Story Photos
 Candles light Nicole DeSpain, center, and Sergio Montes, members of the LCC Multicultural Club, as they turn out with dozens of other students and area citizens to support diversity Friday in Longview. Bill Wagner / The Daily News
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Diversity rally draws hundreds; Kansas group a no-show
Saturday, December 6, 2008 9:12 AM PST
By Eric Olson
Printable version
E-mail this articleNo one showed up to protest the play “The Laramie Project” at Lower Columbia College Friday, but that didn’t stop nearly 300 diversity supporters from gathering to spread their message of love and tolerance.
“Thank you, Longview, for standing up and doing what’s right,” Longview businessman and activist Dave Grumbois told the crowd.
The group gathered in anticipation of an appearance of members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church, which recently announced a planned picket of the play on its Web site, godhatesfags.com. Church founder Fred Phelps and members of his family have protested the play and other public events, such as military funerals, nationwide.
The Westboro Baptist Church, which is not affiliated with traditional the traditional Baptist church, is classified as a hate group by the Southern Law Poverty Center.
“Not all Christians are defined by the religious right and by these folks from Kansas,” Father Richard Green, priest at St. Stephens Episcopalian Church in Longview, said at Friday’s rally.
“The Laramie Project” is the story of the brutal murder of 21-year-old gay college student Matthew Shepard and the impact it had on the small Wyoming town. Phelps, who protested at Shepard’s funeral, is depicted as a character in the play.
Mark Bergeson, the LCC instructor who organized the gathering, said he figured there was about a 50-50 chance that Phelps and other church members would show up. If they had, he urged the group not to acknowledge Westboro members or approach them so as to avoid conflict or legal action.
But because they didn’t show, the event became a chance to celebrate diversity, much like last winter’s counter protest against a white supremacist gathering in Longview, Bergeson said.
“I think that, just like a year ago, this is a very strong statement that the community has made,” he said.
Many of the “Celebrate Diversity” signs from last year’s march and rally at Victoria Freeman Park were recycled for Friday’s gathering, and many people made their own signs. One man held a placard reading “God Loves Matthew Shepard and So Do I”, and another sign said “I Love Jesus in a Gay Way.”
The group gathered in the parking lot, then marched a block along Maple Street and stationed themselves outside the Rose Center for the Performing Arts where the play was performed.
Longview police officers were posted outside the doors of the Rose Center. Three or four officers were standing watch near crowd. No fights or security problems arose during the hourlong gathering.
About four actors from the cast of “The Laramie Project,” which closes its three-weekend run Saturday night, stopped at the rally before heading inside to perform.
Dawson Carter, a 23-year-old theater major, said the extra attention energized the cast because it reminded them that the characters are real people in Wyoming.
“This community demonstration is just amazing,” he said.
Phillip Kennedy, a 27-year-old openly gay cast member, said he was grateful for the support.
“I’m awestruck by everyone,” Kennedy said. “To see this as a gay man, in a small community, it’s wonderful.”
Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported that "The Laramie Project" closed Friday. The play's run ends Saturday (Dec. 6).
tallsy wrote on Dec 5, 2008 11:36 PM:
" The rally was a great turn out. I enjoyed being around our community where we stood against Hate. Our Community does not need a group coming into our town and bashing gays and spreading hate. I was there and I was so proud of our Community. I hope we can do this every year for a very long time "
alsmybud wrote on Dec 6, 2008 12:03 AM:
" Just when I least expect it, this town makes me proud. Thank you to all the people who came out in the cold to stand for love for one another. "
1209 wrote on Dec 6, 2008 5:14 AM:
" I'm proud of everyone the showed their support for diversity. There is no place for those who stand in the way of diversity and progress. Diversity is for those who WANT it. "
handymansvs wrote on Dec 6, 2008 5:56 AM:
" For over four years, I have been following the antics of Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. It amazes me the numerous things they oppose. The central theme for everything they do is:
"HATE", "HATE", "HATE", "HATE", "HATE"!
