Forming Ranks Against Domestic Violence

This evening I attended to Fargo City Commission meeting, and one message I have to deliver to our policy makers is - THANK YOU for identifying domestic violence as a major focus.

Police Chief Keith Ternes delivered the 2013 year-end crime data report to the Mayor and commissioners and the single longest point of discussion was directed towards the serious domestic violence problem. Happily, the message was well received and reciprocated by the board.

The worst thing we can do as a society is to ignore the problem of domestic violence, and understand that out silence is affirming. Let us stand together against Rape, Abuse, and Domestic Violence. Oh, and men: let us redefine masculinity to include the ability to speak up against this.

Also visit and support the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center.
https://www.raccfm.com/

The Right Thing to Do

I have seen some banter recently on Facebook regarding the poor condition Fred Phelps is experiencing at the moment, and thought it needed a bit of reflection.

Granted, part of me would like to take a road trip to visit his future tombstone and express a range of vulgarities in, on, and around it. Ironically, this would provide more credence to life in the hereafter than justice here on Earth. Indeed, perhaps with even more irony, the most impactful message any person or group could offer a the moment is unconditional condolences to the family.

Let’s not forget what the Phelps are most famous for: The hate-filled protests and picketing of events and funerals with the message that god does not care for homosexuals. Some have argued that the main source of hatred comes from Fred’s own brushes with homosexuality as a younger man, and perhaps his denial as an adult. These members of the church are not monsters, but misinformed and uneducated. A number of the family have escaped and now live in the real world, only understanding in hindsight the destructive message they grew up with.

Nathan Phelps (who I met last year), Fred’s son, is now an atheist and an LGBTQ activist, for example. Indeed I love hearing when people use the expression “There is no hate greater than Christian love.” because it emphasizes the source of their abysmal ethics and moral choices. On that note, I think Atheists have to embrace the thing which many Christians have failed to: forgiveness and love.

A number of prominent members have walked away from their family knowing they would be disowned, and not because people were quick to return the hatred, but because they felt more welcome on the outside. Any attacks on Westboro Baptist Church only confirms to members that they are the victims.

I say to you, let’s start a new campaign idea: lets coordinate to atheist groups around the country and send a card to the Westboro Baptist Church, as PRO LGBTQ groups, reminding them how to love again! Please comment if you can share this post with other groups.