Morgan Harrington Murder: Protest Group To Preach Hate At Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA– I wish this was an early April Fools Joke. It is Not.
Excerpts from yesterdays Collegiatetimes.com.
Virginia Tech and Blacksburg leaders are preparing a response to an upcoming protest from the Westboro Baptist Church in relation to slain Tech student Morgan Harrington.
A calendar post on the Westboro Baptist Church’s Web site, godhatesfags.com, says the group will protest April 9 in downtown Blacksburg, outside Blacksburg High School, and the Virginia Tech branch of Hillel.
Among the propositions discussed were whether or not a counter-protest should be organized and if T-shirts would be commissioned. Carroll said that the SGA had proposed $250 for a counter-protest. Carroll also created a Google group, HokieNationResponse.
While some at the meeting proposed blocking the group’s proposed protest location, members of the group pointed out the action would be illegal under town code.
“If my radio show can prevent a circus atmosphere of protests, counter-protests, police protection, and media coverage from taking place in front of churches where grieving families are trying to say good-bye to their loved ones, then I think that’s a good thing,” Gallagher said, in an April 22, 2007 post on townhall.com.
Church officials said they were not protesting the 2007 shootings, saying they were “coming for the event that happened last month,” referencing slain student Morgan Harrington. A 20-year-old education major, Harrington was found in late January 2010 after going missing in October 2009 while attending a Metallica concert in Charlottesville, Va.
The LGBTA community has also shown outrage about the church’s protest. Aimee Kanode, a senior humanities, science, and environment major at Tech and president of Tech’s LGBTA said she would not attend the protest, as she has work on the day of the protest.
“These people are awful, appalling, despicable,” Kanode said. “My method is to just ignore them. Me wasting energy on those people is not worth my time.” Kanode said that while the group would not officially organize for the protest, several members and officers would be in attendance. Kanode said she advised her members to “be smart about it.”
“Be safe and know what you can and cannot do,” Kanode said. Jean Elliot and Ken Belcher, co-chairs of Tech’s LGBT Caucus, declined a request for comment on the protest.
The Westboro Baptist Church will start its April 9 protest at 1 p.m on the corner of North Main Street and East Roanoke Street. The church will then proceed to Blacksburg High School at 2:15 p.m., and the church will finish in Blacksburg with a 3 p.m. protest at the Blacksburg Jewish Community Center on East Roanoke Street.
From the Editor: This may be about the most egregious example of outright bad taste in my recent memory. There is a hate group attempting to exploit the name of a murdered woman whose killers are currently at large, on her campus.
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Gil Harrington’s thoughts from March 31st, 2010
Dearest Morgan:
At times I am angry but never so angry as to forget how much love we have shared and the joy we had as a family. My heart will hold fast to that love until despair is turned away.
Love and goodness is what it is all about. People turn towards love like plants turn towards the light and are renewed. It is important to reinforce this positive outlook tonight as negative factors gather in the periphery of our lives to feed like vultures upon the event of your demise. That mindset is so foreign to me that I really cannot comprehend it. It is probably a mistake to waste time analyzing evil anyway – detracts from our goal of forward positive motion.
We are making it and finding a way forward despite many challenges. Like I really have been mired down with what your death involved – why such a terribly brutal ending for my sweet girl? But it was an ending – not THE END- your being will still have meaning and impact through good works we do in your name. The suffering I manage by recalling the quote “The soul leaves the body quickly and with joy – like a child leaps from the schoolyard gate”.
Leap and fly high my little one, dragon dancer, we are OK alone here.
2 4 1
Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. Stay strong.
B
Thanks Blink, what about the part that indicates that:
“Jill Harrington released this statement after an update briefing with law enforcement officials”
Was this recent? I know she met with them a few weeks ago on a Thursday I believe. If her belief followed a meeting with LE, I would assume this would be fairly significant. Physical evidence pointing towards such?
They met with VSP yesterday.
B
Connie, don’t worry, it’s okay.
Skyler, you are a true patriot Virginian! TJ is my guy too.
I’m going to fax HD of Roanoke and for me, “enough” of these people!
I am hoping that Morgans murderers are brought in.
Blink? Are the 4 CIB (creeps in black) the main POI’s?
Happy Easter everyone!