A number of different private organization, Government entities, Businesses, Newspapers, Radio and Television Stations, and Individuals that have "Tried and Failed" to bring a end to their insanity is staggering.
To the best of my knowledge, There is only one individual,"Albert Snyder". Who stood up to Phelps and the Westboro Gang and won, Snyder's son, "Matthew" was killed in Iraq. Westboro had their pickets at his funeral, plus they wrote numerous untruths on their Website: God Hates Fags.
Mr Snyder is not wealthy, but he was fortunate to find a law firm to represent him at no charge. However, this did not include Filing Fees, Expert Witnesses Fees, Court Costs, Etc, all requiring payment. Mr Snyder knew he needed financial help, if this suit was going to proceed. Mr Snyder establish a Web Page to accept donation for the fees. To log on: enter "Lance Cpl Matthew A.Snyder" in your search engine.
As expected, Westboro appealed the judgement. If Mr Snyder prevails in the appeals process. It will for all practical purposes, "Bankrupt" Fred Phelps and Westboro Baptist and stop them. There will not be any money for planes, Motel, Telephones, Computers, Etc.
I ask everyone to support Mr Snyder. In my opinion, this will effectively halt Phelps and stop the Insanity! "
"HATE", "HATE", "HATE", "HATE", "HATE"!
A number of different private organization, Government entities, Businesses, Newspapers, Radio and Television Stations, and Individuals that have "Tried and Failed" to bring a end to their insanity is staggering.
To the best of my knowledge, There is only one individual,"Albert Snyder". Who stood up to Phelps and the Westboro Gang and won, Snyder's son, "Matthew" was killed in Iraq. Westboro had their pickets at his funeral, plus they wrote numerous untruths on their Website: God Hates Fags.
Mr Snyder is not wealthy, but he was fortunate to find a law firm to represent him at no charge. However, this did not include Filing Fees, Expert Witnesses Fees, Court Costs, Etc, all requiring payment. Mr Snyder knew he needed financial help, if this suit was going to proceed. Mr Snyder establish a Web Page to accept donation for the fees. To log on: enter "Lance Cpl Matthew A.Snyder" in your search engine.
As expected, Westboro appealed the judgement. If Mr Snyder prevails in the appeals process. It will for all practical purposes, "Bankrupt" Fred Phelps and Westboro Baptist and stop them. There will not be any money for planes, Motel, Telephones, Computers, Etc.
I ask everyone to support Mr Snyder. In my opinion, this will effectively halt Phelps and stop the Insanity! "
jamiefan2005 wrote on Dec 6, 2008 8:06 AM:
" This was a beautiful gathering to support diversity. The community was worried there would be a confrontation. I for one was glad to see that WBC did not show, but there was one lone protester in the middle of the crowd with a sign that read "Gays are Queer". He stood in the middle of the counterprotest, and there was still peace. We did it again Cowlitz County, we showed just how important diversity is to our community. Thank yous to all that attended and those that didn't but wanted to be. "
bdha wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:15 AM:
" i love jesus in a gay way and you support that wouldnt want to be you people on judgement day "
JD Hogg wrote on Dec 6, 2008 10:07 AM:
" Homosexuality should not be glorified. Yes, a kid getting killed because he was gay, is wrong, the people who would do that should be punished to the fullest of the law. But I will not support these diversity supporters, period, and wish they would just go away. There are plenty of freaks in Portland....don't need em here! "
Snewey wrote on Dec 6, 2008 10:15 AM:
" This is the most appropriate moment for each and every one of the members of the large gay community in Longview-Kelso to assume his or her legitimate place in the sun. All local gay people should finally become prominent, highly visible, well respected members of the professional, political, business, working, service and social populace. "
jackal wrote on Dec 6, 2008 10:43 AM:
