The Religious Wrong: Rick Warren, Jesus, & the Poor

 

For the record, this is the tweet that is being talked about:

The Dregs of Humanity

Know Your Allies: Major League Baseball

Over the past few weeks and months, several MLB teams have taken it upon themselves (though some were asked) to contribute to the "It Gets Better" campaign. Below, you can see some of the videos:

Besides the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox, the Baltimore Orioles have come out with a video with others coming down the pike including the Seattle Mariners. There are also petitions going on for other MLB teams to take part including the New York Yankees (personally glad Boston beat them to it). Kudos to these baseball organizations for speaking out against the bullying of LGBT youth.

Me being the football fan that I am, I'm really hoping the NFL gets in on the "It Gets Better" campaign as well.

Dead Beat Dad Rep. Joe Walsh: Arch-Hypocrite on Debt

Respect For Marriage Act

I'm sure that many of you who have read this blog are aware that there is currently a piece of legislation in the United States Senate called the Respect For Marriage Act which would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DoMA), thus allowing the United States government to recognize same-sex marriages/civil unions performed in states that allow such unions. It was introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and committee hearings have already begun thanks to Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). 

The political reality is that this will probably not get through the Senate (if it did, it would be just barely) despite it being held by a Democratic majority, and it has zero percent chance of getting through the Republican-held House of Representatives. House Speaker Boehner has said that he won't even bring it up for debate (he is almost single-handedly spearheading the House's defense of DoMA). I guess this is something being done symbolically, but the postive thing is that it gets the conversation going and lays the groundwork for when there is a better chance the passage of the RFMA. Positive results have already come to fruition as during the Senate Committee Hearings, Senator Al Franken exposed yet another lie by the opposition to marriage equality. I have posted this video before, but it is certainly worth seeing again:

BUSTED!!!

The real reason that I brought this up, other than awareness, is because I wanted people who read this blog to show some love to the Respect For Marriage Act's Facebook page and stay updated on the goings-on where DoMA and RFMA are concerned. Stay informed.

The Bachmann Saga: Leave My Husband Alone

More and more hypocrisy and question dodging from the Bachmann campaign (from The Young Turks):

The Price of Silence: Teen Suicides in Minnesota

The Religious Wrong: May I Impose???

First this country was founded first and foremost on the principle of self-determination. Kids in grade school know that colonists were angry because they were being taxed without having representation in Parliament to speak for them (i.e. the slogan "No taxation without representation"). So sorry Bryan, but you fail.

Second, imposing YOUR personal values is exactly what you are trying to do through DoMA, trying to reinstate DADT, state-level marriage equality bans. Every tweet you make on Twitter is a record of this FACT. Every statement you have ever uttered is in direct contradiction to what was just said. The organization you are a leader of was created with that aim.

It has become apparent that Bryan Fischer has a problem with the truth. Trying to impose his "values" (though I wouldn't call hate or ignorance values) on everyone else, then saying that that is not what he is trying to do. It's a good thing that anyone with half of a brain cell can see through this charade and can see the wolf despite the sheep's clothing.

Apple Severs Ties With Christian Values Network

Here is part of the article from Change.org by Joe Mirabella (the entire article can be read HERE):

Apple has removed their iTunes store from the “Christan Values Network” (CVN.org) after more than 22,000 people signed a petition on Change.org started by Ben Crowther, a student and Apple customer concerned about CVN’s funding of anti-gay, anti-women organizations like Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council.

The Apple campaign, which picked up significant momentum after 13,000 AllOut.org members signed another petition on Thursday, follows Microsoft’s decision to leave CVN two weeks ago, prompted by another customer-driven campaign on Change.org. Several other companies have removed their online stores since then, including REI, Macy's, Delta Airlines, BBC America, and Wells Fargo.

“From the beginning, I knew that once this issue was brought to Apple's attention, they would not want to be a part of CVN because it funds anti-gay hate groups like Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council,” said Change.org petition starter Ben Crowther. “Apple is a fair-minded business. I'm glad this petition helped make Apple aware of this issue, and I am thrilled that they removed iTunes from CVN.”

Crowther is no stranger to anti-gay bullying. It started in high school when he and his boyfriend were only the second gay couple to come out to their classmates. “The harassment got so bad I had to go to the principal,” Crowther told Change.org.

In college, Crowther's dorm room door was regularly vandalized with anti-gay slurs. “I no longer live in the dorms because the bullying was so bad,” he said.

