I don't see how this one day is such a waste of time and resources. There are 364 other days in the year that many pro-lifers spend trying to influence the culture and change hearts and minds in favor of life in the ways Russel described in her article - donating to CPCs, sidewalk counseling at abortion clinics, etc... That is important in building a culture of life, but as long as abortion remains the law of the land special attention must also be given to influencing public policy and the political process. This one day is set aside for special recognition of Roe v. Wade making abortion a federal right and marching to send a message to Washington (as well as the Nation) that that is unacceptable. Many pro-lifers also use this as an opportunity to visit with National lawmakers personally (something they would never normally be able to do) and lobby for these issues that they hold most dear.
Whether we ever succeed in overturning Roe v. Wade or completely outlawing abortion we must always make a statement, publicly, politically that abortion on demand is not acceptable as US law while at the same time working to change hearts and minds in our society.
It is also a pilgrimage for many, especially the youth with a large amount of time spent in prayer and reflection on the impact of the anniversary we are recognizing, the lives lost and wounded, and the society broken as a result.
I don't think going to rallies is a waste of time and resources for people who also do other things and who need to get recharged. I know March for Life, the years I'm able to attend, leave me feeling so much less alone. I meet people and hear stories and am ready to face another year.
I do also think it's important to stand up and be counted.
It's just that it shouldn't be the ONLY thing you do.
I agree with Chelsea and Christina. Political action for Life is an important part of a holistic strategy, and the March is an important part of that action. CPCs and other things are also very important ... but as long as legal abortion remains the status quo, we are a nation that does not value Life.
There are certainly many positive things the March does for many people. I'm not trying to diss the March. I've been twice.
Sometimes I just wonder if the prolife movement gets what it puts into it out of it - though I'm certain many people who go to the March are also active in their local communities and for some the March spurs them to be more active.
Commenting by HaloScan