Sorry B, didn’t see the message from It’sMELyn until after I posted. I was so hoping they could help
It’s time. It’s time for all the hidden details/facts surrounding this tragedy to come out. It’s time for the truth to be told and the savageness of this senseless crime to be exposed.
It. Is. Time.
Sorry for just popping in with nothing of relevance regarding research, but just wanted to say:
These guys are idiots and we shouldnt spend even one word discussing them. L-O-S-E-R-S.
I know that abusive is a self perpetuating cycle, and I truely feel empathy towards those who have been through abuse – but at a certain point, one is old enough to recognize choice, and these people always have the free will to CHOOSE what they will put their energy in to. If they choose to put it in to hate, instead of healing themselves, then this is a waste of their time (and ours). They will continue to be miserable and suffer.
That being said, I am still lurking and cheering you on – you guys are doing a GREAT job and I pray for the day when justice will be served for Morgan.
xoxo
Someone posted some new pics of Morgan at the Remember Morgan site that I’ve not seen before: http://www.findmorgan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2965
Look at the 1st pic posted. See Morgan’s right arm (to our left)sticking out from behind the blond in black shirt. Looks like her thumb is up and other fingers closed as in a HH stance. Could it be that this was an involuntary way she held her hand on a regular basis, thus the HH witness.
Dear Dr. and Gil Harrington:
I believe her soul left her body before she felt any pain.
The near death experiences of countless people say the same thing.
Their stories are published and nice to read.
We stand with you. We will not forget Morgan.
Thank you for keeping this story updated and out here…not many ppl do.
The counter-strike-funny-sign idea is BRILLIANT!!!
Absolutely brilliant. They diffused those quacks in a non-violent way.
Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr. (as well as Harvey Milk) would be very proud of those future leaders of this great nation. I love it!!!
Should we go back to posting on the previous thread?
Phyl at 1:29 am
I agree Phyl! What a hoot!
Thanks Spotty for posting that last night. Made my night.
Humor can disperse vile hatred in an instant. Peaceful, non-violent resistance is a tool to overcoming the hate that people try to spread, as Ghandi, MLK and Harvey Milk have shown.
I loved the funny signs you quoted and found “God is love, hate is stupid” to be incredibly profound.
As much as we all hate what these people stand for, we must not allow them to make us lose focus. We are here for justice for Morgan, and from this moment on I choose to ignore them, and I will post comments on this thread and not mention this group of assclowns again.
Now, what about the BIB? How can so many people have interacted with/saw Morgan, and yet NO ONE saw her get into a vehicle? It just boggles the mind that she vanished into thin air just moments after talking with all of these different people.
TO Dan and GIl,
Thank you for posting the Letter to Morgan this morning. Your strength to rise above is amazing and it gives me strength. I have been tormented on how I, personally, can help protect you from this protest and comfort you. Your letter was uplifting and shows me what GOOD really is. I am sure thee are many other BOC members like me out there. We may be silent, but we are HERE!
They just mentioned on our local noon news(they cover this alot, since the Snyders live in a neighboring county) that Mr. Snyder has recieved donations towards the 16K from all over the country.
The Phelps family *wants* to intimidate people, make them angry, and start fights. Then, they can be the “victims” and sue.
If there is a counter-protest, do not act angry. Do not act intimidated. Do not feel you have to protest across the street. As long as you are peaceful and act cheerful and non-threatening, there is no reason why you can’t go within a few feet of a Phelps protester and hold a sign that says “I’m with Stupid.” Just don’t touch them. Don’t scream or raise your voice, or do anything to make the police think you may attack. These people want to upset the h*ll out of you. If you act cheerful and happy, they lose.
Keep in mind, the Phelps people know the laws inside and out. Whatever they are doing is legal. They are bound to be standing in a public place, so you can stand there too. Don’t use profanities.
The San Francisco protesters were so effective because they acted like it was a big happy party. Phelps’s people don’t want you to act like a big happy party. They want you to cry and scream angrily and act horrified. Don’t give it to them. Act overly friendly. Happily pose for pictures with them like it’s a lot of fun. They really hate that. They are all about hate. If they don’t get met with hate, they don’t know what to do!
This idea comes from Mike at the findmorgan.com website — it is his idea — not mine — but i agree w/ him.
