Subject: George Tiller

• President Obama issues statement on the killing of George Tiller

  Saw this on KMBC: The White House released a statement from President Barack Obama late Sunday afternoon."I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence."

  May 31, 2009

• Suspect in George Tiller killing arrested in Johnson County

  A suspect has been arrested in the killing of Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller, the Wichita Eagle reports. From the Eagle:Authorities have yet to release more information about the arrest. Wichita police have scheduled a 4 p.m. news conference to discuss the case.From KSHB Channel 41:Police in Gardner stopped a car that matched the suspect's vehicle description.Update (2:51 p.m.): Sara Humm took this Twitic of what she says is suspect's car in the Tiller killing. 

  May 31, 2009

• Funeral services for George Tiller scheduled for Saturday in Wichita

  Funeral services for slain abortion doctor George Tiller will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at College United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st Street, in Wichita. View Larger Map

  June 2, 2009

• Candlelight vigil for George Tiller

  Dozens gathered last night at the J.C. Nichols Fountain for a candlelight vigil for George Tiller. Amongst the crowd, reps from Planned Parenthood and the ACLU and Missouri state senator Jolie Justus. This slideshow reveals a lot of sad, confused and outraged people ... but also people determined to not let an act of terrorism like Tiller's murder scare them into keeping their mouths shut.  

  June 2, 2009

• George Tiller link round up for Wednesday

  Troy NewmanOperation Rescue president Troy Newman wrote an op-ed in USA Today, uh, today calling the assassination of George Tiller "vigilantism" that "must be abhorred" but so should aborting fetuses. Meanwhile, USA Today's editorial board calls for protection of abortion providers.Fox 4's Tess Koppelman asked an anti-abortion activist about the denunciations of Tiller's killing by anti-abortion groups like Operation Rescue. Here's the answer she got: "... she said that because they profit from

  June 3, 2009

• More on the death of doctor George Tiller and suspect Scott Roeder

  Prosecutors have yet to file charges against Scott P. Roeder, the man suspected of shooting and killing abortion doctor George Tiller at a Wichita church Sunday morning. They won't be filed Monday. Tiller, serving as an usher at Reformation Lutheran Church, died from a single gunshot wound. Roeder was arrested on I-35 yesterday afternoon. Roeder's 1993 powder-blue Ford Taurus had a red rose in the back window, a Jesus fish on the trunk, a sticker reading "The emperor has no brains" and a Kansas

  June 1, 2009

• Phone number found inside car of man suspected of killing George Tiller belongs to woman who plotted 1988 clinic bombing

  KMBC Channel 9 captured this shot of a phone number to anti-abortion group Operation Rescue inside the car of Scott Roeder, the man suspected of shooting and killing Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller Sunday morning at a Wichita church. The phone number is written on an envelope with the name "Cheryl" and "Op Rescue." Cheryl is Cheryl Sullenger, Operation Rescue's senior policy adviser, who in 1988 was convicted of conspiring to bomb a California abortion clinic. She served two years in priso

  June 1, 2009

• Kansas Liberty serves up more 'fair and factual' news

  By JUSTIN KENDALL Ronnie Metsker is too "liberal" for Kansas Liberty. Kansas Liberty has given us another dose of "fair and factual" news. A story published yesterday on Kansas Liberty's Web site, headlined "JoCo Republican showdown pits liberals against conservatives," is packed with the loaded language that makes media-critical conservatives howl. Kansas Liberty's story, however, comes with a conservative slant. "Slate supported by leader of liberal GOP group that claimed Ryun, Kline we

  November 18, 2008

• Stealing Time: Obama, KCTV, JoCo GOP, Erin

  By JUSTIN KENDALL Brilliant at Breakfast is not happy with the "liberal" Wichita Eagle for attaching a photo of Barack Obama to a story on George Tiller's pre-trial hearing. Obama isn't a part of the Kline-Morrison-Tiller hate triangle, but he is considering repealing a global gag on overseas family planning groups, one that denies them U.S. funding if they mention the "a" word. "First Newsweek calls him the Antichrist, and now this?" Brilliant at Breakfast asks. "Has the entire journalism pro

