Many have asked what I plan on doing this Friday when Westboro Baptist comes to town. The answer – lead my life as I normally would!
I encourage citizens to simply stay away from this demonstration of hate. Make contributions to Tech’s Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention or, if you need to be part of a group, go by Tech’s Graduate Life Center plaza off Otey Street starting at noon.
Blacksburg is a community. We are bigger than this. We are a peaceful community and we can show that on Friday when we make a statement by leading our lives as we always do, filled with the spirit of Blacksburg, a spirit that embraces all people.
thank you for such a good comment.
Can you tell me how our middle school children teachers and patents are supposed to stay away from the demonstration? As you know they are now protesting in front of the middle school.
[...] community has offered many options for response to WBC. Mayor Ron Rordam offered: I encourage citizens to simply stay away from this demonstration of hate. Make [...]
Terry, that is a good question. I think high school students are more than likely able to handle these kinds of demonstrations, but I too worry about 6th, 7th and 8th graders being able to put this kind of protest in perpective.
Kudos to the Town of Blackburg! Handling such an event with the grace and dignity that Blacksburg citizens did is no small task. You have raised the bar in civil behavior in the face of adversity. You have my respect. You have set a great example for the rest of the Country!
Blacksburg handled the entire Westboro affair with dignity and class. Well done!