Carla G. posted an article regarding the 9/23 incident of Obama being hung in effigy at George Fox University. She quoted from President Robin Baker's denunciation of this action.
That anyone would hang another in effigy is a sad comment on society in my view, while it is an established practice. At this time in our political season, with all of the issues facing the government and the electorate, an action like this is hardly productive. I would like to add some links for those unfamiliar with the university and what it stands for as some of the comments on her article indicated that some think this is a "Christian" thing.
From the webpage dedicated to a response:
George Fox University Response to Sept. 23 Campus Incident
At 7 a.m. on Sept. 23, a university employee discovered a life-sized cardboard cutout of Barack Obama attached by fishing line to a tree near Minthorn Hall. A sign that read "Act Six reject" was taped to the store-bought cardboard cutout. The employee immediately removed it. It is believed that only two students saw the display before it was removed.
Campus ReactionThe display has been condemned by the university board of trustees, the president and the student government. President Robin Baker addressed more than 1,200 students and staff on Wednesday morning. "We will not tolerate such displays and condemn it in the strongest terms," he said. "George Fox University is committed to becoming a place that more broadly represents the Kingdom of God - a place where students from diverse backgrounds come together to live out the teachings of Jesus in our world. We are all created in the image of God and placed in this world to reflect the character of God."
Full text of President Baker's address to students
Board of Trustees statement condemns act
Student Government statement condemns act
Apology letter to Senator Obama
Additional information and links are located at this webpage.
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George Fox University is a Christian University established on Quaker tradition.
As a matter of response to God's leading, spiritual responsibility, and scriptual teaching, Quakers have been active members (and at times, leaders) of the movements for racial equality, justice, education, relief work (including anti-poverty programs and natural disaster relief), immigration reform and peace. George Fox University has a history of sending student groups to participate in these activities around the world as part of their college experience and training.
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Comments: 18
What a moron. Now the FBI is investigating (and will undoubtedly find this kid) and he will be on a watch list or perhaps even incarcerated as a threat to a presidential candidate. Somebody at home didn't get through to this pathetic little bigot.
Then again, some people don't take racism or bigotry all that seriously. One of the Gather members posted a photo-shopped picture of Sarah Palin getting a shoe shine. I will leave it to your imagination to guess who the 'shoe shine' man was. Yes, this person who hugn the effigy is pathetic along with our own Gather member. They are childish, immature and complete morons. Unfortunately, all we can do is ignore these people, or as the ancients used to say, 'Shun them'.
1) while the incident was designed to be inflamatory, that would not largely have happened without media exposure. I'm reminded of an (older) Anne Murray song, Little Good News that talks about nothing to report because there is no bad news ... its too bad there isn't a flavour for the good.
2) Racism and bigotry exist, are serious, and will impact this election.
3) The perpetrator(s) will be branded for life when caught. I wonder, if one of them runs for president 25 years from now, if this action will dog them like the community organizer work Obama did with Wm Ayers has labeled him part of Ayers former life.
I would encourage that we don't allow ourselves to make these incidents larger than they are. We must, however, do our part in our own circles to encourage that they do not happen again.