The Hatemonger
John Heim, superintendent of schools
Thursday, February 12, 2009
THE HATE MONGER is coming to Emporia High School. He has shown by prior actions that no tactic is too deplorable for bringing attention to his vile message. He pickets soldiers’ funerals and uses his school-age grandchildren to gain attention for his cause. When people stop paying attention to one attention-seeking method, he turns to a new one. The outstanding actions of the Patriot Guard seem to have stifled funeral picketing, and he has recently turned his attention to high schools across the state.
The Hatemonger has discovered that high school students have a strong sense of right and wrong and have the exuberance to shout back at him. The sad fact is that the Hatemonger lives for attention, and when we or our children give it to him, it simply makes him stronger, and more determined to gain attention for his message of hate. So what should Emporians do when the Hatemonger comes to town?
Stand up to the Hatemonger by standing down. The most courageous act that one can engage in Monday afternoon is to show your abhorrence for hate by ignoring it’s messenger. Stand up by standing down. I talked to several students at Tuesday’s basketball game, all were excited about the possibility of showing the Hatemonger how we feel about him. Their sentiment is right, but their method is wrong. Counter-protests, signs, picketers and the like all bring attention to the Hatemonger and his message.
We can show our tolerance, support, compassion and love for one another without wasting time on a corner. The Emporia Gazette, Emporia’s Radio Stations, Emporia High School students, and the greater Emporia community can stand up to hatred, negativity and intolerance by standing down. Show the Hatemonger that no matter how loud he yells in Emporia, no one will be there to hear him.
John Heim
superintendent of schools
starfire (anonymous) says...
This is a good idea -- on principal. I see the point of a superintendent wanting for there not to be a big scene between high school students and the "hatemongers." I can also see the point of not giving that group any attention.
However, nothing ever changes if you don't deal with it. Ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away. As a society, we wouldn't have progressed very far if there weren't people out there willing to stand up for what they believe in and do something active about it.
Maybe by showing up to turn your back on this hate group, you will shield an innocent young mind from having to read those signs. Maybe you can protect someone who isn't as strong as you are. Maybe by standing up for what you believe in and refusing to "stand down," you can make some small change to someone, somehow.
February 12, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
Mr. Heim,
While I appreciate your message to the community, you failed to mention the importance of protecting the GLBT youth and their families from Mr. Phelps. I think we can all agree that until recently, his venom towards the GLBT community has been his primary means of acquiring celebrity status.
By not mentioning the GLBT in your commentary, are you and USD 253 turning your back on these teens?
February 12, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
swoozie (anonymous) says...
For many years, residents of Topeka thought that ignoring him would make him go away. It didn't. It only enraged him and convinced him that more outrageous behavior was necessary. It was only when the average, ordinary people who live in Topeka decided that they had to be engaged was there any opposition to his hatemongering.
The response to him need not be loud or violent. Simply having a significant number of people who stand between him and his targets, their backs to him while they read newspapers can be enough to convince him to move on. If none can see him, his message is lost.
February 12, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Happiness09 (anonymous) says...
swoozie: I very much agree with your tatic's of turning your back and making a clear path for our children to walk into the school without being exposed to him. Hopefully this can be organized, so that we can be ready when he arrives.
February 12, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
People have been counter protesting this guy for over 15 years and it hasn't deterred him yet. What is there to stand up to? An angry man who beat his kids with an axe handle? A man so filled with hate that he can invoke the kind of responses I've read here and on other postings? Why lower yourself to his sophmoric level? Our silence and absence could be the loudest, effective method possible. Just say no and don't show.
February 12, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kcfan (anonymous) says...
I am agreeing with Dr. Heim on this one. Ignore these wacko’s and they will travel on back up the interstate. If we feed into this protest, he will only come back, like a stay that’s feed.
February 12, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
starfire (anonymous) says...
Daniel - I agree with your comment. What about the 10-20% of USD 253 students who are GLBT? Does he wants us to "stand down" to the very students who need us to "stand up" with them in our show of support?
Happiness - There is a group of over 200 people planning to turn their backs to the hate group in order to get EHS students out of school safely on Monday at 2:50 without having to see or hear that hate group. Join in if you can.
February 12, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
The best thing the students and teachers of EHS can do on Monday is not protest, but instead give their GLBT classmates a pat on the back and let them know they are okay.
February 12, 2009 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madpoet (anonymous) says...
