Dear Friends,

The University of Western Ontario has decided to give Dr. Henry Morgentaler an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on June 16. Unfortunately, the university has been getting a large amount of
anti-choice mail protesting this decision and slandering Dr. Morgentaler. In contrast, there has been next to no pro-choice mail in support, so far. Dr. Morgentaler is a hero to Canadian women for securing the right to choose abortion in 1988, in the Supreme Court Morgentaler decision that threw out Canada's abortion law.

Could you possibly help with a short, affirming e-mail to the administrators at the university? Below are the names and e-mail addresses of the President of the University and the Chair of the
Board of Govenors. It is really important that as many people as possible write to these administrators praising the decision to
confer the law degree on Dr. Morgentaler as soon as possible. The anti's are holding a vigil on Wednesday at 2pm. And could you pass
this message on to other Canadians who would be willing to take a few moments to send a note of praise? Thank you so much for your support!

Dr. Paul Davenport, President, UWO
[email protected]

Don McDougall, Chair of Board of Govenors
c/o Jan VanFleet, University Secretary
[email protected]

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Dear Dr. ----

I am taking this opportunity to congratulate the University of Western
Ontario for its decision to honour Dr. Henry Morgentaler with an honourary
degree in law, in recognition of the immeasurable contribution he has made
to the lives of women in Canada.

With his vision, heroism, knowledge and professionalism, he has ensured that
women in Canada have real choices in their lives and can stand as equal
citizens. UWO is to be commended for selecting Dr. Morgentaler as a
recipient of this award.

Sincerely,

Just in case people are sending separate notes, Don McDougall is a Mr. and not a Dr.

[ 06 April 2005: Message edited by: Ginger ]

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Originally posted by swirrlygrrl:
While I usually loathe UWO, they've done something good for a change. Got this email earlier today - sent mine a few minutes later.

Dear Friends,

The University of Western Ontario has decided to give Dr. Henry Morgentaler an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on June 16. Unfortunately, the university has been getting a large amount of
anti-choice mail protesting this decision and slandering Dr. Morgentaler. In contrast, there has been next to no pro-choice mail in support, so far. Dr. Morgentaler is a hero to Canadian women for securing the right to choose abortion in 1988, in the Supreme Court Morgentaler decision that threw out Canada's abortion law.

Could you possibly help with a short, affirming e-mail to the administrators at the university? Below are the names and e-mail addresses of the President of the University and the Chair of the
Board of Govenors. It is really important that as many people as possible write to these administrators praising the decision to
confer the law degree on Dr. Morgentaler as soon as possible. The anti's are holding a vigil on Wednesday at 2pm. And could you pass
this message on to other Canadians who would be willing to take a few moments to send a note of praise? Thank you so much for your support!

Dr. Paul Davenport, President, UWO
[email protected]

Don McDougall, Chair of Board of Govenors
c/o Jan VanFleet, University Secretary
[email protected]

---------------------------------
Dear Dr. ----

I am taking this opportunity to congratulate the University of Western
Ontario for its decision to honour Dr. Henry Morgentaler with an honourary
degree in law, in recognition of the immeasurable contribution he has made
to the lives of women in Canada.

With his vision, heroism, knowledge and professionalism, he has ensured that
women in Canada have real choices in their lives and can stand as equal
citizens. UWO is to be commended for selecting Dr. Morgentaler as a
recipient of this award.

Sincerely,

-----

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If you haven't sent a message of support, now is the time to do it. On the dark site, they are reporting that the UWO alumni have come out agains the award alumni website At this website, they claim to have more than 7,000 signatures on their petition. The Chair of the Board of Governors (email address in original post) has written an open letter opposing the award.

quote:

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Don McDougall, Chair of Board of Governors
c/o Jan VanFleet, University Secretary
[email protected]

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It has come to my attention that a large rally in support of human rights is being planned for London, Ontario on the eve of Dr. Morgentaler being honoured.

