Turn The Other Ass Cheek
Hilariously, in the wake of churchgoers protesting at their strip club, strippers turned the tables and protested at the church. Chris Morran writes at Consumerist:
For the last four years, the pastor at New Beginnings has led a protest outside the Foxhole every weekend. Beyond just voicing their disapproval of the strip joint, the church members also videotape the license plates of the bar's patrons and then post the info online.So the crew at the Foxhole decided to give the churchgoers a taste of their own medicine, sitting outside the church in skimpy outfits and cooling each other down with Super Soakers as they grilled up burgers.
They also held signs with Bible quotes like:
Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing
Revelations 22:11: He that is unjust, let him be unjust still...The pastor says the protests outside his church of only served to confirm the churchgoers' feelings. "They have now seen the evil firsthand," he says. "This has just made us stronger."
The Foxhole owner sees things differently. "They're just mad," he said, "because their wives won't let them come to my club."
The fun continues in this Holly Zachariah story in the Columbus Dispatch.
That might get me to go to church...
The Former Banker at August 10, 2010 12:19 AM
There's some potential savings here for couples tying the knot in these difficult economic times - they can combine the wedding ceremony and the stag night! The groom might have a bit of trouble deciding who he wants to hear his confession though...
Ltw at August 10, 2010 1:56 AM
Hey, we're (for a little while) still free to protest what we want. I'm all for the liscense plates of the stripper-users getting posted. The strippers can post the liscense plates of the churhgoers, as well. Win-win.
One shouldn't do things outsides ones own house that one doens't want others to know about. That's just common sense nowadays, when everyone on the planet but me has a camera phone at the ready.
momof4 at August 10, 2010 5:12 AM
SO glad I live in a city where there are lots of churches and lots of strip clubs and yet the churchgoers don't care about the strip clubs and vice versa. (Yes, some of the churchgoers go to strip clubs, but some of the strippers go to church -- probably more than in a town where church members are spending time picketing strip clubs that they could be spending, oh, feeding the poor or counseling a troubled teen.)
marion at August 10, 2010 5:33 AM
You can protest what you like Momof4. But although, yes it's common sense that anything you do in public might get found out, taking photos and posting them on the web is rude. It may be legal, but it's not cool behaviour. If they want to stand out the front and whine that's fine by me, but the photo thing is going too far. Not everyone who goes to a strip club is hiding it from a partner, maybe they just don't want people to know because - people can be very judgemental? Plus a lot of the girls are probably really pissed off about it, they get enough hassle from drunk customers and sleazy cab drivers without a bunch of preachy losers waving cameras outside their workplace.
And I'd be willing to bet the New Beginnings congregration collectively has a pretty good collection of snaps of the girls too - hidden away somewhere...
Ltw at August 10, 2010 5:35 AM
"Every weekend for the last four years, Dunfee and members of his ministry have stood watch over George's joint, taking up residence in the right of way with signs, video cameras and bullhorns in hand. They videotape customers' license plates and post them online, and they try to save the souls of anyone who comes and goes."
Every weekend for four years? Bullhorns? Try to save their souls? That's not protest, that's harassment. Reminds me of the scene in Airport where Captain Rex Kramer has to fight his way through the throng of religious proselytisers...
Airplane Missionaries
Ltw at August 10, 2010 5:54 AM
Jesus was a BIG FAN of strippers. He was often found hanging out with the ancient Judean equivalent of strippers and promoters, in dive bars and strip clubs. And they all seemed to like him, so I'm guessing he was a good tipper. These church people could take a page from their Jesus fellow, go inside, have the drink minimum, and be polite.
Jolnir at August 10, 2010 6:29 AM
What busybodies. Posting plates? Everyone does things they would not want others to know about, it is pretty hypocritical to go around posting information due to the speck in their neighbor's eyes when they have planks in their own eyes.
If it is a speck at all.
I'd love to see that church get sued for harrassment.
plutosdad at August 10, 2010 6:40 AM
Whether I want someone to know about it or not is immaterial.
They've got some nerve assuming that my soul needs "saving" and that they've got the right, ability, or even permission to do so.
It's my soul, I'll do with it as I see fit. If God wants me to do otherwise, he'll tell me himself, not send some annoying busybody to harass me.
brian at August 10, 2010 6:45 AM
As a Christian I don't agree w/ their tactics but think it's a distortion to suggest Christ would have attended a strip bar. He ministered to the equivalent of strippers, but in public (avoiding even the appearance of evil). And even Janeane (sp?) Garofalo has said that such establishments influence crime in their neighborhoods. It's objectifying of women & far from God's design for marriage. Yet I can't wholly blame people for going that route & toward homosexual marriage when we provide so few good examples of godly marriage & so many repellent or repulsive examples of heterosexual marriage. As for saving souls, only God has that power, and I think these may be arrogating undue "power" to themselves
Matthew Shepherdson at August 10, 2010 7:03 AM
Okay, I do wonder if there's some personal element here just based on the name of the strip joint. The first thing that popped into my mind was that old saying "There are no atheists in foxholes."
