Reasons for vandalism

Regarding the Gazette column “Why abortion radicals resort to vandalism” (May 13):

     Paul Batura’s column gives many reasons for the vandalism by abortion radicals. Some of his premises are logical or supernatural. I can offer additional insight, both logical and supernatural. 

     The reason for vandalism against pro-life entities is no more profound than a guilty conscience. Batura’s premise can reveal the root cause of the guilty conscience: “…those who have lost an argument or run out of ideas.” The guilty conscience surfaces innately because the moral truth against abortion is rooted in human nature. Because we are made in the image and likeness of God. To posit against that image and likeness is rebellion, i.e., their irrational condemnations for abortion cannot suppress the innate Natural Law that is within them. (See Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas).  

     Between Roe v. Wade (1973) and the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), pro-lifers vandalism against abortion centers essentially didn’t exist. For 49 years, we peacefully prayed in front of abortion centers for spiritual assistance to deter abortions. After the Dobbs decision and the issue of abortion was returned to individual states, abortion radicals in Republican pro-life states began damaging pregnancy aid centers and Catholic Churches totaling hundreds of instances in the few years after the Dobbs decision. 

     Why the vandalism? Because the innate moral truth against abortion cannot be fully suppressed by immoral or irrational arguments. Hence, the guilty conscience. 

 Daniel Pryor

Peyton

On pro-abortion radicals

I read Paul Batura’s excellent piece, “Why Abortion Radicals Resort to Vandalism”, and feel greatly relieved that there are still journalists in our country who strongly consider God and His good, caring, and founding morals as key.

I have had experience with a Christian-based Pregnancy Center (like Life Network here) that offers helpful, caring, and professional services to women (and perhaps the father) who were not ready for a pregnancy, and even counseling for those who had experienced an abortion (like myself). All those who volunteer (including myself) there are trained with proper information that is not only based on the real love and care of God, but also by scientific findings that provide important data on a variety of pregnancy or abortion issues. I’ve witnessed that these centers were an open door to people who need to be heard when frightened, who need more information besides abortion, who need to receive free ultrasound exams, free infant or pregnancy care items, who need free post-abortion group discussion care (as I have done), and even postpartum help.

Batura mentioned “abortion is never safe, especially since an innocent life is lost”. Had I known about a Pregnancy Center back in the day, I may have enjoyed watching my 37-year-old son or daughter today. I learned at a Pregnancy Ctr. to forgive those who promoted my abortion (including myself) through the love and power of Christ. But I still live with the shadow of who my child may have been.

When I saw the Life Network billboard on Hwy 24 on the west side (of a cute baby and words that said, “Thanks for Life, Mom!”) anti-Trump words were spray-painted on it, I was horrified! On a recent local TV station’s Facebook page, I came across the billboard graffiti issue. I figured there would be other horrified people commenting on how sad this is. Actually, what I found was very disturbing… most of the FB commenters applauded whoever had done this graffiti and added fuel to the fire by posting more anti-Trump diatribes. They totally missed the point of the billboard and its meaning and that it had been graffitied!

Regarding Batura’s “abortion zealots” showing threatening, violent graffiti and/or arson at Life Network Pregnancy Centers, I am feeling the same deep sadness for these angry threats that I read about when similar were done against Jewish Temples or Jewish college students. And the same with Christian churches, and the list goes on. At what point are those who live in the United States going to realize that there are always going to be people who think differently, and to accept that? And at what point could these Americans accept those differences AND stay out of each other’s business enough to show basic respect – as we once did as a nation?

Any type of extremist zealot – especially about hatred or political stances – can cause great brush fires that only grow to a herd mentality of fear, then further negative activities. They are not unlike the zealots that tried to promote fearful, political motivations during Jesus’s time.

I do pray these angry, hateful zealots are met with the powerful and transforming love of God. I pray for God’s awesome protection for the unborn and also the Life Network pregnancy centers.

Tammy Leigh

Colorado Springs

Waste of time and money

I would like to address the lawsuit recently filed by three candidates: Scott Bottoms, running for Governor; Ron Hanks, running for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District; and David Willson, a candidate for attorney general. The lawsuit argues the state law burdens “the associational rights” of political parties, affiliated members and candidates within the parties, and dilutes the voting strength of affiliated voters.  They are asking to have Unaffiliated Voters stripped of their right to receive a primary ballot for the upcoming Republican Primary on June 30, 2026.

“The content of the June Primary Ballot is certified, and Unaffiliated voters should be able to make their voices heard in accordance with Colorado law,” Griswold said in a statement. A hearing in the case is scheduled for May 14. County clerks can begin issuing mail ballots to eligible voters who request one from their office starting on May 16. 

Here is my reason for writing this letter.  In my opinion, this lawsuit is a waste of time and money. Proposition 108 settled this issue ten years ago.  If you don’t like it, go through the proper procedures and repeal Proposition 108!  Throwing a hissy fit inside of a month before ballots are scheduled to be sent out is more of a temper tantrum – and it’s pretty obvious!

Billie Nigro

Colorado Springs

Protecting parental rights

Each morning, you kiss your 12-year-old daughter goodbye while sending her off to school. You trust that her teachers care about her and nurture her mind, not hide things from you. Weeks later, you discover your once-bright child is now anxious, isolated, and medically altered, because her trusted teachers have secretly counseled her to take life-altering hormones while keeping you in the dark—the mother who loved her, sacrificed for her, and would lay down your life to protect her. This scenario isn’t rare; it’s unfolding in schools nationwide. When the state severs the sacred parent-child bond, it doesn’t just break families; it assaults the natural rights that shield every American’s liberty and the rule of law itself.

Parental rights are not just a recent cultural issue, but they are the frontline defense of natural rights and the rule of law. Every American—whether a parent or not—should defend them, because when the state overrides the parent-child relationship, it undermines our liberty, family and society.

Natural rights existed before our government. They are given by God to every human and were recognized by John Locke, William Blackstone and the founders of our nation. It is the fundamental right and duty of parents to direct the upbringing, education and moral foundation of their children. This basic right has been affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), and Troxel v. Granville (2000). Because our natural rights, including parental rights, existed before governments did, it is the duty of government to protect those foundational rights.

These are rights that, when left unprotected, have a profound effect on our communities. The result is children treated as little more than wards of the state and loving parents viewed as simply in the way. All people benefit when families are strong and not dependent on government.

In Colorado, these rights are being threatened. The Lee family experienced the devastating scenario described in the beginning of this article, but because they had a close relationship with their child, they found out about the deception before it was too late. Others were not so lucky. Like the Durango mother who lost her 17-year-old daughter struggling with gender dysphoria to a LGBT activist math teacher and her trans-identifying male husband who took the daughter into their home without the mother’s consent.

The rule of law has been replaced with arbitrary administrative power. Parents who have objected faced accusations of bigotry while their fundamental rights were violated. The emotional toll is devastating. But there is something you can do.

Plan on helping campaign for the Protect Kids Colorado ballot initiatives. Initiatives 108, 109 and 110 will be on the 2026 Colorado ballot this fall. The initiatives will protect girls’ sports, protect children from sex trafficking and protect children from irreversible sex change procedures. Protect Kids Colorado will need help to get the word and the vote out.

Restoring parental rights reaffirms our natural rights. We can demand transparency in education and policies that empower families. Let’s vote for candidates who prioritize strong families. By defending parental rights, we protect the liberty, rule of law, and natural rights that benefit every citizen.

Colleen Enos

Colorado Springs