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N.Y. Vet Routs Mc Intyre

By VVAW

Fundamentalist preacher Carl McIntyre abruptly adjourned a "Victory in Viet-Nam" rally two hours ahead of schedule on June 26th after inviting David Ross (VVAW-Syracuse) to a debate on the war. Ross managed to get a few facts off, but was cut off by McIntyre. McIntyre commented "I didn't want this thing to build up any more. I didn't want to be guilty of provoking anything".

In the debate when McIntyre opened his mouth concerning Christ and Vietnam, there were differences of opinion among the assembled crowd. As a result of these differences of opinion, McIntire (sic) saw fit to call off the demonstration. After he announced the end of the debate, people in the crowd began shouting: "Let him speak!" (Ross). As a reporter from Binghamton put it, "Carl McIntyre has never lost a fight". It matters little whether he is battling the N.J. Board of Higher Education, the FCC, or Vietnam Veterans Against the War. This is not to say that the Bible Presbyterian minister has not been in some tight situations. What, then does he do when confronted by a questioner with probing arguments? He simply retreats to a safer place, a place from which he can launch lengthy verbal and printed tirades against his opponent? from reading accounts about McIntyre from various sources, including his own, one would expect a formidable, irresponsible and unflappable preacher.

McIntyre insisted that this was a pro-war rally and that the "hecklers" would be removed if they resisted. But he finally coalesced to their hoots and chants and invited disaster by inviting Ross. After Mr. Ross portrayed Christ as a fellow revolutionary who advocated resistance against a government, a person doesn't agree with in conscience. McIntyre retorted "What he has said is a misrepresentation of the Gospel and of Jesus Christ",? "He never led any form of violence or revolutionary activity" (Moneychangers in the temple John 21: 12-14? look out Wall Street). McIntyre's address was punctuated by cries of "Peace Now!" and "Christ loves Vietnamese, too!". He told VVAW the rally would be dismissed if they continued. They refused, naturally, and the rally ended.

As the 65 year old McIntyre left for the Broome County airport he stated, "That's the worst treatment I've had anyplace? at any rally, at any time". The VFW of Binghamton declined to invite him to their parade, but he was accepted with joy by VVAW. Like Harry Truman stated, "if you can't take the heat, then stay out of the kitchen".

Mr. McIntyre was expected to be able to face opposition from any quarter and deal effectively with the antagonist. Instead, the fundamentalist preacher was forced to retreat from his own rally. The counter rally apparently wasn't in the script and the N.J. preacher brought upon his own defeat by inviting Ross to speak.