AUGUSTA
Anti-abortion signs defaced
Pro-choice message written on them
By Craig Crosby ccrosby@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer
AUGUSTA -- Police are searching for those responsible for defacing signs created for an anti-abortion campaign outside Family Planning Association of Maine.
SIGNED OVER: Anti-abortion activists Maurice Theriault and Margaret Yates walk in front of signs they said were defaced Wednesday while picketing at Augusta Family Planning Association of Maine, Gabriel Drive, Augusta.
Staff photo by Andy Molloy
Augusta police Sgt. Christopher Massey said several signs were sprayed with red paint and marked with the words, "pro choice."
The incident remains under investigation. "We don't have any suspects at this time," Massey said.
The signs were created for a local 40 Days for Life campaign that organizes prayer vigils outside abortion facilities.
The daily vigil, which runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the 40 days of Lent, is being held across the street from Family Planning on Gabriel Drive.
Signs used during the campaign have been stored on private property just off Gabriel Drive during the overnight hours, said Scott Michaud, who is taking part in the campaign.
When Michaud arrived to set up the signs around 7 a.m., Wednesday, he said he found they had been marked up.
"All the signs were standing up and had 'pro-choice' written on them," he said.
A box containing a camera and other material used during vigil were not distrubed, Michaud said.
Michaud said the only sign that wasn't damaged was one showing a picture of a baby in the womb. "They didn't spray it for some reason," Michaud said. "I don't know why."
Michaud said the signs were visible from Gabriel Drive, not the much-more heavily traveled Civic Center Drive.
"Somebody had to know our signs were there," Michaud said.
The group will continue to gather each day, Michaud said.
"This is not intimidating," he said. "I feel very bad for people like this when this is their only option to destroy stuff. We will not go away."
Craig Crosby -- 623-3811, ext. 433
ccrosby@centralmaine.com
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32 COMMENTS
Jarody said...
Scott Michaud and everyone else I have met through the 40 days for life prayer vigil are good people and we will continue to spread the truth regardless of the barriers the foes of life put in front of us.
March 4, 2010 at 1:08 AM Report abuse
AC said...
Thank you Vandal, you have put this story in the Kennebec Journal and on 2 local television stations.The message will continue to be heard, ABORTION KILLS, regardless of signs being damaged. Here are a few statistic from the Guttmacher Institue, a PRO-CHOICE group: Since 1973 over 50 MILLION babies have been aborted, or 2.3 every minute in the US. A baby's heart begins to beat by age 18, often before the mother knows she is pregnant. 35% of all women will have had an abortion by age 45, 47% are performed on women who have already had one. These facts are not taught to our school children, but Family Planning does have an office in Maranacook High School. The TRUTH MUST be heard. When will our country STOP this bloodshed?
March 4, 2010 at 1:19 AM Report abuse
99dotter said...
I hope whoever did this act is found and punished. That is no way to get a message across no matter what you believe.
March 4, 2010 at 5:54 AM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
It had to be someone of the 'not particularly bright' kind who ruined the signs. Anyone who is Pro-Choice and has a brain wouldn't do something like that because it brings unwanted attention to the subject. There are people, on BOTH sides of an issue that get a kick out of ruining political signs. That's not supported by any mature member of any campaign - on either side. People have a right to peacefully protest without being disturbed.
March 4, 2010 at 6:38 AM Report abuse
Bob said...
I agree with Hester this is probably the work of some folks that are not too bright. The Pro Choice groups would not stoop to this level because they know it would bring attention to the anti-abortion group by letting them get their message on TV and in the newspaper. Now on the other hand I wouldn't put it pass the Anti-Abortion group to deface their signs so that they could get their story back into the media.
March 4, 2010 at 7:38 AM Report abuse
null said...
HAHAHAHA you humans are funny.
March 4, 2010 at 7:58 AM Report abuse
LizieD said...
I deplore anyone defacing political signs. I wonder if some of the enforced pregnancy folks defaced the signs themselves, to stir up some publicity. It's well established that they'll lie in the service of their agenda.
March 4, 2010 at 8:22 AM Report abuse
dude said...
most likley kids sings can be replaced they,re only card board babys on the other hand can,t abortion is forever it can,t be un done .
March 4, 2010 at 8:25 AM Report abuse
Thoughtful said...
I love the ultra conservatives who wage a campaign to protect our kids only to send them off on the Christian hatred wars overseas as soon as they are old enough to hold a rifle. You religious types should work on ending wars and creating gun control if you really cared for life. Hypocrites every one of you.
March 4, 2010 at 8:30 AM Report abuse
stopthismess said...
Thoughtful, you have a very good point. When these people are standing around praying and spreading thier version of a perfect world, someone should count the number of their vehicles with "I support our troops" stickers. Seems like they have show their true reason for wanting people to have an unwanted child. If nothing else they want you to have the child, leave it in the states care (where it will have little hope for a "normal" life or future) and will join the military and kill people. Many children who grow up without their parents also grow up with alot of hatered towards everyone else which is what our military needs right now.
March 4, 2010 at 9:00 AM Report abuse
ProConserv said...
The double standard of the democrat socialist left is appalling! They feel their message of killing babies is the only message we should hear! Maybe you liberal democrat progressive anti Constitutional morons should read the first amendment...I hope the police catch these criminals who defaced these signs and charge them with violating the constitutional rights of people against killing babies!!!
March 4, 2010 at 9:20 AM Report abuse
Icy said...
A thoughtful person would realize that it is the bravery of those who are willing to serve in our military that enables them to have the freedom to express their opinions. A thoughtful person should be grateful for their sacrifice. It would also serve those who have not done so, to do their homework and inform themselves of how abortions are performed. It is a brutal procedure! A thoughtful person should know that, before he decides it is okay to take the life of the unborn.
