LGBT
Related: About this forumI was just physically attacked
I always spend my Thursdays using my kitchen to help cook for the homeless in my area Due to county ordinances we are very limited where we can feed so we use the parking lot of a local Pentecostal Church.
I have kept my views to myself since we have been feeding here for the benefit for those who need a good hot meal.
As usual I took my prepared food at the allotted time to the church but when I got there one of the Pastors (or whatever they call them in a Pentecostal Church) was talking like a crazy looking like he was ready to foam at the mouth in the parking lot (what he calls preaching) to all who were assembled that Obama is the anti Christ and Homosexuals is what is killing America, that Obama needs to be taken out of office by any means necessary now that he supports the Homosexual agenda.
This is where I step in and ask him to please start acting like a Christian and to follow the teachings of our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. His response was a attempted blow to my face while screaming blasphemy. He attempted a second to to punch me which also failed. I was asked to leave the property & to never return (which I don't have a problem with), I am still reeling from this ordeal. Some of the people there advised me as I was leaving to call the Sheriffs Dept. I am still debating on what to do.
I have to say it's been a long time since I have been threatened with bodily harm and it has given me a wake up call once again to always be vigilant & aware of my surroundings.
Please I beg you not to use this thread to bash Christians there are many good ones myself included to counter this poor soul.
I posted this for several reasons, beware of the backlash of yesterday (especially if you live in a area like I do), President Obama's endorsement is having a lasting effect (good or bad, I am glad he did it), and last but not least please I beg you to be aware of your surroundings.
May you all go in peace.
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)But you have to be really shaken up emotionally!
Thank you for helping the hungry and needy, such service isn't without hazards, I suppose.
Whether or not you call the authorities I cannot say, I just want to say "thank goodness you're ok"!
queerart
(1,784 posts)TriMera
(1,375 posts)You should call the police, William. He may try to do this to someone else. Those are just my thoughts.
William769
(55,148 posts)TriMera
(1,375 posts)ingac70
(7,947 posts)don't let that fucker slide... what if he beats a gay man to death tonight? He needs a wake up call.....
Gregorian
(23,867 posts)What a shame. I empathize with William. And to think that he was doing good while this happened. And that it happened in a church of all places. Horrible.
truedelphi
(32,324 posts)Hatred is indeed a religion - one only needs to look to the Third Reich to see how hatred replaced Christianity and common sense.
Try and have someone with you when you do it - police are not always into taking any type of reports from average citizens.
So sorry to hear you were treated this way. And like you say - while on Church property and while you were being a good person giving to others.
citizen blues
(570 posts)alerts authorities to potential violence. The President is going to be going everywhere during the campaign season, not just "blue" states. With the level of violent rhetoric we're already seeing from the other side, it's going to take more than just the Secret Service to keep the President safe. It's going to take all of us. We all need to be the eyes and ears for the President's security team. Remember what happened to President Reagan? All it took was one lone nut.
msongs
(67,478 posts)reported. Are there witnesses who will back you up?
definition of assault: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault
msongs
(67,478 posts)William769
(55,148 posts)I am getting ready to call the Sheriff's Dept. to as for a deputy to come to my house to file a report.
I know where the homeless go at night, will see if any will want to be witnesses.
FailureToCommunicate
(14,029 posts)You may not get others willing to step forward and support your version of what happened, but since you've been a helper to them, maybe they will. It's definitely worth a try.
Do you know any lawyer who might advise you?
Good luck. And keep up the self defense instincts.
avebury
(10,953 posts)like he was also threatening the President. I don't know what the sheriff's office might do but the Secret Service will pay the guy a visit.
xchrom
(108,903 posts)lord:
make me an instrument of your Peace
where there is hatred let me sow --Love
pardon -- where there is doubt
faith -- where there is despair
hope where there is darkness
light where there is darkness
joy.
st francis
gateley
(62,683 posts)classof56
(5,376 posts)I have used this prayer several times in response to my Catholic cousin's ugly anti-Obama screeds which she forwards me. I'd have thought she knew the prayer of St. Francis and it might in some way touch her as it does me (a lapsed Baptist), but she never comments and still hates Obama. I give up.
