by Fran Eaton
Two hundred years ago yesterday, February 23, Britain voted to end slave transportation. The date was marked by the film release of "Amazing Grace," about the life and mission of abolitionist leader William Wilberforce.
Every activist compelled to make a difference for his or her cause needs to see "Amazing Grace." The film beautifully explains how and why Wilberforce withstood twenty years of overwhelming discouragement and defeat to ultimately accomplish his life's calling. It also reveals how his fellow visionaries and confidantes were indispensible along the way.
Seeing this film, co-produced by television actress Patricia Heaton, was the perfect way to spend the evening after 35 state senators expressed overwhelming support to "formalize" Governor Blagojevich's embryo killing fields in Illinois.
Go see "Amazing Grace" this weekend. Once a slave trader, John Newton's sacred confession which became the hymn "Amazing Grace's" compelling lyrics, "I once was blind, but now I see," poignantly conveys the hope we -- who believe life begins at conception -- hold dear for our state and nation.
