Jayne Bray letter to Wilmington News Journal

1 Nov., 2007

Wilmington News Journal47 S. South St.Wilmington, OH 45177

Dear Editor,

We were to be removed from our home yesterday, 30 days after the 1 October invasion by federal marshals.  But on Monday, the Court allowed us to remain at least until our home is auctioned.

 On that first day of October, two sheriffs, one plain clothes ATF agent, four U.S. marshals bedecked in bullet proof vests and automatic side arms, two representatives from Planned Parenthood, and two packers entered our house for the purpose of removing both the family’s computers, TVs, cameras, and books.  The house was searched and videoed by Planned Parenthood representatives without a search warrant.  Our attorneys were not notified and my husband was forbidden from calling the press or me.  I found out about the invasion from a friend. 

Why the Rambo performance?  Because in the mid 90s Planned Parenthood sued vocal Life Advocates over speech that they did not like.  Under orders from a (Ninth Circuit) federal judge, a jury could find the defendants liable for making threats against abortionists even though no actual threats were made.  He said the Life Advocates (defendants) should have known that abortionists would threatened by their rhetoric.

Michael Bray’s share of this liability was $1 million.  He was not a member of this “insensitive” group; he had been invited to display and sell his bookat one of their conferences. 

This suit has to do with Michael’s conviction of over 20 years ago.  He was apparently added as a defendant to help besmirch the good reputations of the others with a “convicted felon.”

We would be utterly remiss not to speak of the kindnesses shown to our family by this wonderful town. The support, companionship, and sympathy of this community ─ school, parents, administrators and churches ─ have overwhelmed us. Strangers from other states have written to and supported us.  It is our desire to somehow be able, with the help of family and friends, to buy back our home at auction.  Injustice happens – all over the world.  It hit home on 1 October, but with God’s help, we will press on.  

Jayne Bray