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Captivated by Magic
POCATELLO, ID---The pro-family activists arrived in Pocatello, ID, early Friday evening just as the streets
were beginning to be closed off for the big "Hometown" parade. Disney had preceded them by weeks and
their groundwork was clearly evident. Shops, restaurants and businesses were all decked out with mouse signs
and welcome slogans. Members of the local media, politicians, and chamber of commerce were all unusually
upbeat and friendly as this small town stepped into the spotlight.Everything seemed as American as apple
pie. The artificial charm was convincing even by Disney's standards.
Sadly, as this hometown opened itself up to the "magic" of Mickey's kingdom, many of Pocatello's residents
were unwittingly closing themselves off to the truth of Christ's heavenly Kingdom.Saturday morning began with
more of a whimper than a bang as the three pro-life activists split up and peppered the assembled crowd with
literature documenting Disney's cooperate sins. Some people complained, others winced, while many more
simply read the hand-out produced by the American Family Association (AFA) in conjunction with Collegians
Activated to Liberate Life (CALL).Chris Kennedy, CALL's Outreach Director, and along with the two other
volunteers handed out 2500 flyers to the anxious crowd awaiting the start of the parade.
While there was some hostility, quite a few fruitful discussions were had with locals who expressed genuine
surprise when they found out how the massive Disney empire is using its financial power to subvert the
objective laws of God and attack the family. The response that was most disappointing however, was when
some individuals responded cynically "Why would I want to boycott Disney?" as they ripped up the fact sheet
giving them more than sufficient reasons in answer to their question. How true were the words of Scripture as
they were fulfilled in Pocatello: "they traded their truth for lies." (OT ) The relative calm of the pre-parade
activism gave way to utter chaos as the final entry after Mickey himself in the Disney parade was immediately
followed by the three protesters.
With signs and banners in hand, Chris Kennedy, Matt Bowman and Will Goodman boldly yet humbly stepped
into the empty void of the street just before the crowd would leave to go to their cars. In open view of all
30-40,000 spectators, these three defied the false claim by Disney executives that this is a family event, and
exposed the grim reality that cash
garnered from this event (and others) will
be used for slaughtering babies in the
womb, promoting sodomy and perversion,
and advancing the blatant defamation of
Christians. They resisted all impulses to
keep the illusory peace and not speak out
against Satan's deception, and instead they
brought to light the darkness behind the
Disney Corporation's radical anti-Christian
agenda. The extremely negative response
of the seeming majority of the crowd was
indescribable.
As though these gentle Christians were
their worst enemies, the once placid Mickey fans now screamed and bellowed like they were possessed by the
most vicious of demons. These parade goers threw hard candy like stones, shouted insults, and hurled bottles
and trash with the direct intention to do bodily harm. Meanwhile, people laughed as the three young men were
pelted with debris, had water dumped on them, and were insulted in ways too vile to be printed here. Men and
women, young and old, children and teens alike vented their rage on these three peaceful witnesses for nearly
two straight miles. The crowd, which in the morning paper had been described as "very cooperative, and family
oriented" erupted into a wave of venom that carried down the street as the protestors passed their viewing
locations.
The police, as coldly indifferent protectors, surrounded the protesters to try and discourage the [violent Disney]
fans from rushing the three and ripping them to pieces. Some defiant, self-anointed Disney defenders, oblivious
to the police presence, breached the police line and confronted the pro-lifers on many occasions. In one case, a
mad teenager stormed up to the banner which read "Disney supports abortion, sodomy and violent films" and
ripped it away from Will Goodman
and Chris Kennedy. The police, to
their credit, did stop the young man,
but did not say anything more to him
than, "put it down." In the last quarter
mile of the parade, alternative urban
youths and some older homosexuals
fell in behind the protesters and
stalked them to the last block. This
cluster of counter-protesters were
unusually bitter and violent in their
behavior.
They yelled "I want to sodomize you,"
while demanding that the police
remove the Christians from the street
because of their "hate speech." They hypocritically and sarcastically yelled Scripture quotes out of context,
"Judge not, lest ye be judged," while others slammed their fists into their hands and called the Christians
"faggots" and other unsavory slurs. At one point a police officer on his bike rode up to Will and commented that
they had great courage to march there with the anti-Disney signs. Other officers just shook their heads at the
Christians and explained apologetically to the crowd that they're hands were tied, they could not do anything.
