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" By birth control are you referring to condoms? Planned Parenthood does hand out free condoms. By birth control I was talking about oral contraceptives. Those are not given out by Planned Parenthood without an exam and a counseling appointment. You cannot go and buy oral contraceptives over the counter or at a pharmacy without a prescription.

Getting condoms from the Planned Parenthood is easy and accessible, I will agree with you there. However, you’re not going to stumble across one of these clinics in the mall, or in a candy store. Why else would a teen go to a Planned Parenthood unless they have questions or have thought about having sex? I think if a teen didn’t have access to free condoms at Planned Parenthood they would just not use them. They wouldn’t take the risk of someone seeing them buy condoms from the store. What if their parents saw, or someone else they knew? Of course you’re going to say, “well then they shouldn’t be having sex in the first place”. And I agree—maybe they shouldn’t, but they do.

I think the girls’ signs are not anymore white trash than the original protestors’ signs. "

" For Ann:

The green light I am referring to is at PP, which has NEVER counseled anyone I know before handing them birth control. Of course parents need to be involved, that was my point. I am sure some parents would be totally pumped to learn PP handed their 13 year old birth control without their knowledge...I have been in PP and they hide behind the fact that they are doing a "good thing" and for some they are. However, the young girls (and guys) heading in there are doing so because it is easy and accessible. Make them walk up to the counter at the local convenience store and openly buy contraceptives, just like an ADULT. If a parent agrees with their teen having sex, then they should go and buy them protection which then "green lights" them to do what they want...As for the signs, I never said the girls' signs were offensive, just white trash. I guess we will agree to disagree. "

" Livithardcore, you are completely missing the point. Read the sentence, “if you think 13 year olds do not need sex education or birth control then you are sorely mistaken.” Tell me how this gives any type of green light or puts the responsibility on others as you suggest? Are you saying sex education cannot come from a parent? Teens that are lucky enough to have parents that talk with them about sex at an early age are not the ones needing services from Planned Parenthood. Believe it or not, there are many parents out there that refuse to talk about the subject. Some even pull their kids out of the sex education courses taught at school. If a teenager cannot talk to their parents about it, where would you suggest they go?

Have you even been to a Planned Parenthood? They have a plethora of information on every topic, and they certainly do not give teens birth control without counseling them. Their employees are patient, informative and very kind. They are not shy to ask questions and make sure their patients understand all they need and want to know.

Perhaps you should do some research before you make these ludicrous claims. While you’re at it, learn some manners. It only goes against your argument if you can’t state your point without insulting others.

As for the honk for abortion signs, I agree with the comment “Reader” posted. The signs didn’t change anyone’s mind on abortion did they? If their “honk for abortion” sign is offensive to you, maybe you can see that the other signs are just as, if not more, offensive to others. "

" For Ann:

It's called parenting. This is a foreign word for most these days but it actually does work when you don't put the responsibility on others to do it for you. If a 13 year old doesn't see anything wrong with an adult situation, my guess is they were never taught correctly. I understand that situation with kids today, trust me, my issue is the "green light" we give kids without ANY type of counseling at all. "Here you go kids, go have fun" and at the end of the day the PP people feel they made a difference? It is a weak argument made by a liberal group with ZERO ethics. Go ask any employee of PP if they counsel a 13 year old before handing out birth control and you will have your answer....As for the two girls "protesting" with "Honk for Abortion?" does it get any more white trash than that? "

" First of all, thank you to the two girls, Lexa and Aleia.

Secondly, I wonder if these protestors can see the irony in their argument. You are rallying in front of the only center in Owosso that can provide confidential services to teens. Birth control, condoms, education, pregnancy testing, etc. are all made available at the Planned Parenthood of Owosso. By protesting in front of their location you are turning away the very people that need help. When teen girls cannot get education or birth control their risk of becoming pregnant becomes even greater. Unwanted pregnancies lead to abortion.

Protesting abortion in front of Planned Parenthood is useless. It creates more problems for people than it are solves. If you truly want to help stop abortion, why not volunteer or create an organization to help young moms? The only way you are going to convince someone that abortion is not their answer is to show them there is help out there. After all, ACTIONS speak louder than words.

