that stood out or are they all kind of just one long blurry memory? :)

They kind of run together. Though there was one particular group of protesters who appeared to be some sort of men-only organization, and it was really funny to watch them protest because they'd start the day talking about "saving babies" but by the end of the day they'd just be ranting about how MEN are the real victims of abortion.

Nothing quite like a bunch of middle-class white dudes yelling about how THEY are the victims, when you're working in a free clinic that provides health care mainly to poor women and their children...


How enlightened that sounds. How... progressive. An example of how abortion should be prevented; by giving the women accurate knowledge as well as providing contraceptives so they can protect themselves.

Something that pro-choice organizations have long since figured out is that women are going to plan their families regardless.

Women seek abortions even when abortion is hard to get. Even when it's extremely unsafe. Even when it's illegal.

Women try to figure out ways to not get pregnant. Even when that's hard to do. Even when the methods aren't safe. Even when it's illegal.

The only difference is that when contraception and reproductive health care are illegal, unsafe, or otherwise hard to access, more women get sick and die trying to access them.


You just taught me something. I wasn't aware that PP actually tried to actively prevent abortion, I thought they simply provided guidance for the women seeking it, as well as numerous other services. Though this doesn't change my positive view of PP. I'm actually pleased to have learn something.

It's right in the name: PLANNED Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, like most pro-choice organizations, is all about helping people with family planning. It's about making sure that people who want to have kids can have safe, healthy pregnancies, and that people who don't want to have kids can use safe methods for preventing pregnancy as well as safe options for abortion if necessary.

Healthy people make for healthier parents, too! Clinics like the one I worked at, and like Planned Parenthood's all over the US, provide services such as pelvic exams, STD screening, and breast exams. In many cases, the women who are getting treated are women who otherwise couldn't afford such medical care. Our clinic mainly helped poor women and children, and most of them probably didn't have health insurance.


Some how that makes a lot of sense.

Pro-life seems to not actual reduce abortions because they also appear to be anti-contraceptive in some cases. Aren't these the same groups that tend to believe only in marital relations? As if sex within marriage is a magical contraceptive? Heh.
You're supposed to have sex only within marriage, and only as long as you are "open to children."

Never mind that maybe you can't afford a baby right now. Or maybe you're sick and can't safely carry a pregnancy to term. Or maybe you already have children who need your attention (at least 60% of American women who seek abortions already have at least one child). Because stuff like that would never, ever happen to married people.

Out of curiosity, you didn't happen to volunteer at PP on Comm Ave, did you?
Nope, though I actually did visit them a couple of times. Most notably when I was a staffer for an HIV/AIDS awareness group, and I brought a troop of freshmen in. I told them, "Now you guys have no excuse for being out of condoms or for not being tested. Be safe or I'll come to your dorms and fling rubbers at you."

Trying to remember a few funny stories of dealing with the protesters, and I do remember how a friend of mine once printed up a flier that looked, at first glance, exactly like the ones being handed out by some anti-choice group. She copied the font and the style and such pretty well, so if you just skimmed your eyes over it the two looked pretty much identical. Except if you actually read my friend's flier, it was a bunch of dead baby jokes. (Yes, my friends are a lot more hardcore than me.)

I volunteer for a place where women and young girls can come and get contraception, information, check-ups and prenatal care....we don't even have anything to do with abortions (although I have taken ladies to get them when that's what they decided to do) and we had protesters a few times.....we didn't really want them there, but we didn't really mess with them either because we figured they weren't bothering other people and we could just ignore them. They had the signs of the smushed up fetus pictures and all, we asked them to take those away and they didn't, so I had to look at that for a few days... it's pretty sad. We are trying to help women, they are trying to intimidate them. :(

Trying to remember a few funny stories of dealing with the protesters, and I do remember how a friend of mine once printed up a flier that looked, at first glance, exactly like the ones being handed out by some anti-choice group. She copied the font and the style and such pretty well, so if you just skimmed your eyes over it the two looked pretty much identical. Except if you actually read my friend's flier, it was a bunch of dead baby jokes. (Yes, my friends are a lot more hardcore than me.)

