These guys are all over the place in NYC. Especially in Midtown. Most of the time I just walk by them, but sometimes I can't help but engage.

One guy asked me if I had accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior. I told him "Thanks, but I'm already seeing a savior..." I didn't really stick around to debate the guy, but I did have to respond.

During Pride, the evangelists were everywhere along the route, and one guy told me I was going straight to hell... I put on my best gay-man imitation, and <snap-snapped> my fingers and said, "Dude, of all the ways I'm going to hell, STRAIGHT is not one of them."

I don't debate because it does not good, but making a joke about seems to stun them at least long enough to get away... they're prepared for our debate, but they're not ready for us to respond a little comically.

I had the greatest street preacher story happen in 77 at the U of Arizona campus. I was visiting friends and was stretched out on the grass. Some preacher stood on a wall and was spouting the normal stuff, including his experience of going to San Fran in 68. He kept babbling, then a guy, bald head and goatee, with a robe and staff and minions throwing free drink wooden nickels came and stood nearby preaching about Satan. Back and forth went the yelling. Then, the greatest thing happened. In 1977. A guy in a Spider-Man suit appeared and started dancing around the two. The crowd, absent in mind by then, came alive and started to cheer. Spidy is a real hero.

To the "where do you think you'll go when you die" routine, I just respond "It all depends on how much money you have.If you're rich, you get a fancy mausoleum, with a flashing neon sign! If you're poor, you get cremated!".

I assume those were bloodclots from the Westboro Baptist Church. They're based in my home town. It's hard to drive past them without driving OVER them.