You can go to http://www.irs.gov and make a — not complaint, but turn them in for tax abuse — you have to put in the www’s or else the irs site does not pull up — it’s the same for a lot of the fed sites —
I actually work for the feds — there is someone called the Inspector General — you can make anonymous tips — or — you can leave your name and if the IRS collects money, you get a portion —
I encourage everyone to follow your hearts and personal conscience about what to do —
I thought a lot about this last night — I know 3 Bible verses but I don’t know where this one is — I think the Old Testament — but it’s one of my favorites and touches me always —
God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.
I prayed and prayed about this and the answer I kept receiving in my heart was to send out love toward this people so that the veil of darkness may be pierced by even a pinpoint of light for at least some members to see the truth of God’s light —
From reading here of people’s personal experience w/ Fred’s children — I feel so sorry for those children who are now adults
When we found our dog Charlie just smeared on the side of the road where that punk kid hit him — my son was 18 — I am perennially 35 — we got out of the car, sat down on the curb, and just bawled — both of us — for a dog (beloved dog) — My kid drives me crazy a lot of the time, but inside I know his heart — he is kind — he cries in public over his dead beloved dog —
These people — would they cry or even recognize the sadness of a senseless death –
Michael Vick was convicted in a Richmond federal courtroom — what I found the saddest thing about his situation, he could not see how horrible dog fighting is and the cruelty of the execution of his dogs — he didn’t see it then, I don’t think he sees it now –
I feel that’s how these people are — they really do not see how hurtful their actions are — they blindly follow where they’ve been led —
I admire Martin Luther King so much — I can’t promise, but I am going to do my best and follow also the example of little Ruby Bridges, who was escorted to school every day of her life by state troopers simply because her face was darker than the white children — the block before she had to walk thru the protestors, she stopped and prayed — not that they would stop their protest, but she simply lifted them up to her God —
Again, I am not preaching or trying to persuade anyone’s spiritual beliefs — just stating maybe kill them w/ kindness that perhaps they’ve not known in their lives —
And I’m calling the IRS !! : )
peace to all, Sky
Yes, good idea, I posted to Mike on findmorgan last night that the Church is not a church in the eyes of the IRS and they espouse political beliefs, which is a no- no.
B
Here’s another sign you could use: I saw a picture of a man at a political protest. The man was very tall, with a cheery smile on his face, standing behind a group of angry, sullen looking protesters holding angry-sounding signs.
The man was right in the middle of the opposing group, holding a sign with arrows pointing in every direction, saying, “We have no idea what we are talking about!”
Redly, I was wondering the same thing about whether we should go back to posting on the previous thread. I guess it doesn’t really matter—I’m not sure what they ‘win’ if we get alot of posts on a thread about them—but, you know, I feel kinda’ dirty posting here, lol.
I believe strongly our poor Morgan was subjected to unthinkable horror, and I want these freaks arrested yesterday.
I am planning an extra special expose’ on the person(s) that has helped them so far, so if your reading this, you may wish to realize your entire community is going to know exactly what the depraved spawn you brought into this world is capable of.
You think a 3 month headstart is any match for us?
————————-
Blink, was this thread about WBC the expose’ you were referring to?
One of my favourite lines from Steel Magnolias…..
‘She went onto a place where she could be a guardian angel. She will always be young, she will always be beautiful. And I personally feel much safer she’s up there on my side’.
Total A:
“They would end up just a bunch of losers standing on a street corner with signs.
And we can pray that it rains.”
Wouldn’t it be funny if a bolt of lightning struck in addition to the rain. I wonder what those silly protesters would say about that?
B, don’t post if you’d rather stop responses relating to the WBC, but I wanted you to see the gracious response I got from the PGR. As I read the following E to me from jborling of PGR, I’m under the impression that the real reason the WBC is coming to that area is for the “engraving ceremony for Capt David Mitchell who gave his all in Afghanistan”. But they will take it one step further to protest in Morgan’s name also. I don’t know if the part I bolded will show here as bolded, but he made a specific request in the last paragraph, that I thought everyone should be aware of. Sorry to continue with this, but I had already emailed them prior to others suggesting we simply leave it alone, so I thought it only appropriate to share his response. Now I will leave it alone…
Here is a copy of his E:
“thank you for your concern regarding this issue. Please see a response that I prepared for the many emails that I received about the VT protest. This should give you some sense of the PGR position…. thank you again for your attention to this matter…
in service,
Jim ‘borlo’ Borling
Virginia State Captain
RESPONSE:
Students and Friends of VT:
I have received several emails regarding the possible protest by WBC. I thank you all for your concern and dedication to a peaceful and honorable process Friday April 9 during the engraving ceremony for Capt David Mitchell who gave his all in Afghanistan.
