Cardboard cut-out of candidate found hanging from tree at small Christian university A life-sized cardboard cut-out of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama was found hanging from a tree on the campus of a small Christian university in Newberg, Oregon. According to the Associated Press, officials at George Fox University said a custodian discovered the effigy early Tuesday and removed it. University spokesman Rob Felton said Wednesday that the commercially produced reproduction had been suspended from the branch of a tree with fishing line around the neck. Taped to the cardboard cutout was a message targeting participants in Act Six, a scholarship program geared toward increasing the number of minority and low-income students at several Christian colleges, mostly in the Northwest. The message read, "Act Six reject." The school has 17 students in the Act Six program, whose name derives from the New Testament book of Acts. All but one are members of minority groups, Felton said. Students in the program receive full scholarships and are selected on the basis of leadership potential. Administrators said Wednesday they do not know who hung the effigy, but school officials are working with the Newberg police to find out who was responsible. Felton said few people saw the effigy before it was taken down. Newberg police Sgt. Tim Weaver said the police department has notified the U.S. Secret Service, although it's not clear yet whether the act was a crime. At the end of the college's regular chapel service Wednesday, George Fox University President Robin Baker told students he was "disheartened and outraged." "It has been my dream to establish a university that more adequately represents the kingdom of God," he said. "This act causes some to question our commitment." Baker added, "What I've learned is we still have work to do."
This is obviously more evidence that children ( man's body child's brain ) must play ! No responsible , intelligent adult would do something like this ! :smt119
Not to mention, racism will ALWAYS exist. This should be of no suprise at any given time. There will always be haters. Obama has come this far and I'm sure he'll go further.
If Jesus knew what kind of Christians he had running around here, he'd climb back up on the cross and start all over again.:smt009
You forget, this is a college and therefore, for all intents and purposes they are adults and "theoretically" intelligent. Secondly, intelligence and being responsible are relative concepts. Third, this is a "Christian" college and, merely, by designation leaves it suspect (IMHO). There is a saying that, in America, the most segregated time in the week is the time spent in church. Now, I am not saying that all churches are segregated any more than I am saying that Christianity is a racist concept but, I will say that it, being the "driving force" behind the calling of those to worship under one roof/umbrella, has grown to be one of the biggest proponents of exclusivity known in this country. The doctrines and dogma in the church, these days, is constantly one of, and I paraphrase here, if you do not act like us; think like us; worship like us; see the world like us; or choose to be like us then you shall perish in the ever-lasting fire. I know that is a rather severe approach on my part but I don't think it is far from the actual ideologue. After having read that, you can assume that I am neither surprised nor shocked at this event. What I am about to say, in all earnest is not a slight to anyone here nor is it in anyway condoning the actions of the people who carried out this act. I have been around for much longer than some of you on this board and have not been oblivious to the actions of my country. I have seen way too many things to not be cynical and no, this is not gonna be some kind of "listen here son" type of thing. Keeping that in mind, see no intent of malice with what I have to say here. If you believe that intelligent responsible people would not engage in such behaviour, you have another think coming. This country was founded on the idea of providing the platform for people to do exactly what these people have done. Is it offensive? Hell yes! Is it right? From a moral standpoint, no it isn't. Can we safely say that it is an isolated incident? For the moment, yes. Will it stay that way? I sure as hell, hope so. However, experience tells me, and I pray that I am wrong, that this is but the tip of the iceberg - much like the proverbial beast that lurks in the water and attacks at the most unexpected moment. We can all bask in the warmth of having a Black presiderntial candidate and sing Kum ba yah but the fact of the matter is that there is a reality that lies just below the surface. As much as this is the 21st-Century, there are way too many folk who aren't ready, in this country, for a Black president. Go ahead, call me "whack" or "off-da-chain" and I pray that you are right but I am a realist, not to be confused with a pessimist, as my mother would say on this matter - I have seen what this country is capable of - with its children (see Kent State and the 1968 Democratic convention); its leaders who seek to do the right thing (Bobby, John, & Martin); and how they abuse the unsuspecting (the Tuskegee Syphilis Study). Need I go on? Yes, this country needs change and it is ripe for it and I do believe that Obama is the one who can bring it to fruition. But, I am holding my breath. We have been here before and every time something has happened to curtail the winds of change for the sake of the status quo. So, when I see an effigy of Obama, or, men being picked up for allegedly carrying elements of destruction, or it being alleged that someone is arrested for threats , it does not surprise me. What would surprise me? Obama gets elected and lives long enough to either carry out or at least have his ideals firmly entrenched in both the actions and the psyche of the american collective. Okay...I have ranted enough so, I leave with this sentiment: I wish from the bottom of my heart that Obama wins this election - not because he is Black but because he is the best qualified to do what needs to be done in this country - that is to shake it the fuck up before it is too goddamned late. I'm done... Peace Rick