Marriage Equality: The Tide is Turning

This article comes to us from Politico's Ben Smith:

Bush, Obama pollsters see 'dramatic' shift toward same-sex marriage

In a new polling memo intended to shape politicians' decisions on the question of same-sex marriage, the top pollsters for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama jointly argue that support for same-sex marriage is increasingly safe political ground and will in future years begin to "dominate" the political landscape.

The pollsters, Republican Jan van Lohuizen and Democrat Joel Benenson, argue in their memo, which can be read in full here, that support for same-sex marriage is increasing at an accelerating rate and that the shift is driven by a politically crucial group, independents. They are expected to unveil the memo, which was commissioned by the group Freedom to Marry and shared exclusively with POLITICO, at a press conference at the National Press Club today. 

The memo comes at a moment when politicians are weighing the impact of their choices on the issue. An increasing number of ambitious executives in liberal states, led by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, have seen support for same-sex marriage boost their standing within the Democratic Party. But while polls have long shown increasing support for same-sex marriage, the issue has failed at the polls even in Democratic-leaning states such asCalifornia and Maine, giving pause political figures considering "evolving" on the issue, and encouragement to activists who favor limiting marriage to those between men and women.

The new memo, based on public polling, makes the case that support for same-sex marriage has "accelerated dramatically in the last 2 years" and that the future almost surely belongs to supporters of same-sex marriage.

The pollsters conclude that the issue is changing fast: "It is clear that the public is in the process of rethinking its position on the issue, with all political groups — Democrats, Independents as well as Republicans — and all age groups more likely to support marriage for same-sex couples," they write.

They also note a factor that has been increasingly clear to observers of state legislative fights on the subject: Momentum and public interest appear to be shifting in the direction of supporters of same-sex marriage.

"The intensity of opinion is changing at a rapid pace. As of today, supporters of marriage for gay couples feel as strongly about the issue as opponents do, something that was not the case in the recent past," they write.

And they make the case for a kind of demographic inevitability that's at the core of the argument gay rights activists have been making with increasing conviction to political leaders.

"Support strongly correlates with age," Benenson and van Lohuizen write. "As Americans currently under the age of 40 make up a greater percentage of the electorate, their views will come to dominate."

The Religious Wrong: The Heart of Liberalism

Yet again this Matt Barber guy is very, very wrong. The Bible, which Christians believe to be the word of God, talks about helping the poor, the destitute, the disenfranchised and so forth. These principles are all things that the political left are far more likely to espouse. On the other hand, Conservatives, particularly those elected into governmental power, are the ones fighting for tax cuts for the super rich, subsidies for big oil, and more money for those who are already doing well while at the same time trying to gut Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, education, and various other programs that help those who are unable to attain it elsewhere.

I am no theological scholar. However, I find it amazing how those who claim to be, or act as though they are, are usually the ones who forget (read: ignore) the most basic aspects of the Bible. BEWARE FALSE PROPHETS!!!

Marriage News Watch: July 25, 2011

Marriage in New York: Backlash

The two main problems Gallagher faces:

-Money. She says NOM has pledged $2 million to defeat the Senate Republicans who voted for marriage equality as well as the Senate Democrats that flipped from no to yes on equality. However, it has been reported that money is flowing into the coffers of these Senators already, including lots of money from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Which will outweigh which only time will tell.

-Time. It is not on NOM's side. Gallagher mentioned that there is a 4 year plan to reverse marriage equality in New York. Trends have shown that in virtually every demographic, people have found gay rights, up to and including marriage equality, more agreeable. There is no reason to believe that this trend will change in the foreseeable future. The more time that passes, the less likely it is that NOM's plan will successfully come to fruition.

The Price of Silence: A District's Epidemic

Marriage in New York: The Loneliest Bigot

I'll say this, the guy can project his voice. Too bad he isn't saying anything worth hearing.

The Primary Issue

The person being interviewed is Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). This clip came to my attention from "Think Progress."

I voted for President Obama in the 2008 election and, given he was running against John McCain, I don't regret that. However, he has compromised too many fundamental progressive principles, the same principles that many voted for him to uphold. Perhaps, him being pushed pulled away from his seemingly corporative direction would be a good thing, especially for those of us who aren't super-rich.

2012: Pawlenty Latest Ad Fails

Twitter Watch: Bryan Fischer Asks a Stupid Question

And I gave him a simple answer:

 

Most importantly, this guy is taking a disaster (90+ people killed, including lots of kids) and saying irrelevant things like this. Disgusting.

