20091019 WillSpeech

Thanks 4 ur support. Those who disagree with him I thank you 4 ur time & consideration. When this first started up Will was adamant that he didn't mind public criticism if it raised awareness & 'educated people". Initially I advised him to "pick his battles" and that it was "easier to just go with the flow." He took a moment, chose his words carefully and said, "Sure it makes things easier but then nothing ever changes."

Jay Phillips

tobe17200@yahoo.com

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/nerdjayrocks


PREFACE- Will wrote and addressed this speech to the attendees of the 10/19/09 NWA Center for Equality fundraiser whom invited him to speak. It was written by Will and excepting for being typed by myself, correction of minor grammatical errors (some were left in the speech on his insistence so as not to disturb the wording of his speech.) and spelling; what follows are his words.




I did this because I wanted to exercise my inherent rights as a citizen of the United States of America. Some people objected because they didnt seem to think that people were people. I am a PERSON who is ten years old but I am a PERSON all the same. Gay PEOPLE are PEOPLE. PEOPLE who have been voted by overwhelmingly inflexible minds to not have the rights all PEOPLE should.

Seeing a pattern?

Some people have said I was coached. Some said I was a disrespect and a disease to the U.S. of A. and some have said the most insensitive, offensive, and abhorrent things. I say they need to widen their minds and see the real world instead of staying in their own little opinionated mind boxes and see the light of day. To realize that even ten year olds can have logical opinions and to accept that I am an intelligent person like MOST people. I showed respect for the flag not only by taking it seriously but by exercising the rights referred to in the pledge, voiced by the people who support and cherish it, and by the institutions the flag represents. I appreciate the support of all those who have stood up for my right to sit down in order to stand up for what I believe is right. I apologize if thats too confusing!

A few days after my Civil Non-Violent Disobedience Act my dad said, Sometimes its easier to just go with the flow. To which I answered, Yes it does make it easier but then nothing would ever change. Activism is important. Activism is change. It is the fuel, lubricant, and engine that drives the slowly moving turtlemobile that is progress. Without intelligent peace loving activists the world would have long since been destroyed by horrible, disgusting, terrifying, illogical, violent, unnerving, excruciating war.

But now lets be chipper! I apologize for such an inconceivably long few words. Good night and to quote the great Will Phillips, Its about Civil Rights Stupid!!

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Will Phillips
• Jay Phillips
• Laura Phillips
• Free Speech
• 1st Amendment
• Gay Rights
• West Fork
• Arkansas

[tobe17200]

Once again thank you all so much for your support. He's a tough kid and we are very proud of him!  : )

[DeffLeopard]

My hat's off to you, Will. You are a

bigger man than I'll ever be. Continue

to stand (or not) for civil rights for ALL

Americans. God bless you.

[xuxagirl87]

Will,

Apologies for the idiots who have been putting you down, and putting down what you stand for. You are a beautiful person, pure gold, and a shining example of what this country stands for. All the positive compliments that have been expressed before are true, and I will not attempt to repeat them all. But please know that I support you 200% in what you're doing. You said it best: it's about civil rights, stupid! :)

[Alieaz]

He wants to be a lawyer. I don't doubt that he has all the potential required to be a very good one. Somehow I get the feeling he's destined for public office.

[ReasonGuysCopyright]

great kid... reminds me of me at his age... except that I had terrible stage fright (still do) and likely couldn't speak in front of so many people, even reading a script, like that :)

[MisterSister420]

This is BRILLIANT! Big respect to you for holding your position like this. Going with the flow is the easy thing to do. Blacks didn't get equality with whites by going with the flow and allowing slavery, and neither did women get equal rights as men had by accepting 2nd rate status! Bravo!!!

[xuxagirl87]

it may have been "UNobjectionable fact"... i couldn't hear very well when I listened to it.

[RustyTube]

"That is just an objectionable fact."

A Freudian slip?

[IISharperII]

What is there more to say... Will, I'm 22 years old and I can't help but look up to you and respect you. Not only are you not afraid to stand up(erm, sit down) for what you think and know is right, you have continued to do so while most people would be too frightened to. You've been mature enough to ignore the name calling, and face even adult teachers too blind to see the bias' of society. Screw those people that mock you, you have thousands of fans right here to cheer you on.

[arkansasgirl111]

I live in West Fork, too, and I am so proud to know that Will is one of my townspeople. Fighting for equal rights has always been a struggle, but, Will, you will always triumph when you are on the side of right.

[sickblueboy]

gosh hes amazing!!!!! thank you so much will, good luck and all the best!!!!

another activist in the world is adoring you!!!!

[johnclord]

This 10-year sees more clearly the reality around him than most people.