  November 19, 2008

• Eagle Twitters Tiller pretrial hearing

  By JUSTIN KENDALL The Wichita Eagle is Twittering George Tiller's pretrial hearing for those who need a minute-by-minute account of whether former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline exceeded his authority while investigating Tiller's abortion clinic. See such exciting updates as: Another investigator, Jared Reed, noted in the meeting with the psychiatrist, "Dr. doesn't believe we have a case to stand on." about 4 hours ago from txt and The psychiatrist said Tiller's records went 'above and

  November 19, 2008

• Eagle reveals Kline's medical records investigation

  By JUSTIN KENDALL I take it all back, Ron Sylvester. Yesterday, I bagged on the Wichita Eagle for Twittering the pretrial hearing of Wichita abortion provider George Tiller, who is facing 19 misdemeanor charges that he violated a law requiring two independent doctors to approve late-term abortions. But damn! Today's Eagle story is full of the juicy stuff that makes me wish I were sitting in the Wichita courtroom.

  November 20, 2008

• Stealing Time: Wherefore art thou, Wonder Woman?

  By JUSTIN KENDALL Paul Morrison's mistress Linda Carter is missing. Or at least, George Tiller's attorneys can't find Wonder Woman. So they claimed earlier this week during Tiller's pretrial hearing on criminal charges that he broke Kansas law for not using a second, independent doctor to approve the abortions he performs. They must not have tried very hard because the Star's Mike Hendricks found her in Western Grove, Arkansas, and brags about his Carter finding skillz on Prime Buzz. Cookie Mo

  November 21, 2008

• Culture warrior Bill O'Reilly takes on 'pro-abortion zealots' and 'Fox News haters'

  Bill O'Reilly took to his Fox News bully pulpit last night to defend his good name in the wake of George Tiller's murder. There's been a whole lot of finger pointing after Tiller's killing, and some of it's in O'Reilly's direction.O'Reilly was playing victim, saying he knew as soon as he heard about Tiller's murder that the "pro-abortion zealots" and "Fox News haters" would tar him with his own words. Those words -- repeatedly referring to Tiller as "Tiller the killer" or "Tiller the baby killer

  June 2, 2009

• Scott P. Roeder charged with the murder of George Tiller

  Scott RoederScott P. Roeder was charged with the first-degree murder of Wichita doctor George Tiller, the Wichita Eagle reports. Roeder was also charged with armed criminal action and ordered not to have any contact with the men he's accused of pointing a gun at after allegedly shooting Tiller. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 16. Wichita Eagle reporter Ron Sylverster's writes on his Twitter that District Attorney Nola Foulston is explaining why this case doesn't meet the requirements

  June 2, 2009

• Foundation of Roeder's anti-government beliefs explained

  Writing at the Huffington Post, author and Kansas City resident Leonard Zeskind describes the origins and tenants of the Freeman, an anti-government movement with which Scott Roeder, the suspected murderer of abortion provider George Tiller, felt a connection.The author of the new book Blood and Politics: The History of the White Nationalist Movement from the Margins to the Mainstream, Zeskind explains that the being a Freeman consists of more than just an aversion to taxes and registering vehic

  June 2, 2009

• Mistress, Wonder Woman to appear at Tiller trial

  This is going to be interesting. Yesterday, an Arkansas judge ordered Linda Carter to appear as a witness at a hearing for abortion doctor George Tiller, the Wichita Eagle reported. Carter's appearance in court on January 6 will be the first time she's spoken publicly about her affair with former Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison, who was recently cleared of criminal charges related to the affair. It'll be an all-star line-up, including Morrison and Phill Kline. Can't wait for Eagle reporter

  December 23, 2008

• Operation Rescue lists top stories of 2008, forgets copyright fight

  Everyone loves doing year-end top-10 lists. Operation Rescue isn't about to be left out. A few days ago, the Wichita-based anti-abortion group released its 10 best stories of 2008. As expected, Kansas abortion provider George Tiller claimed a majority of the spots -- a whopping six selections! But Tiller couldn't be the top story of the year. That distinction was reserved for the shutdown of California abortion-clinic chain Clinica Medica Para La Mujer, which closed after owner Bertha Bugarin wa