And to livithardcore, if you think 13 year olds do not need sex education or birth control you are sorely mistaken. I truly hope you open your eyes and your mind before your daughter comes home pregnant. "

" For Sam:

I didn't realize that we were living in the ancient times again with several "tribes" in the area marrying kids off at 10 and tons of 13 year olds having kids. Before you call me a moron, make sure you spell at least 5 consecutive words correctly. Maybe you should have studied a little harder and partied a little less. "

" Mr.Poullion was a very rude and obnoxius person who didn't care who he hurt with his signs or his words. he once told a friend of mine who had two mentally handicapped children that she should of had two abortions. whats up with that?? hmmmm!!! "

" I had a run-in with Mr. Poullion once when I worked at the YWCA Daycare Center. Mr. Poullion was at the top of the hill going into the back entrance of the Y. My daughter attended the center and as we pulled in she asked me why that man a picture of a monster on his sign. I took my daughter in and walked up the hill to where Poullion was standing. Before I could even get to him he started shouting at me that he had every right to be there and that there was nothing I or the police could do about it and in words that I will not repeat. They weren't very nice. When I reached him, I told him that I totally agreed with what he was doing and that in my opinion only God has the right to take lives. I told him that when he was demonstrating on the corner of 52 and 21 that I used to honk my horn in support. The issue I had with him that day was the content of his sign. I politely told him what my daughter asked me on the way in and asked if he could at least change to one of his all-words sign so that the little ones didn't have to start their day seeing that picture. He informed me that he would use any f-ing sign he wanted and that he didn't care how many f-ing children saw that picture. So needless to say that ended my support of Mr. Poullion. He professed to be such an advocate for children but what about the children that were not aborted? Where was his advocacy for them? "

" Anon says, "Is killing doctors any less evil than an abortion."

No, they're equally evil. The difference is that when a pro-abortion doctor is killed, the pro-life people speak out against the killer.

But when a pro-life demonstrater is killed, the media only talks about how awful his signs were. In essence, they're saying, "He deserved what he got." "

" I was personally apalled at the protest. Not because of what they were protesting, but how. There were young (under 5 yo) children holding those horrible signs! Isn't that child endangerment. They are protesting because a man was killed holding those signs, but then they put them in their children's hands. I think they have become so wrapped up in it, as Jim did, that they have forgotten what truly matters. If this is a religious thing, shouldn't God and your family come first? "

" to livithardcore you would be shocked at how many 13 year olds need birth control. and for you info. my "baby attemps" were with my now husband we have been together since i was 13. i had friends that were having children and i didnt want any at that time so i prevented it. you say "if any planned parenthood moron handed you birth control without any conscious, then they should be punched in the face"
do you have kids? would you rather you kids be protected if having sex or would you pefer they be totally recless??? have you taken a look at our high schools and junior high schools for that matter all they are is a hoochy contest. yes i thank god for palnned parenthood and i know many young women and men a that are having sex they are going to do it with or without permission so why not with some protection, i tell them they should tell their parent and use condums and birth control both and that planned parenthood is confidential so if telling their parent isnt an option they can still get services to be safe.
i feel you should be punched in the face for being so close minded. and if you do have kids you better lock them up and through out the key cause thats the only way that they arent going to be exposed to life at an increasingly younger age. oh and by the way 13 year olds have been having children for centries you moron, think kings,queen, that kind of thing women were maried off as young as ten so they would have plenty of time to make an air so its not just our youth now but it has always been that way or look at primitive tribes they still marry off women in their teens. "

" I think Everyone should go outside and enjoy this great weather!!! "

" I would like to know if this is just for the publicity for most of those people. Just to see if they can get their face in a newspaper or camera! Where were these people when Jim was out there BY HIMSELF? Where was their dedication to the cause then?? "

