[Vision2020] An Open Letter [Continuing the Thread]

[Saundra Lund]

Hi Phil,

I really hesitate to wade further into this fray, but I'm going to make a
couple of comments.

First, Phil, what in heaven's name is wrong with expecting our laws to be
enforced?!  The UI -- an educational institution -- was denied the
opportunity to locate downtown due to zoning code, so why shouldn't NSA have
to follow the rules?  Bucer's, a for profit business, pays its property
taxes, so why should Zumes, a for profit business, get the benefit of a
property tax exemption?  An elderly friend on a fixed income (and definitely
in need of some extra income due in part to skyrocketing property taxes)
with some extra bedrooms would like rent out those rooms but can't because
of the parking issue, so why should others not have to follow those same
rules?

Do you *really* think that any one religion or its leaders or followers
should get "special" or preferential treatment???  That certainly seems to
be what you are saying:  Christ Church shouldn't have to follow the same
laws other churches and citizens have to follow.

Second, I'd like to know what makes you think it's OK to stereotype all who
value those terribly lofty ideals of justice, equity, fairness and religious
freedom (otherwise known as the separation of church & state) with the same
brush?  It should come as no surprise to you to learn people are
*individuals*, and that includes those of us who aren't willing to turn a
blind eye to what appears to be a blatant disregard by some (certainly *not*
all Christ Church members by any stretch of the imagination) for the rules
the rest of us follow.

OK, I admit it:  this is a hot button for me.  ***I'm*** responsible for
what I think and believe . . . and post -- don't blame one bit of it on any
"group" of "friends" or otherwise of which you perceive me to be a member
(BTW, your perception would likely be wrong).  Similarly, don't hold me
responsible for what others who might agree with me on *one* area think or
believe or write.  That would be like me saying, "Oh, because Phil Nisbet is
Dale Courtney's new best buddy, they agree on *everything*."  That wouldn't
be very fair, would it?  Yet, that seems to be something that you think is
perfectly OK with respect to those who object to special treatment for
Christ Church.

Third, ***PLEASE*** tell me who has said that they want Christ Church run
out of town.  That is a claim I've seen thrown around a bit (Wilson thinks
it plays well), but it's not something I've ever seen given attribution.  My
memory isn't perfect, but the only person I can recall that might have said
something like that would be Doug Stambler, and *no one* except God will
claim him <g>.  Cite your source, please, Phil, or quit stating it to be
fact.

Finally, you made reference to some boycott . . . please provide more
details because I'm genuinely unaware of any local boycotts other than those
I posted about previously
(http://mailman.fsr.com/pipermail/vision2020/2004-January/006921.html).
Certainly, Phil, you don't want to tell me I *have* to patronize Zumes
rather than Wheatberries or Bucer's rather than Starbucks or One World Cafe,
do you?

Or, do you???


TIA,
Saundra Lund
Moscow, ID

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do
nothing.
Edmund Burke


-----Original Message-----
From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Phil Nisbet
Sent: Monday, 13 June 2005 9:46 AM
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] An Open Letter [Continuing the Thread]

keely

I do not think that you are on the same wave length as Wayne and several
others.  The reality is that some in the anti-CC camp are only too willing
to take governmental action against them.  That is where the slippery slope
leading to what Niemoeller described leads.

If all you intend is to correct the errors from you peoples religious faith
with another sect of your religion, you do not need to try to force their
schools out, you do not need to try to have them charged with violations of
zoning codes, or try to push them out of holding meetings or any of the
rest.

The Moscow Civic Association is not some powerless little band of Brothers.

I know that for a fact.  They throw a meeting and the politicians come
running.  They complain that the CCers are planning on holding some
conference at U of I, yet in the same breathe, crow that they have rented
the Kenworthy to air their own films condemning the CCers, to benefit their
radio show that touts their political views.

And keely, I do not agree with the ideas that the CCers have and think it
pretty easy to show them that their ideas are not correct.  But I will be
damned if I will see the government brought in as a vehicle to supress
anybody's ideas or religion.  That is the path that leads to National
Socialism and not to your suggested final solution.

Phil Nisbet