  December 26, 2008

• Abortion doctor George Tiller shot and killed Sunday at Wichita church

  Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller was shot and killed as he walked into church this morning, the Wichita Eagle reports.From the Eagle: Tiller was shot just after 10 a.m. at Reformation Lutheran Church at 7601 E. 13th, where he was a member of the congregation. Witnesses and a police source confirmed Tiller was the victim.No information has been released about whether a suspect is in custody.Operation Rescue president Troy Newman released this statement:We are shocked at this morning's distur

  May 31, 2009

• 'No final decisions made about' the future of Tiller's clinic

  The future of George Tiller's medical practice appears uncertain. Tiller's attorneys, Dan Monnat and Lee Thompson, just issued the following statement from Tiller's widow, Jeanne Tiller, and the Tiller family:"The family of Dr. George Tiller would like to clarify statements made about the plans for Women's Health Care Services, P.A. The family's hope is that the valuable work of Dr. Tiller will be able to continue, but there have been no final decisions made about the long-term plans for the me

  June 2, 2009

• Morrison's mistress testifies

  Day two of Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller's pretrial hearing finds mistress/Wonder Woman Linda Carter back on the stand and closing arguments. Wichita Eagle reporter Ron Sylvester once again Tweeted the hearing. My favorite part so far: Judge Clark Owens' ruling that ex-Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline can keep the lock on his personal diary.

  January 7, 2009

• Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson's thoughts on the death of George Tiller

  Mark ParkinsonFollowing the murder of George Tiller, politicians and players on both sides of the abortion debate -- everyone from President Obama to Randall Terry -- issued statements. But missing from this list of politicos commenting was Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson. I called Parkinson's office and a spokesman said that the guv's office didn't send out an official statement to the media but did give one to the Associated Press when asked for one. Here's Gov. Parkinson's statement:"I am shocked

  June 2, 2009

• See Morrison's mistress testify

  The clips are short, but the Wichita Eagle has a couple of videos of Linda Carter testifying at yesterday's pretrial hearing of abortion doctor George Tiller. Carter answers questions about the affair and says Morrison was willing to "make peace with Phill Kline" if Carter would stay with him. She also says she couldn't persuade Morrison to charge Tiller. She's not wearing her Wonder Woman outfit, but I wonder if she's under the spell of "The Lasso of Truth." -- Justin Kendall

  January 8, 2009

• George Tiller speaks about the history of violence against him and his medical practice

  The upcoming documentary, What's the Matter With Kansas?, features an eerie interview with George Tiller and footage from 1991's so-called "Summer of Mercy." The film, like the book it's based on, looks at the country's conservatives. Here's a bit of the doctor, discussing the intimidation and violence he's encountered, which would eventually claim his life:

  June 3, 2009

• Abortion doctor George Tiller going on trial

  George TillerSomewhere in Virginia, Phill Kline is smiling. Sedgwick County District Judge Clark Owens denied Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller's request to dismiss 19 misdemeanor charges for allegedly failing to get an independent second opinion for late-term abortions that he performed."While Phill Kline testified that he would like for all abortions to be outlawed, his investigations made no attempts to prevent lawful abortions from being performed in the State of Kansas," Owens wrote. "H

  February 26, 2009

• Scott Roeder tells AP he's being 'treated like a criminal'

  Scott P. RoederThe man charged with killing Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller made a jailhouse phone call yesterday to the Associated Press, and he's so not enjoying this whole jail thing. Scott Roeder dialed up AP reporter Roxana Hegeman for a few minutes Thursday, and he didn't want to discuss the Tiller shooting. He wanted to talk about his feelings:  "I haven't been convicted of anything and I am being treated as a criminal."Uh huh. Roeder's also worried about the toll the media spo

