ROCKY RIVER - Fred Sokol, Chair - Stop Abortion in Rocky River Committee asks, “Is the Committee’s graphic abortion sign display [which is ‘protected free speech’ by the U.S. Constitution] and that is displayed in front of Rocky River Health Center [Planned Parenthood] at 20800 Center Ridge Road that offers … “Abortion pill (medication abortion) … up to 9 weeks after the start of your last menstrual period.” … are those graphic abortion signs that we display in Rocky River working?  Consider the following.”

LIMITING FREE SPEECH IN ROCKY RIVER, OHIO

• Rocky River Police told us ‘Rosary Praying’ peaceful Pro-Life Demonstrators [on Tuesday, April 28^th 2009] that we were limited to only eight protestors in front of Rocky River Health Center [Planned Parenthood].

• A 20 year old City Ordinance 510.03 NUMBER OF PICKETS PERMITTED [full text of said City Ordinance below] limits picketers to just 4 per driveway. Rocky River Health Center [Planned Parenthood] has two driveways thus 8 protestors are only allowed. 

• The Rocky River Police then told us to leave 8 pro-lifers in front of Rocky River Health Center [Planned Parenthood].  Then disperse the remaining pro-lifers to other driveways and we did.

WHY DID THIS HAPPEN NOW IN ROCKY RIVER, OHIO?

• Why did the Rocky River Police decide to enforce City Ordinance 510.03 NUMBER OF PICKETS PERMITTED on Tuesday, April 28^th 2009?  

• I have been in front of Rocky River Health Center [Planned Parenthood] for two years and we almost always have more than eight pro-life demonstrators every time we gather to pray the Rosary. 

• Why didn’t the Rocky River Police enforce City Ordinance 510.03 NUMBER OF PICKETS PERMITTED when it was clear to the Rocky River Police we were in violation of this said City Law at other times as well?  Why enforce it now?  Why not enforce it before?  Will the Rocky River Police enforce it in the future?

IS ROCKY RIVER CITY ORDINANCE 510.03 NUMBER OF PICKETS PERMITTED – UNCONSTITUTIONAL?

• As a non-attorney I ask.  “Can Rocky River City Ordinance 510.03 NUMBER OF PICKETS PERMITTED even pass muster with The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution?”

THE FIRST AMENDMENT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

• As a non-attorney this is what the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution says about ‘limiting free speech’ in America and most certainly in Rocky River, Ohio.  [“Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”]

510.03 NUMBER OF PICKETS PERMITTED – ROCKY RIVER, OHIO CITY ORDINANCE

• As a non-attorney I present in question The City of Rocky River’s Law that clearly limits free speech.  [Rocky River City Ordinance “510.03 NUMBER OF PICKETS PERMITTED. (A) In case of any picket line, picketing or other assembly established in connection with any such strike, controversy or dispute, the number of pickets or participants shall not exceed four (4) in number at any given entrance to the property in question.”]  

IN CONCLUSION

• As a Rocky River Citizen and a Rocky River Taxpayer I demand an explanation by Rocky River City Hall.   Why the Rocky River Police Department decided NOW [on Tuesday, April 28^th 2009] to finally enforce a Rocky River City Ordinance 510.03 NUMBER OF PICKETS PERMITTED … that has been on the books for the last 20 years?  

• While in the past we always had more than 8 pro-lifers in front of Rocky River Health Center [Planned Parenthood] at any given time yet no complaints by the Rocky River Police.  Again, why now?

FINALLY

• Is Rocky River now focused on abortion in Rocky River - and our displayed graphic abortion signs in Rocky River?  You decide.

- Fred Sokol

MEDITATION: GOD HAS PREPARED ME

My God has prepared me for this most important pro-life ministry.  I am His Voice, I am His Feet, I am His Arms, Hands and Legs.  I am His.  I cannot walk away from Him and from what He wants me to do for Him and for the unborn baby.  He wants me to witness to the horror of abortion and he wants me to do it starting in Rocky River, Ohio.  He will not let me rest until I completely and totally serve Him in stopping abortion in Rocky River.  Yet I am mere clay.  While, He ‘The Potter’ continues to form me for what He wants from me.  I cannot say no.  For saying no ... my world and my being ... would crash into nothingness.  I would be but mere dust upon the wind.  Then I will never rest again.  I pray one day I will rest.  I pray one day I will rest in Him Who created me, Who created others, Who created the Earth, the Universe and Heaven. Amen.

- Fred Sokol

PRAYER: A PRAYER FOR MOTHERS 

DEAR LORD, I pray for all mothers living and expectant mothers to be. Bless them, protect them and keep them safe. 

I also pray for all mothers who are deceased.  Keep them close to Your Bosom Oh Lord and for the love they gave their children and family let them hear Your Heart Beat on fire with love for them. 

Finally, I also pray for expectant Mother's considering abortion ... to stop and to carry their child full term is the only way this Country will survive and for their child as well. 

As I know You Oh Lord answer all our prayers … I ask this prayer in Your Name Oh Jesus, Amen. 

- Fred Sokol

Fred Sokol, Chair – Stop Abortion in Rocky River Committee - JMJ