"Hutcherson, who describes himself as a "creative, freckle-faced black philistine," is a well-known and controversial figure in Western Washington; his church has 3,000 members. He said his battle is reminiscent of the biblical story of David versus Goliath."
AGN Financial Network apparently wants to acquire stock on the cheap in companies it wants to pressure:
"Its Web site tells visitors, "You have the power to change the world," and contains tips on how to open a brokerage account. Among the listed supporters are Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention and religious pundit Gary Bauer."
Still no disclosure of the powerful white people Hutcherson told the MSFT shareholder meeting support his cause last November.
A website for the venture- "an affiliate of Antioch Baptist Church"- went online today at www.agnfinancial.com. Over at Antioch Bible Church there's a press release that has been sent out to Hutch's Prayer Warriors for tomorrow, but with the attachment concealed:
"01/08/2008
"Dear Prayer Warrior,
"The press release regarding how we will deal with corporations will go out TOMORROW! The website will also be launched at that time. Both require your prayer support.
"Also, this Sunday a young man will be giving his testimony about coming out of a homosexual lifestyle. Please pray for him as he prepares to tell his story, and that God will use it in a mighty way to help others.
"Pastor Hutch"
Andrea James at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports Hutch will have a big hill to climb, freckle-faced Philistine or not:
"It's unclear what effect, if any, the initiative could have on the stock price. It would be difficult to influence company direction -- just to gain a 1 percent stake in Microsoft, about 31 million people would each have to spend $104 to buy three shares. Microsoft has about 9.36 billion outstanding shares, and its largest holder is Chairman Bill Gates, with 858 million shares, or 9 percent of the total. Capital Research and Management Co. follows with nearly 557 million shares, or 6 percent."At Microsoft's annual shareholder meeting in November, Hutcherson told the group that he was gathering evangelicals, Catholics, Jews and Muslims to challenge the company.
"He told company leaders, "I could work with you, or I could be your worst nightmare, because I am a black man with a righteous cause, with a host of powerful white people behind me," according to an e-mail update to his supporters. "I hope to hear from you and if not, you will hear from me."
If I was a member of Hutch's church I'd be asking about the Philistine analogy.
In the meantime, Hutch is clear about his motives:
'When asked whether the new initiative is a ploy to make money for his church, Hutcherson said, "Absolutely."
'"We're going to need the finances to go to the next companies," he said. "Anything you do successfully needs money."'
AGN Financial's website is pretty much a commercial for Hutcherson, and lists a variety of Usual Suspects who are advisors and supporters in otherwise undefined roles: Richard Land, from the Southern Baptist Convention; Donald Wildmon of the American Family Association; Herbert Lusk, of Greater Exodus Baptist Church; Tom Strobhar, of Citizens Action Now; and Rabbi Daniel Lapin, who's conservative scold and radio host Michael Medved's sidekick. Supporters include Nixon administration felon-turned-right-wing-scold Charles Colson (what does same-sex marriage have to do with a prison ministry, anyway?); Stu Webber, of Good Shepherd Community Church; Gary Bauer ('nuff said); Bishop Harry Jackson, jr; Paul Weyrich, (ditto 'nuff said), and the Family Research Council's Tony Perkins.
We can only find an endorsement by Colson on Hutch's website, who thinks he is fabulous. It's striking, at first glance, that hurling The Gays back over the walls is a totally male venture. We look forward to seeing how transparent this organization will be.
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