We Middle-of-the-Roaders ...

I agree. In my earlier post, responding to Peter I tried, perhaps not well, to say that the most outspoken voices on issues related to sexual and gender identity have been homophobic, plain and simple, creating an air of "that's what people think so that's how it is", which makes living an authentic life hard for people who are not heterosexual.

In any circumstance of this nature, when people are feeling fearful, oppressed, or discriminated against there comes a time when another, differently powerful voice enters the mix. So at this upper level you have the two forces battling back and forth. In this case, it is Diane Gramley and Joe Wilson at the Macro level (though I highly doubt Joe can be considered an "extremist. He's a guy with a camera asking questions that people don't like to answer. Myself included, sometimes).

I agree with Peter that there are then tons of people who are middle of the road and who don't know what to think. But I have to wonder, without this upper level conflict happening, would they think much about it anyway? Why should they have to? Who is making an issue out of how people are treated? Who is raising an awareness as to what is happening to people as a result of this anti-gay rhetoric? Who is saying "hey, folks, look at what's going on here and try to make some changes"?

The middle of the roaders sure aren't (and I include myself in this bunch, so I am not intending to be critical of others). Before these two "extremes" started at each other, who knew what was going on, or how much was going on? Little pockets of people here and there, who talked amongst themselves. Little factions of the community who might have "tsk'd, tsk'd" the most recent letter calling for a boycott, but who otherwise did or said nothing.

The "everything is fine, pay attention to your own dinner" mentality has historically led to some pretty bad things. Why? Well, in part because people in the middle, the majority, couldn't identify with either extreme, so they said "I'm staying out of it" blaming the extremes for not having developed a palatable stance for them to take.

Inaction from the majority doesn't force the leadership to do anything except believe that all is well and good.

So while it might be a little easier to maintain the surface calm by saying you don't want to jump to one side or the other but rathe rjust be a nice person, it really is incumbent upon anyone who says they care to do something. Support things like the new UU congregation. Go to events at the Latonia. Ask what portion of your school tax dollars are being spent on programs that promote civility and respect, advise someone who frequently refers to things as "gay, that the word "gay" is not a synonym for "stupid", confront ANY intolerant language, etc., etc.

We "middle of the roaders" are not obligated or expected to go the perceived extreme. That's not our role if we don't want it. I think our role is to listen to the upper level dialogue and initiate conversation and action in our own vernacular. And the other thing is to see this for what it is: a human rights issue. You don't have to morally "Agree with" any particular LEGAL lifestyle, but I think it's important to agree that all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation,socio-economic status, etc, should be able to enjoy the basic rights and privileges of which our nation is so proud

And if you believe that, then it is incumbent upon you to do something when you are made aware of threats or injustices perpetrated against these rights. That's the only way these rights and privileges can be maintained for EVERYONE, including the white heterosexual chrisitan male. When they are threatened for one, they are threatened for all.

I know that personally I have spent far too long a time hoping that either the problem would go away or that someone else would fix it. Basically just minding my own business. But things hit a tipping point for me this year when my friend, who is transgender, was in town and it was turned into a complete fiasco by Diane Gramley. It was unfair, uncalled for, humiliating, and quite honestly, damn scary. No person should have to spend one second with that kind of fear if it can be prevented by someone else saying "Enough".

Just my two cents.

And The Misunderstanding Continues ...

Submitted by Anon. Contribuotr #14


I do not understand how making the focal point of accepting another persons based on their sexual behavior makes this a community to be proud of??? (sic)

On The Positive Side

On the Positive Side
Submitted by Anon. Contributor #13


End Bigotry or Promote Diversity? We can't eliminate the bigots who live here, just as they (thankfully) can't eliminate the endless list of people and things they disapprove of -- but we can cultivate a climate of diversity and good will in our personal actions and our affiliations. And reporting on progress in that direction is something I would love to see here, to balance out the initial necessary "expose-the-AFA" thrust of this blog. I think that's what the previous poster meant in asking for examples of times when people in Venango County got it right.

I will throw out one positive that I think is huge -- the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie is supporting the local formation of a fellowship congregation. The UU is known for cherishing religious and social diversity and justice, and having such a congregation in the community is a heartening sign of healthy growth. Surely there are other churches, organizations, and individuals here that welcome and promote diversity?
Let's hear about some of them --

More on Anonymity

Submitted by Contributor #12

Just to clarify my earlier comments--

I don't think the main or only focus of the site should be on the positive. There is value in turning over rocks and exposing what lies underneath to the light of day.

But one of the stated objectives of the blog is "to Promote the Historic and Beautiful Oil Region of Northwestern Pennsylvania as a Welcoming Place for All" and that is hardly achieved by an uninterrupted list of various acts of local bigotry.