Several things to mention:
1. the WBC often threatens to protest, creating a stir, but does not show up. You may recall that they threatened to attend the funerals of the 4-16 shooting victims but never did show.
2. one of you asked about a strategy that we can suggest. See the attached “Peaceful Nullification” document for your reference.
3. for PGR to attend any event, it must come at the request of a family member (with little exception)
The above thoughts are just starters for now. I, personally, am in Pittsburgh working. Therefore, I am forwarding this information on to the Assistant State Captain in Virginia Beach who may also offer some recommendations and have specific thoughts on your request for our attendance.
Again, thank you for your contact and concern. Above all else, this day will be about the sacrifice that Capt Mitchell made for his country… I would respectfully ask that if, by chance, there is an email campaign to solicit [b]PGR participation that it cease simply for that sake of email volume…We are now informed and in the ‘consideration’ stage…[/b]
in service,
Jim ‘borlo’ Borling
Virginia State Captain
Jim Borling M.M., MT-BC, FAMI
Professor of Music
Program Director, Music Therapy
Radford University
Radford, VA 24142
jborling@radford.edu
http://www.radford.edu\~jborling
http://www.MusicVisionsLLC.com“
sheesh, the bold part should have started at “I would respectfully ask that if, by chance, there is an email campaign to solicit…
Blink, are you thinking the 4 creeps in black are the POI’s and there maybe LE or security connections to them? and maybe one is already dead?
HARRINGTON: It does not appear there were other calls to Morgan during that period of time. There was some texting of Morgan to a young gentleman that she was friends with, but it was no one in Charlottesville. It was further away and so — but he`s not a suspect at all at this time.
GRACE: Right. So they were just probably texting about what, the concert, that she was at the concert, stuff like that?
HARRINGTON: Yes.
GRACE: OK. And he was in a different city?
what city was he in? has he been vetted? what is the story here?
Still lurking Blink. My apologies if this has already been posted.
“Dad of a fallen Marine perseveres against protests at military funerals”
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20100331/ts_csm/291560
Hope it links!
or are we still on RSO and friends?
I admit, I am slow on the uptake, but WHY would these losers want to protest this girls funeral????
P.S. the court has ruled the family of a Marine must pay the legal fees for these losers because the faily sued over the protest of the young an’s funeral.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/30/westboro.baptist.snyder/index.html?hpt=T1
This is just a little heads up for Observer. My rock for Morgan was sent priority mail on Monday. It’s coming from Nevada. Thanks!!!~Moonchime
“while they have the right to free speech, they cannot deliberately lie — and since they can’t show a direct link to channel God, then they can’t prove it is true God sent Morgan’s killer, and they could be sued for defamation of character — perhaps — I’m not a lawyer —”
Sorry, Skyler, didn’t post the exact time and date of the above post, but I just about spit a mouthful of Wheat Thins on the keyboard when I read this. I had to take a swig of coke to get them washed down and then I almost spit the coke out reading it again. I have a feeling God is as incensed as we all are that this group is using his name in this way.
I seriously want to come to Roanoke on the day of their “protest”. But I want to be wearing one of those “one-man-band” contraptions, with the harmonica, drum, cymbal, etc. I don’t want to even look at them, just play my little version of When The Saints Go Marching In as loud as I can and make sure I strike my cymbal right in their faces. Damn. Or maybe just a tambourine and tap shoes. I could seriously &*@! these people UP!
OMG Spotty. I think those ideas of signs and clown costumes are soooo funny. You had me laughing so hard. I am picturing little go-carts and all. That would be so wonderful. Someone call the local Shriners! Circus music on a PA would be great also. God Hates Figs…. LMAO!
What would a hobby be of a “depraved spawn” besides hate-mongering and does it have a job?