" Hey, Hogg, you think that's a Christian attitude? Really? It says in the Bible homosexuality is wrong. I get that. I can't deny it. That's why I don't practice it. But it also says you're supposed to love everyone. NOWHERE in the Bible does it say to shun those who are gay. These people weren't parading around shouting "GAY IS THE WAY" or other similar slogans, they were saying that every single person deserves our respect as a person. I honestly hope you find yourself in the theater someday, it may open your eyes. I met Kennedy through Mainstage theater, and I would never consider him a freak (except in a loving way, I suppose). Believe it or not, Hogg, he's a person. As is every other gay person I've met. "
jamiefan2005 wrote on Dec 6, 2008 11:00 AM:
" To: JD Hogg, You can guarantee that the supporters of diversity in this community will never go away. We just get stronger. We do not want hate in our community no matter what form it come in. Maybe it is time for you to move on. "
Beer&Skittles wrote on Dec 6, 2008 11:00 AM:
" You know what, bdha, IT'S NOT YOUR WORRY ABOUT ANYONE BUT YOURSELF ON "JUDGEMENT DAY". Judge not, lest ye be judged. I did not protest last night "against hate". I stood proud in my support of diversity. It's an important difference. Thank you. "
mad monkeys wrote on Dec 6, 2008 11:25 AM:
" Hey Hogg, Diversity is more than just for those who are gay. It is for those who have disabilities, those who are red yellow black and white for they are precious in his sight. Believe it or not Hogg there are kids in our town who are getting beat up due to others see them different.. maybe because a rumor is going around that they are gay, that look different, perhaps they are poor, for whatever the reason someone finds it their duty to rid the community of what did you call them "FREAKS". Holding a vigil is just showing closed minded people who are from around here and not from around here that hate is not welcomed in any form. That this community takes a stand. "
Dookie Lumpkins wrote on Dec 6, 2008 11:47 AM:
" My suspicion is the Phelps crowd never made it after eating at a few Cowlitz County fast food restaurants. Speaking from experience, if you take a chance on one of those burgers from somewhere, you may not get to your destination within your preferred time. "
Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Dec 6, 2008 12:02 PM:
" Diversity accepted in Longview? Since when? Three hundred voices screaming in a hurricane. "
JD Hogg wrote on Dec 6, 2008 12:43 PM:
" Gays are the same lot as pedophiles...and I don't ever have to tolerate that. I don't really care what you do in your bedroom, but I really dont care to hear it...get lost! "
Nintendo Fan180 wrote on Dec 6, 2008 12:44 PM:
" Yes JD Hogg it is totally wrong for someone to be killed for what he is.
I personally don't like gays because in the Bible Two BIG cities were destroyed for being so gay and bad.Now I know I am not supposed hate, or judge people. So I don't (except Rosie O'Donnell because she is CREAPY). Now I think they should have been protesting and some other Christian churches. Because we Christians should stand up for what is right. "
I personally don't like gays because in the Bible Two BIG cities were destroyed for being so gay and bad.Now I know I am not supposed hate, or judge people. So I don't (except Rosie O'Donnell because she is CREAPY). Now I think they should have been protesting and some other Christian churches. Because we Christians should stand up for what is right. "
Diesel wrote on Dec 6, 2008 1:03 PM:
" jackal your argument lacks merit. You use the bible like a lot of others but you shun those whose think9ing is different from your own. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 6, 2008 1:03 PM:
" So if my opinion is that homosexuality is not normal, does that mean I am not diverse? Does that make me ignorant or intolerant? "
Billy Hill wrote on Dec 6, 2008 1:09 PM:
" JD "diversity" has its limits. Diversity does not include your opinion. Don't you get it? There is a list of politically acceptable diversity causes and opinions......its rather short, non-inclusive and very biased. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 6, 2008 1:26 PM:
