More Meade Madness. . .

[kevinbgoode]

As some of you likely already realize, Meade, Kansas has been in the spotlight among several blogs concerning the ongoing battle between homegrown bigots and Lakeway Hotel owners who originally chose to fly a rainbow flag because it was a gift from their 12-year-old son. Naturally, the local newspaper, "christian" radio station and a collection of local residents decided that a rainbow flag flown on private property was just not acceptable, so after lots of typical rightwing threats and declarations that flying the flag was like "raising the Nazi flag over a Jewish community" - someone came along and ripped it down. The Knights, owners of the hotel/restaurant, are replacing it. . .and they have received thousands of emails in support of their right to fly this flag.

Here is the latest local story about the controversy:

http://www.hutchnews.com/news/regional/stories/meade080506.shtml

[MuseRider]

1. A story about what we are doing.

http://www.lauras-playground.com/lakeway_hotel.htm

KEC is doing some things to support the Lakeway Hotel owners. I think there is talk about our state board meeting there in a few months to be hosted by the Southwest chapter. For now the SW chapter is doing what they can by meeting there and holding a raffle. It is a long long drive for most of us but we think it will be a great thing to do.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. And the insanity continues

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1899337&mesg_id=1899337

[MuseRider]

3. Response from KEC

WICHITA, KANSAS -- The Kansas Equality Coalition reacted with dismay and disappointment today to news of a threat inked onto a block was thrown through the window of a Meade, Kan., hotel at the center of a controversy over the rainbow flag.


The Lakeway Hotel, located in Meade, Kansas, has been at the center of a recent controversy over their flying of a rainbow flag from the front of the building. The flag, seen by many as the symbol of the gay rights movement, has drawn an increasingly hostile reaction from local residents.

“Violence and intimidation are always wrong,” said Thomas Witt, chair of the Equality Coalition. “We know that our fellow Kansans are fair-minded people who will stand up and reject acts of hatred and intolerance against their neighbors.”

Rural Kansans practice the Golden Rule, said Anne Mitchell, chair of the Equality Coalition's Southwest chapter. "Rural Kansas has always been known for its 'live and let live' attitude," she said "These are isolated acts by a few people who don't represent the vast majority of our neighbors and friends. However, this kind of harassment will continue until the good people of the state stand up for their neighbors."

The Kansas Equality Coalition is a unified, statewide, nonpartisan coalition of people who work to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Equality Coalition works to ensure the dignity, safety and legal equality of all Kansans. Established in 2005 and with seven chapters throughout the state, the Equality Coalition includes members who are straight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered and from all walks of life.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. How wonderful to have that response!

And so quickly! The tide is turning, Muse. We are taking our state back from bigots. Good work, KEC!!

:yourock:

[ComerPerro]

5. Ever notice that these wannabe brownshirt fascists are really quick

to call other people Nazis, while they themselves practice Nazi and totalitarian tactics?

"Oh, we are so oppressed by that rainbow flag."

When God supposedly created rainbows after Noah's flood, was it a slap in the face to Noah to see God's obvious endorsement of homosexuality?

[MuseRider]

6. Going there this weekend.

It is the weekend of our KEC state board meeting and we decided to have it there this month. It just happens to be the day that Phelps, the Patriot Guard, BBC, LOGO and MTV are supposed to be there. Should be much fun. We have a DJ that is going to play off the balcony, a raffle and all kinds of fun. Nothing is better than having fun in front of Fred.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. Great!

Be sure to take lots of pictures.