" Pat on the back to anyone who voices their opinion when they truly believe in something. Practice your right to free speech no matter who does or doesn't agree. That is your right and what is the point of having it, if you can't use it. But please people if you are going to use it don't hind behind what you are really trying to say. All those people who showed up to protest did not protest because of abortion they protested to prove they have their right to free speech. And they are right Jim should not have died for having an opionion. But, people who don't believe in abortion do not stand in front of a building and block the doors of the very place that was set in place to prevent pregnancies. Isn't that what pro-life is supposed to be stop getting pregnant if you don't want a kid and quit aborting the lifes of innocent babies. hmmmm...so why don't we stand in front of the doors and scare away everyone coming here for B/C so they will now go get pregnant and get an abortion..Now that makes a lot of sense. Nothing like adding fuel to the fire. I personaly do not agree with abortion but at least I am smart enough to know if you want to stop something you hit it where it hurts you don't stand in front of a building that actually helps prevent more abortions through the use of b/c and condoms than it aborts through referals. Free speech all for it..just use a little common sense please people, abortion stops when unwanted pregnancies stop and that will only happen with PROTECTION. And for all the nasty comments to those who do or don't believe, just remember beliefs and judgement are completly different. You are not here to judge. Just because I don't believe in abortion I have never judged one who has had one. I can not, until I stand in their shoes I can not judge. I have not been a 14 year old pregnant and scared, I have not ever been a druggy pregnant knowing that I would never be able to kick the habit and may deliever a crack baby and I have never been a rape victim being forced to carry my attackers baby. Nor have I ever during any of my pregnancies been told by a doctor that if i carry this baby it may die and if it don't it will be serverly disabled for life. I have not been in many situations that cause people to make that choice so I am in no position to judge and until you are, you are in no position to judge either. "

" For Sam:

Yikes, I am truly afraid now more than ever for our youth. "I was 13 when I first started seeking birth control." Really? "Could you imagine all of the unwanted babies I would have had?" Again, really? At 13, if any planned parenthood moron handed you birth control without any conscious, then they should be punched in the face. I'm sure your future husband was pumped to hear of all or your "unwanted baby attempts at 13." Why didn't planned parenthood just hand you the keys to a tank and tell you to go have fun. To say that only Catholics are protesting planned parenthood is false. I'm sure PP of Owosso had no idea that they were putting their facility right behind the K of C! PP workers must have ZERO conscious when dealing with teens and then they hide behind the law. If you don't want STD's and you don't "want babies" then don't have sex at 13, go play with Barbies and be a kid, because that is what you are at 13...a CHILD. "

" To Sam....
I'm not so certain that the protesters are mostly Catholic. If Catholic's checked their own organization, they'd find that the majority of them ARE practicing birth control. Oh my, what a shock!! "

" The Pro-Choice protesters as well as all of the other children in Owosso have grown up forced to view disgusting images from when they were far too young to even understand what abortion was. After seeing dozens of these signs that most people find very offensive, they chose to react. I believe the Honk for Abortion sign was intended to give the Pro-Life protesters a taste of what it feels like to be offended by the right to Freedom of Speech. Although Honk for Choice would have been politically correct to display, do you think that would have been as effective to protesters attempting to get rid of the only place in Shiawassee County that takes a proactive stance to stop abortion by providing birth control to those without the means to get it elsewhere? "

" As the mother of 3 beautiful children who are members of this community, I am confused and frustrated when reading these messages. I send my sympathy for each family involved in this tragedy. If asked, I would tell you I am Pro Life...But that includes the here and now. My love is not just for the unborn. What about these children...our kids who witnessed a murder because a man for more than 20 years found is lack of tolerance more important than the safety of himself, his family and all of our families. His actions for as long as I can remember have been about him receiving his rights to offend and inflict each of us with horrible visions. My High School along with hundreds has been made a part of this. I can say I would never choose to have an abortion and that is not because of a sign Mr Poullion held. "

" i agree planned parent hood is not killing babies, i was 13 when i started seeking birth control at P.P. i am now 23 can you imagin the number of unwanted children i would have had without birth control thank god for P.P. now im married and have two wonderful children that i wanted. P.P. needs more support and more recognition so that more teens can prevent unwanted pregnancy and the spread of std's.the reason most protest planned parenthood is because they are catholic and they dont believe in any form of birth control because preventing a pregnancy is just as bad as aborting one in their eyes. "

