The Spokesman-Recorder published an editorial by Lucky Rosenbloom [column of April 11] asking readers to ignore his political party’s voter-suppression efforts and direct our indignation and protest against legalized abortion instead. Readers must draw their own conclusions on the merits of that argument. But it should be noted that Mr. Rosenbloom’s article included false statements about, and fictitious quotations attributed to, Mrs. Margaret Sanger.
The fact is that Mrs. Sanger and Planned Parenthood Federation worked together with dozens of prominent African American personages, including Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune, Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, AME Bishop David Sims, and Meharry’s Dr. Michael Bent. The truth can be learned at the website www.trustblackwomen.org, which also posts the thoughtful speech written by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and delivered by Mrs. Coretta Scott King in acceptance of the Margaret Sanger award in 1966.
Rather than libeling the memory of Mrs. Sanger, and publicizing falsehoods and half-truths about her work, abortion opponents might do better to quote genuine statements she made equating abortion and infanticide; and to note that she began her work in favor of birth control because as a nurse she had seen so many women in slums die as a result of botched illegal — often self-inflicted — abortions.
Oliver Steinberg lives in St. Paul.
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I appreciate responses from our Spokesman readers regarding the truths being provided in my column. The documentation is irrefutable. I challenge anyone to disprove the content of my column by focusing on other mentions instead of Ms. Sanger. The editors have documentation of the quotes. This being said, challenge other mentions in my column, which no one can do because of the truthfulness being expressed. Oliver, I have provided documentation adding mud to your editorial about what Ms. Sanger, did, or did not say. Now, if you have any perspicacity, disprove other mentions in my column such as Blacks make up 12% of the population but 35% of abortions in America. Disprove my suggestion that Ms. Sanger was friendly with the KKK and other racist groups. Disprove my opinion that without abortions the Black population would now number 41 million and it is this fact, not Voter I.D. which is a threat to the Black community. The Black community is far too intelligent to get caught up in the issue you have raised (despite my documentation offering Ms. Sanger made the comments raised)opposed to mentions within my entire column. You decided to focus on one part, which I have provided ample documentation, thereof. Prove me wrong that in 1993 a Howard University study showed that African American Women over age 50 were 4.7 times more likely to get breast cancer if they had any abortions compared to Women who had not had any abortions? I care about my people, our unborn babies, and the fact that if this evilness continues by 2040 Black America will be at a numbered population that the KKK would party over. I appreciate your concern, Sir. I have responded accordingly to the MSR editor. Now, focus on other mentions in my column.
I ask you for a friendly debate on my column on my radio show. I promise to be nice without vitriol.
Oliver. You stated “The Spokesman-Recorder published an editorial by Lucky Rosenbloom [column of April 11] asking readers to ignore his political party’s voter-suppression efforts and direct our indignation and protest against legalized abortion instead.” I offer you the same challenge. Where in my column did I say what you have indicated?
I commend the Spokesman Reporter for allowing this dialog concerning abortion and its impact on the African American community. The comments have been spirited with no personal attacks as it should be.
There is honest disagreement of Sanger’s quotes and motives but there should be no disagreement with her actions and association with the KKK and eugenicist groups in the U.S. The list of prominent African American leaders nor their comments and endorsements constitute in my mind an analysis of abortion’s impact. We know much more now of the negative effects of abortion (and chemical birth control a commentary for another day) now, then our esteemed leaders knew then.
The ultimate voter suppression is the loss in the numbers of eligible voting age demographic groups over time. Since the African American community has suffered an inordinate number of abortions since 1973, our voting numbers are lower and blacks are no longer the largest voting minority group.
As long as abortion is promoted and defended there will be no need to address the social, economic problems of the black community. Trust Black Women, Sister Song and like minded women’s organizations have not made the case that abortion has benefited the black community economically,if it has, then it should not be “rare”, but black women should have more of them.
Feminist for Life, which has much in common with the aforemention organizations has seen through the so called “benefits” of abortion and state that, “women deserve better”.
As a post-abortive black male, pro-life activist and co-founder/ facilitator of a post-abortion/ miscarriage ministry I have seen the detrimental effects of abortion and the culture that accompanies it. The wake of abortion goes way beyond the death of a pre-born infant and I hope our dialog continues.
(for identification purposes: I am co-founder of Everlasting Light Ministries and a Program Director of Pro-Life Action Ministries and a member of the National Black Pro-Life Coalition)