Likewise, I get that the decision to take a public stand in these issues is not one made lightly. It's no fun to be on the receiving end of the vitriol of either side.

Unfortunately, I think that's part of the problem. I think there are plenty of people who fall somewhere in a moderate middle on many of these issues, people who are equally frustrated when A) they're told they have to disapprove of someone's entire life and personhood just because of that person's sexuality or B) they can't ever criticize a gay person for anything because that "proves" they're homophobic.

Lots of people who could be speaking for the middle, who could be building bridges, are chased off the playing field because of the extremes on either side who say, "You must be with Us 100% or you are an ally of our evil opponents."

These are complicated issues-- particularly in a small area like ours-- but people who might try to express complicated or nuanced points of view need thick skins, because they are liable to be hammered by both sides (though, in truth, it's not as simple as the us vs. them two-sided model that those folks would like us to buy into). They are the voices that are least likely to speak out, but they are the voices that, I believe, are most needed.

I'm aware that as a straight white male (religious but only, so far, born only once) there are experiences and points of view that I am never going to be in a position to understand. I'm always open to hearing about experiences beyond my own by people who know. I am not so interested in being harangued and called a variety of names-- not only is it not fun, but I don't learn anything from it.

And that is perhaps what I find most unsympathetic about the extreme position-holders. They aren't looking to understand anything, nor help anyone else understand. They just want to power their view into other peoples' heads, or, barring that, express their POV to like-minded people so everyone can pat each other on the back and say "You sure told them."

At the end of the day, with pretty much any issue, I would like to understand you better. I can't understand you better if we don't have some kind of dialogue. And it's hard to have a dialogue with you if I don't even know who you are.

The Need for This Type of Forum Right Now

Submitted by Semi-Anon. Contributor #11


This is an interesting discussion.

The individual who felt that the posts should not be anonymous, and that the focus should be on the good things that happen in the region is missing the point. We all KNOW good things are happening! How can anyone miss all the positive coverage the area has received in the last few years regarding economic and arts related development. And our community leaders are incredibly positive people with energy and drive to make things happen and take the risks necessary to promote regional growth. On those levels, good things are happening, and virtually everyone knows it.

What people don't know, however, is the experience of those members of this great community who go bed at night fearful that at any moment a rock will come through the window, or their property will be vandalized, their livelihood will be at risk, or that when they go to school they'll have to spend the day trying to ignore vile epithets regarding their real or rumored sexual identity.

And though I have heard time and time again (from very influential community leaders) that most people don't take Diane Gramley seriously, and that they dismiss her as mean spirited and bitter, it cannot be ignored that she preaches to a like minded choir, all of whom make the horrible mistake of calling their personal morality "God's will".

These people, to varying degrees, hide behind a veneer of Christianity that they TRULY BELIEVE is authentic. They TRULY BELIEVE that they are doing God's will and trying to save souls.

The soul saving tactic most often employed is the "Action Alert" which focus primarly but not totally on gay issues, and that encourage others to actively protest any and all things that are gay, gay related, or gay friendly. This must be done, of course, to prevent the downfall of society. (Because it's not greed, avarice, dishonestly, and incivility that lead to societal decay. It's gay people.)

So act quickly! these action alerts tell us. If anyone even proposes to make laws that protect gay people or give them the right to marry, write to the senator, the governor, the mayor, the Derrick, anyone who will listen and remind them that gay people have diseases that they want to give to children! or say some other similarly scary thing! and oh, send us some money!


We are told that we will know the faithful by the fruits of their labor. It really is that simple. What are the fruits of Diane's actions? what do they write, what do they say, and what they have nurtured-a little band of followers that look much like the Pharisee's must have back in the day-thinking they knew God's laws, and they knew who was worthy and who was not, and they knew who MUST DO WHAT in order to be acceptable to their god. They didn't break bread with the people they had marginalized with their rhetoric. They wouldn't sit in the same room with them. Avoided them on the street. Publicly humiliated them. Sound familiar?

But Jesus wasn't like that at all. He went right up to people who were hated and reviled by the "holy men" and he ate with them, blessed them, and made it very clear that if ANYONE wanted to enter the kingdom of heaven, then they must do the same.

Here in Venango I see that Diane Gramley and her ilk have made a mission out of trying to keep gay people marginalized(unless they change). A lot of people have been REPEATEDLY told that they are a threat to society, REPEATEDLY told that there is something "wrong" with them, REPEATEDLY told that they are not acceptable unless they "change". And as a result of hearing this-they live in fear, addled with an anxiety that some people will never try to understand.

And I think that people like Diane Gramley like things this way. It makes them feel powerful and right, and they can believe that everything they do is "in his service". And when someone disagrees with them, they get to pretend they are just like the prophets, who were also ignored, and they get to say things like "no, we LOVE gay people, they just need to change. Because they're bad."