Peace and joy be with you.
dana_b
(11,546 posts)southernyankeebelle
(11,304 posts)I would of kept my opinion to myself. Find a food kitchen that really needs your help and doesn't care who you are and care for everyone. There are churches like that.
Vanje
(9,766 posts)Silence is the enemy.
And keeping silent in the face of this kind of bigotry will eat at your soul.
I know.
southernyankeebelle
(11,304 posts)find another place to go.
yardwork
(61,752 posts)It's not possible to feed and care for the homeless and at the same time stay in a safe, liberal haven. William goes where the homeless are so that he can feed them. This does not give a minister the right to attack him.
southernyankeebelle
(11,304 posts)bluerum
(6,109 posts)appleannie1
(5,074 posts)You wouldn't let an ordinary person on the street do that. Why should a self-appointed "man of god" label shield him?
and if he has a car, leve this on the windshield. Maybe he will stroke out.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)Lot's of blood would be lost. The south is also in charge of manufacturing most the weapons. That was the first thing I thought when all those northern bases were closed and manufactures moved down south.
We just have to mend things peacefully and through the courts and congress by the power of the vote. But sometimes I really worry...it's difficult to deal with truly crazy folk...and there are many.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)allow them to compromise.
citizen blues
(570 posts)the manufacturing of weapons right now, but remember the north is still the core of our industry, which can quickly be converted. Look what we did during WWII.
If the red states start a revolution, it will be the biggest reality check in history.
http://www.alternet.org/story/154338/ayn_rand_worshippers_should_face_facts_blue_states_are_the_providers_red_state_are_the_parasites?page=entire
millijac
(85 posts)I am always amazed at the people who report that they are attacked in some way and do not report it.
What he did was illegal. He needs to be reported and stopped!
monmouth
(21,078 posts)this person and tell him what happened. Sounds like the guy has gone off the deep end and should not be in his position. Christian he is not. Glad you're okay.
tpsbmam
(3,927 posts)One never knows but I can share a personal experience that resulted in a pastor losing his position (interesting choice of words given the circumstances -- it's all I could think of )
I met a pastor across the country from me -- it was due to mutual interests, etc. I emailed him after reading an article about his approach to religion & politics (decidedly liberal). We got to talking by email, then by phone and finally he flew across the country so we could meet. We started a long-distance relationship. I then discovered he had a woman friend on the West Coast to whom he was engaged! (A fellow pastor.) I was pissed and pretty outraged. It then turned out there was a third woman with whom he had a "relationship" at the same time. I also discovered that, despite having an overtly healthy approach to religion, in reality his true approach was a mix of really great & healthy but also too often lascivious, with what appeared to be inappropriate interactions with female parishioners. I contacted his bishop about his unethical behavior and it he was stripped of his pastoral position as a result.
Just a little food for thought.
monmouth
(21,078 posts)MuseRider
(34,136 posts)Please take care. Whenever something like this happens (the vote in NC and the announcement) there is a huge backlash but you know that. You should have been safe and appreciated for what you do and have been doing. Why would you ever expect, even from a ranting religious man, to be treated this way? The vote and the announcement.
Report or not depends on how you feel. I think all incidents like this should be reported but I am straight and not in the line of fire except tangentially as an ally. Been called a lot of names but never swung at. How will you feel if you do or you don't? It all depends on you. No one else called to report this? Someone should have.
I am so sorry, it really hurts when people I care about (and I do even though we will never meet) are treated this way.
You should never have to be more vigilant and aware of your surroundings than anyone else.
Do what will make you feel you did the right thing. Find peace with your decision and move on you good person you. Cooking for the homeless is a kind act and one I would expect from a good person.
obamanut2012
(26,181 posts)Even if they don't do anything, you will have a police report/complaint on record, in case anything else happens, and I don't mean just to you, but to another local LGBT, or to someone in his congregation.
I am paranoid about things like this, but keep your pets inside and your gun at hand for a little while, just in case, This "gentleman" sounds unhinged.
Vibes and hugs.
Vanje
(9,766 posts)Keep your pets inside.
lady lib
(2,933 posts)There there NEEDS to be a report of his behavior. Yours will probably not be the first one or the last.
wildeyed
(11,243 posts)I hope you are not too shook up by the experience. I would report him to whoever you can, his superiors and the police, and be certain there is a record in case he does it to anyone else. Or maybe he has already. He sounds unstable and violent. Maybe if the police question him, even if they don't arrest, it will be enough to make him think twice before he attacks someone else. So sad this happened while you were helping the hungry and the poor. I am not much of a Christian, but that is the part of the Bible I really like too.