I'm surprised the fool is in Emporia again. I vividly remember when I was a senior at ESU he tried to picket the campus because Maya Angelou was to appear there. As soon as we saw him unloading his signs, a flock of us students started heading his way. I was behind several large football players about to the edge of the library when he packed up and left. Problem solved. EXCEPT to my extreme shock and disappointment Maya Angelou decided to cancel her appearance due to the crap Phelps' crew put her thru in Topeka the day before. She gave in to the jerks scare tactics and I've lost respect for her for that. I think people should show up with "GOD IS LOVE, NOT HATE" signs and make a fence of them between the jerks and the kids. I wish I could be there in person. I'll be sure praying for God to open the eyes of these cult members to the evil work they do.
February 12, 2009 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
You all realize that none of those showing up to "protest" will be allowed past sidewalks along the streets right? Some of you are describing a path to the doors. I'm guessing that law enforcement will not allow this, nor will the schools. There will be specifically designated locations for people to stand and that will be it, conveniently apart from the opposing side. There will be nothing to shield here. Parking is not allowed on 18th. Organized groups will need to work with police.. I called and checked with them. Those who just "show up" will be directed to very distinct locations apart from Phelps' Klan. Why put the extra burden and extra tax dollars to give this guy an audience? I suspect that anything that is displayed by Phelps' Klan our students have seen before. They are pretty worldly and I suspect a heck of a lot more mature that you all are giving them credit for. Please make sure you keep your egos and emotions in check for the benefit of the community.
February 12, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Half the devil's job is done when he gets the attention of good people and gets them to meet him half way. Be careful of your motives and your thoughts. The old addage "get behind thee, Satan" is true. Not stand between him or your back to him... simply put him away from your thoughts. Pretty hard to do when you are out there. Don't put yourself or anyone else in the way of temptation.
February 12, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sportsmama (anonymous) says...
This is just a thought, great way to raise money : This happened on 2/5/09 at Shawnee Mission West High School
Several students were taking donations for AIDS research with a goal of raising $250 for every minute the Phelps group stood across the street.
“We’re going over that goal now,” said Alexxus Abreu, a 17-year-old senior wearing a T-shirt that read “God loves me” and carrying a bucket of donations.
February 12, 2009 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
Isnt it odd how this hatemonger has now even gotten people who are against him to agrue between themselves.
he is getting what he wanted!, he has gotten attention, Now Three Articles in the paper for FREE. The man isnt Stupid, he knows exactly how to manipulate people and he looks to be doing a bang up job with at least some of the people of Emporia. Maybe if he can get enough people to protest against him, he can get some free radio time also!
February 12, 2009 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
midnightlilly (anonymous) says...
Why is he coming to Emporia, I heard through my work this morning why he was coming, if you look at his website he is going to be here on Monday for about 45 minutes. I wouldn't even give him the statisfaction by even noticing that he is there.
February 12, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Happiness09 (anonymous) says...
Would someone please enlighten me as to what GLBT is?
February 12, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Happiness09 (anonymous) says...
I know that Phelps pickets against homosexuals. The Bible clearly states that homosexuals are going to hell. I do not however condone Phelps methods of trying to get his point across. God does hate homosexuality. He created man and woman. Not man and man, and not woman and woman. I am not sticking up for Phelps. I think it is totally against christianity to promote hate. How does one promote hate in the name of the God?
February 12, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
starfire (anonymous) says...
Oh man Happiness09 ... welcome to the year 2009. GLBT means Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered. No one is going to hell for being GLBT. Really, why is it your job to judge others? Live and let live . . .
February 12, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
Happiness09,
I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.
Your non-hateful message is clever, however, I saw through your non-hatefulness and saw your message of hatred. So did starfire, it appears.
Good job on your non-judging. You should be really proud.
Melissa
February 12, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
Did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control/Massachusetts Department of Education Youth Risk Behavior Survey (1999), 33% of gay youth will attempt suicide? In fact, gay teen suicide attempts are four times that of heterosexual youth.
February 12, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
Happiness08 -
The facts I just stated below I can confirm as fact. I, too, attemtped suicide because of persons spewing hateful venom like yourself and because I wasn't certain I had anywhere to turn for support.
Being gay is not a choice.
With your words, you may be pushing a closeted teenager one step further over the brink.
February 12, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I don't know how old Happiness09 is but I'm pretty sure he or she isn't old enough to have written the Bible. So if Happiness09 states something that is in the Bible it can not be simply their judgement. You may choose not to believe it, but to say that Happiness09 is judging because they stated a fact about what the Bible says isn't logical unless you believe in time travel.
