A gay-friendly Christian choir called “The Ripple Effect” is attempting to heal the small town of Walkerton, Indiana, which has been torn apart since the owners of Memories Pizza declared that they would discriminate against the LGBT community.
The pizzeria closed after allegedly receiving “death threats” that turned out to be overblown online rhetoric, but that has not stopped its owners from pocketing nearly $1 million from a GoFundMe page set up for them.
Although the intent behind performance by “The Ripple Effect” was not to condemn the behavior of the O’Connor family, the contrast between O’Connors’ actions and those of the choir could hardly be more stark.
Some of the members of the choir are gay, and WSBT’s James Fillmore said that “the issue is tearing Walkerton apart, so they wanted to do something to try and fix it.”
Standing in front of a giant rainbow flag, the choir’s director, Sherry Klinedinst, told WSBT that “we are not here to condemn or condone the establishment — we’re here to show them and the community that we can show love in spite of our differences.”
Gail Bannister, who is both a Christian and a lesbian, said that she was singing in front of the closed pizzeria because it allows her to show the community that people can live together despite their differences.
“We just have different opinions,” she said, “but that’s OK. We’re supposed to have different opinions. That’s what diversity’s all about.”
Aw that's nice, trying to demonstrate that not all religious people are bigots, and trying to bring a little light into the darkness of discrimination.
I'm sure they were received by their fellow Christians with open arms.
Or not:
Christians ... Yikes. I could pontificate all day about my abhorance for religion ... you're lucky cause I won't but I believe that more people have been killed in the name of religion over the eons than all the wars combibed; which is why most wars start!
ReplyDeleteA million bucks for rentending youre afraid of a bunch of gays. Dont give Sarah palin any ideas.
ReplyDeleteActually, if you need a bright side to this, that's a million smackaroonies that aren't available to be donated to Sarah PAC. Same denomination of folks would donate to both, no doubt.
Judging Christians by the extremists on their side doesn't make any more sense that judging gay people by the extremists on our side.
ReplyDeleteWe are not going to get anywhere by arguing with Christian extremists (or Muslim extremists either for that matter, many of them are on board with this too). Their 'Bibles" are full of contradictions, distortions, the impossible and lies that many of them swallow whole. Making rational arguments with irrational people is a waste of energy. Our real argument is with the moderates who make up the bulk of this country's voters and, through them our politicians. Those are the people we need to convince. And we need to show them that we are reasonable people, not extremists out to put anyone who disagrees with us out of business.
Here's something to chew on while you're thinking about that:
http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/chick-fil-a-republicans-capitol-hill-20150312
After the State of the Union speech in January, Sen. Lisa Murkowski pressed past the phalanx of shouting reporters in Statuary Hall and snaked her way through the Capitol toward the Senate chamber and a smaller, quieter gaggle of reporters. It was nearly midnight on a long day that had also featured the year's first meeting of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, whose help Murkowski will need in her 2016 reelection bid; in 2010, the Alaska Republican lost the GOP nomination and had to mount a write-in campaign to keep her seat. But when I asked her what had happened at the NRSC meeting, the senator's mind went not to strategy and fundraising, but to food. "It was Chick-fil-A! We always have Chick-fil-A!" she complained. "I don't mind Chick-fil-A every now and again, but you know, here's my deal: I'm really trying to eat healthier. I don't know what they coat that Chick-fil-A stuff in."
Since 2012, when the Atlanta-based fried-chicken chain came under fire for donating millions to groups fighting same-sex marriage—and CEO Dan Cathy declared that redefining marriage was "inviting God's judgment on our nation"—Chick-fil-A has become congressional Republicans' fast food of choice, a culture-war statement on a bun. When former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee organized a "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" that August, defying liberal boycotts, Capitol Hill conservatives enthusiastically joined in, filling conference rooms with chicken nuggets and tweeting photos of themselves at Chick-fil-A drive-ins.
In the past six years I have not seen any "moderate" Christians participating in the public discourse. Instead, all I see is militant (and sometimes violent) "Christian" demagogues and their sycophants. All I see are so-called Christians trying endlessly to deny my rights, eradicate the middle class, and dismantle public education and public safety.
DeleteI really don't think that religion has any place in contemporary civic discourse.