Zorra
(27,670 posts)We need to stop violent homophobes and get them off the street wherever and whenever we can.
A violent hater like that might inflict severe injury on someone.
It will take you a bit to emotionally recover from this assault.
We're all here for you, sweetie.
mopinko
(70,305 posts)hate crimes should not go unreported. maybe all that happens is that there is a statistic generated. but that is not nothing.
bluedigger
(17,090 posts)Go to his Services this Sunday, and Testify before his congregation.
Then press charges.
Creideiki
(2,567 posts)Leave the decision whether or not to press charges to the DA. Chances are, they won't; but it'll be a cute little knick-knack when the incident shows up in the local newspaper police blotter. I'd have that puppy framed and hanging in a prominent place in my apartment.
obamanut2012
(26,181 posts)He should call the authorities.
bluedigger
(17,090 posts)22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
Daniel 6:22,27
King James Version (KJV)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%206:4-27&version=KJV
yardwork
(61,752 posts)abelenkpe
(9,933 posts)The Crazy man who attacked you needs to know that his behavior is not OK.
Stay safe!
Vanje
(9,766 posts)Well, Yeah. Call the sheriff. Get something in the record.
I am so sad that happened to you.
Starry Messenger
(32,342 posts)Scary ordeal. ((hug)) Vibes for a good outcome. Be careful everyone.
Pab Sungenis
(9,612 posts)especially from a gay Christian. There's too much bashing as it is.
You were doing more of Christ's work on Earth in just your volunteer hours than this alleged representative of His has done in his entire lifetime. And He knows it.
Are you going to be okay? Anything any of us can do?
Creideiki
(2,567 posts)*critique, mind you, not criticism* is that if you had not ducked, the Pastor could have been charged with assault and battery. As it is, he can still be (and should be) charged with assault.
Threatening to harm someone is not acceptable in civilized society. Even for someone hiding behind a church office.
redwitch
(14,952 posts)That preacher is nutty like Fred Phelps and I am so glad you didn't get hurt. Thank you for your kindness on behalf of the homeless, I hope you can find another place to help where you are safe.
cindyperry2010
(846 posts)siligut
(12,272 posts)People were there to eat, not to hear a sermon. The church isn't supplying the food, that preacher was out of order. Report him he sounds dangerous.
Glad you weren't hurt and I hope you can go back to feeding the homeless.
WillParkinson
(16,862 posts)Then a nice hot bath. Relax. De-stress.
And get in here for a
The Wizard
(12,554 posts)the Secret Service should be notified.
jtuck004
(15,882 posts)And the people around there sound like they need you.
kayakjohnny
(5,235 posts)What you did was good and decent and proper. Even though it involved a psycho. The best thing about your post was the part about being aware of your surroundings. I see so many people glued to their devices and looking ripe for a nasty intrusion from a criminal.
Thanks for your stand and thanks for your post.
barbtries
(28,817 posts)and i will respect your wishes. you are among friends.
crayfish
(55 posts)With no regrets.
crim son
(27,465 posts)for your sake then for the sake of establishing (or adding to) a record of his aggressive behavior. It may be of help to somebody else in the future.
matt819
(10,749 posts)Can't we bash Christians?
Just a little?
a little
Glad you're okay, of course.
How did this crazy know that you are following the "Homosexual Agenda." I would think that feeding the hungry is one of those things that kind of transcends one's color, religion, gender, etc.
d_r
(6,907 posts)when the preachers come out swinging
cally
(21,599 posts)and I hope you are OK. I suspect that few who watched agreed with the pastor. Take care of yourself and before reporting make sure you will be safe from further threats.
Irishonly
(3,344 posts)I hope you report what happened to the local authorities. That person needs to be arrested, tried and convicted.
William769
(55,148 posts)A police report has been filed, 5 witnesses came forward, I knew the deputy that took the report & have the utmost respect for him. He advised me since no bodily harm was actually done all he can do is file the report with the witness statements & refer it to the DA's office for further review (which I already figured from my own experience in law enforcement).