And get over yourself reverend. Jesus hung out with whores, you think you're better than he is?
Elle at August 10, 2010 7:07 AM
*****They've got some nerve assuming that my soul needs "saving" and that they've got the right, ability, or even permission to do so.*****
THIS. But, oh my God, it had to be hilarious to watch the church's reaction the first time the strippers turned the tables on them.
Ann at August 10, 2010 7:12 AM
As a Christian, I think it's none of my, or anyone elses business, if someone else is going to a stip club. It's not my place to judge the club goers or staff of the joint and I don't condone the churches behaviour. Protesting? Fine. That is your legal right as long as you do it peacefully. Passing out flyers in the club itself? Sure but only if the club manager is okay with it. Taking the pictures of the club goers license plates and posting them online? That is where they crossed the line over protesting and "spreading the word of God" into Harrassment. It's not acceptable. And if the club wants to protest, well then that is their right too. And I think they did it with far more class then the church. They kept it civil.(Although I am not sure about the bikinis but I guess that's better than if they had worn thier "uniform" to the protest.)
Sabrina at August 10, 2010 7:21 AM
And even Janeane (sp?) Garofalo has said that such establishments influence crime in their neighborhoods.
Well, Janeane Garofalo said it, so it must be true.
The taping of the license plates is where they crossed the line. These people are doing nothing illegal. Would it be cool for vegans to start posting the license plates of people "caught" buying ground beef? Atheists posting the info of people coming out of Mass on Sunday?
Besides, if this is about saving souls, I would think God knows my license plate number. He can find me if He wants to, so this is entirely about harassment.
MonicaP at August 10, 2010 7:26 AM
I agree it is harassment. Is there anyone who doesn't think these church members are complete jerks? Seems like THEIR license plates should be posted online, too, under the heading "Here are some of the jerks who go to this busybody church."
Pirate Jo at August 10, 2010 7:37 AM
"Although I am not sure about the bikinis but I guess that's better than if they had worn thier "uniform" to the protest."
Sabrina, depends a lot on laws where you are, but at least where I used to go bikinis or some kind of underwear equivalent *are* their uniform at work. It generally takes a reasonable cash donation to change that :) That's sort of the point.
Ltw at August 10, 2010 7:38 AM
Jesus was a BIG FAN of strippers. He was often found hanging out with the ancient Judean equivalent of strippers and promoters, in dive bars and strip clubs.
Yes, yes. The Physican makes housecalls. Who knew?
But He also told them that they should avoid their sins in the future. Being a Christian: not easy.
I R A Darth Aggie at August 10, 2010 7:50 AM
"The taping of the license plates is where they crossed the line. These people are doing nothing illegal. Would it be cool for vegans to start posting the license plates of people "caught" buying ground beef? Atheists posting the info of people coming out of Mass on Sunday?"
Yes. Perfectly fine. Much like Amy does with any number of people for varying reasons. You, and your liscense plate, have no expectation of privacy outside your own home. And I say this as a christian who has gone to strip clubs, and not to protest.
momof4 at August 10, 2010 7:52 AM
One of our oldest establishments was on the main drag and the sign-wavers were trying to make them move out of town. Just for fun I wrote a letter to the editor pointing out that all they were doing was making their husbands and sons waste more gas.
Years later, the place did go of business, but that was due to competition and really apathetic owners, not the efforts of the self-righteous (who seem to have given up, for the moment).
I don't think Jesus would waste his time worrying about strip clubs, except as a place to find people to preach to.
Oh, this gives me a chance to tell my Jesus dream!
Jesus appeared to me in a dream.
That's the way I'm supposed to say it, right? Not "hey I had this dream and Jesus was in it!". More holy sounding to say "Jesus appeared to me in a dream".
Anyway, he did. I dreamed I was getting the dirty clothes together and was stripping the sheets off the bed and Jesus came into the room. He wanted to take a nap. I knew it was him, and I was struck by how tired he looked. But I was pissed because I was busy, and I told him he'd have to wait at least until I made the bed.
So he went out into the hall to wait, and sat down on the floor outside the door. I looked over once to see if he'd left yet, and I could see the edge of his foot in the doorway, so I just sighed and finished putting the sheets on the bed, and he came in and laid down and said "I don't know how much longer I can do this."
And I felt bad for him and sat on the edge of the bed and asked him what "they" were trying to make him do. Than I amended that to "Well, I know they can't make you do anything, but what are they trying to make you do?" And of course I woke up at that point, so if he told me, I've forgotten.