The Right Reacts to DADT Certification

Hate & Compassion: Colbert Steps Out of Character

DoMA: 15 Years Ago

To be fair, Bob Barr, who you saw in this clip and was an author of DoMA, is now for repeal of it (although the damage has been done). As to the others, I'm pretty sure they're still all homophobes.

DoMA Hearings: A Question From Senator Patrick Leahy

This is a question/response that the anti-equality lobby has been trying to avoid. So much for that.

DoMA Hearings: Senator Franken Drops the Hammer

Thank you Minnesotans for electing this man (barely, but still...). He is awesome & RIGHT!!!

The Religious Wrong: Open Your Eyes

This was a statement made by arch-Theocrat Bryan Fischer of the (so-called) American Family Association:

[T]he First Amendment was written neither to guarantee freedom of religion to Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus nor to prohibit their free exercise of religion. It wasn’t written about them one way or another.

 It was written for one specific purpose: to protect the free exercise of the Christian religion ... We must be clear: the First Amendment does not prohibit the free exercise of alternative religions, but neither does it guarantee it. It simply does not address the issue at all.

Let's look at the evidence. The U.S. Constitution does not once mention Christianity (nor any specific religion for that matter). It does not mention God. It does not mention Christ. It does however say "...Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." in the very First Amendment that this guy says only applies to Christians. He has absolutely zero knowledge of the United States Constitution. It is a real shame that his bigotry blinds him to the extent that he cannot see what is right in front of him in plain English.

Side note: I feel sorry for anyone else named Bryan Fischer because I'm sure they get tons of hate mail by accident.

DoMA Hearings: Ron Wallen's Statement

This story is beautiful and heartbreaking.

Of course the saddest part is that there are people completely devoid of compassion and empathy who would hear these words and just not give a damn (or worse, they would actually laugh). Such is the sad state of this world.

DoMA Hearings: Evan Wolfson's Testimony

DoMA Hearings: Senator Charles Schumer's Statement

The Religious Wrong: Islamophobic Brush-Strokes

This is as insulting as saying that all Christians are as bigoted and narrow-minded as Bryan Fischer. P.S. we aren't.

The Religious Wrong: Not Charles Xavier

I love how Matt Barber and his friend tries to read my (read: our) thoughts...primarily because he fails massively. These guys really need to give up their attempts at telepathy.

The Religious Wrong: I See Pagan People

So if you want to protect this planet, even because you believe the Lord gave us, you might be a Pagan. SURPRISE!!!

Marriage News Watch: July 19, 2011

Fox Fail: A Scandalous Bias

The only thing that this Dillenschneider character said that I agree with is that hacking needs to be dealt with. One of those hacks that needs to be dealt with: Dillenscheider himself. He apparently doesn't think this is an important issue. People were hacked, politicians and police were all but black-mailed, a family who had a missing family member was made to think they were alive when that turned out not to be true. We are talking about some utterly unscrupulous people and practices here. I'm glad the United Kingdom is arresting people in this case because no one, including and especially Rupert Murdoch, should get off scott-free.

Let's flip the script for a second. If this scandal had come from MSNBC (seen as a largely liberal media outlet), do you think Fox would just move on? Do you think they would accept a mere apology? No they wouldn't. Fox is a complete and utter sham.

The Bachmann Saga: What We're In For

It really does boggle my mind that Michele Bachmann is a "serious" Presidential contender and I think it speaks ill of the GOP that she is so high in the polls. It really does seems as though she is trying very hard to hide how radical she is. Luckily, she is very much on the record throughout her professional career. Cue the tape...

Is this the kind of person you want with their finger on the proverbial button?

The Bachmann Saga: Setting the Record...Straight

Twitter Watch: Rough Support

Talk about throwing your own under the bus. As many bad things as she and her husband have said against the LGBT community, I can't imagine any gay person supporting Michele, let alone an entire organization. However, this coming from GOProud specifically, I can't say I'm surprised that they want to let the wolf into the hen-house.

Savage, Maher & Co. Take No Prisoners

The Religious Wrong: Hypocrite in Sheep's Clothing

Bryan Fischer has a way of showing a massive amount of ignorance in very few words. It's like an art for him:

I am certainly no biblical scholar, but I'm pretty sure the Bible doesn't actually talk about sexual orientation directly, let alone changing it (show me a verse if I'm wrong and I'll change my tune).