I believe I have a couple of other avenues to follow up on & since this has been documented, I will look into other options to deal with this person.
I want to thank everyone who responded in this thread, even though we may not know each other personally, having internet friends like this does make a difference.
Lifes been hard these past couple of weeks, but this too shall pass.
to all.
MADem
(135,425 posts)I answered when I saw your post on the front page--should have read through the entire thread first!
Glad you are OK. Hope you're hanging in there with everything else that is going on....
mitchtv
(17,718 posts)Will you be seeing him again? be ready for a You tube moment if you think your paths may be crossing
millijac
(85 posts)And thank you for the work you do. Keep fighting the good fight!
TBF
(32,121 posts)if he attacks other folks there will be a written record at least. I hope you have a calm, relaxing weekend!
MrScorpio
(73,631 posts)One of my favorite lines from the movie, M.A.S.H.
But seriously, Dude, gather your witnesses call the cops to file a complaint.
You can't let assholes like that get away with that shit. Next time, he could have a gun.
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)I'm so glad you're alright!
Absolutely, file a report! You need to get it documented, date and time, in case you encounter him again.
TYY
cate94
(2,816 posts)While I am glad you were able to duck the punches, I know you have been hurt. Whatever you choose to do about it, trust yourself.
JitterbugPerfume
(18,183 posts)it breaks my heart to know these things are done in "Gods name"
MarianJack
(10,237 posts)1. I'm glad that you're OK and (physically) unharmed
2. As a fairly casual Catholic who believes in the teachings of Jesus, I apologise for this person preaching hatred as he invokes his name.
3. PUT HIS ASS IN JAIL!!!!!!!!!!
4. K&R!
PEACE!!
irisblue
(33,047 posts)chknltl
(10,558 posts)I am glad you chose to submit a report to your local PD. I do hope your report gets followed up. This hate monger needs his wallet lightened and head examined imo.
rurallib
(62,477 posts)take care dude.
yardwork
(61,752 posts)Do you have friends or family who can stay with you tonight, to comfort you? You may experience post traumatic stress from this.
DocMac
(1,628 posts)would this preacher deny food to a person if they found out they were gay?
I like to read your posts, William. I know you're a good person.
I sure hope you find a way to help others without brick walls like this.
Behind the Aegis
(54,044 posts)I am glad you filed a report, though nothing may be done now, G-d forbid this loony or one of his "followers" decide to do something else, then there is an existing report. Please let your local friends know so they can keep an eye on you!
Be safe!
:hugs:
DURHAM D
(32,617 posts)I am so sorry this happened. You have had a rough couple of weeks and the entire LGBT community has had a strange three days on DU.
Peace and come back fighting when you can.
myrna minx
(22,772 posts)Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)That man is unhinged and will probably hurt someone.
countryjake
(8,554 posts)and I'm glad that you've not been injured, tho an attack such as that surely does hurt, even if no physical contact was made.
Strength and Peace, to you, William.
I am sorry the world remains so twisted, here in our 21st century.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)And sad you were the one seen as the disruptor instead of the hate filled guy.
I am so sorry this happened, and hope you will be able to keep on doing good things for others, but this won't be over until the election or maybe later.
The fascist hate machine is going to go full blast now, more than it has been. I'm very worried for individuals and Obama himself.
Please stay safe.
pacalo
(24,721 posts)Because the Bush/Cheney regime's totalitarianism wasn't punished, the hatred & division continues to spread like wildfire by authoritarian, my-way-or-the-highway attitudes.
It seems there's nothing we as individuals can do to hold Bush/Cheney accountable for the pain/damage they've caused, but we can each do what we can to hold those who are carrying the torch for that regime's bullying mindset responsible for their anti-social, anti-Christian behavior.
Sorry this happened to you, Bill.
roody
(10,849 posts)enforcement. He is a threat to you and to the President.
1620rock
(2,218 posts)eridani
(51,907 posts)Christ did that as well, and look what happened to him. Please stay safe.
pnwmom
(109,021 posts)You knew when you stood up to that yahoo that you were taking a risk, and you did it anyway.
I'm very glad you didn't get hurt, but I'm sure you were shaken. Still -- I hope you're proud of yourself for speaking out. That took guts.
racaulk
(11,550 posts)I'm glad you are OK. Be safe.
