‘Respect life’ banner belongs in parade

Tell me I didn’t see that article in the Herald stating the Jaycees, a private organization that sponsors the Fourth of July festival, voted unanimously to ban the banner by the Catholics Respect Life? It is the same one they carried last year. It says “Palatine area Catholics Respect Life ... from Conception til Natural Death.” And a picture of an unborn baby and an elderly woman.

Is an unborn baby causing emotional stress? Are you afraid to show a picture of what a baby looks like before and after birth? Exactly the same.

The Jaycees said the group was allowed to march in the parade last year because the picture wasn’t clear. They didn’t realize the intent until they were in the parade. What intent? Respect life. How horrible. Mr. Bill Pohlman of the Jaycees said the board felt the banner crossed a line. He states they are a nonpolitical organization. Give me a break. What else do you call it?

The banner states a fact. It respects all life. That includes lesbians, gays, all nationalities, all ages. Why is it organizations such as Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays are being allowed to walk?

You, Mr. Pohlman, have done such a disservice to our country. Hopefully, you do not have the power to quash the rights of freedom of speech. Respect life is a message of love. They respect all life. You said you tried to compromise with the group. I think what you meant was they would not do what you wanted them to do. Palatine Catholics, I am so proud of you. And I would like to thank Kimberly Pohl for an excellent job of reporting and letting us know that our rights are in danger of being taken away from us.

Kathleen Muhr

Arlington Heights