Isn't that just like a religious dream! I haven't been in a church in twenty years or more. I never have managed to get through the Bible, and this damn dream comes out of nowhere and I can't forget how weary he looked.
Oh well, the rational part of my brain knows it was just one of many dreams that I remember clearly. And my born-again sister is all jealous because she never had a Jesus dream(which makes me smile).
Pricklypear at August 10, 2010 8:08 AM
"Turn The Other Ass Cheek"
I'd read this blog just for the item titles.
Steamer at August 10, 2010 8:27 AM
No class. From either side. Pity the local cops, this must be like moderating one of my kids' arguments.
Juliana at August 10, 2010 8:36 AM
You, and your liscense plate, have no expectation of privacy outside your own home.
Oh, I'm not saying what they're doing is illegal. I'm saying it makes them douchebags. And it makes me want to go to strip clubs to show my support.
Lots of stuff is perfectly legal but still pretty crappy.
MonicaP at August 10, 2010 8:40 AM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2010/08/10/strippers_prote.html#comment-1741411">comment from Steamer"Turn The Other Ass Cheek" I'd read this blog just for the item titles.
Thank you. We please to aim.
Amy Alkon at August 10, 2010 8:51 AM
I get M4's point; cameras are everywhere these days. If you don't want your plates photographed at the strip club, park somewhere else. There's really no such thing as anonymity in public anymore.
However, MonicaP is right in that it's pretty damn rude. Having a certain opinion does not give you the moral standing to screw with people who don't share your opinion. And every weekend for four years? Makes me want to go up to them and say: "Jesus had a life. You should try it."
Cousin Dave at August 10, 2010 8:55 AM
No commenter has yet mentioned the fact that the Foxhole is SEVEN MILES away from the church. If there's a verse in the Gospels about Jesus going seven miles out of his way to harass some sinners, I must have missed it.
Martin at August 10, 2010 9:26 AM
Pirate Jo says: I agree it is harassment. Is there anyone who doesn't think these church members are complete jerks? Seems like THEIR license plates should be posted online, too, under the heading "Here are some of the jerks who go to this busybody church."
Hey, why bother with the license plates? If, as Momof4 keeps saying, you have no expectation of privacy outside your own home, why not photograph the protesters themselves, with the club sign prominently in the background, and post them on the club's website? Maybe under the title "Some of our local visitors." It should be easy enough to get 'portrait' shots without protest signs in the frame if one takes enough photos. If these people are standing around outside a strip club shouting through bullhorns, they certainly can't claim that their "privacy" is being invaded.
Steve H at August 10, 2010 9:37 AM
"No commenter has yet mentioned the fact that the Foxhole is SEVEN MILES away from the church. If there's a verse in the Gospels about Jesus going seven miles out of his way to harass some sinners, I must have missed it."
You're totally right! I completely missed that! That's even worse! WTF!? Seven miles?! Seriously, it's time for those church folk to get a life. Why on earth do they care what the hell is happening seven miles up the road? It's not like they can see the lights flashing of one of the girls g-stings from there so it isn't gonna disrupt a service or something. It's like they went out of their way to look for sinners and lo and behold, that's what they found. Give me a break.
Sabrina at August 10, 2010 9:50 AM
If Janeane Garofalo says it, it must be false. (If she told me it was sunny outside, I would look out a window, just to be sure.
As far as the dancers protesting outside the chruch, good for them. It will perhaps give some of the church members a good object lesson in democracy and civics, which I suspect most of them need.
alittlesense at August 10, 2010 10:30 AM
"One shouldn't do things outsides ones own house that one doens't want others to know about"
What a fucking joke. There's lots of things I do that I dont want others to know about uh because there is a little thing called privacy.
Ppen at August 10, 2010 11:41 AM
I like Ppen.
Crid [CridComment at gmail] at August 10, 2010 12:03 PM
"What a fucking joke. There's lots of things I do that I dont want others to know about uh because there is a little thing called privacy."
And you have no expectation of privacy in the outside word. If you're buying ground beef at the grocery store, other people may know it. Deal with it.
momof4 at August 10, 2010 12:06 PM
that would be outside world.
momof4 at August 10, 2010 12:06 PM
"If, as Momof4 keeps saying, you have no expectation of privacy outside your own home, why not photograph the protesters themselves, with the club sign prominently in the background, and post them on the club's website?"
Why not. Maybe you should call and give them the idea.
momof4 at August 10, 2010 12:08 PM
momof4 is right on this one.
You do not have the right or expectation of privacy in public. If it embarasses you to go somewhere, then just don't go. I don't care if a vegan wants to photograph me buying meat, or if I'm paying to see pretty meat at a strip club. *l* Hell, I'll pose for either photo, let somebody say boo about it, I don't give a shit either way.
