Comments on Counter Programming

Bullshit. Hiding out together at some Unitarian Church isn't going to do anything to respond to spreading homophobia. This isn't about rallying the base or feeling better about ourselves in a safe environment but about exposing the homophobia and fanaticism of the Watchmen. If these groups actually want to respond to hate they'll get out of the clubhouse and onto the damned street.

This event lacks most everything. And, is in Edmonds, not Lynnwood. Hardly a bold or energetic response.

But, it is safe. I will say a prayer on my own, and have seen the move already, twice.

There are lots of different ways of responding to a hate group, and to be honest, I think it's good to have a really diverse response. Let the gentler souls have a love-in at church, while the warriors hit the front lines. You're all on the same side, after all.

#3 - above - Wise to the max. Love the word warrior in this context.

There may be different ways to respond, but that doesn't make all responses effective - or worthwhile. Sitting alone and calling it 'pride' is dishonest. If people want to do nothing about the situation, they should have the honesty to do just that, not to surround to some liberal guilt or feeling of obligation with a faux-response. If people truly want to face the problem, they should be honest enough to do that as well, directly.

Surround, of course, should be surrender.

Johnny -- I do think you have a point, but I still think that quiet protest is a valid strategy, although not the only one needed. Here's what the maker of Inlaws & Outlaws has to say:

"Most things are not particularly black and white as this but, yes, their message is hate and ours is love. I think a peaceful, joyful celebration of love will help turn whatever predictable publicity these folks get into something that marginalizes their message without sensationalism. We want to recognize, celebrate and affirm love. We thought showing the film with a local congregation will be the perfect way to counter this extreme element that claims to represent the religious community." -- filmmaker, Drew Emery.

This group is, in some ways, speaking to a different crowd than the people who will join a street protest, but I don't think that's a problem. If one result of this Watchmen conference is that it gets moderate Christians joining in solidarity with pro-gay rights groups, how can that be anything but a good thing?

You've never heard of the Log Cabin Republicans? Look it up!

I agree very strongly with 7.

I'm actually surprised at the response... that somehow love and peace is a bad thing. Would you prefer they were throwing themselves into the firing range?

I hope that there is a significant police presence at both events... My gut lurched I read Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church, October 21, and 3pm...

Here is to hoping that the event remains peaceful and safe.