It also seems to me that Phelps is targeting all the students not just the GLBT so let's try to protect all the kids as if they are equals and not put a greater value on a few. You know that whole equality thing that everyone always screams about.
February 12, 2009 at 7:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pollyanna (anonymous) says...
WOW. Happiness, from your one ignorant statement I just learned so much about you. Come Monday I"m guessing you'd be carrying the sign "God hates fags..." on the Phelps side.
It's so sad to me that people still harbor the kind of attitude you display.
February 12, 2009 at 7:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
To any GLBT teen who may be reading this, please disregard the hateful words of Happiness09. If you need help, and you cannot find support within your own family or circle of fcriends, you should know help is available. Please don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call any of the support numbers listed in this link:
http://www.healthyplace.com/gender/ga...
You're not alone. I know it can be scary. I've been there.
"Lift your face towards the sun - then you will not see the shadows." -- Helen Keller
February 12, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
Dear GLBT teens...
Another resource you may want to consider, if you need someone to talk to, is the university. PRIDE was such a valuable resource for me during my years at ESU when I came out of the closet.
http://www.emporia.edu/csi/rso/pride/
February 12, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
starfire (anonymous) says...
It's interesting what uneducated people will toss out there to show others how uneducated they are. It's really sad actually. "Happiness," I'm going to help you out a little bit here. Being gay, lesbian, or bisexual doesn't mean you are confused what gender you are. That doesn't have anything to do with gender. Being transgendered is not a birth defect. It means you were born one gender, but you feel like you identify more closely with the other gender. It isn't wrong, it isn't defective. "Happiness," I urge you to look into some education for yourself on these issues so you don't continue saying things that offend people. GLBT youth are up against hard enough odds - they don't need to hear / read that type of trash from an uneducated person such as yourself.
February 12, 2009 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
"Daniel - I agree with your comment. What about the 10-20% of USD 253 students who are GLBT? Does he wants us to "stand down" to the very students who need us to "stand up" with them in our show of support?"
Did no one read the info why his group (probably not him) is coming? He thinks we have a mean little town. He said nothing about the gay community here and maybe, just maybe, not pointing them out to him is a protective measure by Mr. Heim.
"Happiness - There is a group of over 200 people planning to turn their backs to the hate group in order to get EHS students out of school safely on Monday at 2:50 without having to see or hear that hate group. Join in if you can."
If you go on facebook, you will see that most of that 200+ are EHS students and a large number of them think this about a play called Alice in Wonderland that was written by a pedophile named C. S. Lewis. LOTS of mis-information in that statement, but this is what is circulating. PARENTS please sit your kids down and talk to them about this!!!!!
Happiness:
Please read John 3:16. We are all going to hell without God's forgiveness--no matter what sexual orientation. God also forgives all confessed sins of the repentant heart--again, regardless of sexual orientation. I John 1:9
So much mis-information here too!!
February 12, 2009 at 8:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Happiness:
your qoute, "That is God's job on Judgement Day. The Bible clearly states "Homosexuals shall not see the Kingdom of Heaven"."
WHERE?
I am not sticking up for sin, which I believe homosexuality to be--on a long list of many others, but where does it name any sin that can't be forgiven?
February 12, 2009 at 8:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
The Bible consistently tells us that homosexual activity is a sin (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Romans 1:26-27 teaches specifically that homosexuality is a result of denying and disobeying God. When a person continues in sin and disbelief, the Bible tells us that God “gives them over” to even more wicked and depraved sin in order to show them the futility and hopelessness of life apart from God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 proclaims that homosexual “offenders” will not inherit the kingdom of God.
God does not create a person with homosexual desires. The Bible tells us that a person becomes a homosexual because of sin (Romans 1:24-27), and ultimately because of their own choice. A person may be born with a greater susceptibility to homosexuality, just as people are born with a tendency to violence and other sins. That does not excuse the person choosing to sin by giving into their sinful desires. If a person is born with a greater susceptibility to anger / rage, does that make it right for then to give into those desires? Of course not! The same is true for homosexuality.
However, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the many things listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, thief, etc. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Now while I do not agree with the lifestyle of GLBT's, It is not nor will ever be for me to Judge them, As with all of us God will decide what is to become of us in the end, people Like the Phelps will also be judged, I would Much Rather be with my back towards the Phelps than standing with them. We are all Humans who sin, Straight people Sin and GLBT's sin, This is just my opinion, as has been said before, Not everybody believes the same as me and I do Not expect them to, To each his own.