" And who do some of you think you are fooling? This whole "celebrate diversity" chant, was coined for one reason, and one reason only, to celebrate being gay..So quit trying to make a blanket statement meant to include different ethnic groups, disabled people and other religions....We know exactly what the agenda is... "
jackal wrote on Dec 6, 2008 1:36 PM:
" Diesel, when did I shun him? I accept everyone. I'm not condemning anyone. Honestly the only reason I brought up the bible is because people are using it to condemn gays, and I wanted to point out that the bible says you should accept everyone. And Gondolapete, I don't think it's normal either, but it's there and it doesn't make them lesser people. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 6, 2008 1:43 PM:
" I dont think gays are lesser people..I just happen to think they are doing abnormal things....of course that makes me a bigot though... "
vikingtwin5 wrote on Dec 6, 2008 2:00 PM:
" Gondolapete; I don't know that it's an either/or question. Where you find one you'll find the other. "
kelsograd wrote on Dec 6, 2008 2:01 PM:
" Gondolapete: Now if that was 'celebate diversity' then i would agree with ya. "
Straight Talk wrote on Dec 6, 2008 2:21 PM:
" I'm glad the group was a no show as it may have led to a bad confrontation. I'm also tired of hearing the word diversity and gay in the same sentence. The word diversity had entirely different meaning years before the homo-sexual agenda began. When I think of diversity I think of people with different skin colors, cultures, skill sets, etc. The word has nothing to do with sexual preference. The same is true for the word gay, I'm not that old, but I remember when having a gay ol' time was equivilent to great or awesome. Just like we are seeing with the word marriage, there is an agenda to make the homo-sexual lifestyle look different that what it truly is, riddled with promiscuity and disease way more often than not. So sign me up for embracing diversity as the word was once defined. "
northender wrote on Dec 6, 2008 2:35 PM:
" It seems that gays want to shove it in everyones face. Is it to much to ask to keep your personal preferences to yourselves? I see very few marches anouncing the straight lifestyle,It sounds as if that would not be considered diverse! "
jackal wrote on Dec 6, 2008 2:47 PM:
" Pete, I feel the same way. It doesn't make you a bigot. It's when you attack others for having different beliefs that I get a little irritated. Calling them freaks for instance. "
ProudKelsoMom wrote on Dec 6, 2008 4:02 PM:
" It's my opinion that God does not make mistakes. We are ALL here for a purpose. This world be a much better place if we could ALL just practice loving one another no matter what. Judge not, lest ye be judged. Non of us are perfect and we will all be judged by God in the end. "
longviewrez wrote on Dec 6, 2008 6:04 PM:
" jackal, you are right on. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and basically we all do every day. Christians should love the person, not necessarily the person's lifestyle. No one who openly or secretly lives in sin (and that's all of us, one way or another) should be glorified. "
shock n awe wrote on Dec 6, 2008 6:07 PM:
" Why are so many people in fear of 'being judged?'.... you only have to worry if you're doing something wrong. "
Cowlitz1 wrote on Dec 6, 2008 6:33 PM:
" It is amazing how much hate is harbored by practitioners of a religion supposedly based on Love. You know the second half of the bible, it's called the new testament, check it out sometime. It has cool new ideas like turn the other cheek, judge not lest ye be judged, etc. Turns out that's the part that CHRISTianity is based on. "
shock n awe wrote on Dec 6, 2008 6:37 PM:
" Celebrate Diversity! Anything goes! Legalize Drugs! Be free to murder your unborn children, or your suffering grandma! All Gods are OK! Be Nice and dont kill terrorists! No more LAWS!!! We want freedom, freedom to do what we want, when we want and don't say it's wrong, because its all about me me me.