  June 5, 2009

• KC vigil for slain abortion doctor Monday night

  A candlelight vigil for George Tiller -- the Wichita abortion doctor killed while serving as an usher at church Sunday -- is scheduled at the J.C. Nichols fountain, 47th and Main, for 8 p.m. Monday, Blog KC says.  There's more on Facebook.Join the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, NOW and other pro-choice advocates in Kansas City TONIGHT to honor the life and memory Dr George Tiller, who was murdered yesterday. YOU can stand up against these attacks and for Dr. Tiller and the cause he believed so s

  June 1, 2009

• Scott Roeder is suspected of killing doctor George Tiller

  George TillerThe man suspected of shooting and killing doctor George Tiller Sunday morning has been identified as Scott Roeder of Merriam, Kansas.Roeder has not been charged yet with the killing, but the 51-year-old was turned over to Wichita police Sunday evening. Roeder's relatives identified him for KMBC Channel 9. Here's a clip:Roeder's uncle, Clarence Roeder, issued a statement Sunday evening."This is a tragedy for the Tiller family and we feel so badly about that, that Scott would murder t

  May 31, 2009

• In the new economy, even jackasses have to work a little harder

  February 26, 2009

• Doctor George Tiller's obituary

  Tiller, Dr. George R., age 67, Diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice and Medical Director of Women's Health Care Services, died on Sunday, May 31, 2009. He was shot and killed while serving as an usher at his place of worship, Reformation Lutheran Church. George was the son of Dr. Jack and Catherine Tiller. He was born in Wichita at Wesley Hospital where he later became President of the Medical Staff. As a young man he attended Alcott Elementary School, Robinson Junior High Scho

  June 3, 2009

• Born Again

  When Bryan J. Brown gave up his picket sign for a law degree, that just made him a stronger activist- and perfect candidate for a job in Kansas state government.

  May 15, 2003

• Feds investigating Tiller's murder

  George TillerJust found out that the Justice Department is now investigating whether George Tiller's alleged killer, Scott P. Roeder, acted alone. Here's a snip from the Associated Press story:"The Department of Justice will work tirelessly to determine the full involvement of any and all actors in this horrible crime," said Loretta King, head of the department's civil rights division.Anyone who played a role in the killing, she said, will be prosecuted "to the full extent of federal law."Howeve

  June 5, 2009

• A look at the scene outside of Dr. George Tiller's funeral

  Levi HenryBig thanks to friend of the Plog Levi Henry for snapping photos (here's a slideshow) of the scene outside the funeral of slain abortion doctor George Tiller on Saturday. The Patriot Guard, Martyr Guard and Phelps family all showed up in the streets of Wichita as some said a final thank you to the doctor.Meanwhile, The New York Times' Sunday story says anti-abortion leaders are wondering what to do next. And there's this from Operation Rescue president Troy Newman:Dr. Tiller's clinic wa

  June 8, 2009

• Family of slain abortion doctor George Tiller 'permanently' closes his clinic

  George TillerThis just in from the family of slain abortion doctor George Tiller: His family is "permanently" closing his clinic. Here's the full release:"The family of Dr. George Tiller announces that effective immediately, Women's Health Care Services, Inc., will be permanently closed. Notice is being given today to all concerned that the Tiller family is ceasing operation of the clinic and any involvement by family members in any other similar clinic. We are proud of the service and courage

  June 9, 2009

• Reactions to the closing of George Tiller's clinic

  Troy NewmanEarlier today, the family of slain abortion doctor George Tiller announced that they would be not be reopening the Wichita clinic. Several organizations have sent out reactions.Troy Newman, president of anti-abortion group Operation Rescue, celebrated the closing and announced that Operation Rescue would continue its work. Here are excerpts from his statements:"We are thankful that Tiller's clinic will not reopen and thankful that Wichita is now abortion-free. It is our sincere prayer