" You sit here at your computer and complain about Planned Parenthood, when it is your tax dollars they take to make it all happen. They lobby our congress and it is funded through Medicaid. "

" This is unbelieveable, you have made a saint out of Jim, his signs were disgussing, I feel sorry that his life was taken but I truly think he got more pleasure on making other people upset. Planned Parenthood, helps give birth control to young women, it is not your choice but hers to decide what she needs to do with her situation. Leave this community alone, he is the only 1 that felt it was his duty to express "his freedom of right to speach" Enough, we have another family that also has tragically lost a family member. You know you call this a hate crime but do you not "hate" women who have abortions? "

" Killing an unborn baby is the same as killing a grown person. It's pretty selfish to want to kill an innocent human being. Where's the childs choice in this? Does anyone have a conscience anymore? Society has desensitized us with all the crap on TV and what we have allowed to be jammed down our throats. Planned Parenthood doesn't counsel you that you have other options other than aborting your baby. Many people would gladly adopt that child (me being one of them)because they can't have any of their own. People are forced to adopt from outside the USA. That aborted child might have grown up to be the next president and maybe we wouldn't have to be dealing with Mr. Socialist (Obama)now. Pretty soon you'll be brainwashed to thinking killing the elderly (could be your parents) is OK. What a sad day we live in. "

" “We thought that it was wrong, so we went into Kroger and bought signs,” Elston said, while holding a sign that read, “My friend had an abortion - now she's in college and has a great future.”

At what cost to her child? She still could of had a great future and had the child. Thousands of women overcome the hardships of parenting while working and receiving an education, either on their own or with assistance, both through hard work. The Nuturing Network is one such organization which provides assistance with education and career building for women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or single parenting. Women deserve support and better options than abortion.

"No matter how it is worded or performed, abortion hurts women. This won’t stop until women stand up in unison and say, ‘This is unacceptable. We deserve better.’ Lack of emotional and financial resources are the real undue burden and abortion will never lift that."
Serrin Foster, president of Feminists For Life, press release, (June 28, 2000)

"It is a cruel joke to call this a woman's "choice". We may choose to sacrifice our life and career plans, or choose to undergo humiliating invasive surgery and sacrifice our offspring. How fortunate we are--we have a choice!" -- Frederica Mathewes-Green in her essay, 'The Bitter Price of "Choice" '

"When a man steals to satisfy hunger, we may safely conclude that there is something wrong in society. So when a woman destroys the life of her unborn child, it is an evidence that either by education or circumstances she has been greatly wronged."
Mattie Brinkerhoff, women's suffrage movement leader, in The Revolution (September 2, 1869). "

" Killing abortion doctors would be a late term abortion.
With Obama health care, elderly men like Killer Tiller could be taken out by Obama's end of life counselors.
Too bad that good man SCOTT ROEDER wasn't an Obama end of life counselor, then SCOTT ROEDER would not be jail for his work. "

" Rather than prove to be the extremist idiots that they are, why don't the "protesters" open their OWN clinics to council women - and take care of the poor, unwanted, uncared for children across the U.S. They could better serve their cause by performing a useful purpose to their fellow citizens.

I suspect that these "protesters" are really just a bunch of "kooks" that want to see their names/pictures in the news. "

" I wanted to say good job to the young girls who stood up for there beliefs.
I also wanted to say that what happened to James Poullion was awful! I truely believe thast this man was passionate about what he believed in and it is sad they he was gunned down for standing up for what he believes in. This man was passionate about what he did and stood up for it no matter what he had to endure to do it. So many people in this world are not passionate about anything, they stand for nothing.
Now, I would also like to say that I AM PRO-Choice. I feel that it is a womans choice to do what she feels is best for her. I just dont think killing a man for what he believes in is right! "

" Deann,

You are right Planned Parenthood didn't kill him. However, they do support abortion. It's sad that people believe that it's "radical" to want to save babies. People say "those pics are offensive." It's a lot more offensive to know that is happening daily than to be offended by seeing it. Maybe you feel better about it because you don't have to look at it. It dehumanizes the situation to call it a "fetus." It's a person just like you and I. If a guy who was gay was shot for holding a pro gay marriage sign there would be public outcry and Oprah would be going crazy and labeling it a "hate crime." The ultimate hate crime is letting babies be slaughtered. Someone has to speak up for the defenseless. You're robbing someone of their life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. We have more babies killed EVERY DAY than we had killed on 9/11. Imagine 9/11 happening every day. Guess what? It does. "