God have mercy on America. "
God have mercy on America. "
Snewey wrote on Dec 6, 2008 6:39 PM:
" For those of you who believe that homosexuality is "abnormal," "wrong" or "unnatural," do you know that all of the relevant professional groups including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Law Institute, the American Bar Association, the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, the Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Social Workers have all, long ago, formally declared that homosexuality is a perfectly normal, natural and fixed sexual orientation? Do you know more to the contrary than they do, based upon a text written and compiled by relatively primitive men approximately two thousand years ago? "
Leviticus 19:27 wrote on Dec 6, 2008 7:00 PM:
" The bible and what it saysmy answer to the bible is a little old verse known as Leviticus 19:27. Most of you men out there are living in sin, deadly sin, because of your constant trimming of your beard. I hope you can live with yourself and I will never condone the lifestyle choice you choose to live each and every day; in fact I feel you should have some rights taken away because of that lifestyle choice. Let me preach here for all and recite a line of scripture
"You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads nor harm the edges of your beard."
There is still time to repent and save your souls and gain your rights back; just dont cut your beard and you too can be saved.
Although I kind of like have a variety of styles out there in the world, in fact some people just dont have the ability to grow a full magnificent beard. Its not their choice its just how they were born. They can put as much Rogaine on their face as they can, but in the end, they still cant grow a beardand maybe, just maybe thats all right. "
"You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads nor harm the edges of your beard."
There is still time to repent and save your souls and gain your rights back; just dont cut your beard and you too can be saved.
Although I kind of like have a variety of styles out there in the world, in fact some people just dont have the ability to grow a full magnificent beard. Its not their choice its just how they were born. They can put as much Rogaine on their face as they can, but in the end, they still cant grow a beardand maybe, just maybe thats all right. "
Longview82 wrote on Dec 6, 2008 7:16 PM:
" First, thank you Longview-Kelso, what a beautiful demonstration. JD Hogg- are you for real? Freaks? Why do you live here then? Freedom is for everyone, you dont like it, move. Join one those cults then where you can be the same as everyone else. Bdha- Are you God now? Judge yourself buddy. Billy Hill- Diversity has no limits, where does it say how different someone can be? Straight Talk- Even Back in the day there were gay people. Get with the times; we celebrate freedom, diversity, and human rights. So are you saying you only embrace diversity if it has to do with different skin color or cultural? What kind of crap is that? People are from all walks of life, poor, rich, white, black, straight, gay, Open your mind diversity is all these things that make us different from one another in the best ways. Northender- you want to march for the straight people? Do it! Stand up, we embrace straight people too. "
grrrowl wrote on Dec 6, 2008 8:10 PM:
" The bible also says that shellfish is an abomination, that you can sell you daughter into slavery, that you can't have contact with a woman while she is on her period, that you can have slaves, that people who work on the sabbath should be put to death, and that you shouldn't wear clothes made out of two kinds of thread. Picking and choosing, picking and choosing, because you're homophobic. "
ccd wrote on Dec 6, 2008 8:25 PM:
" When I announced to friends and family that we were moving north to Longview , people looked at me in horror and shock and said "LONGVIEW!..why!!??" I was then bombarded with myriad assertions - that Longviews nicname is Bigotville, that it's an uneducated hillbilly haven, and that many of its Christian community are zealouts and hateful. They said we'd hate it here, after living in wonderful, diverse, vibrant and progressive Portland. Well, maybe they got some things right. But I'm pleased to see the demographics are a'changin': it's 51% Democratic now, more people are realizing the value of education, more outsiders are relocating here and they bring with them different outlooks and a more worldly view, and apparently...more people are realizing that diversity is, frankly, a downright REALITY of life. HandyMan, Snewey, Mad Monkies, Beer&Skittles - thank you for giving us hope that there is actually HOPE for Longview to evolve into an enlightened, educated, tolerant and diverse place to enjoy life without fear of being hated for your ethnic background, religious preference, or for any other reason. Folks, if you want to live in a country where only one outlook is tolerated, and where everyone should look, think, and behave exactly the same...move to Afganistan...the Taliban are accepting applications. "