Also, we have this little thing called Freedom of Speech that Fischer seems to conveniently forget about at times. With it comes the right to criticize things that we disagree with. When you say things the likes off which the Bachmanns have said you incur that criticism. If the can't take that criticism, that doesn't make others religious bigots, it just means the Bachmanns need a thicker skin.

Lastly, as I have previously pointed out, there are people whose religious beliefs lead them to be compassionate towards the LGBT community and agree with the fact that we deserve to be seen as equals with everyone else under the law. By Fischer's own "logic" (obviously I'm using that word loosely), he himself is a religious bigot guilty of more hate crimes than any gay person ever will be. Maybe he should turn himself into the police.

Twitter Watch: History Lesson

I was just on Twitter and I noticed that someone I follow (kylelj89) was being hounded by someone (AmericanElephant) about a California education bill. For those who don't know, Governor Jerry Brown recently signed into law a bill that would require California public schools to teach the contribution gay people have made to society here in America. Surprise surprise, the right is in an uproar over this, AmericanElephant included apparently. A particular post he made got my attention (and one that requires a response beyond 140 characters):

This reminds me of the question "why is there no straight pride parade" I hear every June. Well, just like life is pretty much a straight pride parade, history is also implicitly straight, since people assume, unless told otherwise, that historical figures are heterosexual...just like people are today. Fact: the majority of people are straight, today, yesterday, and tomorrow. However, despite the vast majority of historical figures being straight, some significant ones are not. The idea behind this bill is that we point out people of the past who were gay and tell what they have contributed to society so that kids who are growing up and starting to figure out that they are different have someone to look up to and are less likely to feel ashamed of who they are. These kids will have role models and they will know that they too can contribute to society, even (or especially) in the face of bigotry. Just like I growing up and being African-American had the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., kids growing up gay today will have the likes of Harvey Milk. This is a good thing and hopefully other states will do something similar.

Janeane Garofalo Reads My Mind

Pretty much everything she said about Marcus Bachmann is exactly what I have been thinking. We have seen it a thousand times. Someone, usually a social conservative/Republican makes a hobby (nay, a mission) out of lambasting the LGBT community. Fast-forward to when they get caught in a gay bar, called out by prostitutes, or in airport bathrooms with a "wide stance." I'm seriously considering taking bets on when Marcus Bachmann gets outed.

Chris Matthews & Rightwing Fails

The Bachmann Saga: Playing Dodge Ball

Most news outlets (with the unsurprising exception of Fox) have been reporting about this Bachmann & Associates "scandal." For those who don't know, this organization is a self-proclaimed Christian councilling center started by Michele Bachmann (who is a GOP Tea Party candidate for president) and her husband Marcus. They have said that this organization, which receives federal funds, does not perform reparative therapy. A member of  gay-rights group Truth Wins Out (which is opposed to the ex-gay movement) went undercover and has exposed the fact that Bachmann & Associates does, in fact, perform such "therapies."

What I find telling in all of this is how quiet Bachmann, normally very out-spoken (especially on anti-gay issues) has been since the story broke this week. Every time she is asked a question on the situation, she ignores it and goes right to talking points or just says no comment. With as anti-gay as the Bachmann's have been, and given statements that they have both given (many of which are on the record), it is obvious that they support reparative "therapy." Combine that with the fact that this is a Christian councilling center, it makes complete sense that they would perform this depravity there. This center has gotten over $100,000 from the government (nevermind how anti-government spending Michele is) so apparently, that may get them in legal trouble so I guess that partially explains why they lied about this.

Let's not forget that someone who is as Christian as Bachmann claims to be has borne false witness (i.e. lied) to everyone. Hypocrisy much?

For the record, and I have said this before, reparative therapy is anything but therapeutic.  Ex-gay "therapy" has been utterly debunked and is not seen as credible by the medical, psychiatric, and psychological communities. By all accounts, it does nothing but shame people into an incredibly deep denial. There is absolutely nothing Christian about that.

"First do no harm."

Today in Conspiracy Theories...

Hijacking the Cross

Religion has always been a tricky thing. For any given religion, there are as many different interpretations as there are people. Christianity is certainly no exception to this. As everyone knows, one of the main interpretations is that God says that homosexuality is a sin. This particular notion is so prevalent that many people unfortunately associate Christians with homophobia. Who can blame them. With the most bombastic leaders of the Christian community being the likes of Pat Robertson, Tony Perkins, Bryan Fischer, and others of their ilk (all of them being arch-homophobes), it is no wonder so many assume that if you believe in God, and Christ being our savior that you must also believe that gay people have purchased a one-way ticket to eternal fire and brimstone.