" "Honk for Abortion?" Lexa Labert and Aleia Elston, thanks girls. You're one more reason why people think Owosso is a white trash town. "

" To Grew Up in Owosso - I agree with you 100%. I'm against abortion that's why I have my beautiful daughter. Planned Parenthood is the only place I know of to get affordable birth control so I can take care my responsibly that I have now. As much as I would like to be out there saying that abortion is wrong......I don't feel like getting shot because I not having my daughter grow up without a mother. That may or may not be why Mr. Poullion was killed but I'm not taking the chance.

RIP Mr. Poullion and Mr. Fuoss!!! "

" What most people don't understand is that Planned Parenthood is the #1 abortion provider in the US. Over 250,000 babies are killed every year in PP "facilities". Another aspect of the "protestors" most don't understand is that they were once like you, indifferent. Some even had abortions prior to repenting of their sins and coming to Christ. Those who protest clinics are simply doing what Jesus commanded; "love your neighbor as yourself". Those mother's and babies are our "neighbor". With joy we bear the cross Christ has given us to save their lives "

" They people are self center self proving people loosers everone they need to get a job and get off the street they almost caused several accidents they must be libs waiting for hand out from there messiah barry obama "

" I dont belive in abortion But I believe a woman is the only person with what 2 do with her body No man has the right 2 tell her what to do it is between her and her maker. "

" I thank God for the good work of Planned Parenthood, the one organization in Owosso that patiently, continually tries to help women get the truth they need to make good decisions and then the medical help they need to pursue them. I think what all of us who support Planned Parenthood should do is make an extra contribution. "

" Don't these people protesting in front of Planned parent hood get it?? A lot of women go there to get affordable birth control to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.Think about it.... How many abortions are avoided because women can get affordable birth control from planned parent hood!!! "

" After getting gas at Kroger, I pulled out to M-21 to head home. I couldn't believe the people out there with their signs. In front of Planned Parenthood is one thing, but I didn't realize they were lined up on M-21 also. The people out there had signs almost as big as they were, and they were standing so you couldn't see traffic if there was anyone coming towards me. People with trucks or vans might have been able to see better, but I drive a car. To me, they weren't out there standing up for anything. They were a road hazard. I couldn't figure out why they were all converging by Planned Parenthood. They didn't shoot Jim Poullion. The man that did is in jail. It makes no sense protesting and causing a traffic hazard like they did. Jim had his beliefs and every individual has theirs. Yes, there will be someone standing out to replace Jim and his sign. Nobody can replace Jim as a person, but his sign and his cause will continue. We will get used to that person, and that sign, but hopefully, that person will not get killed on the street. "

" So due to the fact that a deranged man kills him we all must suffer with this crap? Not fair. I am sick to death of this radical propaganda. Move on with your life. "

" Wow..don't these people have jobs?? Planned Parenthood isn't just about abortion and I think everyone deserves to make their own choices in their lives whether it's right or wrong..it's none of our business. We all have the right to believe so why is it ok for these protesters to harrass people everyday??? Come on people, this is never gonna end is it?? So sad. "

" Leave our community alone! We are still in pain and trying to deal with all of this. "

" Hey Protestors! Planned Parenthood didnt shoot Mr Poullion. Why not do something valuable with your time..Try some COMMUNITY Service as your president suggests. "

" Why are they Acting like a bunch of NUT JOBS?? Planned parent hood provides health services for those who are in need and do not have insurance. They do not PERFORM Abortions ...So why make fools of themselves and stand outside there? "

" Is killing doctors any less evil
than an abortion? "

" I think that it is great that the two girls ( Lexa & Aleia ) had the guts to stand up for their beliefs as well! Too bad that more people didn't join them. "

" we marijuana smokers that want it legalized should stand with signs and protest too. also stand in front of grocery stores and protest that their prices are to high. whats the difference? "