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08/25/2008

Because threatening inclusive businesses is a 'Family Policy'?

by Jeremy Hooper

On Friday we broke the news that the Family Policy Network, a Virginia state affiliate of the notorious American Family Association, has purchased the BoycottHallmark.com domain name. Well now FPN has fully confirmed that because of the greeting card company's decision to create a line of cards acknowledging same-sex commitments, they do, in fact, plan to launch a full-scale boycott against Hallmark's business interests. This from the temporary BoycottHallmark.com site:

FPN to Launch BOYCOTTHALLMARK.COM Over Gay “Wedding” Cards

A full-scale boycott against the world’s largest greeting card company will begin next week, prompted by the introduction of new products intended to congratulate recipients of so-called “gay wedding” and “civil union” contracts in states that recently began granting them to homosexual couples.

The pro-family campaign against Hallmark Cards, Inc. is being orchestrated by the nationally-organized Family Policy Network (FPN), which is based in Forest, Virginia. Several state-based pro-family groups are participating in the boycott, and their names will be featured on the boycott website when it is launched next week.

FPN Policy Analyst Alex Mason stated Friday that whenever evangelicals were informed of Hallmark’s pro-homosexual cards, interest was high in holding the card-maker accountable. He said, “Up to this point, Hallmark’s brand was pretty wholesome. If they don’t reconsider this endorsement of immorality, they’ll lose more customers than they stand to gain.” He added, “We hope our efforts to hold them accountable will help them see the light.”

An official announcement from Family Policy Network concerning BOYCOTTHALLMARK.COM will be distributed to national media outlets and the group’s supporters in all 50 states next week.

200808241457So once again, gays, the decision by a company to fold our lives and loves into society's mix has driven the "pro-family" side to the brink. And keep in mind -- this isn't a company that has donated to a "liberal" political campaign. This isn't a company that has joined any pro-gay board. This isn't a company that has even instituted a new policy protecting their gay employees. This is a company that has simply printed a line of cards recognizing one certain kind of undeniably existing event, for which consumers might very well need to purchase a piece of stationary. They are essentially extending their business so that it can better meet consumer need, and for that they are greeted with the proverbial torches and pitchforks. ::sigh::

We'll have to wait for FPN's "official announcement" to learn all the subtle gradations and high-minded nuances that FPN plans to inject into this, the far-right's latest bout of baseless extremism. Though hopefully most folks will do to the boycott exactly what they do with the product causing the derision: Toss it aside in favor of the much more valuable gift within their reach. In this case, that gift is peace, love, and understanding.

FPN to Launch BOYCOTTHALLMARK.COM Over Gay “Wedding” Cards [FPN]

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Your thoughts

FPN's HQ, Forest, VA, is a suburb of Lynchburg, VA, home of LIberty University and Thomas Road Baptist Church and the Falwell Clan. Need I say more?

Well, Yes. According to Anne Lamott:

“You can safely assume that you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”

Posted by: brucci | Aug 25, 2008 8:33:27 AM

"to congratulate recipients of so-called “gay wedding” and “civil union” contracts in states that recently began granting them to homosexual couples. "

again, more denial of reality. "recently began"?? Marriage equality has been around in MA for 4-years! Vermont has had Civil Unions for, what, 5 or 6 years now? Wow, it just becomes more and more apparent that this isn't about ideological differences. These people really don't want gay folks to exist, and lash out at any company that recognizes the humanity of gays. The fundies can no longer say that they don't have a problem with gay people, it's evident that any recognition of a reality that involves gay people, and not scolding us, is a reality they refuse to accept.

McDonald's should start selling hallmark cards, maybe even have a contest where you can win a Ford truck!

Posted by: Jason D | Aug 25, 2008 8:34:29 AM

Wow. I am constantly surprised by the amount of hate they have for gay people. I know I shouldn't be, the times they are a changin' but they keep trying to change them back to who knows when. And now going after Hallmark? I loathe these 'people' more and more each day.

Posted by: johnozed | Aug 25, 2008 10:35:42 AM

with all the other issues in this world ... "sigh"

Posted by: craig | Aug 25, 2008 10:58:10 AM

Wow. I am constantly surprised by the amount of hate they have for gay people. I know I shouldn't be, the times they are a changin' but they keep trying to change them back to who knows when. And now going after Hallmark? I loathe these 'people' more and more each day.

Posted by: johnozed | Aug 25, 2008 11:20:53 AM

Yay I can't wait to see Hallmarks stock go up

Posted by: Andrew | Aug 25, 2008 11:53:06 AM

Do these "pro"-family groups really get angry when a company includes us or is this just another was for them to make money with donations from their members? I mean, I have to imagine that a few of the people at the top of these groups have to be thinking, "Another boycott? This is getting exhausting. They don't no good. We're going to lose."

Posted by: stojef | Aug 25, 2008 12:07:27 PM

As I said over at Shakesville, this sort of delights me, because it hits the "family values" crowd where it hurts. They were SO SURE that Hallmark was on THEIR side, with all those sappy messages and heartfelt sentiments! I think it's awesome that the Hallmark store no longer feels like a safe space for bigots, and next I'd like to encourage the Thomas Kinkade Galleries to begin displaying softly-lit paintings of gay couples having sex in adorable cottages with American flags on the porch.