But things are changing, and people like Diane will no longer be the only voice on the matter. In fact, it seems that there are a whole lot of people who are just sick and tired of the hate disguised as christianity crap, and many of them are moved to counteraction. My take is that this blog is just one small way in which people can begin to feel a sense of contribution to this growing community of supporters. And if someone wants to, they can most likely leave their name. But if they choose not to, that only points to the need for this type of a forum right now.

Venango County Republicans

Submitted by Anon. Contributor #10

I think this conversation is good for the area.

I moved up to Venango County from Pittsburgh with my wife about seven years ago. I was interested in getting involved in the community so joined the Venango County Republican Committee since that’s who rules the roost.

While there was a lot of foolishness, I finally lost patience with the whole thing when Martha Breene sent out the following email during the Hutchinson/Santorum re-election campaign (which Santorum thankfully lost):

-----Forwarded Message-----
From: "Martha H. Breene"
Sent: May 12, 2006 5:47 AM
To:
Subject: Gays

We are in for a very, very bad year. What the gay group did at headquarters
tonight is just a beginning...They were obnoxious, refused to quit, refused
to leave...their whole goal was to get us on film asking them to leave and
would have edited, cut and replaced words and parts to make the worst
possible...they will do this more. Just had to cancel the public being able
to come to the Santorum award giving Monday because of them...they are
checking our website and had made a contact to assure them where to go, and
I caught the name...I had to remove this gathering from our web site and
only Charlie and I can go....these guys are after Scott too and they
absolutely do not quit, nor leave. They continued for an hour and a half
with their camera on at all times, sound on at all times...and would not
quit...they trip and trick. They are trying to make all Republicans biased
redneck ignoramuses who gay bash and hate gays.....We will have more of
this. If any come to anything else we will turn the music as loud as we can,
call the police to come and remove them...this is going to be a year like no
other....pray....Martha

Check out our NEW GOP Web site and tell others
VenangoGop.com
Martha H. Breene VCGOP Chair 814 677 5793

I’ve been holding on to this email for two years trying to figure out what to do with it and how to voice my disgust.

Aren’t we better than this kind of “leadership” reflects?

I’ve got friends in Pittsburgh who would love to move to the area, but when they hear about this kind of stuff, and about Diane Gramley, it gives them chills.

Thanks for creating this forum. Maybe it will help Venango County join the 21^st Century and become the kind of place that can make us proud to call it home.

Positive Things Happening in Venango County

Submitted by Anon. Contributor #9

I'm happy to see this dialogue. Here are some positive examples to report. The Oil City Council recently passed a unanimous resolution supporting the Arts Revitalation Efforts in Oil City. And in the discussion commented that this would bring diversity. KUDOS for their courage and vision.
Thoughtful people have written well researched responses to Diane Gramley's letter to the editor.
On the anonymity issue - this is a tough one. These people set out to hurt people and incite action against us. I've been a target and had sleepless nights wondering just how far their followers would go. Their knowing my name and my business, their ferver against me, made me feel unsafe. We see in other communities just how far people will go and it's frightening. What is helping me overcome my fear is dialogue with great people in Venango County and surrounding regions. I have come to believe that our leadership, our police, and our justice system may not be outspoken in support but they will not tolerate any of us breaking the law. That is one area where I feel assured of equality.

ANONYMITY for Now ... But Not Forever ...

ANONYMITY for now … but not forever …

The following two comments came in recently and raise some very important issues. Please check them out and then see responses below. And as always, all comments are welcome. Thanks.

COMMENT 1:

Found this blog today courtesy of Venangago-go. It's certainly a conversation that needs to be had.

Surely you're aware of the irony of a blog calling for transparency run by anonymous posters (or just one-- given the anonymity, we don't know how many there are). While I understand it, in part, it's still an unfortunate choice that lessens the weight of what is posted here.

Nevertheless, best wishes to you-- this is a worthwhile addition to the venango county online scene.

COMMENT 2:

I might also suggest that if you're interested in promoting the oil region as a welcoming place for all that you solicit more than just examples of times and places when we've failed to meet that standard, but round of some examples of where and when folks in venangoland have gotten it right.

The sentiments expressed in these comments are important and we look forward to more.

We realize that an “anonymous” blog site for discussion of community concerns is problematic and raises questions about credibility.

We thought long and hard about such a strategy, and hope for the day when it is no longer necessary.

But it didn’t take long to decide that, for the time-being, it is perhaps the best way for everyone and anyone to contribute their thoughts, feelings, opinions, experiences, etc., etc. without fear of backlash or retribution.

As Venango County has witnessed over the past few years, those who are opposed to visibility, fairness and equality for gay and lesbian and other marginalized people and groups in the area are capable of some pretty mean-spirited attacks.

