I was shocked and dismayed to read the blog post which cited my mention of blessed salt at the Capitol and linked such action to the KKK. Such a connection implies the use of violence and force, which the pro-life movement does not.

Violence is not pro-life. To be pro-life means to use legal, peaceful means to change laws regarding abortion. It means compassionate non-judgmental care for women. I am dismayed that such an implication would be made about my beliefs and want to be very clear that the pro-life movement is not violent or subversive.

On a different note, I am struck by the suspicion with which religious articles like salt and oil are regarded. In my experience, many of the world's religions use physical symbols of the divine. When I traveled in India during college, I met many Hindus who devoutly wear on their foreheads bindi or the symbol of the particular god to which they are devoted, such as Vishnu or Brahma, to guard them from evil. I find beautiful the human practice of viewing physical things as holy and cleansing.

Please consider posting my comment, so that we can foster true dialogue. Thank you.