Straight Talk wrote on Dec 6, 2008 9:50 PM:
" To Longview82, I celebrate freedom, diversity and human rights everyday. I believe multi-culturalism is awesome whether you are white, black, yellow or red. The difference is that these define who a person is, where sexual preference is a person of one of these origins choosing to live their life a particular way. Let's not confuse the two unless you want to celebrate diversity in the form of smoking or non-smoking, drinking or non-drinking, clothing selection, tatoos, piercings etc. as these like sexual preference have nothing to do with ethnic background. Homosexuals are not a separate race, that's why it has nothing to do with ethnic / cultural diversity. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 6, 2008 10:16 PM:
" The term "homophobic" is a made up term by the homosexual supporters..There is no such condition..And for those of you who are going to quote the bible please learn the difference between the O/T and the N/T...the laws of the O/T were abolished when Christ came..however the principles were not....Principels and precepts, learn what they mean.. .homosexuality was wrong in the O/T times, and it is wrong in the N/T times.. "
Rastor wrote on Dec 6, 2008 11:04 PM:
" Christ died and rose again on the third day to save us all!. Every single person sins every single day, and that sin, God's eye, deserves the same punishment. Sin is sin, and thus we are all in the same boat, hate, lust, sloth, greed etc etc etc all creates the same sentence. Therefore we should all look out for each other. As soon as we point fingers at someone else, we have more pointing back at ourselves. Diversity isn't the problem, love and tolerance should be the solution toward our fellow mankind! "
Snewey wrote on Dec 7, 2008 12:15 AM:
" Several of the authors of these comments have employed the term "sexual preference" or equivalent terms. All of the scientific literature indicates there is no such thing as "sexual preference" any more than there is "eye-color preference," or "number of hands preference" or "number of heads preference." Sexual orientation," yes. "Sexual preference," no. "
vikingtwin5 wrote on Dec 7, 2008 12:22 AM:
" When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, he said there were two, love God with all your heart and mind and soul. The second was love your neighbor as yourself. Oops, obvious references to the Old Testament. Let's turn to John 13:31-35. Jesus said,"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Argue with me all you want about politics, but if you want to argue about religion go to the source and argue with Jesus. "
Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Dec 7, 2008 8:52 AM:
" Longview...is where hope goes to die. To the optimistic commenter I can say only this....run, flee...save yourself before it's too late! "
1209 wrote on Dec 7, 2008 11:45 AM:
" My compliments to TDN for taking the opportunity to, once again, use this online comment section as an "intelligent and constructive" forum on another very serious issue. And who says that Longview isn't intellectual? "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 7, 2008 12:09 PM:
" I find it comical how all the bible scholars here are quick to point out.."Dont judge"..they seem to forget the Bible is all about judging..Christ instructed us to judge..its called "Discernment".. What the bible referred to as "not judging" was not to judge someones soul like God can..How can we determine wise choices from bad ones if we dont judge the content????? WELL???!!????? "
Straight Talk wrote on Dec 7, 2008 12:12 PM:
" Sexual preference is in fact the correct term, not sexual orientation as some are led to believe. The science that supports sexual orientation is extrememly weak although some correlation can be made to childhood upbringing as it refers to masculine or feminine. There are way too many occurrences of people swapping from one preference to the other and even sometimes going back to the initial? I remember a few years back when a place in Enumclaw was shut down due to bestiality occurrences. Were these people oriented to animals or just prefer them? The same can be said of pedophilia, does the science say orientation or preference? I've read way too many stories where homo-sexual people are now married to a person of the opposite sex and living an entirely different life. Regardless of whether you are male or female or want to be the other, you are still either white, black, yellow, or red and that is where the diversity part comes in and always has, thus the term "Great American Melting Pot". "