TrogL
(32,822 posts)Ian David
(69,059 posts)qb
(5,924 posts)and that you recover from this awful event.
I also wish a public shaming on that disgraceful pastor.
NOLALady
(4,003 posts)of report it, ASAP. This person is dangerous.
Ian David
(69,059 posts)He needs therapy, punishment, or both. And a call to the Secret Service might be in order.
I would definitely file a police report at the least, and if that goes nowhere, swear out a complaint at the court house with the magistrate.
RT Atlanta
(2,517 posts)As noted by others, please call the police.
Thank you for your efforts with preparing the meals for those less fortunate - good deeds come in all shapes and sizes and we have no idea of the positive ripples those deeds create as they ripple outward.
All the best!
irisblue
(33,047 posts)in your area to report hate crimes to? will you call the lead pastor about this, to let them know that this was done. i do not know, but since you filed a police report, does this go to the FBI hate crimes stats? i am so glad you are all right, and still willing to be a christian example to that church.
Smilo
(1,944 posts)sadly we have many in this country who really are Christians in name only and have no idea or intention of following the teachings of Jesus or the Golden Rule in any shape or form.
Thank you for making a difference William - please know that you are not alone and the people like this "pastor" are in the minority - it's just they scream and shout and the media will always chose to go with this rather than the quiet, going-about their business Christians caring for others.
One also can't help but wonder why these people have become so unhinged that some members of our society are being recognized - it really does go to their having deep problems and possible hidden feelings.
Thanks again William - you are a wonderful human being and a darned good Christian - keep up the good work!
colorado_ufo
(5,742 posts)He is losing touch with reality and could pose a serious danger.
MADem
(135,425 posts)You escaped unharmed (physically, anyway) but the next person that nut encounters might be hurt more seriously. I think, even if you choose to not press charges, that a formal record of the event should be taken down and put on file, against that day that someone else has a need to take that idiot to court. It will establish a pattern by this guy so he won't be able to play the Isolated Incident/Pastor Card to get out of jail free.
I am glad you're OK. Jesus, what an ordeal!
Will the homeless feeding project move to another venue? I hope so--a charitable venture such as that shouldn't be associated with that particular preacher's endorsement of hate.
libodem
(19,288 posts)I am sorry for your ordeal. Proud you stood up for your values. You were doing something worthwhile and should have gotten a kiss, not a kick.
Remember, my friend, no good deed goes unpunished.
dbackjon
(6,578 posts)JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)YOU have nothing to be ashamed of. HE does.
azureblue
(2,155 posts)this is a dilemma. Does a person turn the other cheek, or be a good citizen and report an assault to authorities? On one hand, Jesus' teachings were mostly about how one person should act towards his fellow man. On the other, is the question of the act of an assault, and the possibility of this preacher doing this to somebody else? Will reporting the assault do any good? Now, clearly, this anti Christian preacher is the very thing Jesus talked about, and many different levels. Hate filled, using the name of Jesus for his own ends, refusing to do what Jesus taught, etc. The question this diarist must answer is this: should I report this person, who will, for sure, attack somebody else in the future (subtext - stop him form harming another human?) or "turn the other cheek" and let karma work it out?
If it were me, I would have reported it, not to get the preacher into trouble but as a preventative measure- this raving crazy bag o' nuts will, for sure, attack somebody else again...
emulatorloo
(44,261 posts)to the Sheriff's Department ASAP.
dana_b
(11,546 posts)I hope you did call the police and I hope that you are okay. Peace to you too.
Better Believe It
(18,630 posts)If not, it would be a good idea to learn how otherwise you'll be defenseless.
Perhaps you can find some free or low cost instruction in your neighborhood or from a friend who is competent in this area.
William769
(55,148 posts)Thats why his blows never hit me.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to go back to teaching.
Aikido is great because it's purely for self defense.
Last night I was in shock that this even happened, today I have moved on to anger, probably will stay there for awhile.
I have led a peaceful life for the past 10 years, but my physical well being and that of others comes first now after that wake up call.
TriMera
(1,375 posts)grattsl
(63 posts)1. Thank God you are not hurt.