Is that even possible? *gets out a calculator* What would you say your Hardcore Level would be?

No one, and I mean no one, is as annoying as those LaRouche PAC folks. They show up, spout their weirdness, cling to passers by, and get their panties in a bundle when I ignore them.

No one, and I mean no one, is as annoying as those LaRouche PAC folks. They show up, spout their weirdness, cling to passers by, and get their panties in a bundle when I ignore them.

...elaborate?

Look up somthing called brain terminal it will show you some protesters way worsr than that.

Anyone else have fun encounters with obnoxious protesters?

A friend of mine, a wealthy businesswoman, was stopped on her way into a supermarket by BNP [British National Party - fascists masquerading as the voice of reason] campaigners.

She stood there nodding while they spent some time trying to get her to sign their anti-immigration petition, and also tried to talk her into joining the BNP. Then she opened her mouth for the first time and explained to them, in flawless English but with a strong Polish accent, why she wasn't going to do that. Gutted that I wasn't there to see that.

No one, and I mean no one, is as annoying as those LaRouche PAC folks. They show up, spout their weirdness, cling to passers by, and get their panties in a bundle when I ignore them.

They have come into our classrooms before, then complained that their civil rights were being violated when the professor threw them out.

Those wako ani-war protestors are allways blocking up road ways and screaming profanities at you if you disagree.

They have come into our classrooms before, then complained that their civil rights were being violated when the professor threw them out.

what exactly are they protesting against? because I've never heard about them.

...elaborate?

Well, in walking along this morning, I passed by a group of LaRouche PAC folks, one of them clung to me as I sought to cross the street, even though I told them I'm not interested. In fact, I put my headphones back on and continued on my way, and despite this fact, this one dude clung to me as I walked on, babbling on about "traditional British geopolitics and the inevitable collapsee of the US system."

what exactly are they protesting against? because I've never heard about them.

They aren't exactly protesters, but more a political activist group that lurks on college campuses across America. They say alot of things like "Bush is a Nazi", "Al Gore is evil", war criminal signs for all of the current admin, lots of conspiracy theories, anti-semetic, and general asshattery. I hate most people who solicit on campus, but LaRouchians are a particularly irritating group.

They aren't exactly protesters, but more a political activist group that lurks on college campuses across America. They say alot of things like "Bush is a Nazi", "Al Gore is evil", war criminal signs for all of the current admin, lots of conspiracy theories, anti-semetic, and general asshattery. I hate most people who solicit on campus, but LaRouchians are a particularly irritating group.

They left a whole mess of pamphlets in the building I work in not to long ago with a picture of Margaret Spellings on the front, and underneath the picture they put the words "American Goebbels."

This was particularly irritating as the place I work for was hosting Secretary Spellings as a speaker that week, and it certainly wouldn't have had a positive impact on her image to have that sort of shit laying around.

Out of curiosity, you didn't happen to volunteer at PP on Comm Ave, did you?

wait wait wait, the planned parenthood on comm ave in allston at packards corner? The one by the Shaws?

Holy shit, I've gotten an HIV test there!

They aren't exactly protesters, but more a political activist group that lurks on college campuses across America. They say alot of things like "Bush is a Nazi", "Al Gore is evil", war criminal signs for all of the current admin, lots of conspiracy theories, anti-semetic, and general asshattery. I hate most people who solicit on campus, but LaRouchians are a particularly irritating group.Advocates of the famous "silent majority", huh?

They aren't exactly protesters, but more a political activist group that lurks on college campuses across America. They say alot of things like "Bush is a Nazi", "Al Gore is evil", war criminal signs for all of the current admin, lots of conspiracy theories, anti-semetic, and general asshattery. I hate most people who solicit on campus, but LaRouchians are a particularly irritating group.