Such attacks range from cruel words (that can often inspire harassment and violence) to the promotion of underground boycotts against local businesses friendly to diversity.

With regard to the Second Comment, we agree that it is of utmost importance to PROMOTE THE GOOD in Venango County and the broader Oil Region rather than to harp on the bad.

FOR THERE IS MUCH GOOD TO PROMOTE!

But we felt it was and is necessary to first try to raise awareness about the problems that exist in order to motivate a supportive response.

In order to make the transition that the commenter suggests, from a focus on the negative to a celebration of the positive, it is our hope that more and more such friends and allies will begin to speak out in whatever ways they can to help create a more welcoming environment for all in Venango County. Many courageous folks have already done so.

!!!The Arts Revitalization Movement is such an inspiration!!!

But we need more. There is strength in numbers as the old saying goes.

So, with this discussion on the table, perhaps the time has arrived to plan for a transition in this blog. We too want to focus on what is possible when good people unite to build a culturally and economic vibrant Venango County.

Stay Tuned … and Thank You.

ps - Submissions of Examples about the Great Things Happening in Venango County are Welcome and will gladly be Posted and Promoted as well.

Who Supports Diane Gramley's Agenda of Bigotry & Hatred in Venango County?

Who Supports Diane Gramley’s Agenda

of Bigotry & Hatred in Venango County?

Submitted by Anon. Contributor #7

Hopefully, the aim of this site is to bring as much transparency as possible to whom and what are behind the messages of bigotry and hatred that flow into Venango County from the works of Diane Gramley and local radio station WAWN 89.5 FM.

While much of the support for their agenda originates at the American “Family” Association’s multi-million dollar headquarters in Tupelo, Mississippi, there are local connections as well.

The list starts, but probably does not end, with the Board of Directors of Lighthouse Ministries of Franklin, Inc., which in cooperation with area churches and other underwriters is the sponsor of WAWN 89.5 FM, an American “Family” Radio Network Station.

The board is comprised of:

Pastor David Hampson, President

Galloway United Methodist Church

Franklin

Jane Richey, Vice President

WAWN Station Manager

Franklin

Sheryl Clinefelter, Secretary

Franklin

Jackie Cokain, Treasurer

Seneca Hills Bible Camp

Franklin

Diane Gramley

American “Family” Association of Pennsylvania

Franklin

David McCoy

McCoy Equipment Sales

Franklin

Jim Clinefelter

Rocky Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church

Franklin

Pastor David Parker

Ascribe Ministries

Franklin

Lee M. Richey

Franklin

Bill Burwell

Franklin

Jim Pankratz

Franklin

Ray Hudson

?

Stay tuned for more … and please, submit additional info as it becomes apparent.

Gramley and the American Family Association's Agenda Imposed on Venango County

Submitted by Anon. Contributor #6

Diane Gramley's American Family Association of Pennsylvania and "Christian" Radio Station WAWN 89.5 FM may seem like harmless little Venango County operations.

But, a peek behind the curtain reveals that they are part of a well-funded ideological machine from Mississippi pushing its extreme agenda in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Bill Berkowitz
April 19, 2007

Still Cranky After All These Years

Rev. Donald Wildmon's three-decade old American Family Association has developed a sophisticated 'godcasting' network to activate its community of 'first responders'

It has an annual budget of close to $17 million, net assets of more than $32 million, owns and feeds programming to nearly 200 radio stations, employs about 100 at its home-base, operates the Center for Law & Policy, a high-powered conservative legal enterprise, and has developed one of the most sophisticated communications networks in all of right wing grassroots Christendom. And, after three decades of conducting boycotts, demonizing homosexuals, and railing against the entertainment industry, the Reverend Donald Wildmon's Tupelo, Mississippi-based American Family Association is as cranky as it ever was.

"Once your Christian religion is exorcised from society, society will not stand," Wildmon recently told the Clarion Ledger's Jean Gordon. "In a democracy you absolutely must have some values to hold you together. If you don't, you end up in chaos."

According to Gordon, over the years the AFA (website), founded in 1977 by Wildmon as the National Federation for Decency, has "grown into one of the most vocal conservative Christian groups in the nation, quick with its outrage about everything from homosexuality on TV to a Muslim lawmaker's plans to take the oath of office while holding a Quran." The organization declares war, rockets e-mail to its supporters, and claims victories: In the recent past it has claimed credit for a downturn in Ford Motor Company's fortunes, for convincing Wal-Mart not to make donations to controversial (read gay and lesbian) organizations, and to return to using the term "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays" (another victory for War on Christmas battlers), and for the swift cancellation of "The Book of Daniel, " an NBC television program in which actor Aidan Quinn starred as a Vicodin-popping Episcopal priest with a dysfunctional family.

