[Vision2020] Intolerance

[amy smoucha]

Nate and all,

Each of us has a right to express our political and social opinions as a 
consumer, and exercising that right is not in any way an expression of 
intolerance.  Like the unfortunate circumstance of the ACLU representing the 
KKK's free speech rights, I would defend your right, and Christ Church's 
right, to state your opinions, to have those opinions, and to express your 
faith (as long as the expression does not break a law).  I would not, 
however, support the speech or religious freedom by *participating* in 
it--by joining my voice to yours, giving money to your church, or attending 
your services.

When you excercise your rights to free speech, or to assembly or to practice 
your religion, and in doing so you threaten me or the community I live in 
(i.e. if you express intolerance towards homosexuals stating they should be 
exiled), I have some ability to counter that threat.  I cannot break the law 
or commit acts of violence violence (and I wouldn't).  I would not tell you 
that you should stop having an opinion or expressing an opinion.  But I can, 
and will, put out information that encourages  people to choose not to 
follow you, not to believe you, not to consider you credible.  I can also 
choose not to frequent any business that financially benefits you or your 
church members.  I can choose not to help you or your church members 
prosper.

These acts are not acts of intolerance, they are peaceful and appropriate 
ways to counter the movement and message that your church and your beliefs 
promote.

Nate, I respect that your father is a smart man whom you admire and follow.  
Defending him with snide insults towards others is probably a mistake.  You 
and your church members have a right to think, feel and say what you will.   
  You should listen to our reservations and consider what we are saying.  
Many people in Moscow are paying attention--if we do not agree with the 
political and social agenda of a business or organization, we will withhold 
our participation and our support.  Brushing that off as intolerance is too 
simple, and very short-sighted.

Amy Smoucha

----Original Message Follows----
From: Nate Wilson <natewilson@moscow.com>
To: vision2020@moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Intolerance
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2003 13:20:17 -0700

Dear All,
    I would like to invite you all to boycott Tom Hansen and anything he 
might produce, because I think that would be a very mature thing for us all 
to do. Since I'm not sure what it is he produces, I think it might be best 
if we all boycott him in his capacity of consumer. Businesses Against Tom 
Hansen (The BATH party) held it's first membership meeting over today's 
lunch hour. Ball and Cross Books, and proprietor Mark Beauchamp wished me to 
inform Tom that he could now consider himself boycotted. We would like to 
invite any other businesses to join in our boycott of Tom. Membership is 
free, and you will receive a sticker to place on the door of your place of 
business to keep Tom abreast of who will and will not endorse his worldview 
perspective through providing baked goods, books, or a car. It think this 
should fix everything.

NDW

P.S. We considered naming the party Businesses Against Richard Newsome but 
the BARN party didn't have the same ring.



I agree with you 1,000%, Mr. Newsome.  I go to the bakery at least 2 or 3 
times per week, and have done so for the past six years.  I have yet (and 
probably never will) to see the insides of the bakery at the base of New St. 
Andrews.

Tom Hansen
Moscow
-----Original Message-----
From: vision2020-admin@moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-admin@moscow.com]On 
Behalf Of Amy & Richard Newsome
Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2003 11:13 PM
To: vision2020@moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Intolerance

I would like to echo the sentiments of the posting below from Amy Smoucha 
and John Dickinson.

As a frequent reader of this list for the past two years, I have noticed the 
self-righteous and intolerant tone of the Christ Church/Doug Wilson crowd. 
My family and I will not patronize local businesses owned by Christ Church 
members, or those on this list that post obnoxious intolerant messages. I 
don't want even a portion of my money going to support this group.

I suggest this is a good way to take a stand without engaging in an endless 
debate.

Richard Newsome

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