Anyone interested in particpating in this event is welcome to contact me via private message.

Currently, all of this is in the planning stages and anyone in or near London who would like to vounteer I would be very happy to hear from.

We hope to bring together at this rally a broad spectrum to cover choice, SSM, environment, peace, justice, equality, labour, etc ...

We would be especially interested, also, in anyone willing to organize bus trips from Toronto, Windsor, Kitchener, Guelph and all points in between.

It is important to remember that by mid-June an election might very well be underway where many are being told Canadians do not support values of equality and individual choice.

Let's show them that we do.

Your's Truy,
WingNut.

[ 06 May 2005: Message edited by: WingNut ]

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Originally posted by skdadl:

I shall try to be polite, but does anyone know anything more about this person?

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Dear Dr. Davenport,

As an alumnus of Western (MLIS, 19**) I fully support the award being conferred on Dr. Henry Morgentaler. My own personal views on abortion are immaterial (I am male, and Catholic). I do believe however, that Dr. Morgentaler's efforts in the struggle for the reproductive freedom for women is a valient human rights and human equality initiative that should be recognised as such and I am proud that my alma mater has chosen to do so. I am dismayed by the efforts of Western Alumni Against Honouring Morgentaler, who I suspect, despite protestations to the contrary, are part of the social conservative and reactionnary movement in this country to re-ignite controversy over an issue about which we have had considerable social peace in Canada for quite some time. Western Alumni Against Honouring Morgentaler do not, in any way, speak for me.

Sincerely,
Real name, City.

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Originally posted by Hailey:
Although I am sure that Mr. Davenport will appreciate the emotional rewards of his prochoice activism generating letters expressing support he's created a bit of a pickle for himself. His activism has lost significant alumni donations. One alone was worth $2million dollars.

Mr. Davenport would probably appreciate CHEQUES more than kind words right now.

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1) I don't think giving an honourary degree necessarily counts as "activism", but that's just me.

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Although I am sure that Mr. Davenport will appreciate the emotional rewards of his prochoice activism generating letters expressing support he's created a bit of a pickle for himself. His activism has lost significant alumni donations. One alone was worth $2million dollars.
Mr. Davenport would probably appreciate CHEQUES more than kind words right now.

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What is this supposed to mean? That human rights struggles are somehow insignificant compared to big bucks?

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Originally posted by Hinterland:
In response to Hailey:

Honestly, everyone here knows you're anti-choice. Why don't you just stop harping about it.

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1) I don't think giving an honourary degree necessarily counts as "activism", but that's just me.

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You don't see that as an endorsement? I suppose I do.

I think you'd see it as prolife activism if a University gave an honourary degree to, say, Randall Terry.

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2) Hey everyone, Hailey wants us to send cheques to help Henry Morgenthaler being given an honourary degree

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No, I am mentioning that the university appears to be in need of replenishing the over $2million they lost with this decision.

If persons principles lead them to be supportive they should send cash and if people's lend them to be unsupportive they should withdraw financial support.

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What is this supposed to mean? That human rights struggles are somehow insignificant compared to big bucks?Honestly, everyone here knows you're anti-choice. Why don't you just stop harping about it.

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It's supposed to mean that if persons have principles that lead them to support this decision they should attach financial support rather than limiting themselves to the spoken or written word.

Human rights are not insignificant in comparison to big bucks.

I've noticed that you offered commentary on subjects when your opinions are already known or predictable. If there is a maximum number of times that one can address a topic I'd appreciate being acquainted with that rule.

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You must know, Hailey, that it is really really unlikely that you will change any minds on abortion here on babble. You must know that yet, as Hinterland says, you keep harping about it. And it's not like you bring anything interesting to what debate there is about it here. Just adding my 2 cents to Hint's. .

