This is via Byron Beck. It is from the guy who posted the original video about the Moreland Farmers Market, why it was taken down, and the resolution of the matter to his satisfaction: the individual who posted the original video about Moreland Farmers Pantry, Sean ORiordan, asked to be my friend today on FB. I accepted his request. Soon after I received the following message from Sean. Its long, but you should read it: Conversation started today 8:30am Seán ORiordan My name is Sean O’Riordan and on April 2nd I released a video on YouTube regarding the Facebook postings of an owner of a business that was moving into our neighborhood. I, and much of the greater community at large, found these postings to be objectionable. Since we were unable to get a reply from Moreland Farmer’s Pantry after several requests for clarification, the video containing the information was made and uploaded. On the morning of April 3rd, John Childs, one of the owners of the Moreland Farmer’s Pantry came to my home, introduced himself and asked if we could have a conversation. I found Mr. Childs to be a man who is sincere in his beliefs and passionate in discussion. Although he and I fundamentally disagree on several issues, we were not disagreeable in our discussions. Mr. Childs asserted that he understood our family’s position and assured us that neither he nor his wife nor their business would ever discriminate toward their customers. Mr. Childs realized that words had been spoken and it was time for action. He proposed to donate to a local LGBT program in Portland as a show of good faith. This was before any press was involved. I agreed that was a great start and once that was achieved I would take the YouTube video down. We shook hands and gave our word. Soon after he and I found ourselves in front of the camera broadening the conversation. In Portland, the conversation exploded and I implore all of us to act with the dignity that we expect to receive. John and I can do that face to face. Don’t allow the anonymity of the keyboard reduce you to your worst self. After the interviews, John reached out again via email. I have included his note below with his permission. ‘Sean, Thank you for taking the time today to speak with me about the Facebook posts. As I mentioned in our conversation, neither Chauncy nor I have a discriminatory bone in our bodies. We abhor discrimination in any form. But what we abhor more than that is anyone imposing their will on someone else even when they are in the right. I believe our post said that of course a business can discriminate against gay people. I apologize, we probably could have chosen a better subject to express the view that we should not restrict anyones right to free speech and expression, even when we disagree with them. Other businesses and people can discriminate as much as they want, but to their detriment. Our business does not and will not discriminate. We understand how this post could have been interpreted as anti-gay but I assure you that was not our intention in the least. Thank you again for your understanding ear. John Childs Moreland Farmers At 4:56 pm 04/04/14 I received a confirmation of a sizable donation from Mr. Childs to Equity Foundation, equityfoundation.org/, a Portland based LGBTQ foundation. The purpose and mission of the Equity Foundation is to “leverage resources to create social, economic, and political equity for the LGBTQ community”. Mr. Childs kept his word as I have mine; The video has been removed and perhaps light has been shed on a subject that runs pretty deeply in our community. We have agreed to disagree. In a healthy, open society people are free to not want to patronize any business that does not fit their value system, and they are free to try to persuade other people to do the same. While I wish John well, I will continue to shop with businesses that align with my values. My hope is that the day will come when equal rights for all is no longer an issue. Sadly, we are not there yet, but perhaps we are just a little closer. Sean O’Riordan 04/04/14 Sellwood, Oregon Equity Foundation | We Fund Equality equityfoundation.org We Fund Equality
Posted on: Sat, 05 Apr 2014 16:40:34 +0000
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