  June 9, 2009

• We smell bullshit: Operation Rescue wants to buy Tiller's clinic

  George TillerMaybe Operation Rescue president Troy Newman was just relaying a pipe dream when he told media outlets that his anti-abortion group wants to buy the now-closed clinic of slain abortion provider George Tiller. No one close to the Tiller family has said the clinic is for sale. Besides, why would Tiller's family sell his building, the site of his life's work -- the place where he was tormented by protesters who screamed names at him and chained themselves to the gates; a building that

  June 10, 2009

• Doctor vows to perform late-term abortions in Kansas

  LeRoy CarhartSlain abortion provider George Tiller won't be the last doctor to perform late-term abortions in Kansas. Not if what Nebraska abortion provider LeRoy Carhart is telling the Associated Press is true. Carhart, who performed abortions at Tiller's now shuttered Wichita clinic, said he will be performing late-term abortions in Kansas but skimped on details, saying he'll talk about them when he's good to go. Who could blame him for not wanting to broadcast the details?

  June 10, 2009

• Nope, no evidence of murder-crazed psychos here

  If you're interested in some bold political debate on the pros and cons of using massive government intelligence programs to run surveillance on people whose political candidates will Just because Bob Barr wants you to live in fear doesn't make him a terroristnever get more than 2 percent of the vote, you might want to pop over to the KY3's political notebook, specifically here and here. They've got some fantastic video and coverage of Wednesday's hearings on the Missouri Infor

  June 11, 2009

• Bill O'Reilly pummels Mary Sanchez for defending Bill O'Reilly

  Fox News blowhard Bill O'Reilly is still trying to clear his conscience in the wake of the assassination of abortion provider George Tiller. He's still feeling awfully guilty for repeatedly referring to the doctor as "Tiller the baby killer." After Tiller was gunned down in a Wichita church, O'Reilly claimed he'd never referred to Tiller as "the baby killer," attributing the moniker to anti-abortion groups. Enter Kansas City Star columnist Mary Sanchez to O'Reilly's defense. No, really:Not long

  June 16, 2009

• Rolling Stone reflects on Operation Rescue's 'war' against George Tiller

  The latest issue of Rolling Stone features a short editorial by managing editor Will Dana on the death of Wichita abortion provider George Tiller and takes a look back on a five-year-old profile of anti-abortion activist and Operation Rescue president Troy Newman titled "One Man's God Squad."Dana calls the killing of Dr. Tiller "hardly surprising" after re-reading the Rolling Stone profile of Newman. Here's a clip about Newman's "dangerously personal" campaign against Tiller:Banned by federal la

  June 22, 2009

• Nebraska abortion provider wants to open a clinic in Kansas

  LeRoy Carhart and George Tiller​Looks like one late-term abortion provider isn't living in fear after the assassination of Wichita doctor George Tiller. Nebraska abortion provider LeRoy Carhart wants to open a late-term abortion clinic in Kansas, preferably in Wichita, the Associated Press reported early this morning. Hmm. I wonder where:Carhart said his attorney has talked to the Tiller family's attorney, but it is too early to make an announcement. So much for Operation Rescue buying the pla

  August 4, 2009

• Three of Operation Rescue's 'whistle blowers' are convicted felons

  LeRoy Carhart and George Tiller​Operation Rescue is annoying Nebraskans this weekend. They don't care much for LeRoy Carhart's doctoring, so they're attacking his practices. This is so familiar. Now, Operation Rescue is latching onto four of Carhart's former employees. All fired or laid off. Bet they're not holding a grudge. Operation Rescue claims: The women have made allegations that unlicensed staff illegally performed medical duties that they were not trained for or legally qualified to do

  August 28, 2009

• Video shows the aftermath of Dr. Tiller's death

  Found this video produced for Arte Television on Vimeo about the aftermath of Wichita abortion provider George Tiller's death. I don't understand the French narration, but the rest of the video is in English and some pretty creepy moments thanks to an aimless anti-abortion protester wandering around the outskirts of Tiller's closed down clinic and defending "justifiable homicide." Abortion in Kansas from Chris on Vimeo. Also, there's a eerie mood at a Kansas City, Kansas, abortion clinic -- a

  October 20, 2009

• And we're back ...

