When Homophobes Become Terrorists

Take a look at the miserable face of a liberal-hating homophobic terrorist.

Because that's who he is, and that's what it was.

At a news conference Monday, Knoxville Police Chief Sterling Owen IV said Adkisson left a note in his vehicle before entering the church, thinking police would kill him after the shooting began.

Owen said the letter, signed by Adkisson but not addressed to anyone, expressed hatred for gay people and what he called the liberal movement.

The church was home to several gay and gay-friendly groups and recently posted a "gays welcome" sign "as part of its long-range planning to conduct more outreach and welcome" to gay men and lesbians.

They've been killing and hurting us forever. Now they are killing and hurting our friends.

I could say so much but it would probably be so angry I would regret it later. And it would be the worst possible way to remember the victims. And honour their message of tolerance and love.

So I'll leave it up to Chet Scoville at the Vanity Press to say what needs to be said..

The same loathing of "liberals" that has raised cash and gotten out the vote for Republicans, the same feelings of inchoate anger that have convinced millions to vote against their own interests in the name of screwing some nameless Other that they hate and blame, are what moved this man to walk into a liberal church and start gunning people down. His actions were a straightforward fulfillment of some of the conservative movement's most powerful words, and of the feelings of impotence and rage that those words continually evoke.

Until and unless American conservatism actually expunges the anti-"liberal" hatred from its rhetoric and motivations, I see no reason to let the movement disown this guy who shares and is clearly motivated by that same hatred. They made him, whether they like it or not.

And just add this heartbreaking account.

Yup. Greg McKendry, the hero who was killed trying to shield the others, was fostering trans kids with his wife. The kids who are hardest to place. The kids nobody wants.

You know sometimes I get so angry and frustrated by all the hate and bullshit directed at us by the Christian Church, I forget that there are many good Christians out there. Like Greg McKendry a great human being and a hero....and all the other members of that progressive religious community.

This church has always loved everyone in the community and would turn their back on no one.

I may be an atheist, but I'm not ashamed to admit that if I lived in Knoxville... and I saw that Gays Welcome sign....I'd be proud to help that congregation and its wonderfully caring human mission in any humble way I could.

I still wouldn't believe in God of course. But I'd know I'd be working with good people and helping to build a kinder, gentler, and more just world.

And that's all that counts.

The right-wing hatemongers should hang their heads in shame.

Long may that little church stand....

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P.S. If you want to send a message of comfort and encouragement here's their website.