Soulforce Outnumbered and Outgunned

In this one picture -- nineteen cops and nineteen guns.

The religious Right's strategy of dealing with Soulforce is clear in this paragraph about the students' arrival at Regent University:

"We got information that demonstrators were arrested Friday at Liberty University, so we were just here to keep the peace, make sure the demonstration was peaceful," (Virginia Beach police spokesperson Rene) Ball said.

Let me tell you, you do not need at least two dozen cops, a helicopter, a "Marine Patrol Dive Team," several vehicles, and a police chaplain to keep the peace. Last fall I witnessed about fifty anti-war protesters - some very hostile - across the street from 200 pro-Bush supporters - many just as hostile - kept at peace with a handful of DC police. Even in this tense situation peaceful people were still allowed to cross the lines to speak with one another. Just what kind of information did Virginia Beach police "get" that would inspire them to all but call out the national guard and prohibit students from peaceful interaction?

The religious Right is calling out all the stops in order to portray Soulforce as some invading violent protest group. Now homosexuals must be kept out by force if necessary. What's next?

Soulforce has visited these campuses in the past with no problems, they have repeatedly stated and shown they are firmly committed to nonviolence and dialogue. But all of a sudden Liberty and Regent lock down their students and man the barricades because two dozen kids want to pass out leaflets, say prayer together, and hold bible study. Isn't that what these bible thumpers have been doing to the rest of us for decades?