By NOW President Kim Gandy
The news lately has been a roller coaster of extremes — shifting between hope and injustice, success and tragedy, gain and loss. The only consistent aspect is the major role the media play in telling these stories, and the abuse of their power to shape the news.
The murder of Dr. George Tiller has altered the foundation of security in women’s reproductive health care. Dr. Tiller dedicated his life to providing full reproductive health care for women, including safe and legal later abortions, in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. He did this despite the environment of hostility and menace that surrounded him, brewed up by the radical right. The outpouring of grief and appreciation seen at the many vigils and memorial ceremonies was a testimony to Tiller’s dedication to women’s reproductive rights and the momentous impact he had on the lives of women everywhere.
He was not unaware of the danger: Tiller wore Kevlar to work, drove a bullet-proof car, and had previously been shot in both arms by another anti-abortion terrorist. Still, Dr. Tiller knew that as one of the incredibly few providers of later abortions in the U.S., he played a crucial role in the lives of the women he served. The walls of his clinic were literally covered with letters from grateful patients.
At the good news end of the spectrum, on May 26 President Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the next U.S. Supreme Court justice. Not only would Sotomayor be the third woman to ever sit on the high court, but she would also be the first Hispanic. Sotomayor’s landmark nomination reflects a much needed step forward for representation of women and people of color in the three branches of government.