Robert at August 10, 2010 12:30 PM
> You do not have the right or expectation
> of privacy in public.
Don't be too bombastic. There are limits, and they'll bit your ass very quickly.
Crid [CridComment at gmail] at August 10, 2010 1:06 PM
This would never happen in a Jewish community... as long as the strip-club owner kept up their annual UJA donation...
Ben David at August 10, 2010 2:00 PM
I'd have used different bible verses
Probers 5:19 A loving doe, a graceful deer — may her breasts satisfy you always,
Isaiah 66:11 For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance."
I'd save this one for last.
Lamentations 4:3 Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but my people have become heartless like ostriches in the desert.
No I'd save THIS one for last
Luke 23:29 For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!'
Anyone got that clubs email adress?
lujlp at August 10, 2010 3:39 PM
Yes, everyone should be able to take photos of anyone/thing they want in public. Misinformed officers try to stop people from taking photos of federal buildings all the time in D.C., and I would LOVE for them to even try that with me.
But, at the same time, hunting down people doing something you disagree with and attempting to bring some kind of punishment their way, while LEGAL, is (to borrow from MonicaP) douchey.
For example: I once parked in a parking lot attached to an abortion clinic. I was headed for the nearby Goodwill, but this lot was bigger. It was 10 am on a Saturday, so, by and large, most of the cars in the lot were, in fact, parked there for the clinic. Some idiot protesters ran over and photographed me and my license plate. I asked them which site they'd post them to, they told me, and, sure enough, a week later, I (and my license plate and the bumper sticker of the animal shelter I volunteered for) were on it. I understand that it's legal, and of course, I didn't ask to have them removed, but it could have put me in danger from god knows what kind of psychos when all I wanted was to go to the damn Goodwill.
...the outcome? I signed up just weeks later as a clinic escort. :)
sofar at August 10, 2010 3:50 PM
The point of the picture taking/posting plates is to put the club out of business by intimidating customers, and every weekend for 4 years is harassment. I'm surprised the club owner hasn't sued the church. He's shown remarkable restraint and good humor.
If it were my business, I'd be switching some license plates around. Steal the preacher's and put it on a car out front.
lovelysoul at August 11, 2010 12:03 AM
Not to belabor the point, but...is everything so wonderful in this town that a horde of people from this church have more than enough time, energy and resources to maintain this massive anti-strip club effort? There aren't any pregnant teenagers? Any hungry homeless? Any families where the parents have lost their jobs? The churches I have belonged to in my life have had too many things to do and not enough funds with which to do everything, even the larger churches with wealthier congregational bases. Jesus would tell these people to leave the strip club and go counsel a recently sober drug addict who was trying to get a job already.
marion at August 11, 2010 6:03 AM
Jesus would tell these people to leave the strip club and go counsel a recently sober drug addict who was trying to get a job already.
Indeed. This story tells me all I need to know about this church. If I were inclined to worship God, I would steer clear of these people. They're big on pettiness and small on spirit.
MonicaP at August 11, 2010 10:19 AM
"Don't be too bombastic. There are limits, and they'll bit your ass very quickly."
Thats fine by me. I'll bite back. ;)
---------------------
More importantly though, marion is correct. Its fine to worry about "vice"...but realistically speaking, there are far more important matters of concern.
(Hey, they could kill two birds with one stone! They could hire the jobless and homeless to protest for them! That way they could still have the protest AND help the jobless all at the same time! Wonder how that would go over? I hear PETA sometimes hires actors to attend their protests to boost their numbers)
Robert at August 11, 2010 11:12 AM
>I'll bite back.
That's my point, you won't have wiggle room to turn a snap.
It would be a fun planet if we could decide what other people's religious beliefs meant to them.
(Hey! Maybe Lou's reading this! I should say that again!)
It would be a fun planet if we could decide what other people's religious beliefs meant to them. I agree with Marion that it would be really keen if they all sought to please god by washing the feet of lepers and providing bread to the hungry. (My own contributions to the church of my youth have been sent to their kitchen for the homeless.)
But from what I've seen of strip clubs, they're not founded on principles of courtesy and academic rationality and cleanliness and kindness towards others. They're not all vipers, either, but a Christian who seeks to make distance from them isn't charting new territory in hypocrisy.
Crid [CridComment at gmail] at August 11, 2010 7:05 PM
I dont tell people what the personal SPIRITUAL views are. I tell them what the dogma and tenets of their proclaimed religion are.
I can do that becuase the tennets of the myriad of different religions are proclaimed by theose religions leaders.
lujlp at August 12, 2010 6:24 AM
Does anyone else think that they protested EVERY weekend to try to get a peek at the girls once in a while? I bet it was either that or angry wives that got fat and their husbands stopped sleeping with them.
Renee at August 16, 2010 11:36 AM
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