Rules that Govern the Universe, number 36: Anyone who writes anything entitled 'The Secrets Known Only to the Inner Elites' warrants a good dose of ignoring.

wait wait wait, the planned parenthood on comm ave in allston at packards corner? The one by the Shaws?

Holy shit, I've gotten an HIV test there!

That would be the one. Twas there this morning, bright and early. I live about a 10 minute walk away off Harvard Ave

Is it possible for the OP to win the thread? :confused:

In this case very much so!

I'd have loved to see that on uuuuuutube

So today, I had my yearly HIV test at the Planned Parenthood near me (free clinics are a bit of a hike for me, and PP claimed it would only cost me about $50...liars. But anyway)

When I came out, there was an older woman and older man standing just outside the white line. Now, you could see their initial confusion as a boy came walking out of the dreaded abortion clinic (mind you, this one doesn't perform abortions) but the woman then said "Please, young man, don't abandon her. We can help her. You can change her mind"

Now, I tried to ignore her, but she kept following and telling me not to lose faith and abandon "her". I have no idea what "her" was being referenced, but it finally became enough to push me a bit too far. It was 8 AM and daddy didn't get enough sleep last night.

So I turned around and kinda yelled "I don't know who you are to imply that I would ever abandon a girl I had impregnated along with my future child. I also don't know who you are to think I would be controlling enough to demand she changes her mind to fit my, or anyone elses, opinions simply because I said so. And for your information, I was here for an HIV test. Yes. HIV.And by the way, my "girlfriend" has an 8" penis and is named John. Thanks"

So the last part isn't true, but it was entirely worth saying just to see her face.

Anyone else have fun encounters with obnoxious protesters?

LOL... Too bad you didn't get to take a picture to memorialize the image on her face!

That would be the one. Twas there this morning, bright and early. I live about a 10 minute walk away off Harvard Ave

hah, nice, I lived just down Comm ave for a year when I was at lawschool. I took the 66 bus to school every morning.

So today, I had my yearly HIV test at the Planned Parenthood near me (free clinics are a bit of a hike for me, and PP claimed it would only cost me about $50...liars. But anyway)

When I came out, there was an older woman and older man standing just outside the white line. Now, you could see their initial confusion as a boy came walking out of the dreaded abortion clinic (mind you, this one doesn't perform abortions) but the woman then said "Please, young man, don't abandon her. We can help her. You can change her mind"

Now, I tried to ignore her, but she kept following and telling me not to lose faith and abandon "her". I have no idea what "her" was being referenced, but it finally became enough to push me a bit too far. It was 8 AM and daddy didn't get enough sleep last night.

So I turned around and kinda yelled "I don't know who you are to imply that I would ever abandon a girl I had impregnated along with my future child. I also don't know who you are to think I would be controlling enough to demand she changes her mind to fit my, or anyone elses, opinions simply because I said so. And for your information, I was here for an HIV test. Yes. HIV.And by the way, my "girlfriend" has an 8" penis and is named John. Thanks"

So the last part isn't true, but it was entirely worth saying just to see her face.

Anyone else have fun encounters with obnoxious protesters? LOL!!!

nice...

Is it possible for the OP to win the thread? :confused:
why not. this one did. :p

I have always suspected that the more rabid protesters don't protest because they have strong feelings about the matter. I believe it is the reverse - they have developed strong feelings to justify their protesting. It's the confrontation they are addicted to. Self-righteous indignation and moral superiority are powerful drugs.

I had a run in with PETA once during a fishing trip in Kentucky. The people from PETA ended up dodging dead fish, and I spent the night in jail, but the charges were dropped since they didn't get permission to rally there. :)

I have never experienced a protest.