Redhilllocal: Has there ever been any talk of a secret club held in a barn in NG?
Oh btw! Is Howell still “accounted” for?
Wait, Morgan could have met one of the BIB, that nite. See them again as they nevr entered JPJA and took them up on a offer of a ride.
Could someone jump on FB and ask Voth if she saw Morgan’s thumb (what one needs for HHing) sticking out or did she just ASSume that was what Morgan was doing! It was cold, rainy, and dark. Also UVA b-boys, did they say she was HHinkg, as well? Never hurts to ask again. And while I’m at it, Blink, where would X location be if he dropped her off?
I don’t think the Harrington’s words will stop reducing me to tears.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrington, you are a voice of integrity, grace, and honesty. This journey has ensured you light the path for all of those who will tragically follow. May we all learn and grow from the path you walk. Thank you for sharing.
Acho: just read your post of your donation to Morgan’s causes! Way to go! It always helps to pay it forward.
J2K: southJ, remembr it well! They just want 15 minutes. They were ugly on the inside and out! There are also some very dangerous hate groups down there. But as one does not get to pick and choose “response” to, they still call 911 when they need help. So much for their not needin’ gov and such support services. What babies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Of_2ykZpQ&feature=player_embedded
Everyone, please read J2K’s post: J2K says:
March 30, 2010 at 11:12 pm
and please watch the video link she provided, I posted it again at the top of my comment!!! It took me a day to take the time to watch that video (under two minutes long), but I am so glad I did!
The young man in the video, Jason Connell, really hit the nail on the head with what he did to counter WBC when they protested at his school. He used their very negative presence and publicity to raise money for groups they protest against, such as human rights, aid’s groups, gay rights, etc-powerful!
He had thank you notes for people to sign thanking WBC for helping make sure that money was raised and was going towards those groups they hate…and sent them to WBC! Way to go Jason-you are remarkable!
Karma is a bitch man! WBC’s presence on that campus made money for charities and groups they hate, it doesn’t get any better!
30.mary says:
March 31, 2010 at 4:38 pm
“while they have the right to free speech, they cannot deliberately lie — and since they can’t show a direct link to channel God, then they can’t prove it is true God sent Morgan’s killer, and they could be sued for defamation of character — perhaps — I’m not a lawyer —”
Sorry, Skyler, didn’t post the exact time and date of the above post, but I just about spit a mouthful of Wheat Thins on the keyboard when I read this. I had to take a swig of coke to get them washed down and then I almost spit the coke out reading it again. I have a feeling God is as incensed as we all are that this group is using his name in this way.
I seriously want to come to Roanoke on the day of their “protest”. But I want to be wearing one of those “one-man-band” contraptions, with the harmonica, drum, cymbal, etc. I don’t want to even look at them, just play my little version of When The Saints Go Marching In as loud as I can and make sure I strike my cymbal right in their faces. Damn. Or maybe just a tambourine and tap shoes. I could seriously &*@! these people UP!
———————————————————
Soooo funny! I’d come just to see that!
(But I believe that the soldier’s father sued them for defamation of character and it backfired on him.)
My dear Mr. Harrington, you are a remarkable man to write such a loving missive to your daughter and then to share it with all of us. You are so right that love is what renews us and sustains us through tragedy and loss. Your beloved daughter, Morgan, lives on in your heart and the love you feel for her will last for all Eternity. The immense pain you are in right now is something you will become accustomed to, something you’ll learn to live with, something that will become bearable over time, but it will be with you for the rest of your life. At long last, after many years, it stops hurting so much and you will be able to remember and enjoy your Morgan again, in your memories. I hope you find some comfort knowing you are wished well, that many prayers are said for you daily. God bless you, loving father. May God watch over you and yours and grant you all the strength you need to endure this horrible crime and the loss of your daughter. Amen.
Hey Suz (re: 8:25, 30 March) I am sure you are right about them (the scab-pokers) NOT singling out any one person, as they are just not that smart. It is silly to try and make sense of anything these people do. Elton John was playing here in my town a year or so ago, and they threatened to come and picket, but thankfully they never even showed up–all hot air! They must love the sound of their own voices.
Happy Easter to you!
Blessings to the Harrington Family.