2. CALL THE POLICE.
3. Christian bashing is completely appropriate. With the Christian's current "values" and behaviors I would go so far as to call it necessary. When the Christians start showing respect to others, they can expect it in return. Who was it who said "do unto others as you would have done unto you..." again? just saying...
hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)As a Christian myself, I know my answer. Someone taking his time to feed the homeless.
I am SO tired of the religious right justifying hate by selectively reading scripture. With the degree of the anger that we're seeing (i.e., they are so mad that they cannot control their emotions!), it's only a matter of time until someone is killed. That really saddens me.
Thank you for what you were trying to do for the homeless. I hope that you will continue that work - perhaps in another location.
BlueCollar
(3,859 posts)or attempted assault. People who behave like this are validated every time they do something like this and they are not challenged...and the community will be viewed as condoning it.
stevenleser
(32,886 posts)Make those perpetrating bigotry through violence pay in every way possible.
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)The preacher needs help.
nolabear
(42,001 posts)I say this not with any venom toward Christians, but hiding an assault behind the veil of Christianity does a disservice to those who not only believe differently but also believe it's not okay to harm someone who thinks differently. He did to you what he wants to do to Obama, he attacked you. Not okay. His followers need to know it's not okay.
I think it might be important to make this part of your case if you bring one. That he may beileve differently but it's illegal and wrong to attack someone or encourage anyone to attack someone (not to mention the President!) for disagreeing with you.
I'm sorry your good deed was punished. You sound like a mensch.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)Put him in jail.
At the end of the day, you may be helping him, as he'll possibly get medical treatment that he isn't getting, and probably can't access right now.
blackspade
(10,056 posts)You should file a police report.
When assholes like this do this and get away with it, they only escalate.
As a non Christian, I applaud your support for your community in the face of such bigotry.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)If witnesses will speak up. These jackasses need to know that violence will not be tolerated.
DFW
(54,480 posts)One--you press charges, and he knows this behavior was unacceptable. Was it?
Two--you do nothing and let him think he did absolutely the right thing. Did he?
your choice
Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)That behavior is unacceptable in a civilized society. If you give this shit a pass, you enable him to think that he's somehow entitled to run around telling other people how to live their lives. This sort of authoritarianism is out of control, and people need to stand up to it.
I respect your decision to handle this as you see fit, but you're not just acting for yourself, you're acting for all the future potential victims of a potentially out of control, violent person who has apparently decided he needs to foist his shit upon the rest of the world.
Also, if he's making threats against people, anyone really but especially the president, you need to get the FBI and/or Secret Service involved. When these people aren't taken seriously, we get tragedies.
I have no doubt that there are some right-wingers and homophobes who are seriously unhinged by yesterday's announcement. Hang in there, and I'm glad you're OK.
Also: "I was asked to leave the property and never return"... that just says it all, doesn't it?
Call Me Wesley
(38,187 posts)I don't see any Christianity (and I ain't one,) in this pastor's eternal soul. I just hope he never travels to Europe. It's like hell. Even the Christians here are not real ones, because they're mostly in favor of the LGBT community.
Bolo Boffin
(23,796 posts)I hope there will be more to this story and you're allowed to keep participating in this good work for the community.
BiggJawn
(23,051 posts)Pastor needs to learn this "any means necessary" crap has consequences.
Ask Richard Humphreys...
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (AP) -- A man who made a remark about a "burning Bush" during the president's March 2001 trip to Sioux Falls was sentenced Friday to 37 months in prison.
Richard Humphreys of Portland, Oregon was convicted in September of threatening to kill or harm the president and said he plans to appeal. He has said the comment was a prophecy protected under his right to free speech.
Humphreys said he got into a barroom discussion in nearby Watertown with a truck driver. A bartender who overheard the conversation realized the president was to visit Sioux Falls the next day and told police Humphreys talked about a "burning Bush" and the possibility of someone pouring a flammable liquid on Bush and lighting it.
"I said God might speak to the world through a burning Bush," Humphreys testified during his trial. "I had said that before and I thought it was funny."
But he'll skate, because the Feds are squeamish about jailing "pastors" and he'll just claim he was "speaking allegorically" anyway.
Rex
(65,616 posts)Cudos for the way you handled the situation. It must be so sad to exist in such a tiny world as your attacker does.