Truth, virtue, and courage are not necessarily enough, but they are our best bet. - Jordan Peterson
I hugged my oldest child as I dropped him off at an Upstate New York college a couple days ago, hoping both my waterproof mascara and I would hold up OK. As he walked back into his freshman dorm, my mind raced. Did he have all he needed for his room? Would he find enough food, be warm enough, make new friends?
My answers: for now, absolutely, yep and of course! Still, I had the feeling that I’d forgotten to issue some kind of standard maternal reminder.
On the drive home, I listened to a few recorded presentations by Seth Dillon, the keynote speaker at our upcoming banquet. Dillon, CEO of the online satirical news site, The Babylon Bee, shared his experience with censorship. He explained what prompted The Bee’s allegedly objectionable speech, the widespread complaints he received, serious threats issued against him and, finally, the consequences that he and his Babylon Bee staff suffered – and overcame.
It’s been said that fortitude is the greatest of virtues because without it, none of the others would be achievable. Dillon is fortitude, I realized. I hope you’ll join us on October 4 at the Newton Marriott to be inspired by his incredible story and entertained by more than a few satirical gems as well, courtesy of the brilliantly witty Babylon Bee copywriters. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Dillon deliver a keynote in person. Never have I heard guests at a pro-life event laugh so much. And if there’s anything we need this election season, it’s a good healthy chortle (just not from Vice President Harris).
Check out our new video to learn more about Seth Dillon and his efforts:
Fortitude characterizes this year’s Ignatius O’Connor Award recipient, too, who we look forward to honoring at the banquet. This person accomplished what many said was impossible in Massachusetts. The diligence, grit and, most critically, love that our recipient poured into a years-long effort not only paid off but has impacted countless lives each and every day. You’ll get to hear firsthand from our honoree. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to write that this one person changed the landscape here.
Finally, what can I tell you about this year’s surprise guest? Only that I hope her plane lands on time! She, too, exemplifies the same kind of bravery as do our other special guests.
Our banquet reservation page is live, as is our event sponsorship page. So secure your seats today, if you haven’t already done so.
Elsewhere in New York this week, a WIN for truth, Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) and Abortion Pill Reversal (APR)! In an email Friday night, the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) announced the following:
"Judge John Sinatra granted a preliminary injunction on August 22, 2024, which prevents AG Leticia James from chilling speech about APR. This injunction protects the ability to promote APR and explain how safe and effective it is for pregnant women to use to reverse the deadly effects of the first chemical abortion pill and, thereby, help save the life of their unborn child."
Noteworthy quotes from the NY decision provide great hope to our Massachusetts PRCs, who, for the past two years, have fought a similar battle against our state :
"The First Amendment protects Plaintiffs' right to speak freely about APR protocol and, more specifically, to say that it is safe and effective for a pregnant woman to use in consultation with her doctor.”
“Plaintiffs are irreparably harmed each day that their First Amendment freedoms are infringed.”
In fact, one of our Pregnancy Care Alliance (PCAll) PRCs, Your Options Medical, filed a lawsuit this week against Governor Maura Healey and her attempts to prevent Your Options Medical from serving women. Read about this litigation and PCAll's statement.
Around the country, the evils of censorship are finally in the spotlight!
As for that last thing I’d meant to offer to my son, listening to Seth Dillon reminded me what I wanted him to remember now and in the years to come. I popped a quick note in the mail, writing, “Act and speak courageously when others try to bury, distort or water down the truth.” I hope he consumes this bit of wisdom, along with the first batch of cookies I included along with my note.
See you at the banquet! Enjoy your weekend.
Myrna