Join the "Hotlist" and Today's News & Views
Protecting Life Today and Tomorrow

By Pat McGee, Director of Information Technology

Let me offer two illustrations how the "mainstream" media has run awry, and then talk about how the Internet is making it possible for ordinary citizens to get the truth out in a way that was impossible only a few years ago.

"The big question is why. Why did this story, of all stories, reach such a critical mass; why did Terri Schiavo, of all people, ignite such a deep, visceral emotional response in so many of her fellow citizens; why have so many people devoted so much energy and commitment to this case - - some utterly intent upon keeping her alive, others adamantly believing she should be left to die as quickly as possible? This controversy hit the stratosphere, I believe, because of one simple but very powerful innovation: the Internet."

Wesley Smith, "The Case Heard Round the Web," www.weeklystandard.com

"Some believe that it is possible that President Bush was re-elected because of the work of 'bloggers.' As you'll remember, 60 Minutes Two produced a politically incendiary memo purporting to prove that Mr. Bush received preferential treatment in the 1960s while a member of the Texas Air National Guard. It took bloggers a matter of hours to raise serious questions, not difficult because the memo was a transparent phony. A few weeks later Dan Rather announced he was going to retire a year early."

Dave Andrusko, Today's News & Views, March 28 The Drudge Report reports that over the last 24 hours of March 28, 2005, it received 9,322,361 visitors to that web site.

Over the first week in April, National Right to Life Committee's (NRLC) web site received 100,000 more visitors than usual. We've had more than 9,000 Florida "Will to Live" documents downloaded in the past few weeks. That is more "Will to Live" downloads than from almost all other states combined in the past year.

It shouldn't require the tragic, unnecessary death of a vulnerable woman for pro-lifers to take advantage of National Right to Life's influential web site: www.nrlc.org. The Internet provides us with a golden opportunity to influence public policy to the advantage of unborn babies and the medically vulnerable.

We know from experience that grassroots pro-lifers are our strongest asset. The spectacular performance of our grassroots (that's you) has made many victories possible, including everything from blocking the ultra-pro-abortion "Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA) to educating the nation to the horrors of partial-birth abortion.

But to continue to win even greater successes, we must harness the power of the Internet. So many elements of the struggle for life will be won, or lost, through the Internet.

We can't and we won't sit idly by while our opponents use this extraordinary tool to its maximum capacity. We need to capitalize on this information medium immediately.

Now more than ever it is critically important to sign up for pro-life e-mail lists, visit our web site often (it changes daily), share this information, and encourage your friends to do the same. In other words, sign up, share, and educate.

Presently, NRLC has two immediate sources of information available on our web site: www.nrlc.org. They are the Hotlist and Today's News & Views. The numbers have grown, but they are only a fraction of what they ought to be. They must be multiplied many times over.

There is only one way we can reach this lofty goal: your active support.

Due to recent tragic events, our web site traffic is significantly higher, averaging a few hundred thousand visitors a month. Translating this increased traffic into action and success, however, requires that these visitors do more than visit. We need them to "bookmark" our page, and we especially need them to sign up so that they will stay informed.

I know you are phenomenal at responding to NRLC's Action Alerts. You have proven this time and again. It is now time for you to take action again and sign up for these lists AND encourage your family, friends, and colleagues to join as well!

How can the pro-life movement remain the strongest grassroots movement in America if we neglect this superb tool? We have a great start, but - - as the saying goes - - you can never stand still: you either go forward or fall back.

Let's expand the sphere of influence that pro-lifers currently wield. To accomplish this, it is imperative that we build this infrastructure now, so that we will be ready for the next big challenge.

We know that the conversion of non-pro-lifers is often as simple as educating them on the subject. Once they have the facts, many will join our ranks, adding new energy and talent. These new recruits become new pro-life champions.

And, as you are well aware, NRLC is the most accurate source of information for the pro-life movement. So what better way to effect change then by signing up for our lists, using and sharing information, educating those you come in contact with via e-mail, and swelling the pro-life tide?

Joining our lists will give you the sense of inclusion in the Movement, a genuine sense of effecting change and responsibility for molding the future. The information that comes to you because you are on these lists will give you the tools required.

Please Help Spread the Pro-Life Message.

The pro-life movement will be faced with incredible fights over efforts by pro-abortionists to block superbly qualified judicial nominees and the passage of pro-life legislation in state legislatures and Congress. Imagine the voice we would have if we could magnify our e-mail list base many times over. The results would be truly awesome.

What could be a faster, more efficient, more cost-effective way to protect life for today and tomorrow than to sign up for our e-mail lists? Encourage your friends to do the same.

Forward your friends the e-mails you receive from us and ask them to do the same. Share the information. I challenge you to take action today and assist us to effect change to create a culture of life.

I urge you to go to our web site and sign up today.

www.nrlc.org, third box down on the left column "Join our list," or directly at http://www.nrlc.org/join_our_mailing_list.htm.

Now more than ever - - protecting life today, because tomorrow is in the balance.