As the parade concluded, the anger escalated. A young man on a mountainbike stole the two banners as
another group of young men took two signs away from Matt Bowman while the mob cheered.
The counter-protesting youths surrounded Matt, Will and Chris and started attacking them verbally, trying to
incite a fight. Just as a riot was about to break out in the streets of Pocatello, the police intervened and shouted
at the Christians, "Get out of here! Get out of town!" So they did, even though they were still being followed by
others yelling angrily. The activists stayed together on main streets so as not to be ambushed as they went to
their car, having communicated their message far and wide that day.
On this sunny day in Pocatello, being an anti-Disney Christian was like being a Jew walking the streets in 1940
Berlin, it was risky business. Just wearing the t-shirts with "Love Jesus" on the front and "Boycott Disney" on
the back was enough to earn anyone a
chance to be jumped by an intolerant lynch
gang. By the goodness of Almighty God,
His same grace which brought them to
Pocatello and sustained them during the
parade kept them from harm's way after
the parade had ended. In the midst of all
this, there were signs of hope.
Two groups of Mormons expressed
appreciation for utilizing this opportunity to
tell the truth about Disney's evil
policies. Other Christian supporters who
had given thumbs-up during the parade
came up afterwards to shake the hands of
those who would not stand idly by while Disney's deception paraded as a "whitened sepulture." Although vocal
Christians were in the minority, one can only hope that others with "eyes to see" woke up and realized that
those who were supporting Mickey were acting like crazed lunatics. Maybe this incredible incident taught other
Christians in the crowd that they cannot sit back while our culture is in the midst of a war.Yet, what causes
people who want to go see cartoon characters waving from colorful floats, marching bands, and old cars, turn
from smiling spectators into a maniacal mob crying for blood? What closes the mind of Americans so easily as
anyone questioning their entertainment and pleasure? Why do laughter and rage keep such close company in
the hearts of so many? The answers are not complex.
The battle that is older than mankind is daily manifested in our nation. The Disney sepulture is not so different
from that of the abortion mill which has nice flower baskets outside and a pretty waiting room, while all hell cuts
loose in the killing room. Temptation is always appealing. Bad things don't tempt as well as those that seem on
the surface to be good. Responses that are equally superficial defend evil while seeking the justification of the
world. And yet, the violence is only an excuse to flee from one's own pain from buying the temptation as
truth. Such a forgery will always bring pain when humans exchange the truth for a lie. The truth then becomes
captive. There is no room for reason, love or beauty where the opposite is contained. The two cannot hold the
same place. The enchantment and lure of Disney is the slick style of the devil. People turn off their mind
because it is convenient. People kill children because they are inconvenient.
When a protester explained to the crowd that "It's about the money, not the mouse," the crowd blindly
responded in unison "We love Mickey!" Even sarcastic twelve-year-old boys were mouthing sardonically,
"Worship Mickey! Go to the Church of Mickey! Bow down!" Is this magic? It is. The truth intentionally hidden
as if it were a joke, something laughable. Well, what Disney is doing is no laughing matter. And the forces at
work in our culture are positioned to gain much from this slight of hand. To many Americans these days,
attacking the truths of Christ Jesus and His followers is so funny that they are willing to prove themselves with
violence.
We Christians have seen this before,
in Rome, the Coliseum, and many
subsequent times since. Yet, through
it all Jesus provides His timeless
answer. He raises up His people just
as He raised up His own life on the
third day. Death cannot win in this
contest.
Where God leads, His people
follow. We are called to preach the
Gospel in and out of season. Evil is
loose in America. Disney is only one
sign in our age that some Americans
are welcoming the anti-Christ. But
the answer is to be found on the Holy Cross. The evil ones cannot suppress the truth of our Lord! As St. Paul
says "Nothing can separate us from the love of God we have in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8) Our culture is
thirsting not for another Disney animated film or theme park. Our culture is thirsting for the Precious Blood of
the Lamb of God. And standing up for the truth in love whenever it is affronted is the greatest act of love we
can give to our fellow brothers and sisters who are captivated by the magic of enemy of God.
Will Goodman of Madison, WI
"The Mickey Gauntlet"
In the aftermath of my participation in protests at the Disney "Mickey's Hometown Parade" in Pocatello, Idaho,
I am reminded of the Jesuit Christian missionaries who brought the faith to North American natives. Bringing a
Gospel that was often in opposition to the native culture, many of these men became martyrs for the Church.