February 12, 2009 at 9:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaMom3 (anonymous) says...
Wow. And he has won again. The WBC website never once said they were coming to Emporia to protest our school because of how the children were living their lives or the choices the children were making. It merely said that Emporia was a mean little town and our children needed to be taught the truth - his version anyway. However, due to people having the right to their own opinions, you have made this about our sins. Some of you have taken the steps to attack others choices. Arguements are being fueled about a subject that the WBC did not even bring to this. You did. And he has won again.
WWJD
February 12, 2009 at 9:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
I Corinthians 6:9-10
"9. Or do you not know that the unrighteous (ANY UNREPENTENT SINNER) will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,10. nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.(ANY or all of these sins being habitually, unrepentantly practiced) 11. SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU(that means some were homosexual and some were cheaters and liars too); but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. (God forgives all REPENTED sins, including homosexuality)
February 12, 2009 at 9:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
What WOULD Jesus Do? HMM...if only we had a book that told us what He said about these things..........................
February 12, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
All of you need to quit quoting The Bible. Think of the youth who feel isolated and are very vulnerable.
February 12, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Anyone who feels isolated and vulnerable should know what the Bible says so they can know that God knows what is hurting them, what they struggle with and that He can heal that hurt---no matter which sin afflicts them. Fred Phelps has done an excellent job of perverting the scriptures so many of them will reject it without even knowing what it actually says. I know I am doing what Jesus would do, because I am using His Words in the same love He used them. I hold no ill will against any of these teens and am VERY concerned about protecting them from the protest. I don't want them there because of their vulnerability.
February 12, 2009 at 10:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Who started saying this was about GLBTs? According to the @#%^*@# .......peoples web sight it has nothing to do with that. That's a very strange thing to have happened. I wonder why? Strange.
February 12, 2009 at 10:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
That's what I tried to say at 8:29, seriouslyfolks, but the debate had already been started and God had already been mis-quoted by then--I had to do something.
But yes, it was a homosexual from NYC that brought this into the spotlight, while Mr. Heim had refrained from spotlighting vulnerable groups of teens. I wonder how many WBCers have been reading this?
February 12, 2009 at 10:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Oh I see. haven't we been through this before. It reminds me of a Bible verse and since we still have freedom of speech in this country that I served in the Army I do believe I will post it.
Proverbs 26:11
Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly.
February 12, 2009 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Well, Mr. Phelps' Klan has accomplished their mission in Emporia and didn't even arrive yet. I'll be staying home or going to my church on Monday to pray for everyone for their eyes to be open, their hearts to be open and their mouths to be shut. "A wise person's heart controls his speech, and what he says helps others learn." Proverbs 16:23
February 12, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
One good thing has come from Fred Phelps, the Patriot Guard. I was in a small town one day on some business and learned there was going to be a funeral for a soldier killed in Iraq that afternoon, Phelps said they were going to picket, so the PG was going to be there. I decided to stick around and pay my respects, even though I didn't know the soldier, I felt compelled to pay him the honor due. The Westboro clan never showed, but wow, did the Patriot Guard ever show up in full force. Never, ever in my life have I seen so many American flags. The Patriot Guard adds alot to a military funeral even without Phelps, I was so glad to see them in action. When the piper played and all those flags surrounded the family, it brought tears to my eyes, and I really felt what it means to be an American.
I posted in the other thread, I think somebody has to stand up to the Phelps bunch, I think ignoring them is a mistake, but that is just my opinion.
February 12, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
This comes from a retired prosecutor from Chicago from another forum:
Fred Phelps is a lawyer that was disbarred. You KNOW he's got to be bad if THEY threw him out.
I thought it was hilarious!
February 12, 2009 at 11:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Happiness09 (anonymous) says...
Growing up when I was a kid there were no homosexuals. At least none that "came out of the closet". The reason for this.....because we knew the difference between right and wrong, and we respected it. Sometimes when I'm short of money I'd like to rob a bank. But do I? No, because there are consequences to our actions. No one is born homosexual. It is a choice. Why are there so many young people these days who find this acceptable? My theory is because of the parenting or lack of parenting these kids have received. As for my carrying a sign with Phelps.....I don't disagree with his opinions BUT I do disagree with his methods. Daniellaughs points out the suicide rate amound homosexuals. Happy people do not commit suicide. If your actions make you that miserable then CHANGE them. If you can't do it along then seek counseling. Above all seek God.