  Mac Tonnies​After some technical difficulties this morning, we're finally up and running. Sad news. Mac Tonnies, author and local blogger of Posthuman Blues, has died.Coast-to-Coast AM had a nice write up about Tonnies, calling him an "acclaimed fortean writer and researcher." The prodigious blogger was a fixture of the online esoteric community with his site Posthuman Blues and was highly respected by many leading researchers who saw him as a bold and fresh new voice on the paranormal scene

  October 26, 2009

• Rachel Maddow on the auction for Tiller's accused killer

  Scott P. Roeder​Anti-abortion extremists are planning an online auction to raise money for the defense of the man accused of killing Wichita abortion provider George Tiller, The Kansas City Star reported over the weekend.Last night, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow spoke with the Tiller family's attorney, Lee Thompson, about the auction, which includes bomb-making recipes and sketches -- one showing biblical character David with a slingshot in one hand and Goliath's head, "Tiller" emblazoned on the foreh

  October 27, 2009

• eBay says no to auction for man accused of killing George Tiller

  Scott P. Roeder​I'm shocked that eBay doesn't want anything to do with the anti-abortion extremists who are trying to raise money for the legal defense of the man accused of killing George Tiller. The Kansas City Star has the statement from eBay -- and gets the name of the man accused of killing Tiller wrong. It's Scott Roeder, not Dennis Roeder. Anyway, here's the statement from the online auction site. Based on the details we know about the anticipated listings, we believe these would violat

  October 28, 2009

• Breaking: Another abortion-related murder in Kansas?

  Schroeder had provided security for Dr. George Tiller​The Wichita Eagle reports that authorities in Newton, Kansas, are investigating the "very suspicious" death of Richard Schroeder, a retired former U.S. marshal. Schroeder's wife discovered him lying in their driveway with head injuries this morning; he was later pronounced dead at a hospital. According to the Eagle:During his career as a U.S. marshal, Schroeder provided court-ordered protection for abortion provider George Tiller during 199

  October 30, 2009

• eBay pulls auction for man accused of killing abortion doctor

  ​The auction to raise money for legal defense of Scott Roeder, the man charged with killing Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller, reportedly went live Sunday night.KCTV 5 reported that up for auction was a Bible from Shelley Shannon, the convicted clinic bomber/arsonist who shot and wounded Tiller in 1993, and a Catechism signed by Michael Bray.But the best coverage is from Talking Points Memo, which features a slideshow of the auction items, including the above signed pencil sketch autograph

  November 2, 2009

• Two auctions for George Tiller's accused killer ongoing

  ​Two auctions are ongoing to raise money for Scott Roeder, the man charged with killing Wichita abortion provider George Tiller. Earlier today, we noted Talking Points Memo's awesome coverage of the auctions to raise money for Roeder (although the items had been removed by the time we checked for them).After 10 bids, a "prolife Bible" that belonged to Shelley Shannon -- the convicted clinic arsonist who shot and wounded Tiller in 1993 -- is up to $51. The Bible's description reads: Don't belie

  November 2, 2009

• eBay pulls all auctions for man charged with killing George Tiller

  ​It didn't take long for eBay to pull the last two auctions aimed at raising money for the legal defense of Scott Roeder, the man accused of killing Wichita abortion provider George Tiller. The online auction house removed several auctions for Roeder early Monday, including one for a pencil sketch of Biblical character David holding the decapitated head of Goliath, whose forehead read "Tiller" and corpse read "Child murdering industry."But two auctions -- one for a "prolife Bible" that belonge

  November 3, 2009

• Cynthia Davis wants guns in churches

  ​In the latest edition of her e-newsletter, O'Fallon loon (and Missouri state Rep.) Cynthia Davis shows off her concealed-carry permit -- this woman can legally carry a gun? -- and argues in favor of churchgoers packing heat in houses of the holy. Damn those draconian Missouri laws outlawing guns in churches. She writes:One concern I have with the current law is that guns are prohibited in churches. This means there is no defense for the members if a criminal act is attempted or perpetrated.Yo

  November 5, 2009