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Straight, Inc. and Derivatives / Re: July 11, 2008 Pathway Family Center Protest in Milford Ohio
« on: July 12, 2008, 11:34:02 AM »
After assembling nearby, the group arrived shortly before 5pm hoping for a successful protest. Our expectations were surpassed beyond anyone's expectations!
The number of clients definitely appears to be on the decline.....only 2 cars picked up newcomers at the end of the night. There was less open meeting traffic than past protests as well. The blistering sun made it rough for some of us for awhile...thankfully some survivors thought to bring coolers filled with water and other drinks.
The protest itself was very eventful! A confrontation with programmed staff, police and protesting survivors- instigated by Pathway Family Center; an unexpected media appearance/interest; numerous interested passersby stopped for more information, etc. Former clients of Straight and KHK who have previously been unaware of our protests stopped by. One was even from my time who I remember! Another was a very angry recent PFC/KHK client.
Surprisingly, PFC did not send out counter protestors of their own this time as they have done in response to previous protests. However, current PFC staff/7 steppers arrived at the end of the night and engaged us in "peaceful" discussions. There were moments when the talks became a bit heated and emotional. Certainly there was much disagreement. But for the most part, both sides remained civil. Clearly, PFC alerted those PFC staff/7 steppers that we were there and probably sent them to gather information. But that was interesting nonetheless.
In all there was about 11 protesters, signs everywhere such as "Coercive Thought Reform is Not Treatment," "Stop the Abuse", "Close PFC NOW," "Tough Love is a Hate Group," "Pathway = Abusive Treatment Modality," and many others were held and displayed. Countless DVD's and flyers were distributed!
This was by far the most successful protest I have personally participated in!
The number of clients definitely appears to be on the decline.....only 2 cars picked up newcomers at the end of the night. There was less open meeting traffic than past protests as well. The blistering sun made it rough for some of us for awhile...thankfully some survivors thought to bring coolers filled with water and other drinks.
The protest itself was very eventful! A confrontation with programmed staff, police and protesting survivors- instigated by Pathway Family Center; an unexpected media appearance/interest; numerous interested passersby stopped for more information, etc. Former clients of Straight and KHK who have previously been unaware of our protests stopped by. One was even from my time who I remember! Another was a very angry recent PFC/KHK client.
Surprisingly, PFC did not send out counter protestors of their own this time as they have done in response to previous protests. However, current PFC staff/7 steppers arrived at the end of the night and engaged us in "peaceful" discussions. There were moments when the talks became a bit heated and emotional. Certainly there was much disagreement. But for the most part, both sides remained civil. Clearly, PFC alerted those PFC staff/7 steppers that we were there and probably sent them to gather information. But that was interesting nonetheless.
In all there was about 11 protesters, signs everywhere such as "Coercive Thought Reform is Not Treatment," "Stop the Abuse", "Close PFC NOW," "Tough Love is a Hate Group," "Pathway = Abusive Treatment Modality," and many others were held and displayed. Countless DVD's and flyers were distributed!
This was by far the most successful protest I have personally participated in!