Many died through torture in what was called a gauntlet, a tunnel of natives through which the tortured were
forced and beaten, often dying from concussions and internal bleeding before exiting the tunnel of death. So
was our plight in the small Idaho town of Pocatello, a seemingly innocent cross-section of home-grown
Americana. But woe to those who scratch the surface, and that we did. On the morning of July 31, 1999 Will
Goodman, Matt Bowman, and myself distributed literature to locals attending Disney's "Mickey Parade."
Our information explained how Disney has gravely and consistently contributed to the culture of death and lust
in recent years, and it urged them to therefore boycott Disney products and films. After handing out 2500 fliers,
we jumped in at the back of the
parade with a banner reading "Disney
Funds Abortion, Sodomy, Violent
Films," as well as a sign reading
"Disney has Betrayed the American
family," and "Boycott Disney's
Anti-Christian Bigotry." For one hour
we endured boos, hisses, yelling,
screaming, thrown food and bottles,
two attacks, every name in the book,
and one serious threat of violence by
a group of adolescents and gays. The
majority of the crowd, estimated at
about forty thousand in number, beat
us with their words.
I personally received more insults in that one hour than in my entire life combined. Writing this article one day
after the "spiritual gauntlet," I am still unsettled by the darkness that exploded from the superficially peaceful
crowd and festive atmosphere. Our protest proved a victory because (1) our testimony to the Gospel of Life
glorified the One who sent us, (2) we educated families about the demonic forces hidden within the walls of the
Magic Kingdom, (3) many people thanked us for our courage and (4) we further brought about our own
personal victory, the eternal prize which awaits us beyond death in the presence of Divine Mercy. May His
Mercy convert Disney and the entire world to the name of Jesus Christ!
By Chris Kennedy of Tulsa, OK
Here is an example of how it isn't just the president or the government or even Disney that's destroying our nation, but the people in general (of whom the government and immoral corporations are comprised) who are themselves sick- in the heart. Only Jesus Christ could save this nation.
McDonalds is not the ugly american. Disney is.
Overt politics aside, Disney has became loud, obnoxious,
and displeasing to cultured sensibilities.
As I said, I think it's a people problem in general. Although there are some strongholds and some vocal activists for the destruction of moral America, this article demonstrates the fact that the people have adopted similar worldviews. It may be a question of which came first, the chicken or the egg (no pun intended), but that question is moot. Our deep-rooted problems are only solvable by Jesus Christ. Any solution for what ails modern America is in vain if it does not take this into account. Ps- Nice name, "tom"! :)
First of all, let me say I salute your courage. It is not easy to enter the lion's den with head held high. It is even harder to LEAVE.
With that praise in mind, let me also say that I think you were foolish to do this. You succeeded only in establishing your miniscule numbers and influence, which, far from converting anyone to your cause, probably caused ambivalent onlookers to go with the crowd. You were three against 40,000, and only incited the anger and hostility of the crowd. You were truly lucky you got out with your lives.
Is what you did noble? Yes. Is it foolhardy? Equally yes. You don't answer to me for your actions, and the Lord will probably honor you for your devotion. But I believe He also honors those who exercise a little more discretion.
You mean discreet like Christ was discreet?
L
If you're comparing this group to Christ, you're sadly mistaken. Christ had a destiny to fulfill; He could choose no other. That destiny created in Him HUGE obligations, inlcuding the obligation to lay down His life for Mankind.
While these protesters are well-meaning, and highly courageous, their actions in this arena were counter-productive. Christ's weren't. They succeeded precisely as they were ordained to.
If you want to compare these folks to the Son of God, then remember how He ended up ...
You don't have to invite martyrdom to spread the Word of God. Sometimes, it is hard to avoid the antipathy of the crowd. But actively seeking it is not part of God's entrance requirements.
L: Post above was supposed to be addressed to you. I'm not given to arguing with myself. Yet.
Thanks for the post. Those guys had a lot of guts to do what they did. The reaction from the crowd in mostly conservative Idaho is disquieting, however.