So today, I had my yearly HIV test at the Planned Parenthood near me (free clinics are a bit of a hike for me, and PP claimed it would only cost me about $50...liars. But anyway)

When I came out, there was an older woman and older man standing just outside the white line. Now, you could see their initial confusion as a boy came walking out of the dreaded abortion clinic (mind you, this one doesn't perform abortions) but the woman then said "Please, young man, don't abandon her. We can help her. You can change her mind"

Now, I tried to ignore her, but she kept following and telling me not to lose faith and abandon "her". I have no idea what "her" was being referenced, but it finally became enough to push me a bit too far. It was 8 AM and daddy didn't get enough sleep last night.

So I turned around and kinda yelled "I don't know who you are to imply that I would ever abandon a girl I had impregnated along with my future child. I also don't know who you are to think I would be controlling enough to demand she changes her mind to fit my, or anyone elses, opinions simply because I said so. And for your information, I was here for an HIV test. Yes. HIV.And by the way, my "girlfriend" has an 8" penis and is named John. Thanks"

So the last part isn't true, but it was entirely worth saying just to see her face.

Anyone else have fun encounters with obnoxious protesters?

Why didn't you just say at the beginning, "I wasn't here to see my girlfriend, but to get an HIV test?"

wait wait wait, the planned parenthood on comm ave in allston at packards corner? The one by the Shaws?

Holy shit, I've gotten an HIV test there!
I shopped at that Shaws for two years. :D Saw Stephen Lynch live at a club like two blocks from there, too.

Damn I miss Boston.

None of these lunatics here, thankfully. But I just have to post a link to my favourite anti-loonie measure:

Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania’s 3rd Annual Pledge-A-Picket campaign (http://www.ppsp.org/PledgePicket.asp):


Love it.
To quote CNToaN, Quality.

Nope, though I actually did visit them a couple of times. Most notably when I was a staffer for an HIV/AIDS awareness group, and I brought a troop of freshmen in. I told them, "Now you guys have no excuse for being out of condoms or for not being tested. Be safe or I'll come to your dorms and fling rubbers at you."
Ahh...it's too bad you graduated and moved away. I think we would get along well.
hah, nice, I lived just down Comm ave for a year when I was at lawschool. I took the 66 bus to school every morning.I take the 57 or B (BU student)

Why didn't you just say at the beginning, "I wasn't here to see my girlfriend, but to get an HIV test?"
...where's the fun in that?

I shopped at that Shaws for two years. :D Saw Stephen Lynch live at a club like two blocks from there, too.

Damn I miss Boston.
I just got back from that shaws about 5 minutes ago...tho, I do most of my shopping at Stop and Shop down by Twin Donuts and KFC...better selection and usually have everything.

The protesters at PP here aren't nearly that bad. Mostly they just sit there with their signs.

--snip--
Anyone else have fun encounters with obnoxious protesters?

Abortion protests. The USA can be so cute at times.

Anyhoo, not exactly protests in the picketing sense, but I was a bit miffed to read in the paper today that RFSL (big GLBT rights group) was throwing a bit of a tantrum at the fact that some sort of fringe evangelical group had bought ad space in the Stockholm subway/tube/metro with a poster that said "Preserve marriage and the family - man, wife, child" or something imbecilic like that.

Now, the general public in this secular country with high divorce rates and low marriage rates to begin with (a lot of people just have "samboskap" which is cohabitation and which confers most of the rights marriage does anyway) know to laugh at the USA or Polish levels of backwardness in the ad, and probably know for themselves out of experience that the nuclear family is not the only way to have a family (and, in fact, 60-70% support gender neutral marriage). So far so good, but RFSL is bitching about the ads (thus giving them more attention) and claiming they are "demeaning towards GLBT-people" (they are, but who gives a fuck - they're "demeaning" to everyone who has a family that does not meet their retarded standards, not just GLBT-pepple) and have demanded that the transit authority and the people who own the ad space take them down. Idiots. And now the websites of the evangelicals have been hacked and DoSed, which means they've made the news...

Ugh. Morons. The lot of them.