"In the past," Wikipedia points out, "the AFA has promoted boycotts of all television shows, movies, and businesses that [they say] have promoted 'indecency,' ... launch[ing] specific boycotts against Crest, Volkswagen, Wal-Mart, Tide, Clorox, Pampers, Microsoft, Burger King, Carl's Jr., Kraft Foods, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Old Navy, NutriSystem, and American Airlines. In 2004, the AFA went after the movie "Shark Tale," because the group believed the movie was designed to brainwash children into accepting gay rights. In 2005, it boycotted the company American Girl, seller of dolls and accessories, because of a charity that the company supported, and the Target Corporation for not using the word 'Christmas' in its advertising."

But as Wildmon pointed out, "You win a few small battles. Primarily what we're trying to do is hold a thumb in the dam."

Critics classify Wildmon's AFA as one of the old guard evangelical groups. "I would include them in what some have described as 'old guard evangelicalism,'" Jeffery L. Sheler, author of the book "Believers: A Journey Into Evangelical America" and former religion editor at U.S. News & World Report, told Gordon. "The old guard ... focus[es] on a limited number of hot-button issues generally involving things like human sexuality including homosexuality."

The AFA's agenda may be considered "old guard evangelism," but its technological capabilities, media holdings, and willingness to fully embrace the Internet, makes it a forward looking enterprise. Included in the AFA's operational orbit are several affiliated state-based groups, the AFA Foundation, the Center for Law & Policy, American Family Radio, American Family News Network's OneNewsNow.com (formerly Agape Press), and AFA Action - the legislative action arm of the American Family Association.

Affiliated Websites include ValuesVoters.com -- a voter registration and education site; the Center for Law & Policy, Case Note (blog); OneMillionDads.com; OneMillionMoms.com; AFA Internet Filtering; NoGayMarriage.com; and BoycottFord.com.

"He has perhaps one of the largest databases of supporters," said the Rev. Jimmy Porter, executive director-treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Christian Action Commission, which sometimes works in concert with the American Family Association. "It is a substantial voice for the Christian conservative movement."

The organization's "e-mail blasts" "prompt supporters to shower TV and corporate executives with e-mail messages protesting objectionable TV shows or a company's apparent support of homosexuality," Gordon pointed out.

AFA President Tim Wildmon (son of Donald), in his commentary for the March issue of the AFA Journal wrote that the organization is an "activist" group: "We see social and moral problems in the culture, and we take on as many of them as we can and do so from a Christian perspective. And when we get into a battle, we try to win."

A recent AFA battle involves the FX network: On April 10, OneNewsNow.com, a daily news service operated by the American Family News Network which is owned by The American Family Association, reported that One MillionDads.com (also affiliated with the AFA) had launched its "Fed Up with FX Network" campaign. Claiming that FX has "the most gratuitous sex, violence and profanity" on any network today, OneMillionDads.com is calling "for all commercial sponsors to pull their support for FX," OneNewsNow.com reported.

In an e-mail dated April 16, Wildmon urged supporters to "send an e-mail to the Democratic National Committee telling them you expect a public apology" because DNC Chairman Howard Dean failed to mention Jesus or the Resurrection, "the very heart of Easter," in a DNC-issued statement about the holiday.

'First wave of AFA responders'

Like many other evangelical groups that started out several decades ago, the AFA conducted the vast majority of its earliest communications through direct mail with envelopes full of petitions, sample letters that could be sent to the targeted party, and occasionally picture postcards of an art piece/artist being protested.

These days the organization uses the Internet to communicate with and motivate its activists. Tim Wildmon pointed out that "the Internet and e-mail allow us to get the ball rolling very quickly. We can contact millions of people in a matter of hours. In the last three years, AFA has been very effective in winning battles with our Internet activism. In fact, AFA has become the largest pro-family group on the Internet with some 3.4 million people having joined our e-mail action alert team. They are the first wave of AFA responders to each issue."

Wildmon added that "we Christians" need to "be prepared to engage in the culture war for the long haul. The war is about the future of our country and what kind of America we will hand over to our children and our grandchildren. The people who subscribe to a secular humanist worldview -- including many who are anti-Christian in their beliefs and actions -- are tireless in their efforts to remake our country in their own godless image. I am talking about groups like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood (the largest abortion provider in the country) and many in the entertainment and news media."

With the enemy clearly named, Wildmon declared that the AFA is aiming to grow its network of first responders from the current 3.4 million to 5 million during the coming year.

American Family Radio

American Family Radio first appeared on radar screens when it began taking over stations that were formerly held by National Public Radio. In 2002, the New York Times reported that in Lake Charles, Louisiana, American Family Radio had replaced two NPR stations on the radio dial. "Religious broadcasters have done this to public radio stations in Oregon and Indiana, too," writer Blaine Harden said, "and many large-market public radio stations, like WBEZ in Chicago, complain that new noncommercial stations, most of them religious, are stepping on the signal at the edge of their transmission areas."

