New York News from Damon

Son Damon is beginning his second semester at The King's College in New York City. We are so proud of him and his pursuit of an excellent education. He has made an incredible adjustment, with the Lord's help, to life in NYC. What a contrast to Friday Harbor life. He is part of the children's worship team at Mosaic church in NYC and loving it. The Lord has gifted Damon with a passion for worship and is using his voice and guitar to spread His love. Here are a few comments from Damon, taken from a recent email, regarding the protests during the Republican Convention. Damon's apartment is in the heart of mid-town Manhattan. The news media does not always give us an accurate picture as you will read.

"The demonstrators that were here did not sustain any sort of political debate tactics. Rather they were just angry and vicious towards anyone who did not share their similar views. Yesterday, during the after the presidents speech I returned to Herald Towers to visit Lindsey. On the way between 37th street and 34th Street, there as a large mass of police vehicles. I was curious so I counted them. 20 motorcycle bikes, 10 large police vans (which looked like a vehicle to detain the arrested) 14 police cars, and over 10 more police vans that were used to transport the police officers. I would guess there to be, between 37th and 34th street, over 200 police officers. That does not even include the riot police!! Once I reached, 35th street protesters had already started to make their absurd proclaims. As the busses pulled out of 34th street (which is most likely filled with people that were at the convention), the demonstrators began to curse, chant, holler and scream. Mainly telling the busses to "Go Home," and sending them with a symbol, which brought their middle finger into play. Posters, signs, t-shirts, hats, bandanas, pants, all had remarks referring to major issues like abortion, gay marriage, and the Iraq war. Many of their remarks were not persuasive at all. Most of them were hate remarks referring to the president. Some did not even refer to him at all. Some were aimed at Christians."