Message-ID: <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999 16:44:26 -0700
From: Paul and Katy Giller <[log in to unmask]>
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To: "Kathleen G. Auerbach" <[log in to unmask]>,
        [log in to unmask]
Subject: Breastfeeding bill
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Dear Kathleens,
I wrote the following letter, intending to post it to Lactnet, but
decided to ask you first if its okay, since you are the listmoms.  I
haven't said anything that isn't true, but since I named an individual
and his employer, as well as how to contact them, you may want to look
it over first.  I would hate to put Lactnet or myself at risk in any
way.
Thank you,
Katy Giller, RN
Boulder, CO


Hello All,
A bill here in Colorado introduced by Peggy Reeves of Fort Collins (I
believe she is a state senator) was voted down in a 4-3 vote on
Thursday.  It would have allowed a mother to breastfeed her child
anywhere she was legally entitled to be.  I was distressed to read about
this in the newspaper yesterday.  But the thing that almost had me in
tears was a talk-radio host,Jay Marvin, on KHOW in Denver, who yesterday
had a 4-hour show on why women should NOT be allowed to breastfeed their
children in public.  He made remarks like, "Breastfeeding is
disgusting.", and went on to rant about how his rights were being
violated if a woman was breastfeeding in a restaurant where he was
eating. He kept contending that he shouldn't have to look at "that". I
didn't listen to the whole show, but several people called to say that
it should be allowed if done "discreetly".  Others called in with
comments that were absolutely hostile towards breastfeeding.  One woman
called, indignant because another woman was breastfeeding in the pew in
front of her in church, and her 4-year-old saw it and asked his mom if
he, too, could breastfeed.  "How am I supposed to explain THAT to my
son?"  she asked, indicating that the other woman was exposing her
child  to something harmful and immoral.  He compared breastfeeding to
defecating, and asked what the difference was between breastfeeding in a
restaurant and changing a diaper in a restaurant.  Normally I would
think that he was just being sensationalistic, but his tone was really
nasty.  And the thing is, a LOT of people in the Denver area listen to
him, as he is very popular. This is a man who self-righteously launched
a campaign to support strip clubs in the Denver area.  I guess he thinks
that women have a right to use their breasts for the viewing pleasure of
others, but not to nourish their children.  I'm simply flabbergasted.  I
am going to write a letter to the station as soon as I cool off enough
to say something that won't get me arrested.  Anyone wishing to write
also, click on http://www.630khow.com/#QuickComment to leave your
comments.

This show was damaging to women and children, and, as a breastfeeding
mother, I felt personally attacked.  It actually hurt my feelings.  I
usually don't get my shorts in a twist over this sort of ignorance and
hostility because the people who say stuff like this come off like jerks
and only have the power to influence the few they come in contact with.
But Jay Marvin has a huge following and has set a hostile tone for
breastfeeding couplets here in the Denver area.
Thanks for listening,
Katy Giller, RN
Boulder, CO