Launched in 1987, AFR has approximately 200 radio stations in 27 states across the country. According to American Family Radio, "AFR has built more stations in a shorter time than any other broadcaster in the history of broadcasting." The AFA built their small radio empire by applying for noncommercial educational licenses. According to a People for the American Way Right Wing Watch report, "When the FCC refused to grant certain licenses, the AFA sued the FCC in federal court arguing that to deny religious groups noncommercial broadcasting licenses violates their First Amendment and Equal Protection rights."

According to the AFA's 2005 990 tax form, the "Building and maintenance of a national Christian network" is one of the organization's most important projects. American Family Radio -- "Today's Radio for Life" -- is a 24/7 operation that "offers the finest in inspirational and traditional Christian music [about 70 percent of the programming] and 30 percent preaching / teaching / talking." American Family Radio also provides a "five-minute, around the clock, newscast" put together by its news staff. It is "a non-commercial network," with "no advertising," that "operate[s] off contributions from listeners and supporters."

The "About AFR" page on its website says: "Back in 1987, the vision God gave the American Family Association Founder, Don Wildmon, was to use satellite and the latest technology to build hundreds of American Family Radio stations across America. Dr. Wildmon wanted to use these radio stations to inform Christians about what is happening in America. God had an additional reason for the stations -- encouragement and inspiration to and for the body of Christ."

In mid-April, the Associated Press reported that "Nonprofit community groups, schools and churches this year will get their first opportunity since 2000 to apply for licenses for full-power, noncommercial / educational FM radio stations. The Federal Communications Commission stopped taking those applications so it could catch up on its backlog and revise its system for reviewing them."

Noncommercial / educational stations are usually found at the low end of FM frequencies spectrum (87.9 to 91.9) and depend on public or institutional support. Because there's a lack of noncommercial space on the radio dial in cities, opportunities more often exist in remote or rural areas.

Although the licenses are free, costs for a station could limit the number of applicants. Legal, engineering and equipment startup costs typically could total up to $250,000, Matthew Lasar, media history professor at University of California at Santa Cruz and editor of a blog on FCC issues, told AP.

"In this era of increasingly non-local, hyper-commercialized, homogenized radio, it becomes especially important that the FCC preserve and advance programs that give great weight to diversity of ownership and localism," Michael J. Copps, an FCC commissioner, said on the agency's website.

The FCC points out that there are 2,817 such full-power stations in the United States -- including more than 630 National Public Radio affiliates -- and about 11,000 commercial stations.

"The Cleveland-based United Church of Christ has been publicizing the radio opportunity in public meetings, e-mails and its newsletter," AP recently reported. "Our strong hope is to get some of these licenses into the hands of people in rural states who are committed to reclaiming the unifying and healing role of religion, which is so needed in our nation today," the 1.3 million-member UCC said in an e-mail in January to its churches and others interested in noncommercial radio.

While acknowledging that the UCC was "a big player in this," Patrick Vaughn, general counsel for American Family Radio, claimed that the UCC "oppose[s] most religious broadcasting that has a conservative, evangelical perspective."

Funding the Wildmon family

According to AFA's 2005 IRS 990 (its tax return), founder Donald E. Wildmon received about $110,000 with benefits, plus over $30,000 in expense account and other allowances -- including a housing allowance of over $31,000. AFA president Tim Wildmon got about $100,000, and the organization's secretary, Forrest Daniels, received slightly more than $80,000.

The organization gives 'scholarships' to any full time employee at 'any accredited college or university,' which added up to about $54,000 in scholarships. As the blog Kevin's Space pointed out on March 30, "the kids of these people get their university education paid for, with funds that are donated, supposed to fight for the family. But it is clear the people who benefit are the Wildmon family."

AFA's tax return also revealed that it paid over $26,000 to Neal Clement (Wildmon's son-in-law), while at the same time it held stock in a company represented by him, the FSC Securities Corporation. While the 2005 return "does not say how much [is invested in FSC Securities], but it does show that they [AFA] lost over a $1 million on all of their corporate stock holdings," Kevin's Space reported. "Their 2003 return states that they [held] just over $1.6 million worth of stock in FSC Securities Corporation. They also paid $33,000 to the LTD Computer Services, which is owned and operated by Larry Durham (Wildemon's brother-in-law).

