KnowThyNeighbor.org Refutes Intimidation Charges; Moves Forward With Site

[Ian David]

Press Release

For Release: September 10, 2005

KnowThyNeighbor.org Refutes Intimidation Charges; Moves Forward With Website
http://www.knowthyneighbor.org/pr/091005.html

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, MA, September 10, 2005 -- Despite calls by opposition groups to shut down their website because it is "intimidating," KnowThyNeigbor.org will move forward with plans to provide online access to the names of those signing Petition #05-02, the Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage.

KnowThyNeighbor.org webmaster Aaron Toleos states, "We will in no way be altering our plans as a result of this pressure. The site will proceed as planned."

Toleos explains that his organization's decision is based on the traditional posting of petitions in public spaces throughout history and the fact that the very legitimacy of the initiative petition process hinges on the idea that private citizens are willing to back up the strength of their convictions by placing their signatures on a document for all to see.

"If you don't feel strongly enough to sign it in public, then you shouldn't sign it," states Toleos, "That's how the initiative petition process is supposed to work."

Responding to the "intimidation" charges, KnowThyNeighbor.org has come out in full support of the rights of all citizens to sign the petition and outrightly condemns anyone who might consider harming a person or their property in retribution. But Toleos clarifies, "Let's be honest about who's really being intimidated here. It's the same-sex couples and their children who have been singled out by the Massachusetts Family Institute to have their rights eliminated who really need to be protected."

Toleos, 34, who lives in Boxford with his wife and two children serves as Co-Director of KnowThyNeighbor.org in addition to his role as webmaster. Earlier reports incorrectly identify gay activist Tom Lang as the lone driving force behind the site. "In fact," Lang states, "Aaron and I have
taken on equal roles in moving this project forward."

After only two days online, KnowThyNeighbor.org has attracted more than 250 volunteers and made the rounds of blogs across the nation.

Contacts:
Tom Lang, Co-Director, [phone]
Aaron Toleos, Webmaster & Co-Director, [phone]

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[w13rd0]

1. Fantastic...

...I hope someone makes one for Missouri. I want to know when I visit a client if they hate me for who I am, that way I can "respond appropriately".

[displacedtexan]

2. When you think about it...

it's pretty hilarious that vicious bigots feel "intimidated" when forced to show their hatred in public.

Cockroaches, the ot of them.

They know what they're doing is wrong.

[Ian David]

5. I feel this paragraph is particularly important...

Toleos explains that his organization's decision is based on the traditional posting of petitions in public spaces throughout history and the fact that the very legitimacy of the initiative petition process hinges on the idea that private citizens are willing to back up the strength of their convictions by placing their signatures on a document for all to see.

Also, there was a similar ballot measure, and once the list was posted online...

People saw their own names had been added to the list without their knowledge or consent!

In fact, if I remember correctly, it was the same company collecting signatures for that initiative that is collecting the ones for this campaign.

I could be wrong, so please double-check me. I'm wrong about 1/12 of the time, and I'm too busy right now to be thorough.

[iamjoy]

3. The So-Called Pro-Lifers

Used to publish & distribute names and addresses of abortion doctors, while calling abortion murder. Their followers would picket in front of these homes & harassed the families.

And yes, one doctor was shot in his own home by a sniper.

I don't think they could stop these groups, free speech and all, so I don't see how they can stop this. Of course, for some, hypocrisy knows no bounds.

[Ian David]

4. Good point. If you picket one of their homes, you could do this...

If you picket outside the home of one of the anti-gay people, have one guy holding a sign accusing Dr. Barnett Slepian of being a murdering abortion doctor.

When questioned by the media, just comment that a friend had the sign left-over from a similar protest, and you figured you'd might as well use it instead of making a new sign from scratch.

Yes, there will be a "What-The-Fuck-Moment" as the non-sequitor is processed, but eventually (I think) most people will understand the irony.

[Ayesha]

6. CA needs this too

They are trying to get an initiative on the ballot to ban marriage AND domestic partnership rights. I would sure like to know which of my neighbors hate my family!

I have web design skills and would be willing to help out with such a project, if anyone else is interested. However, I know very little about the ballot process in CA and how we would go about obtaining the names/addresses.