A story that was front-page worthy

I am writing this Jan. 23, the day after the 2010 March for Life, held on the 37th Anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision, allowing 50 million Americans to be killed, through the right to privacy.

As I picked up my Daily Herald I expected to see a front-page headline and photo of this annual event, growing from 20,000 marchers in 1974, to more than 300,000 last year, especially since recent polls confirm that a majority of Americans consider themselves pro-life. But nothing on the front page or on the inside or on the back. Wait. Here it is: in the top corner of the inside front page, a small picture with the headline, "Anniversary agitates." A two-sentence "story" stating that one woman, pictured eyes closed, holding a crucifix, and others, termed "anti-abortion rights protesters," gathered to rally in Washington.

Why "anti-abortion" instead of "pro-life"? Is "pro-choice" ever replaced with "anti-life?" And those "others" mentioned, numbered more than 300,000, people of all faiths, some of no faith, even members of the Atheist and Agnostic Pro-Life league, and their Web site explains why: "because life is all ... that matters, and abortion destroys the life of an innocent human being. And those who could not attend the March in Washington, could join a "virtual march" online, with more than 79,000 pro-life Americans.

As for other news items mentioned on the front page, I confess I did watch part of Conan O'Brien's last show; and yes, George Clooney is a nice guy, leading a telethon to raise funds for Haiti after the devastating earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people. But more than 300,000 people from across the country rallied in our nation's capital for ultimate civil rights for every human being. I think that was worthy of a front-page story.

Judi Ann Fuller

Naperville