What is shameful about this is that it is patently false. Not all Christians are homophobes. In fact some are our allies. They are victims of what  the fundamentalist have done: they have hijacked the cross. Even I knowing this (and even being gay and Christian), when I hear someone say they are Christian, one of my first thoughts is whether this person thinks I am worthy of equal rights or not. While it is true that the "more Christian" you are, the more likely it is that you will support anti-gay measures. However, there are significant swaths of believers who are fair-minded and believe that we are all God's children, worthy of respect and dignity. It is so unfortunate that a select few fundamentalists have taken it upon themselves to cast a shadow on an otherwise good thing.

Many have said that Islam has been hijacked. The multitudes of moderate Muslims all too often get lumped together with the few fundamentalists that strap bombs to themselves "for" Allah. Christianity too has been hijacked, with some of its "leaders" and loudest mouth-pieces saying that gays are evil, are trying to destroy this nation, should be deported (yeah, some are saying that), and homosexuality should be criminalized. Their bombs are Constitutional bans and ballot measures.

I guess the good news is that these people are alienating moderate Christians, those with gay people that they care about (which is the greater part of this nation), and those who actually believe that all men are created equal by saying these extreme things that just can not stand up to scrutiny. Luckily, these fundamentalists are dinosaurs, and there will come a day in the not-so-distant future, when they will meet the same meteoric fate, and fair-minded people of faith will reclaim their beliefs. In fact, it has already begun. Organizations and movements such as Believe Out Loud and the Heartland Proclamation (both of which I have mentioned on this blog before) along with others are helping to spread the truth that Christianity and homophobia are not synonymous. Slowly but surely, the fundamentalists are being pushed aside.

The Heartland Proclamation

Believe Out Loud

Exposing the Bachmann's

The people aren't interested? I think that American's are very interested in whether or not their elected officials are trustworthy. Michele (and her husband) obviously are not to be trusted.

Also, post #100. Glad I used it on this.

The Religious Wrong: Japanese Demon

Seriously, how do people come up with this stuff?

Beware false prophets.

The Religious Right: Presbyterian Change of Heart

Surviving the Darkness

CA LGBT History Bill: A Light on the Past

The California State legislature is debating a bill that would require public schools to teach the contribution of LGBT individuals and groups to American history. Senator Mark Leno talked to MSNBC's Thomas Roberts about it yesterday.

Even though Senator Leno wouldn't speak for Governor Jerry Brown (and rightfully so), I'm pretty sure that Brown will sign it seeing how gay-friendly he is (he supports Proposition 8's repeal...among other things).

Palins Gone Wild

What is it with people named Palin from Alaska and bad television interviews?

It sounds like she is trying absolve herself of all responsibility. She made the choice to drink (underage might I add), she made the choice to have sex with him that night (she has never said that she said no, and she is saying that she isn't accusing him of date rape), and she made the choice to keep having sex with him. Note to Bristol Palin: your are as responsible as he is...if not more.

The Bachmann Saga: The Iowa Oath

Michele Bachmann has become the first presidential candidate to sign the Family Leader's Presidential pledge. You can read it in it's entirety HERE, but here are the highlights:

#1: Marital fidelity (okay, this one I have zero problem with)

#2 : Respect the marriages of others...unless they're two dudes or two chicks (okay, I just added that last part, but you know they're thinking it).

#4: Opposition to "redefining" the meaning of marriage (in other words, no marriage equality)
#7: Upholding the so-called Defense of Marriage Act
#8: Supporting an amendment to the United States Constitution "defending" "traditional" marriage
#9: This one was long, but what stood out was banning all forms of pornography (in other words, she is conceding the male vote)
#11: Rejection of Sharia Law (I still don't understand why the right is so paranoid about Sharia infiltration)

The Family Leader (an Iowa anti-gay "family" group) is trying to get all of the GOP candidates to sign on to the pledge, but Bachmann decided to blaze the trail. I guess being a trailblazer isn't always a good thing.

Tim Pawlenty on Lady Gaga

Holy crap, you have to see this. It's hilarious and shocking:

Did he actually say he likes "Born This Way?" I would love to see the look on his face when he is told what it's really about because I would bet he has no idea.