February 13, 2009 at 4:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
Happiness09 - If you think being gay is a choice, then I have one question for you; Please do tell the rest of us about the day you decided between being heterosexual and homosexual. Inquiring minds want to know.
Please... Back off! Your ignorance and bigotry are only hurting others.
I've said it in this blog before, and I will say it again; we need to be extremely cautious around gay teens regarding this matter. I've lost friends to suicide because their family and friends disowned them for being gay. And, I believe I lost one of my friends during my teen years to suicide because (I think) he was gay. I won't mention his name because his family doesn't deserve any more harm.
Am I passionate about this, indeed I am. I've lived through this hate, this isolation, this fear. I've been a mentor to students in gay youth groups in churches. Nothing brings you to tears more than a child (yes, teens are still children) wanting to end it all because of something they cannot change and they feel their own parents will disown them. Stop, look at the tears on their faces, put yourself in their shoes, then come back and preach your intolerance to me.
Leave the kids alone.
Out of all due respect, you sir/ma'am, need to be silenced.
February 13, 2009 at 4:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
daniellaughs, I am just wondering what bible you are reading?
You say "I've been a mentor to students in gay youth groups in churches" Could you explain to me or tell me where it says in the bible that being gay is a "choice" and/or Not a sin? Just wondering, I figure you are a mentor to youth, what does the bible say about gays and it being a sin or not?
You also keep saying things like
"Your ignorance and bigotry are only hurting others" So are you saying that telling people what the bible says and quoteing it's verses is "ignorance and bigotry"?
February 13, 2009 at 6:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
Please dont get me wrong, I have said before I do not agree with the lifestyle of GLBT's, BUT It is not nor will ever be for me to Judge them, As with all of us God will decide what is to become of us in the end, people Like the Phelps will also be judged, I would Much Rather be with my back towards the Phelps than standing with them. We are all Humans who sin, Straight people Sin and GLBT's sin, We all have to deal with our demons in one way or another, and at some point in our lives.
February 13, 2009 at 6:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
LifeGoesOn -
Step out of your shell, please. For one moment, imagine what it is like to realize you are gay and those around you despise such a notion. You realize there is nothing you can do to change being gay (and, there is nothing wrong with being gay... please note). You love your family and friends, but cannot fathom ever being disowned by them. FEAR. Do you know what it is like to 15 years old, sitting in the corner of your bedroom with the door closed and trying to figure out how to end it all? I remember the tears streaming down my face, the inability to stop my eyes from welling up in tears, my mother outside the door (unaware of what was going on upon the other side of the door) asking if I was okay, and me just wanting it to be over with.
For goodness sakes, set aside your Bible. Have some compassion. How would you feel if you opened The Emporia Gazette tomorrow and read about a teen suicide? At that point, with the family distraught over the loss of a child, does it really matter what some Century-old book says?
February 13, 2009 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaMom3 (anonymous) says...
Amen! Thank you LifeGoesOn. That was very well said. I agree. We are all sinners. Lest no one be judged.
February 13, 2009 at 6:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaMom3 (anonymous) says...
daniellaughs, you really need to check your emotions. Please. If you re-read LifeGoesOn last entry - I do believe he/she is trying to be compassionate. No one says that we have to agree with life choices that anyone else makes. Nor should we judge them for those choices. Right or wrong. That is all a part of this. We do not agree, maybe, but we cannot judge.
February 13, 2009 at 6:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daniellaughs (anonymous) says...
Let's get serious. If you truly considered my words, you would be thinking about the teens, not me. The last thing a scared gay youth needs is someone reading some obscure verse from the Bible saying you are a sinner, not worthy and will be punished by God. Like that is going to make him or her feel better.
February 13, 2009 at 6:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
daniellaughs, I dont understand, first you say ""I've been a mentor to students in gay youth groups in churches" then you go on to say "does it really matter what some Century-old book says?"
those statements dont go together to me, How can you call yourself a mentor in church then go on to say what the bible says means nothing? please explain yourself?
I never said being gay meant you are not worthy, What I did say is that yes you will be judged by God for that lifestyle. As we all will be judged for our Lifestyles. So to use your words "Let's get serious"
February 13, 2009 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glarson (anonymous) says...
And, we're headed to a forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
February 13, 2009 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Happiness08 (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
February 12, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. ( permalink )
Happiness09 (anonymous) says...
Observation: I must have several and be making all the comments on this blog don't you think? If you really must know I'm not sure why my account states both 08 and 09. Maybe you could check that out with the Gazette for me. Thanks.
February 13, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )