MORE ON KLUSENDORF

In the article "Klusendorf disputes new women-centred pro-life strategy" (February 1999), Scott Klusendorf is perceived to be advocating an increased number of pro-life apologists to overcome pro-choice arguments. In and of itself, this is true. Klusendorf's apologists can certainly sway opinion when a pro-lifer goes head-to-head in a debate with a pro-choicer, and for that reason, yes, pro-lifers of all ages need to be trained and equipped with the knowledge, savvy, and presentation skills to get the job done.

However, it has become readily apparent that the mainstream secular media refuse to print or promote the truth surrounding "the status of the fetus." There is a deliberate effort to avoid the pro-life side of the story for a variety of reasons, be it fear of a feminist backlash or left-wing attacks, or even fear of the truth.

Paul Swope and the Caring Foundation have invested considerable time, money and effort into their mass media campaign. Mr. Swope has found a vehicle which not only affirms women in their choices not to have an abortion, but packages it in a manner that empowers women and can be supported by mainstream television media. These ads are reaching abortion-minded women by the thousands and millions, and are specifically marketed as such. No pro-life TV ad based on Klusendorf's apologist formula will ever do the same in today's society. Swope has chosen to reframe his message according to his audience, and the result is what we all want - a reduction in demand for abortion.

John MacMullen
Toronto

VOTING SPLITTING MUST END

February Interim letters expressed concern about "vote-splitting" that keeps the leading abortion party in power. In 1969 Liberal Pierre Trudeau (a Catholic), legalized abortion, and now Liberal Jean Chrétien (also a Catholic) continues to make taxpayers pay the abortionist.

Our pro-life/pro-family MPs who with the grace of God got themselves elected into any party deserve our wholehearted support, praise, gratitude and appreciation for their courageous efforts on our behalf.

As I see it, The Interim needs a pro-life/pro-family page to support these politicians by name, and to offer their words of wisdom on specific legislation. We need these politicians, and they need our support. As Tom Wappel said years ago, politics, like education, can be a tool to be used to advance our agenda.

Interim readers need to know more about: (1) Eric Lowther, official opposition critic for children and the family, and his "Family Facts," and Alert Bulletins; (2) the Parliamentary Pro-Life Caucus, led by MPs Tom Wappel, Elsie Wayne and Jason Kenney - each from a different party, but united for a culture of life.

Letters of support, or "Keep Christ in Christmas" greetings, would let them know we hear them loud and clear, and that we want them to "keep sending the message."

As I see it, the Family Coalition Party is like a comfortable rocking chair that "keeps you busy but don't get you any place." Or it's like whipping a dead horse trying to get it off the ground.

If the Liberals get in again because of vote-splitting, I'll quit my pro-life efforts until the movement is more organized. I'm lending some of my time and effort to support Priests For Life Canada.

Rita Curley
Ottawa

CHP VS. REFORM

It is sad that the motion put forward by the Christian Heritage Party at the recent United Alternative rally in Ottawa was overwhelmingly rejected by all but two dozen of the 1,500 delegates.

That motion stressed the need for the Reform and the United Alternative to commit to the preamble of our constitution, which states that Canada was established upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law. Considering the large number of Christians within the Reform Party, it is hard to understand their rejection of this motion.

The Fathers of Confederation and the framers of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms understood that recognizing God and His laws is the first step in the process of creating and maintaining a civilized nation. If a country removes God from politics, absolute morality based on biblical principles is replaced by relative morality where man decides right and wrong.

Unfortunately, the Reform Party appears to be an advocate of this type of unbridled democracy, catering to the wishes of the majority whether or not the majority's wishes are biblical or not. This is particularly true in regards to the abortion issue.

In the future, Christians should think twice before bypassing the Christian Heritage Party in favour of Reform and its new "alternative."

Harry DeBoer
Wyoming, Ont.

REPLACE THE CHARTER

If society not only condones but also encourages and pays for the elimination of thousands of pre-born babies, and if that same society actively promotes aberrant and dangerous lifestyles, what is the problem with a bit of kiddie pornography and child prostitution? For goodness' sake, let us be at least consistent in our depravity.

Let me also suggest that the murderer of abortion doctor Barnett Slepian is a pro-choice fanatic. He knows who is going to get the blame for such actions - and we pro-lifers are getting the blame, aren't we?

Finally, I have maintained for several years that the Charter of License (known as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms) should be replaced with a Charter of Responsibilities. (A few generations down the line, we might be ready for "rights.") The only problem is finding someone competent to draw up such a charter. Certainly neither the Supreme Court, nor the prime minister could do it. Perhaps Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter and the UN Secretary-General are up to it. Right now, we are just heading for self-destruction.