[SDCPJ] Fwd: I need your moral support

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	I need your moral support
Date:	Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:39:04 -0700
From:	douglas porter <dougporter506@gmail.com>
To:	Andrea Guerrero <andiguerrero@gmail.com>, Richard Barrera <rbcoi@yahoo.com>, Carlos LeGerrette <chavezclubs@cox.net>, vince compagnone <vincecompagnone@cox.net>, Cindy Marten <cmarten@znet.com>, David Lagstein <dlagstein@calorganize.net>, Matthew Eisen <me@crosskeysmedia.com>, faharijeffers <faharijeffers@aol.com>, "SD Coalition For Peace & Justice" <info@sdcpj.org>, Jean Louis <jean-louis@educate4future.org>, Ken Msemaji <KSMsemaji@smwlocal206.com>, Kelly Mayhew <kellysm99@earthlink.net>, linda.chavezclubs@cox.net, patwashingtonphd <patwashingtonphd@aol.com>, ramone <respinal1@cox.net>

Many of you are aware of my involvement with the OBRag.org blog.  Mostly I write about local politics for them.  

Over the past two weeks, we have found ourselves at the center of a controversy about the homeless situation in Ocean Beach.  For background, I suggest this article: http://obrag.org/?p=21614. Our position on this issue has not been a popular one: we say that selling merchandise that denigrates the homeless is morally wrong. I understand that this issue is complex and emotional.

What I'm writing you about is the undertone of hatred and violence that has been directed our way recently.  Today (4-6pm) we are picketing the store (The Black, 5017 Newport Ave) at the center of the controversy. We are asking people to sign petitions (http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/we-say-no-to-please-dont-feed-our-bums) and demanding that the store donate a share of its profits from this merchandise to groups that help the homeless.  Based on the hate mail and phone calls that we've received, we have reason to suspect (see the story above) that we'll be physically attacked today.  We're going anyway. It's a matter of principle.

All I'm asking of you is that you keep us in your prayers; if you can stop by with a camera or post a supportive comment on the blog it would be much appreciated. 

It's a lot different doing this sort of thing when you're 60 and have a family than it was when I was 20 and had minimal responsibilities. Your support would be much appreciated.

We will announce the formation of an interfaith council of the Churches in OB to help with the homeless issue some time over the next couple of days.

Doug Porter

--
We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." -Ben Franklin