Here's a link to a somewhat long and speculative (?) but very interesting piece on Disney:
Assuming you are a Christian, of all the groups of people out there, including the blatant Christian-haters, your type bewilders me the most- always offering up parameters by which followers of Christ should abide that they might live in safety and not offend anyone else. I know you have good intentions, but the result is that you fight us from the inside. The truth is, the periods of history since Christ's crucifiction where the Gospel could be shared without causing violent reaction are the exception, and even then only in specific cultures (like Old America or Old England). Look at the apostle Paul at Ephesus when he gave a speech to a huge crowd and nearly lost his life in a riot. Would you call him foolish as well? You wouldn't be the first. But we are to love the praises of God more than man. [They] were three against 40,000, and only incited the anger and hostility of the crowd. [They] were truly lucky [that they]
got out with [their] lives. And this is my whole point: It is 3 against 40,000 in hometown America where followers of Christ are concerned. And if one truly believes that Christians are the salt in a culture, then this is heart-breaking news. You don't have to invite martyrdom to spread the Word of God. Maybe not, but the reaction to the Gospel is not within our control. "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater
than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also
persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. [John 15:20]
What you say is true. Saving America by human strength alone is utterly impossible.
Three brave souls speaking Truth. If you changed even ONE heart, you were successful. Bless you!
I'm sorry, but after reading the replies to your thread, and your post itself, I am shaken. It is always difficult for me to face the immense decline of our culture. To know that there are that many in a town of that size who would do this, is cold water in my face.
Whether or not the actions of the 3 were noble, intelligent, politically correct from a Biblical stance, the message I got from reading this is WAKE UP! If those police officers had not given their 'protective discouragement' those 3 would have been as dead as our soldiers in Somalia.
We are truly not far from the possibility of the two witnesses lying dead in the streets while the whole world has a party. I do not agree with the KKK, or gay activists who march, or myriad other groups, but I do not turn on them with rage and abuse. He is definately making his presence known these days...and the clock is ticking.
You may consider me such, but I am not your enemy. I said at the outset that I respected your courage. But courage alone isn't sufficient for the battle. Wisdom is. Discretion is. Love is.
One poster responded -- as I knew someone would -- that "if you changed even one heart, it was worth it." Ask yourself this: what if the change of heart was for the worse? What if your campaign offended so many people that someone who was wavering came down on the side of the abortionists? Was that worth it?
You have chosen to promote your view your way. And I salute you for the courage you've shown in stepping into the teeth of the gale. But I believe there are better ways, and more effective ways. People who believe that they must suffer for God always make we wonder about their motives. I don't suspect you of ulterior goals; you seem to be honest enough. And I am not trying to dissuade you from your mission. If this is the vehicle you've chosen to spread the Word, then so be it. I just caution against counter-productive confrontations that do nothing but inflame an already irrational passion, and result in a few more dead Christians. My concern is for your well-being, and for your safety. If that makes me your enemy, then you need to study your friends.
We all choose the path we walk. Your path is different than mine, but I wish you well on your journey.
ou may consider me such, but I am not your enemy. No, I don't- but it gets hard to tell the difference when your 'friends' always have advice as to how you can keep politically correct and not rock the boat. Reminds me of the (bad) advice Job got from his friends. In times like these, brothers need encouragement, not lectures. What if your campaign offended so many people that
someone who was wavering came down on the side of the abortionists? These three people were not being obnoxious, it was the message itself which incited anger. Again, I could show you several occurences in the Bible where Christians, even the Apostles, used the same method. If you're hoping for some golden oppurtunity to state the truth in a way that minimizes it's abrasiveness on those who aren't willing to listen, chances are it will never come. I'm certain, as the author stated, that there were people at that parade who have had their interest in the Gospel sparked as a result of having witnessed the appalling behavior demonstrated by the majority of the crowd.
Jesus christ saves no nation.
...but you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the aliens living among you must not do any of these detestable things, for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled. And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you. [Leviticus 18:26-28] Now, while it is true that no one can ride the shirt tales of anyone (other than Jesus) into heaven, the point is clearly made in the Bible that if the people don't honor God, their nation is doomed. Conversely, God will exalt the nation that does honor him- which, IMHO, is how America reached her zenith.
This is difficult to confirm, since countries are only temporary, man-made classifications. There is no static country, no border that effects the ineffable, and no nation that has ever avoided eventually falling, jesus or no jesus. It seems rather premature to assume that our nation was at any time 'blessed', or, conversely, that it is not now, since every country, at any time in its history, could be deemed good or bad. It all depends on who's looking at it.
It all depends on who's looking at
it.
God is, and His opinion is all that matters.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
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