March 4, 2010 at 9:26 AM Report abuse
Blackacre said...
Showing once again that, to liberals, the only "free speech" permissible is that with which they agree.
March 4, 2010 at 9:51 AM Report abuse
trollmunster said...
Kill a baby, kill a sign. The sign defacing is a bigger crime than killing babies.
March 4, 2010 at 10:22 AM Report abuse
Pinecone said...
Right wing "Truth Rammers" out in force today
March 4, 2010 at 10:31 AM Report abuse
wingnut said...
If idiots would use birth control...oh I'm just wasting my time..as long as there are idiots and Allen's Coffee Brandy there will be unwanted pregnancys. VERY few pregnancys result from defective birth control.
March 4, 2010 at 11:54 AM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
Some offensive signs were painted over... gee that's awful... Here we are talking about someone painting over some signs. But when the anti abortion people confront women trying to enter the clinics, bomb the clincs, murder the Drs it's ok they are doing God's work. Hypocritical moonbats! And now they THINK the other side has painted over some signs! Why that's just terrible! Prowar/anti abotion people ... it does seem odd doesn't it..?
March 4, 2010 at 12:07 PM Report abuse
ProConserv said...
Sherman2 ...50 MILLION babies have been killed by abortion in the US. Some women have multiple abortions!
March 4, 2010 at 12:17 PM Report abuse
Utilitrack68 said...
At least these signs weren't graphic depictions of fetuses as these people had out on Civic Center Drive a few years back. Had to explain to my 5 year old the meaning of these disturbing images.
March 4, 2010 at 1:06 PM Report abuse
ProConserv said...
Utilitrack68 ...Murder aint pretty!
March 4, 2010 at 1:08 PM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
Procon you have my respect, you're consistent in what you believe though we will seldom agree. 50 million is far too many abortions and it should NOT be a form of birth control. but it is for some and that is a tragedy for all. But add 50 million people to this country, of all race and class...imagine it. Will you help care for those 50 million that need it? Unlikely. Some of these babies would be of the kind that you would not help, you would scold their mothers for having them and brush your hands clean of their fate. And turn your Capitalist/Christian backs on them as your faith has done to so many.
March 4, 2010 at 1:50 PM Report abuse
Eric said...
whether you are for or against abortion it doesn't matter, as it is legal in this country. Vandalism is not. My opinion is, if you are going to have an abortion, legally, why waste the valuable stem cells that can be used to help save lives or make lives better. We allow abortion for how many years, but are now just allowing stem cell research. If you are going to end a life, why not try to make another life better. Maybe help those brave soldiers who are paralyzed, or missing limbs, etc. This makes no sense to me.
March 4, 2010 at 1:55 PM Report abuse
Hipupchuck said...
The people can't keep their noses out of people's VJJ's.
March 4, 2010 at 1:55 PM Report abuse
null said...
If men had the babies you'd see a far different argument. Especially from Procon.
March 4, 2010 at 2:45 PM Report abuse
Merrigan said...
"I deplore anyone defacing political signs. I wonder if some of the enforced pregnancy folks defaced the signs themselves, to stir up some publicity" Right, just like the pro-traditional marriage folks ripped up their own signs and No on 1 had nothing to do with it. This is not about "enforced pregnancy," it is about girls and women being aware of what they are doing in having an abortion. The so-called "women's movement" allows NO discussion at all of the regrets many women have after abortion, which are lifelong.
March 4, 2010 at 3:26 PM Report abuse
Dahlia said...
Sounds like Jesus had a hand in this one--time to do the work, not stand around holding signs. Time perhaps to start adopting the unwanted children born into this world, volunteer their time in a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, youth drop-in shelter, sexual assault agency or mental health social club. Seems like that would be the Christian way--to actually DO the work with the ones already here and in need.
March 4, 2010 at 3:37 PM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
No discussion? You mean that you are not allowed to browbeat and berate them for making one of the most difficult choices in THEIR lives? Stay out of THEIR business or step up to adopt the unwanted. Until you are willing to do so, to make that change in your world, allow others to make choices in theirs.
March 4, 2010 at 3:40 PM Report abuse
Govt2Big said...
Hey Sherman2, do you work for a living or are you one of those Far Lefties sucking off the state system?
March 5, 2010 at 7:20 AM Report abuse
anticon said...
I agree that it was clearly some idiot who was not serious about the pro-choice issue that did this...but i'm having problems feeling sorry for them. For the times these signs are thrust in peoples' faces, for the times i've had to explain to my too-young daughter what they meant about killing babies when she saw their "truth" on the way to the fair...i'm not losing sleep over their signs. Look at it this way, anti-choice folks. At least this particular response was just some fool with some spraypaint. Not a terrorist bent on killing doctors or bombing clinics, like those of you righteous folks that profess to care so much about "life". Get over yourselves.
March 5, 2010 at 7:31 AM Report abuse
Scrib said...
Leftists feel justified in adopting fascist tactics because they just "know' what is right. Note the similarity between this and the hundreds of Yes on 1 signs stolen or defaced with swastikas. At least someone is investigating this crime.
March 5, 2010 at 7:53 AM Report abuse
MaddieM said...
We must keep abortion legal and safe. Do we really want to go back to the days of backroom abortions and women dying? And, truly, it's hard to take any man's opinion on this subject seriously. Until you are faced yourself with an unwanted, unplanned or dangerous pregnancy, you will never understand why/how abortion as an option.
March 5, 2010 at 9:04 AM Report abuse
Jarody said...
^That is not me.
March 5, 2010 at 11:37 AM Report abuse