TO Connie: No worries, and please do not go away from posting here; your presence like that of all others is welcome here. As Red Hill Local said, we all make mistakes–myself included–and we all say things we wish we could take back–myself included. It’s all good. [As a wise person once told me "There's only room up on that cross for one person."]
TO Moonchime: Thanks so much for the heads-up, re: Morgan’s rock-in-transit. This is helpful as I’ll be leaving shortly and will try to pick up the rock before I depart. I’ll definitely let you know when I’ve placed it on Morgan’s memorial on Copeley–hopefully tomorrow or Friday at the latest (assuming it arrives by that time). Thanks again for your “rock donation”, Moonchime!
There was a Klan rally planned for a small Ky. town a few years ago. 30 or so Kluxers, Aryans, and American Nazis showed up as did a few dozen curious locals. Just before the klan assembled to begin the hate speeches, Kentucky State Police showed up with about 10-12 school buses. The buses walled the Klan off, no one could see them and they could not the the crowd. And the rally just sort of ended and the wingnuts drove back to Ohio and Michigan
Funny. I like that idea.
B
“Morgan’s ROCKS”
P.O. Box 4492
Charlottesville, VA 22905
IMHO – We should not turn our backs on opportunity.
I think that this a great chance to bring National attention and sympathy to Morgan and the Harrington’s cause.
I truly hope the Harrington’s have one of their always gracious speeches prepared and take full advantage of this pathetic protest made by a group of scum bags into a positive situation.
Always take the high road.
33.fish says:
March 31, 2010 at 5:15 pm
“Redhilllocal: Has there ever been any talk of a secret club held in a barn in NG?”
———–
Fish, any particular reason for asking this question… or is it just a random thought?
(sigh) I tried to go an entire day without asking a question.
Almost made it.
ALMOST.
total amateur says:
April 1, 2010 at 12:05 am
33.fish says:
March 31, 2010 at 5:15 pm
“Redhilllocal: Has there ever been any talk of a secret club held in a barn in NG?”
———–
Fish, any particular reason for asking this question… or is it just a random thought?”
Not that I’m aware of Fish, but that certainly doesn’t mean there couldn’t be. As TA asked, any specific reason for your question?
Dr and Gil Harrington,
My prayers are with you and your family every single day. Try and stay strong. If there is anything at all that we can do for you, just let us know! We all care very much.
The new pictures posted on findmorgan.com, man. Morgan was just stunning. Her eyes and eyelashes (look at the last new pic) are just gorgeous. She also had an unbelievable skill to switch up her looks. She was naturally beautiful, she could have been a model.
Skyler – and others – my very sweet simple granny used to preach “kindness kills.” It works.
This cult is looking for the challenge/negative attention – ignore them and turn the tables on their protests.
Gil and Dan Harrington’s Statement About WBC
As you may know the Westboro Baptist Church, which we do not consider a church at all but a group of domestic terrorists, has chosen to target our murdered daughter Morgan Harrington with a hate rally in Blacksburg on 4/9/10. Yes there is evil in the world and this latest strike from it is painful and disturbing, but nothing compared to the death blow we have just survived. I don’t understand how this evil gathering, which clearly appears to be a political entity, can cloak themselves in religiosity and thereby gain constitutional protection and financial indemnity.
I am not courageous enough to be one that seeks out evil in the world to vanquish it, but I am not cowardly enough to turn my back on it and run either. When evil like the WBC presents you must face it and keep your eye on it as you attempt to neutralize its poison.
We will not let this petty evil topple us. We will shine the light and dispel the darkness of intimidation and domestic terrorism. We will continue to work for good, as caregivers, as educators, as advocates, feeding the poor, washing their feet, and binding their wounds. We will not be diverted from these tasks we have taken on in Morgan’s honor. We will not allow Morgan’s killer to erase her from the world nor these petty thugs to poison her legacy.
Darkness must always give way to the light. We will prevail.
Gil and Dan Harrington
Judi said “She was naturally beautiful, she could have been a model.”
______________________________________
Yes indeed.
I still wonder if she ever worked on that. We know she followed America’s Next Top Model, or at least that Alison Harvard from it.
I know of one disturbing C’ville “photographer” on those modeling sites but do not know whether Morgan would have sought out his help with a portfolio.