Kevin's Space also pointed out that "The non-profit also acts as a bank to not only its founder, but also its employees" and other entities involving more than $7 million:

Donald E. Wildmon even owed almost $21,000 at the beginning of 2005, and it appears from their tax statements that nothing was paid back at the end of the year. In 2003 he owed over $33,000 and paid back $13,000 over the course of the year... The AFA was also owed money it lent to three other individuals -- [longtime AFA staffer] Edward Vitagliano (over $5,000)... He made no payments over the course of the year. Stephen Ensley (over $72,000) paid back about $11,000. In the 2005 tax return, he owed about $61,000 at the beginning of the year, and owed $61,000 at the end of the year, meaning he paid nothing on the loan during 2005. ... Ensley is the American Family Online president. And Ron Cottom (over $10,000) paid back almost $4,000. He works for the American Family Radio.

In addition, the Educational Media Foundation was granted loans amounting to more than $6 million, and the Family Worship Center Church, Inc. -- a church run by the disgraced televangelist Jimmy Swaggart -- received close to $1 million.

According to Wikipedia, the Rocklin, California-based Educational Media Foundation (website- also known as EMF Broadcasting, or just simply EMF) is a "not-for-profit organization which operates the K-LOVE and Air 1 radio networks and publishes the Christian Music Planet magazine."

Gramley and the OCHS Day of Silence

Submitted by Anon. Contributor #5

Much of the negative reaction to students observing the National Day of Silence at Oil City High School this year was fomented by a small minority of individuals, led by Diane Gramley, and is not representative of the attitudes of the majority of Oil City's residents nor of the attitudes of the students, teachers or administrators of the school district.

Sadly, Diane Gramley is all about divisiveness and creating ill-will where little, if any, exists.

On the positive side, I believe that people in Venango County are increasingly recognizing that neither Gramley nor the "research" and "statistics" that she throws about are to be trusted.

Unfortunately, Gramley has a notoriously long-standing habit of making things up to suit her own biases and purposes as the Erie County Council discovered during public hearings on the County's non-discrimination ordinance several years ago. The ordinance, by the way, passed overwhelmingly, and Gramley failed, miserably, to stop it.

So, no reason to be intimidated or allow others to be influenced by her rants and demagoguery.

What is the AFA All About?

Submitted by Contributor #3

What is the AFA all about? The “AFA agenda” is extraordinary – meaning somewhere beyond ordinary. They are morality vigilantes and have targeted a most amazing array of corporations, groups, children’s toys and movies. These include:

7-Eleven, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Airlines, American Girl, Blockbuster Video, Burger King, Calvin Klein, Carl's Jr., Clorox, Crest, Ford, Kmart, Kraft Foods, S. C. Johnson & Son, McDonalds, Movie Gallery, Microsoft, MTV, Mary Kay, NutriSystem, Old Navy, IKEA, Sears, Pampers, Procter & Gamble, Target, Tide, and Walt Disney Company.

They have opposed the Girl Scouts, attempted to legislate the use of the Bible in swearing in ceremonies, opposed a Hindu leading a prayer in Congress, have repeatedly made anti-semetic statements and on and on.

The AFA is a Religious extremist group. Like other Religious extremists, the KKK, Skin Heads, and the Taliban, they believe they have a god given right to impose their brand of moral code throughout society. They have attempted to censor our libraries, our movies, television and our businesses. They have petitioned to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts.

This is a short summary of the workings of the National AFA. While they are most loudly noted for their anti-gay stance, do not mistake these people for anything other than religious extremists. If they could eliminate all gays, they would continue to spread their form of moral code. They do not believe in free thinking. There is only their way of thinking. Anyone who believes otherwise is not worthy of freedom in their wake. No Jews, no Hindus, no Muslims, no unmarried couples, no government free of their religious influence, no uncensored culture of any form, It would be a dark age for education and art.

How do they operate this menace? It’s a well organized grass roots effort and in Venango County – now across PA – it’s been headed by Diane Gramley. Sadly, they have sold a bill of goods to generally decent Christian churches convincing them that there are threats around every corner. The biggest farce is the “Marriage Protection Act”. What married couple or future married couple will be protected by this legislation? It is about preventing marriage and preventing rights for people the AFA has deemed unworthy of equal rights under the law – specifically same sex couples and heterosexual couples living out of “wedlock”.

How do they operate this menance? In Venango County they make politicians and churches seem un-Christian if they refuse to support the AFA agenda. They publicize openly gay business owners and accuse them of having a “gay agenda” (whatever that is?) They email and call people whom they believe to be supporters to encourage non-support of business and activities in the community that they don’t want to thrive. They place banners on their website promoting a hateful DVD targeted to twart the Arts Revitalization efforts in the community. They prepare youth to protest against diversity efforts in the school. Most of all, they work to create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust throughout the community and within the churches.

Any Christian faced with the AFA should ask, “Is this what Jesus would do?”

What is the Cost of Bigotry & Intolerance to Venango County?