jackal wrote on Dec 7, 2008 12:13 PM:
" Why is everyone so gloomy all the time? Geeze, Longview's not THAT horrible a place. "
Hauskapoika wrote on Dec 7, 2008 12:52 PM:
" Nothing was accomplished in the rally except to glorify their own ends. If the rally was supposed to rally support from the public at large, it didn't do it. The public does things at its own will - not by the will of small group of demonstrators. The rally had the same effect as "Look ma, no hands." "
northender wrote on Dec 7, 2008 1:11 PM:
" The article states that Longview police were stationed outside to watch over this event.Did the organizers of this event secure and pay for proper permits? Were police paid overtime or pulled from other duties to stand guard? Should a bill for police presence be sent to organizers of the diversity march, as it is to the Go 4th committee to cover expenses? Tax payers should not be on the hook for any expenditure incured by groups of any kind! All we wany is egual treatment... right? "
PAKennedy wrote on Dec 7, 2008 4:01 PM:
" I think it's rather funny that people tend to gravitate to hate when there ideals are challenged. Well, I have to say that if homosexuality is a preference... so is christianity. Because you were all conditioned and stigmatized to believe in the Bible. I'm not saying that it's the wrong idea, but if my "preference" is a choice... than so is your religion. I'm reminded of a line in the play that represents the heart of the protest: "basically he said, c'mon guys, let's show the world that Laramie is not this kind of a town. But it is that kind of a town. If it wasn't this kind of a town, why did it happen here?... I mean, these are people trying to distance themselves from this crime. And we need to own this crime. I feel. Everyone needs to won it. We are like this. We ARE like this. WE are LIKE this." I have to say that this quote really hits home with Longview too. Laramie and Longview have a few similarities. Both small towns, both have people within in it who care and are tolerant, but also have people that are ignorant and hateful. However, this can be said of most small towns in America. HATE is HATE... no matter if you practice like Fred Phelps, or if you type hateful and ignorant comments on this forum. Really what it boils down to is those ignorant and hateful people have shown their true colors. "
PAKennedy wrote on Dec 7, 2008 4:24 PM:
" So here's a question: If there so many who think the rally was a waste... and don't believe in homosexuality... why weren't you all out holding anti-gay signs during the rally? Or is it that you can say it here because you're anonymous? Seems like you're okay with hate as long as you aren't seen. Funny how that works. I love cowards. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 7, 2008 5:18 PM:
" So not agreeing with the gay lifestyle means we hate huh??? GOT IT!!!!!!! So I guess those of you that dont agree with us hate as well then??? GOT IT!!!!! "
cheney119 wrote on Dec 7, 2008 5:19 PM:
" PAKennedy has it perfectly correct, the anti gay narrow minded bigots are only available via blog. Isn't that right Gondolapete? "
JD Hogg wrote on Dec 7, 2008 9:40 PM:
" No, we just don't stand on the street corners making fools of ourselves to force our viewpoints down everyones throats. Funny, if I say that homosexuality is "disgusting" and I don't want to see it, then that means I'm a "Hater" . However, it's perfectly ok for these folks to protest, deface and vandalize property, and threaten to destroy a church....all in the name of "Love and Diversity". These folks have no respect for christians, yet they demand respect for themselves. You're not going to win support anywhere, anytime, as long as you're protesting churches and trying to distort religious principles to make your own. You guys are not willing to compromise 1 iota, hence niether will we. "
Protestor wrote on Dec 8, 2008 8:57 AM:
" I held the sign that said "Gays are Queer" and "Schnitzels are for Porking". Two completely ambiguous statements that mean nothing except what you make of them. I protested ignorance Friday, and it appeared that this is much more of a problem than hate. Hate, Diversity, and Gay are not inherently related unless you want to make them so. Somebody parading around with a diversity sign, has nothing to do with gay. Hauskapoika's comments are dead on by stating that it accomplished nothing except to glorify its own ends. A rally of 300 people versus a projected 5 Westboro members is lopsided. There clearly are more shades of gray in this debate than showed at the protests. Consequently, northender is correct in saying that the counter-protestors should pick up the bill for the rally. You can't blindly go throwing around resources at problems that don't exist! I support diversity to the extent that I don't care. It was essentially another kind of pride parade - and those are a waste of time. They state the obvious, and nobody is going to protest the obvious. I was only there to highlight idiocracy. I was met with profanity as well as praise that night. It goes to show how perception figures into the equation. Many that showed up to support diversity defeated themselves with narrow-minded thinking. Think for yourselves and quit eating free pizza!! "