I'm not interested in religion; I'm interested in national health, housing, education and the common good.
Agreed, Liz. If only the republicans who kiss Netanyahou's arse were more civil to our elected President, things could have been so different. So, they have done nothing for citizens of this country, no bills for infrastructure, jobs, schools. They take time to fly to Israel to pamper Bibi.
DeleteSad the way things are.
ReplyDeleteBarack Obama fights back against Israeli critics of Iran nuclear deal
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/06/barack-obama-fights-back-against-israeli-critics-of-iran-nuclear-deal
Don't follow how this annoying 'in your face' behavior of an apparently attention starved group of people is of any benefit to the gay community.
ReplyDeleteI don't follow how that annoying 'in your face' behavior of an apparently attention starved group of people was any benefit to the Black community (during the Civil Rights Movement).
DeleteThank you, 4:30. Right on.
DeleteIt is a non-comparison el stupido at 4:30. Comparing this to civil rights is laughable.
DeleteThe 'pizza' people haven't done anything besides express an opinion.
This country has come a long way with acceptance of gay individuals and groups and organizations. But this kind of annoying militant gay crap makes people roll their eyes and shake their heads.
How is this "militant," you Huckabee-lover?
DeleteI think you missed the snark, 5:58.
DeleteDenying service to people because of their sexual orientation is a violation of their civil rights. Of course this shitty pizza place doesn't even cater and they are allowed to have their bigoted, idiotic opinion. And other people have the right to (peacefully) call them out for their bigoted, idiot opinion.
DeleteThe fact that you use the phrase "militant gay" shows exactly what you think about the "gay community."
I don't understand anyone who is religious but I wasn't raised that way; I was not indoctrinated so it's a very foreign concept to me regardless of the sexuality of those engaging in it.
ReplyDeleteKinda off topic. But not. Folks, Google a man named Maury Davis, pastor in Nashville, Tn. This POS murdered a defenseless, elderly woman in Texas but didn't get the death penalty and got off to 'change his life and find Jesus'. He's now filthy rich pastor, advocating for Republican conservatives. Go figure! He's a complete asshole. Murderer, but conservative, of course.
ReplyDeleteGo Fund Me has become one of the new front lines in our culture war. Their home page is interesting because it features both sides of the battle. Naturally my favorite is "Philip DeFranco's Big Gay Religion". We're fighting over: pizza, cake, flowers and breaded chicken. Except for these minor skirmishes the battle over marriage equality is likely to end this Summer. This suggest that perhaps we should move on to important stuff like employment and housing.
ReplyDeletePretty sad and ironic that supposed christians could speak like that about their fellow man. Where did they learn so much hate and vitriol? Hate is something that's taught, not part of their dna, so where did they learn it?
ReplyDeleteI think the attempt on the part of the gay singers was a nice gesture, and they shouldn't back down, instead, keep singing on the public sidewalk. When the christians realize they have nothing to fear, maybe they'll find some common ground and business might pick up.
My only wish there were more transgender folks represented.
Fox News and their local Televangelist.
DeleteI want to know who is going to pay the income tax on that money???
ReplyDeleteIt really pains me the way these people have hijacked Christianity for their own purpose.
ReplyDeleteThey are CINOs (you guessed it, Christians in Name Only)
They do not behave as Christ would and they certainly do not speak for Christ.
Such beautiful song answered by such ugliness. Sad.
ReplyDelete$842,387 raised for Memories Pizza by GoFundMe.
ReplyDeleteOrigin goal was $2000
Large Pizza is about $10.99
Memories Pizza will get $842,387
$842,387 (for Memories Pizza) ÷ $10.99 (for large pizza) = 76,650 (number of pizzas they would have to make to get $842,387
Memories Pizza would have to make 76,650 pizzas to make $842,387
GoFundMe
$842,592 RAISED BY 29,166 PEOPLE IN 4 DAYS
Goal of $200k
UPDATE #12 DAYS AGO
Donations are now closed. Grand total of $842,387 raised for #MemoriesPizza. You stood in the gap with them. Thank you!
Please see link below to follow the next steps!
http://danaloeschradio.com/next-steps-for-memories-pizza-donations
ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN
Purpose: To relieve the financial loss endured by the proprietors’ stand for faith.