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You are correct that most people here who have an ingrained view on abortion are unlikely to change. That's my perspective anyway, others are free to disagree. That doesn't mean dialogue isn't fruitful as there can be a better understanding gained of perspective and recognition that there are points to be made on either side. The best book I've actually ever read on abortion was a prochoice book. I lent it out to someone and went the other day to re-order it because I can't seem to get it back and it's out of order. Sincerely, best best book I've read on the subject. I think everyone learns from thinking about other perspectives.

I am surprised that you'd describe another woman's dialogue as "harping". To me that fits in there with "nagging" and "bitching" so it stands out to me in the feminist forum in particular but I am certainly not responsible for your choice of words. Speak freely by all means.

I also don't believe that the rules extend say that that I or other women have pre-authorization from yourself or Hinterland to post.I also am not aware that it is inappropriate and/or a rule violation to post a suggestion that persons who are in favour of the activism at the UWO should be expressing themselves in financial terms and beyond the spoken/written word. That wasn't even an anti-abortion comment!

I also appreciate that your perspective is that women who think differently than you do should be silent. My spirit just isn't quite that submissive. I am in disagreement with you about that principle.

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So I suppose universities should simply follow the money?
Nice

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No, mush. I am suggesting that persons who are actively supporting the University in this decision should be prepared to support the University to make up the lost financial benefits. It's one thing to TALK and another thing to actively assist.

I am ABSOLUTELY not suggesting that Mr. Davenport should mask his prochoice views in order to gain financially from persons who would not otherwise donate. It is welcomed and positive that he is candid about his prochoice views.

[ 07 May 2005: Message edited by: Hailey ]

[ 07 May 2005: Message edited by: Hailey ]

If the anti-choice people want to commence an attack upon our freedoms of choice by financial means, I suggest we all go out and get a Shepard's Guide and start boycotting all the businesses contained in it.

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It's supposed to mean that if persons have principles that lead them to support this decision they should attach financial support rather than limiting themselves to the spoken or written word.

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I already gave Western 25 000,00 dollars and went into debt for 8 years because of that. They're not getting one more cent from me (as I tell the Alumni fundraiser every year when he or she calls me.)

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I've noticed that you offered commentary on subjects when your opinions are already known or predictable. If there is a maximum number of times that one can address a topic I'd appreciate being acquainted with that rule.

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Originally posted by Hailey:
I am surprised that you'd describe another woman's dialogue as "harping". To me that fits in there with "nagging" and "bitching" so it stands out to me in the feminist forum in particular but I am certainly not responsible for your choice of words. Speak freely by all means.

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As a prolif(e)ic quoter, I am surprised that you didn't recognize that I was quoting Hinterland.

[ 07 May 2005: Message edited by: fern hill ]

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Thanks, Hailey- I understand. I made it clear to Dr. Davenport that I would contribute as an alumnus, and I hope other will too.

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It's my fault for not being clear, that's what I had initially meant to convey.

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If the anti-choice people want to commence an attack upon our freedoms of choice by financial means, I suggest we all go out and get a Shepard's Guide and start boycotting all the businesses contained in it.

Perhaps even setting up pro-choice protests/information stations outside of their businesses could be started.

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You are certainly welcome to do that if you feel that it would be an effective strategy some potential snags are that the statement of faith that one has to sign in order to advertise in the guide does not include a reference to the topic of abortion. There is the possibility that you would be encountering a prochoice business person. There would be other venues that you could find prolife businesses, this would be a less certain one. If you wanted an actual verbatim wording of the statement of faith I can find it.

And it is always interesting to have informational pickets on both sides. A few years back some activists picketed the home of a doctor here for NOT performing abortions! And there have been counter demonstrations at my church or religious assemblies 2-3 times over the years but not related to abortion. I'd never seen people picket church before!

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I already gave Western 25 000,00 dollars and went into debt for 8 years because of that. They're not getting one more cent from me (as I tell the Alumni fundraiser every year when he or she calls me.)

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Wow, that's incredibly generous of you. I am sure that other students benefitted from that sacrifice. Very very very few people would do that.

