From: chrisl@stpaul.gov (Chris A Lyman)
Subject: The Best of Enemies - Susan Osborne
Organization: City of Saint Paul Public Works
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 18:16:47 GMT

The following is an excerpt from the article, "The Best of Enemies," by Katy
Reckdahl.  It was published in the 11/18 issue of Twin Cities Reader and is
reprinted without permission.  The article explores the relationships that
have sprung up between members of opposing sides at the Robbinsdale Clinic
abortion protest.  It also includes thumb-nail sketches of some of the
principal participants.  This is one:

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Susan Osborne, a Robbinsdale clinic counselor, can watch the protesters from
inside the clinic on security monitors.  But she sees the protesters' impact
even more vividly in her patients' eyes.  "A lot of women are really shocked
to see the anger directed at them."

Osborne, a 24-year-old blond woman dressed in what is for her a typical
ensemble - sweater, miniskirt, and tights - has attracted her share of
antagonism from pro-lifers, but she tries not to let it become more than
an irritation.  "The protesters give me hang-up calls, tell me they know
where I live, and ask me about my dog."

"But one time, a really angry teenage boy said, 'You snatch-eating dyke, I'm
going to get you.  You've killed two of my babies.'  Some older male pro-
lifers dragged him away and tried to apologize for it."

Osborne saw her first pro-life fundamentalists when she was 16 years old,
working in Washington, D.C., for Maryland's Rep. Michael Barnes, a pro-
choice Democrat.  "It was January 22, Roe v. Wade day, and I was amazed
at the gaudiness, the bloody things, and babies on crosses.  I was raised
incredibly pro-choice and dogmatically; I was vague about why they were
doing this.  But they wouldn't communicate with me.  I was raised a nice,
polite WASP, and I didn't understand that."

"I used to think that I could respect action, but I also respect integrity.
This summer's protesters have been so ugly and hateful to the patients.  I
can tell you some protesters I'd rather see at the clinic - but I'd be
choosing someone who will scream at my patients until they're crying rather
than someone who will throw me in front of a car."

"I would like to talk with some of the anti's constructively about birth
control and women's health.  But we come from such different backgrounds and
different perceptions about being female that it may be impossible."

"You know what I'd really like to do with them is make-overs," Osborne says.
"Some women protesters yell at me about my mini-skirts, my big black shoes,
and my bright red lipstick - how I dress unprofessionally.  I'd let them
decide how I should look for one day, if they'd let me do the same for them."

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I think that it's helpful for participants in the abortion debate to be able
to see members of the opposing side as people, so I will be posting more of
these sketches.  Next:  John Dee.

-- 
Chris Lyman  /  email: chrisl@pwcs.stpaul.gov  / standard disclaimers
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's
character, give him power."  -- Abraham Lincoln