DoMA: Impending Senate Hearing

From the website of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT):

WASHINGTON (Thursday, July 7, 2011) – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Thursday announced that, in the coming weeks, the Committee will hold the first congressional hearing on proposals to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Earlier this year, Leahy joined with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and others to introduce the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that would repeal DOMA and restore the rights of all lawfully married couples, including same-sex couples, to receive the benefits of marriage under federal law.

The hearing will be entitled “S.598, The Respect for Marriage Act: Assessing the Impact of DOMA on American Families,” and is expected to be held in the coming weeks.  The hearing will be webcast live online.  Further details will be announced at a later date.

This will be the first ever congressional hearing on the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.

The Religious Right: ENDA

These are the words of Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson (who, for the sake of full disclosure, is openly gay) in regards to Congress needing to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act at the federal level:

The scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are filled with admonitions that we will be judged by the way we treat our most vulnerable members. For Christians and Jews, God is described as having a special concern for the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. We are morally bound to take special care to protect those who are so marginalized. I believe that in our time, it is gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people who are the marginalized deserving of civil protections. Surely, in this great nation, we can at least do that much.

 From Think Progress

The Religious Wrong: The Theocrats Speak

When you think about it, you can hear the disdain these people have in the U.S. Constitution.

Deportation Halted For Same-Sex Couple

Though this particular case has ended well, it and others, are why DoMA needs to be thrown down never to rise again.

Santorum Fails on Jobs Numbers

Statements like these make me wonder how anyone can seriously support Rick Santorum for running for dog-catcher, let alone President of the United States.

First, there are just over 300 million Americans. If Obama had actually created 240 million jobs, I don't think any Republicans would bother running against him because that would mean that over 80% of Americans would be employed including children. Keep in mind that CNN's Ali Velshi asked santorum to restate that, so Santorum had the opportunity to correct himself, but he stuck to those numbers.

Second, this discrepancy that Santorum said exists between whether it was 280 million or 240 million jobs created is something Santorum is claiming as a jobs loss. Ali Velshi explains how that is categorically false. Whether it was 280 or 240 millions jobs created, they were jobs created. Apparently, math is not Santorum's strong suit.

I had zero respect for Santorum before this (I know, I know, that's difficult to believe). He is one of the most anti-gay Republicans in this field, which is really saying something. However, this statement has nothing to do with that (per se) and everything to do with how he has no problem purposefully misleading people. He has absolutely no problem outright lying. I guess he skipped the part of the Bible which says, "thou shalt not bare false witness," even being a self-proclaimed social conservative.

His supporters must be Lemmings going straight off of a cliff. It's really sad.

The Conservative Agenda: Hirin' & Firin'

This came to my attention via Right Wing Watch (I love these people).

On a radio show recently, Linda Harvey (from Mission America) and Harry Glenn (from the so-called American Family Association) were discussing the hiring of gay people and how doing so was a bad idea because of health consequences...among other things. Here is an excerpt from the show:

Glenn: Herman Miller, which is a major employer and corporation in Holland [Michigan], a furniture company, supported this so-called gay rights ordinance on the claim that it allowed them to attract the best and brightest.

Harvey: Here we go, yeah we heard that before.

Glenn: What ridiculous folly to suggest that only those individuals who engage in homosexual behavior given all of its severe medical consequences constitute the best and the brightest. It’s not really bright to engage in behavior that puts you at dramatically higher risk of mental illness and substance abuse and AIDS and cancer and hepatitis, and according to various sources, premature death. So to suggest that engaging in that type of behavior defines someone as the best and brightest, which seems to be the line coming out of corporate America, is just ridiculous.

Harvey: You’re right. And higher rates of domestic violence and unstable relationships. I would not think of a homosexual person as a good employment risk, I just wouldn’t.

First, not hiring people because of their sexual orientation is, in many places against the law. In other words, these two are telling some of their listeners to risk huge fines, possible incarceration, and the loss of their job/business in order to support homophobia.

Second, I think it's obvious that when Herman Miller said that he wants the best and the brightest, he meant that some of the best and the brightest are gay, not that all of the best and the brightest are gay. Then again, common sense, not to mention simple human decency, is lost on this lot.

HAPPY 235th BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

Declaration of Equal Rights

As we here in the States prepare to celebrate the 235th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, another declaration has come to my attention and I think it is something very much worth sharing with people who read this blog, a Declaration of Equal Rights. You can find the declaration HERE.

Marriage in Minnesota: Parents' Love