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Yes, but I'm sure my posts were shorter.

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I am even less brief in actual conversation, consider yourself blessed!

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As a prolif(e)ic quoter, I am surprised that you didn't recognize that I was quoting Hinterland.

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And, yes, i am aware that Hinterland initially used the word "harp" and conveyed the general sentiment that you did. Your replication of his words without any notation of disagreement or softening was interpreted by myself as a support for them.

And I am not suggesting that you should feel one way or another. I was just surprised that that was within the scope of your practices. The fact that I am surprised doesn't mean you need to amend your behaviour. Speak freely.

[ 07 May 2005: Message edited by: Hailey ]

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Wow, that's incredibly generous of you. I am sure that other students benefitted from that sacrifice. Very very very few people would do that.

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Originally posted by Hailey:
You are certainly welcome to do that if you feel that it would be an effective strategy some potential snags are that the statement of faith that one has to sign in order to advertise in the guide does not include a reference to the topic of abortion. There is the possibility that you would be encountering a prochoice business person. There would be other venues that you could find prolife businesses, this would be a less certain one. If you wanted an actual verbatim wording of the statement of faith I can find it.

And it is always interesting to have informational pickets on both sides. A few years back some activists picketed the home of a doctor here for NOT performing abortions! And there have been counter demonstrations at my church or religious assemblies 2-3 times over the years but

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Well you see Hailey, advocating that people stop funding an educational institution because of an honourary degree, is harmful not only to pro-choice students but anti-choice students. That is the broad brush.

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Well you see Hailey, advocating that people stop funding an educational institution because of an honourary degree, is harmful not only to pro-choice students but anti-choice students. That is the broad brush.

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I don't see how it would harm prolife students beyond this current year. I am sure it would be difficult for students who are against abortion to have their convocation be inclusive of this gentleman as he receives his honourary degree. Beyond that I am not fully sure. I am not saying that you are wrong, just that it's a puzzle piece for me.

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As such, if pro-choice business people, who signed a agreement of faith to advertise in a book that most assuredly contains a majority of anti-choice businesses, then they deservedly should be boycotted too. There is that dang broad brush again, eh?!

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I would agree that the majority are bound to be persons who are against abortion. Of those who are not against abortion it's most likely because they just avoid the issue. Prochoice businesses would be a minority.

This dichotomous teaching is really starting to confuse me. On the one hand, we are taught about patient-centredness and are encouraged to become family doctors who will work harder than other specialties for less money (in Ontario, and most of Canada, there is a desperate shortage of family practitioners). On the other hand they honour Dr. Morgentaler who in the 1980's was estimated to have a revenue of 11 million dollars providing abortions (quoting a newspaper article). The Canadian public is paying for his rent and security. Most family doctors such as Dr. Morgentaler will never make this much money, and those that take out loans to pay for their education will be lucky to be out of debt before 35.

On a purely academic note, there are also unexplored dangers abortions have on women's health. A potential link between increased risk of breast cancer and abortions is rumoured, however due to political pressure has remained largely unexplored. (For those who would think that this means there is no link, I would recommend reading up on the recent Vioxx case as a parallel example)

As well, if someone could please explain to me how it is possible for members of our society to feel that they do not have rights without being able to extinguish life in the womb I would appreciate it. I have been trying to wrap my brain around it for years. My heart tells me that all life is precious, that's why I have sacrificed so much to be able to help those in need.

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"Forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction to carry a foetus to term unless she meets certain criteria unrelated to her own priorities and aspirations, is a profound interference with a woman's body and thus a violation of her security of the person."

- Chief Justice Brian Dickson

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A potential link between increased risk of breast cancer and abortions is rumoured, however due to political pressure has remained largely unexplored.

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Funny how the fact that it remains unproven hasn't stopped the rumours from pretending otherwise though, eh?

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[ 10 May 2005: Message edited by: Dex ]