Posted by: Lizard | Aug 25, 2008 12:44:48 PM

The really sad part is again they use the word "family" and basically hijack it. People go to their site assuming they are about the "family", when almost every story, link and cause is related to homosexuality in some way shape or form. What about their site is actually pro family? Does making sure gay people don't exist and that we don't get equal rights somehow helpful to "traditional" families? I guess they would somehow find a way to say yes but to me they don't have any real desire to help families or children or the impoverished or anyone else who truly may need a family group's help.

Posted by: Ron | Aug 25, 2008 1:17:35 PM

Does this mean they'll have to stop watching "little house on the prairie"? And I seriously doubt that stockholders of the Disney®, Peanuts®, Garfield®, Looney Tunes®, franchises are shaking in their boots.

Posted by: | Aug 25, 2008 1:21:42 PM

Your site has won a Blog of the Day Award (BOTDA)

http://blogofthedayawards.blogspot.com/

Award Code
http://blogofthedayawards.blogspot.com/2006/06/blog-of-day-awards-code-for-winners.html

Thank you,

Posted by: Bill Austin | Aug 25, 2008 1:52:14 PM

I'm straight, a Christian, very religious and pro-family. I also will be buying at least three of the new Hallmark cards for my a few of my friend's pending nuptials.

I don't think any social minded intelligent person actually takes these "phobes" seriously.


Posted by: Tam | Aug 25, 2008 1:52:23 PM

Don't know anyone who is gay or lesbian that's is getting married? Desperately want to support Hallmark? Why not send a card to:

Donald E Wildmon
AFA
PO Drawer 2440
107 Parkgate Drive
Tupelo, MS 38803

Kill two birds with one stone...support Hallmark and show this hater, how well his boycott is working.

Posted by: Taylor | Aug 25, 2008 2:19:27 PM

While you’re at it send two cards one to the AFA and one to:

Donald J. Hall, Chairman
Hallmark Cards
2501 McGee Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64108

That way everyone knows how useful the boycott will be!

Posted by: Randy | Aug 25, 2008 2:38:06 PM

Clearly here's what's next: boycott US Postal Service for allowing the abominatable Hallmark cards to be delivered! Then encourage the Senate to stop funding the USPS, why should taxpayers have to pay to have gay marriage cards move through the postal system with other wholesome, family-oriented mail! Clearly we should pull the funding on the US Postal Service! Besides, there's nothing in the constitution guaranteeing the right to gay wedding cards!!!
Or maybe we should have a different institution, you know like "Civil Postings" so that these gay cards don't have to violate the sanctity of the postal system!
Then we'll boycott the uniform manufactureres for the USPS, as well as the Seqway, and whoever makes the mail trucks--- it's probably Ford!!!

Posted by: Jason D | Aug 25, 2008 3:01:50 PM

Taylor and Randy, I'm not going to waste my postage on these idiots, but . . .

Perhaps we could put Wildmon on our RSVP list and send an invite to the reception.

Posted by: Gary | Aug 25, 2008 3:48:56 PM

While it is a lovely idea, seeing a happy gay couple in a Kinkaid painting, fat chance that will ever happen. T. Kinkaid is right up there cozy with the right in evangelical normalness. I saw a "Christmas extravaganza" a few years ago from some conservative megachurch with Kinkaid as the kindly storyteller/painter with scenes from his paintings come to life. Ah, the joys of a radiant hetero family.

I just had a thought, there are NO people in Kinlaids' paintings, just pretty scenes with that funny "glowing" light, creation unmarred by people.

I love the Anne Lamott quote!

Posted by: Bob M | Aug 25, 2008 9:34:28 PM

Yes, Jason D....McD's selling Hallmark cards... and giving away Ford Truck!
Andrew the 'stock' can't go up. There is no stock, this is a privately owned business...
so no sharholder's either. In this case they get to do what they want.
Lizard.... or even out of the cottage, right along those cute little stream beds.
Go Taylor and Randy ... one to the baddies, one to the goodies....and $$ for Hallmark bottom line.

Posted by: LOrion | Aug 26, 2008 10:11:14 AM

Taylor, awesome idea. It's important that these companies get the idea that inclusiveness is good policy, especially when organizations like FPN and AFA beat down on them for it.

I sent Hallmark a "thank you" e-mail on Friday and got this today:

"Much personal and creative effort goes into our products. It is especially nice to hear that people enjoy the results. We appreciate your preference for Hallmark products and place a high value on your comments.

Thank you for taking the time to let us know.

Thanks,

Hallmark Consumer Care
www.Hallmark.com"

Posted by: GreenEyedLilo | Aug 26, 2008 5:02:12 PM

One only has to look to Germany 1933 to see where the AFA learn this strategy from.

Posted by: Paula Brooks | Aug 27, 2008 7:48:30 AM

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