Monika Scislowska of the Associated Press reported on Warsaw rallies in support of a complete ban on abortion in Poland. It's restricted now to the first 12 weeks and only in the cases of rape, incest, or the life of the mother. But look at the labeling contrast AP employed, the usual stereotype of the epic political battle between the ultraconservatives and the nonpartisans:
The two marches were organized by an ultraconservative Roman Catholic radio station and a right-wing political party. Mostly elderly demonstrators attended a Mass and marched through central Warsaw carrying Polish and Vatican flags. One banner had an image of a baby and the words, "Can you really kill me?"
Elsewhere in the capital, about 700 mostly young people held a rally with music and balloons in support of abortion rights.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) used labels for both sides, but were harsher on the "far right" conservatives:
Rallied by feminist and leftwing organisations, the demonstrators gathered at a central Warsaw square brandishing banners calling for "abortions rights -- rights for women" and imploring parliament to "let us decide for ourselves."
...Last week a parliamentary commission came out in favour of a proposal by the ultra-Catholic far right League of Polish Families (LPR) to have a "right to life from the moment of conception" written into the constitution, which would prevent any liberalisation of the abortion law in the future.



















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Uh, 700 people at a rally in
March 29, 2007 - 09:18 ET by winston smithUh, 700 people at a rally in support of abortion rights is not exactly breath-taking.
"Ultra-Catholic far right" Not too biased a term, huh?
You might conclude, if you were a logical person (biased MSM news reporters excluded, naturally) that pro-life sentiments might have teensy-weensy edge over abortion rights in a country that's what --- 98% Roman Catholic?
I realize the complexity of this fact might be a bit to steep for the AP reporters to comprehend.
True, but the bias-part, wh
March 29, 2007 - 09:24 ET by sarcasmoTrue, but the bias-part, where conservatives like Tim really do have a good point & have for decades, is their favorite modifier: "ultra." Its use is, shall we say, ultra-biased in this case, no matter where you happen to stand on the abortion issue.
JMR
Ummmm, about 92% of Polan
March 29, 2007 - 10:05 ET by StogieGuyUmmmm, about 92% of Poland's population is Catholic and a high percentage of those are active in the church. Yet, these folks are somehow branded as being on the fringe of society.
I just love how those who support a conservative (or non-liberal) point of view are described as "ultra" conservative or "ultra" religious, yet flaming liberals somehow never get beyond being described as 'a commentator,' or my favorite: "some people say..."
Anyone ever hear the MSM describe that windbag Rosie O-Donnell as a "liberal" talk host or as an "ultra left wing" actress? Never!
Well, at least this provides an excellent example of how this bias is a worldwide phoenomenon.
Catholics oppose abortion???
March 29, 2007 - 10:11 ET by dahliatraversCatholics oppose abortion??? This is stunning news!
Music?.....balloons? &quo
March 29, 2007 - 10:23 ET by RackieMusic?.....balloons? "wheeeee!....yaaaaah!....dead babies....wooooohaaaa.."
I think the fear the "ul
March 29, 2007 - 11:30 ET by SQL_SamI think the fear the "ultra" far left would have with this, is that I've read over and over again that in our court system (especially in the supreme court) you see judges stating European laws to make descisions on cases. Now, in the case of abortion, if judges want to site foreign laws from European countries (as I believe most are liberal when it comes to abortion), a lawyer can now site Polands law on abortion (life at conception) and thus make it harder for liberals to use the "European Law" scape goat. I think it's going to be interesting to say the least if a judge/lawyer tries to go this route now.
Young people at Warsaw Rally
March 29, 2007 - 11:47 ET by Matthew BalanReality calling AP and AFP! There were plenty of young people on the pro-life side. See http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1808344/posts Post #9 actually shows a group of aging "pro-choicers."