After you donate please go "like" and combat the leftist hatred expressed on Dana's page."
https://www.facebook.com/danaradio?fref=nf
https://www.facebook.com/DanaTheBlaze?fref=ts
Holy shit, where do you get a pizza for $10.99 unless it's from the frozen aisle at the grocery store??!?!?!
DeleteI bet their pizza sucks ass.
Delete
ReplyDelete"Anti-Gay Pizzeria Says God 'Has Blessed Us' With Over $800,000 For 'Standing Up'"
....As of Saturday morning, "Support Memories Pizza" had raised over $800,000. In an interview with Fox News Business' Neil Cavuto, Crystal said that although she's not quite ready to open the pizzeria again, she believes God is responsible for the support that's poured in.
-Huffington Post
God didn't bless them.
DeleteGullible right wing whackos blessed them with donations they probably couldn't afford.
No problem though. I'm sure the owners will blow through that cash in no time.
People with no critical thinking skills also don't seem to be great at fiscal planning. Hyperbolic distancing anyone?
So, their take is almost $1 million. The fund for the fire fighter who is in critical condition after falling through a roof that was in flames has not collected anywhere near that much. These religious people are predictable, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteReligious people suck and are total haters and will always help each other out with money because they have nothing but darkness in their hearts.
DeleteComments from facebook (Anon 6:07) regarding Memories Pizza
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/danaradio?fref=nf
Porter Venn:
Next steps for the owners of Memories Pizza...
#1: Meth
#2: Strippers
#3: Buying lots of stupid shit they don't need.
#4: Investing in fly by night "Business Opportunities"
#5: Bankruptcy
#6: Blaming all their problems on the Gubment, Gays, and Liberals.
Yesterday at 11:32pm
Doug Stewart:
Wow, almost a million dollars. They'll never have to work again. They sure pulled the wool over the eyes of the Christians who fell for it. I bet they feel stupid now. LOL
Today at 12:25am
Leah Lane-Somers:
Disgusting. Bigots get nearly a million bucks while food kitchens have to beg for donations. Because letting the hungry starve while those who hate are coddled is *EXACTLY* what Jesus meant.
Bunch of damned hypocrites.
Yesterday at 11:29pm
Johnnie B. Reedy Chesser:
They didn't need this much money, so I wonder if they are going to pay it forward and do something Christian like and donate the money to charity to feed the homeless or help children. As the goal was 25k, they could help alot of people. That would show they are truly living the faith they proclaim. All eyes are watching
Paul Mundy:
they are a bunch of cheesy scam artist that just suckered a bunch blind sheeple
Kevin Ransom:
“This wasn't an organic campaign to help out a business that decided to become a political martyr; it’s a publicity stunt by The Blaze and a financial windfall for the owners of Memories Pizza. The GoFundMe page also begs of supporters, “After you donate please go “like” and combat the leftist hatred expressed on Dana’s page.”
"Memories Pizza isn’t the victim here; the real victims are the over 1,700 people who’ve donated more than $500,000 to a business owner who has made more money in a couple of days than his business probably makes in years. Oh, and he probably won’t have to pay a dime in taxes on the donations either.
"As the saying goes, “a fool and his money are easily parted” – and The Blaze is making sure that the bigoted owners of Memories Pizza will be laughing all the way to the bank.”
The Terminator said "I'll be back". What did Memories Pizza say?
ReplyDeleteWatch "The Memories Pizza Family Is Back!" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/TxkRvjNrcvs
Cavuto: Do you have a message for any of them?
ReplyDeleteO'Connor: For the Gays?
Cavuto: Yes
O'Connor: Basically what I said before. We have to accept them and we just ask they accept us.
HUH?
Indiana pizzeria owner speaks out against religious freedom backlash: https://youtu.be/kWel1Clq4Cc
In your face, fags!
ReplyDeleteGotta be devil's advocate here.
ReplyDeleteWhy are the "death threats" to the pizzeria "overblown online rhetoric" but the comments about the choir somehow indicative of actual horrible persons who clearly represent some larger group?
You can't have it both ways. Just because one side feeds your worldview and the other doesn't, doesn't mean there aren't actual horrible people on both sides of the debate who have nothing better to do than be horrible.
"I like your Christ. I cannot say I like your Christians."
ReplyDelete(paraphrased) Gandhi.