ratkins wrote on Dec 8, 2008 11:11 AM:
" Did anyone like the play? The whole thing about the protesters coming sure made a good turn out for the play, it was sold out!!! "
jackal wrote on Dec 8, 2008 12:52 PM:
" Erm...I'd just like to take a minute and point something out. I've seen a lot of stuff saying the counter-protestors were shoving their opinion down people's throats and such, trying to draw attention...well, the only reason they were there was because of Phelps and his gang saying they were going to be there. I mean, they didn't just decide to get together and shout out "Diversity!", they were reacting to someone coming into our town with hateful messages. And JD, I think it was more because you said they were freaks for practicing it than your own opinion on whether or not homosexuality is right. That's a personal attack on someone, not an opinion. "
Leviticus 19:27 wrote on Dec 8, 2008 2:52 PM:
" If the New Testament only counts than take the Old Testament out of the bible. It’s bound within the same book title. I thought god was all-knowing and perfect why did he need a rewrite? "
Leviticus 1927 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:15 AM:
" If the New Testament only counts than take the Old Testament out of the bible. It’s bound within the same book title. I thought god was all-knowing and perfect why did he need a rewrite? "
stag wrote on Dec 9, 2008 4:05 AM:
" I would like to say something about this. For most of my life I didn't go to church but did read the bible. And for some strange reason I don't recall anywhere that having slaves is okay and if so what did Moses do in the bible? Selling your daughter, I would think even then that was a very wrong thing to do. Being gay, I don't remember the chapter and or verse that said it was a sin. Now there have been times that I have been wrong so if I am please some one tell me where to look this up. I went with my wife and family to this event. I lived in Cheyenne when this happened so I didn't have to go and see the play. The reason that I went with my family was because no matter why color your skin is, what sex you are, where you go to church at, is no reason why you have to die. For those people that live in Kansas and go to this church I think they should reread the bible and not only that but to rethink things out. "
jackal wrote on Dec 9, 2008 12:51 PM:
" Stag, there's a story in Genesis about Sodom and Gomorrah--that's the point where homosexuality is spoken most about. It's been a while since I read it, but Sodom and Gomorrah were these two incredibly sinful towns where everything had just gone to hell, and Abraham's nephew Lot lived there, who was the only righteous person in the town. Before destroying Sodom, God sent two angels to Lot to tell him to leave with his family, and some of the men in the town started banging on the doors and demanding he give them the angels so that they could have sex with them. (The angels were men as well, I believe.) The term 'sodomy' comes from Sodom. Thing is, this isn't saying the towns were destroyed because of homosexuality, they sinned in just about every way. Some interpret it as God showing that gays need to be murdered though :/ and Leviticus, the Old Testament and the New Testament tell entirely different things. Yes, the laws of the Old Testament were changed in the New Testament, but it was hardly a 'rewrite'. And while God may be all-knowing, his people are far from perfect and have free will. Basically the huge difference between the two Testaments is that in the Old Testament God was much more exclusive, only Jews could go to heaven and all, and sacrifices had to be made for sin and all that. In the New Testament forgiveness came about and gentiles could go to heaven now. "
Saturos wrote on Dec 12, 2008 1:27 PM:
" Jesus had dinner with the biggest scum bags in the area. If anything he set an example of acceptance. Unfortunately, some people think that the guidelines in the bible overrule what Jesus actually did. Nice one. It's love. Look past the oddity of it. "
oceano1983 wrote on Dec 20, 2008 2:33 AM:
" It's odd how this group would come to do this, but why at the END of the play? I've met these type of people before. God hates sin, not the sinner. They have taken wrath, and forgotten mercy. Forgotten their own sins, and have become the judges. And their judgement is not righteous judgment there's a more base component to their cause than turning to Jesus. "
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