After reading several letters by students critical of the recent pro-life vigil, I am beginning to think the new motto of the pro-choice movement is, "If you can't beat them, degrade them."

One student labeled pro-lifers as "aggressive and dangerous" and cited the blowing up of abortion clinics as an example. The right-to-life movement does not encourage, support or endorse the blowing up of clinics, and anyone who commits such a reckless act is not pro-life and has no place in the movement.

Intentionally stereotyping tens of millions of people because of the stupid acts of a few is extremely irresponsible, especially when the issue is already so divisive.

The letters also addressed the Christian overtones of the vigil. Granted, three of the five speakers gave religious speeches. Not surprisingly, many, including some pro-lifers, reacted negatively. The vigil, however, was never intended to mirror all values of the right-to-life movement.

The pro-life movement is not a Christian movement. Many non-Christians are pro-life, and many Christians consider themselves to be pro-choice.

The values of the pro-life movement, as well as those of the U.S. government, often overlap with Christian values. If the separation of church and state does not affect the illegality of murder and rape, acts abhorred by Christianity, then it should not affect laws which protect the unborn.

These students have also developed a habit of using the term "anti-choice" when referring to pro-lifers. It's ridiculous to believe people oppose abortion because they oppose choice rather than support a fundamental right to life.

Those using such a nonsensical term are doing little more than playing politics and generating hate.

This issue is crying out for discussion, not reckless misrepresentation.