April 12, 2007 10:18 AM
A eyewitness student's take on Soulforce
This came in as a comment, but I think it deserves a place here: an eyewitness student's take after two years of Soulforce at her university - calling for a different response the second time they assaulted the campus:
I'm graduating from a private, conservative religious university this month, and I've had personal contact with SoulForce.I have only pity for them, and absolutely no tolerance for their ridiculous antics.
They've come twice to my campus. Last year, the campus welcomed them to debate and "dialogue" with students, but insisted they comply with campus rules. They weren't allowed to badger anybody, or to pass out fliers in any of the buildings on campus.
They cared nothing for "dialogue". They yelled and screamed at people passing by, they showed no regard for university policy (established long ago) and cared for one thing: arrest. They wanted to be escorted off campus, and preferably arrested, to get media play.
This year, the university simply said no. They came anyway, and trespassed, and yelled and hollered, and were escorted off campus.
I agree with AmyK. The whole thing just makes one tired.
This is exacly why I think Patrick Henry made the wisest choice - though they're sure to take their knocks in the media. Thank God for the power of blogs to get beyond political agendas to the facts!
Posted in Current Affairs | Permalink
Comments
For anyone who is interested, this is one of the most reasoned responses I have found to the teachings of Mel White(SoulForce).
Posted by: Dan Soares | April 12, 2007 1:34 PM
I drove by Patrick Henry today, on the way home to Leesburg, and I counted 14 State Police cars....FOURTEEN....
I didn't see a single demonstrator but the police were out in force.
Posted by: suzanne | April 12, 2007 3:22 PM
What time was that, Suzanne? I got there at 11:00 and counted 52 demonstrators - that would be the Soulforce bus riders plus their local supporters - and at least 80 various peace officers including Purcellville Police, Loudoun County Sherrif Officers, and State Police. Not to mention the 20 or so media people. All in all the demonstratores were outnumbered two to one by the police and media presence. Will be covering this later....
Posted by: barbara | April 12, 2007 3:31 PM
I was there at about 1:30pm. I did see the big bus parked in a neighborhood near my house though.
Posted by: suzanne | April 12, 2007 4:28 PM