Submitted by Contributor #2


Imagine you're a painter, a musician, an engineer, a nurse, a bus driver.

You live in Erie, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or Philadelphia.

You love the city, but the traffic, the smog, and the cost of living are beginning to get to you.

You and your spouse fantasize about finding a place where you might be able to afford a studio, a slightly bigger house, a place where the kids can play outside without worries, where weekend recreation in the great outdoors is just a stones' throw away ... Or a place where you might start that small business you always wanted to give a shot.

And you stumble on a brochure about the Arts Revitalization Movement in Oil City or an advertisement by the Oil Region Alliance about the great tourism and economic development opportunities in Venango County.

So, you plan a visit. You pile in the car and make the drive down the highway, marveling at the beauty of the Allegheny River as it winds through the forested mountains surrounding Oil City and Franklin, the gorgeous Victorian houses lining quiet residential streets, and the charming shops and cafes located in the quaint business districts.

You begin to think that your dream may not be so far-fetched after all ...

Then, you tune the car radio to 89.5 FM, the local "Christian" radio station. A voice introduces Diane Gramley and you begin to hear her rant about what she calls "the homosexual agenda." You hear her and the guests on her talk show make ugly comments about people you may consider friends or even a part of your family. You are shocked and disgusted.

Then, you pick up the local paper, maybe The Derrick or The News-Herald.

You see an article about racist and anti-gay harassment and discrimination at Franklin High School. The article mentions Diane Gramley's efforts to use local churches to drive a wedge between people in the community. You see that the Vice Principal at the high school who was implicated in the problems received a promotion. He's now the Principal, with even more authority.

You see another article about about anti-gay harassment at Oil City High School on the National Day of Silence, horrified to learn that students in Venango County would wear tee-shirts to school that say "I Hate Fags." You hear that Diane Gramley and her American Family Association of Pennsylvania, based right there in Venango County, stirred up hatred and fear in the community about the Day of Silence by posting incendiary "action alerts" on their web site and in local church bulletins.

You begin to wonder if this is the kind of place you had in mind for yourself, your spouse, and your kids.

You pile everyone back in the car and move on down the highway to the next quaint little town.

And you think, what a shame. It seemed like such a nice place with such great potential. But ...

Who Will Lead the Way?

Submitted by Contributor #1


“If you wait to do everything until you're sure it's right, you'll probably never do much of anything.”
- Win Borden -


Who in Venango County will show leadershihp on issues of fairness and equality?

It probably won't be State Rep. Scott Hutchinson or State Sen. Mary Jo White. They are both co-sponsors of the discriminatory anti-family legislation known as the Pennsylvania Marriage Amendment.

The proposed legislation would ban marriages for same-sex couples, civil unions and possibly more for all unmarried couples.

To overcome a stigma of small town intolerance brought about by the very visible works of the Hutchinsons, Whites, and Gramleys of the area, other leaders in Venango County are going to have to step forward to show the world a different face ... one that welcomes all who want to invest in making the area a dynamic and creative place to be.

Who will it be?

Where are the Mayors of Oil City and Franklin? The County Commissioners? School Officials? Social Service Agency Executives? Clergy? Community and Civic Leaders?

The Silence is Deafening.

Purpose of Site and Invitation to Contribute

While many visionary people in Oil City, Franklin and other communities in Venango County are making valiant efforts to attract new businesses, working artists, and tourists to the historic and stunningly beautiful Oil Region of Northwestern Pennsylvania as a way to stimulate the local economy and improve the quality of life for all in the area, others are using bigoted and mean-spirited attacks against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other marginalized people to promote an extremist agenda disguised as religious values.

The major proponent of this shameful campaign is Diane Gramley, head of the so-called American Family Association of Pennsylvania.

Gramley is the local pawn of the Tupelo, Mississippi-based American Family Association, a national hate-group that uses its multi-million dollar annual budget to promote an agenda of bigotry and intolerance in communities around the country.

But Diane Gramley is hardly alone as the voice of the AFA in Venango County. Her voice and other voices of intolerance are heard daily on the AFA’s American Family Radio, broadcast locally on WAWN 89.5 FM. And many churches in the area echo the same messages from their pulpits and in their church bulletins.

Is this the Venango County we want and that we want the world to see?

The purpose of this blog site is to expose and challenge bigotry and discrimination in Venango County in order to make the beautiful communities of northwestern Pennsylvania a welcoming place for all.

And Your Help Is Needed.

If you want to shine a light on bigotry and discrimination in the area, send your comment(s) to be posted here.

Because Speaking Out Against the Grain in This Area is So Difficult and Could Literally Put One’s Job, Relationships with Family and Friends, and One’s Very Life At Risk, All Requests for Confidentiality and Anonymity Will Be Respected.

Thank You for Your Interest and Support.

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