Letters to the Editor
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I'm a little surprised
After Pam's diary yesterday castigating Obama for something or other god only knows what, Obama has now rectified the situation by inviting a gay minister.
I expected Pam to spend a little time on this. After all, if you rip somebody a new one for doing something naughty, you should have the BACKBONE to also reward them for doing the right thing.
Just on the "rip Obama" beat, eh, Pam?
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It's Not Religion; It's Never Been Religion
I call inexcusable Bullshit on everyone who thinks that religious belief, religious writings, religious claims or any kind, shape or form of religion has anything to do with fearing, hating or discriminating against homosexuals.
Anti-homosexuality, in all its manifestations, is about using sexual prohibitions to accumulate and exercise power by controlling people.
Sex. Control. Power.
Period.
Always has been. Always will be.
Religion is a red herring, a disguise and an excuse. Religion is the cover the authoritarians use to justify the anti-homosexuality that gives them control and power.
Do NOT allow anyone to get away with anti-homosexuality by claiming "but that's what my religion teaches."
Lie, damn lie, FUCKING damn lie.
Sex. Control. Power.
Period.
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The degree to which scripture has been
twisted to justify hate on numerous fronts can fill several encyclopedia volumes as well as provide material for multiple documentaries. The fact that Jesus spoke at length and clearly against intolerance is lost on many purported Christians. But of course his message is and was necessary because of human nature which has of course changed little over the centuries.
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The book is great!
I got the book on this a number of years back. Excellent volume and very eye-opening. It sits in my bookshelf and yes, I've opened it up to write Letters to the Editor with more than once.
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dataguy...
I have already posted updates on the rapidly changing developments over at my pad. Snippet:
Last night I posted that Barack Obama's team has selected Rev. Andy Sidden of Garden of Grace United Church of Christ in Columbia, SC to speak at the “Embrace the Change” concerts that feature recloseted anti-gay Grammy winning gospel singer Donnie McClurkin this weekend. The openly gay pastor will be interviewed by Mike Signorile on his show today, broadcast on SIRIUS OutQ 109.
The interview is at 4:30.
I think discussion of the National Black Justice Coalition's role in this is critical, because a some Obama supporters (or, generally, critics of my earlier post post) have tried to couch any criticism of the candidate as white gays attacking Obama ostensibly to hide their opposition to him based on race, or somehow saying gay discrimination somehow trumps racial discrimination. It's not a zero sum game.
The fact that the NBJC was right on the McClurkin issue -- and in contact with the campaign regarding the addition of Sidden -- highlights the marginalization and invisibility of black LGBTs and how the McClurkin matter affects this subgroup in this story.
I look forward to hearing about how Sidden feels about being openly gay pastor in the South; for instance, what are the challenges he faces, and how open does he feel he can be in Columbia, SC with his partner?
It would also be good to know whether he interacts with other pastors from less progressive churches to effect change regarding homophobia in the religious black community.
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Every formalized belief system but your own
It complete hateful bullshit. Of course. Only you are a little snowflake of meta cosmic brilliance. Everyone else though, is an asshole.
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Too much homework
Glenn, do I have to read all these (really great) blogs? Thanks
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@tilde man: We are all Bozos
on this bus, or any bus, as Lear said to the Fool on the moor in the storm. Nowhere to hide. Even from ourselves.
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Show Gays as Human
Wow. This is an excellent piece, thank you.
In addition to the print ads showing how religious beliefs have been used to foster intolerance contrary to the Bible, why not do print and TV ads that show normal people living their lives, talking about their passions in fun ways, being talked about by family and friends and, at the end, having someone say, in effect, "Oh, and I happen to have been born gay"?
A lot of this bigotry is driven by people not realizing they already have family and friends who are closeted gays. Instead, they think of the stereotype. Ads showing normal people who happen to be gay, and not revealing that until the end, would go a long way to balancing and even reversing these negative stereotypes. Just a thought.
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On Pam's response
Pam:
Thanks for your reply. I'm glad that you responded to Obama's approach to responding to the statements people have made.
However, you did the piece yesterday HERE, in the Greenwald forum. I think you should respond HERE. Responses other places are likely to be missed, and, to be frank, I think that Greenwald's forum has a higher profile than does yours.
How about adding something to today's column about Obama's response? I think that Obama came up with a good solution, but that may just be me. Personally, I think that the entire situation is just a witch hunt. Obama is a smart guy, and this controversy is very unfair to him. I'm not really an Obama backer by the way - I just want people to play fair.
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Pam's fixation over religious zealots and gays is not relevant to majority of voters especially Black voters
As I posted on Pam's other obession on this topic the gay vote is at best 2%, the Black vote is 13% and unlike the meager gay vote the Black vote has "tipping power". This is a non-issue in the presidential campaign.With regard to Black voters issues of substance rule the day as most are supporting Hillary over Obama .
I have no problem with activists of any issue pushing thier agenda as a Black activist I have lived this life... What troubles me about folks like Pam is the lack of journalistic integrity which hurts her advocacy...
Pam did not inform readers that she was a Black and gay yet she penned her attack piece on Obama without this basic jouralistic disclosure. Only my questions compelled her to reveal this significant fact. Even in this commentary she claims without any proof that"Barack Obama is currently dealing with the conflict in the religious Black community.....
Pam please take your personal rants and selective agenda to those who care. This is not on anyone's radar except for a selective group of gays like you..