Meet Utah State Senator And Bigot Chris Buttars

It still amazes me that people like this can be elected to hold any type of office, whether it be State Senator or Dog Catcher:

Wingers Set Their Hateful Sights On Hallmark

When your entire being and motivation in life is to hate those different from you (or not) and to hate them as much as you can, new targets must be found all the time. Lovable Barney the Dinosaur can only be ripped apart for so long, ya know? So the religious right has found a new icon, Hallmark greeting cards. What could the card makers have possibly done? Well, growing their business to an undeveloped market...in a financial sense that is.

From ThinkProgress:

Today, the right-wing American Family Association (AFA) announced a protest of Hallmark for its decision to start selling gay marriage greeting cards. AFA wants Hallmark to “stop promoting a lifestyle that is not only unhealthy, but is also illegal in 48 states.” From the protest site:

We’ve all given or received Hallmark Cards – remember their slogan – “when you care enough to send the very best.” But promoting same-sex marriage for profit is not the very best for families or our nation.

Hallmark is a private company obviously driven by greed. Let them know you do not appreciate Hallmark promoting a lifestyle which is illegal in 48 states. American Greeting Cards, Hallmark’s competitor, does not offer same-sex marriage cards.

AFA also criticized Hallmark for having the secret purpose of “pushing[ing] same-sex marriage.” More on AFA’s previous boycotts here.

Yeah, buying websites and signing petitions won't get Hallmark to pull the cards, but it will certainly keep the right wing radicals' donations coming in to AFA. And of course these hateful human beings can always patronize their competitor, meanwhile Hallmark will diversify their business and be all-encompassing in one shot.

If these nuts express this much outrage over a greeting card, I can't wait to see their reaction if McCain picks Tom Ridge or Mitt Romney next week!

McCain Can't Denounce His Pastor's Anti-Gay Views

Down below John McCain sat with Bill "Falafel" O'Reilly and John Hagee came up. He disagreed with the anti-Catholic statements but ignored the anti-gay remarks. Either McCain forgot the whole question or he just subliminally expressed how he feels about the LGBT community. No matter the answer to that, McCain shows he is just not on the ball, whether with his wits or his compassion for all of humanity.

This Is Gay Bashing

This could be your elected representative if you live in Oklahoma. Words really do matter, some inspire and then others well.....

Alcoholics, Gays And Bigots

What do those three groups have in common? Well it depends on who you ask. The textbook definition of an alcoholic is one that is physically, chemically or emotionally addicted to alcohol. Someone who is gay was born with the attraction to the same sex. Finally a bigot....is an ignorant person that uses hate to cover up their own deficiencies, that has to attack others in order to look tough and be tough so that they do not have to deal with their fears. PageOneQ highlights a particular bigot named Mike Haley, who writes for Breakaway Magazine and a Focus on the Family member.

From PageOneQ:

Flanked by photos of metrosexual teen boys with facial expressions hinting at inner conflict, Haley offers a two-page debunking of "myths" that seemingly run the risk of convincing a gay youth questioning of his sexuality that homosexuality is an acceptable characteristic.

Among proclamations made in the article:

• The "gay gene" is a tool to establish homosexuality as an "unchangeable" characteristic, further the marriage rights agenda, and indoctrinate pre-schoolers.
• Alfred Kinsey's research was "pretty biased," and a "series of national studies," including a 1993 Wall Street Journal article, suggest that only 3% of people identify as gay or bisexual.

"What's the big deal about how many people are gay or straight?" the article asks. "By saying that one out of 10 people in the United States is homosexual, some gay activists are knowingly promoting a lie and declaring that homosexuality should be accepted as normal. Yet even this reasoning is lame. For instance, 10 percent to 15 percent of Americans suffer from alcoholism, but we don't accept this behavior as normal or healthy."

Um, a message to Mike, bigotry happens, but it is not generally accepted by mainstream society. For the most part it stays on the fringe, such as a Focus on the Family magazine where hate is the predominant thing being preached. Comparing alcoholism to sexual preference is just plain ridiculous.

John Gibson Is A Sick, Twisted F**k

Fox News is well known as an outlet for propaganda for Republicans and the conservative movement, but for them to continue to endorse John Gibson by keeping him employed by the network is an absolute disgrace. His comments yesterday regarding the tragic death of Heath Ledger is abominable as are many of his previous outbursts that endorse such things as bombing Paris over London.

From The Huffington Post:

Fox News' John Gibson found a way to outdo MSNBC's Courtney Hazlett for the most inappropriate comment on Heath Ledger's death. ThinkProgress reports that, on his radio show yesterday (which opened with funeral music), Gibson called Ledger a "weirdo" with a "serious drug problem." Making fun of the famous "I wish I knew how to quit you" line from "Brokeback Mountain," Gibson said of his death, "Well, he found out how to quit you."

It is amazing to me how someone can be so callous towards another human being's passing and how it can affect their family and friends. Thank god his daughter is too young to understand what Gibson is saying about her father, all because he made a movie that makes homophobes like Gibson uncomfortable enough to speak in such a way. I'm sure he thinks its funny, but what would make me laugh is him being dropped from Fox or at least having his advertisers condemn him by pulling their spots from his TV and radio gig.

Be sure to take a moment to tell Fox News what you think about this.

Update: And if you have some time on your hands contact the advertisers too.

Pope Benedict Gay Bashes In The New Year

I swear, the Catholic Church is a real pain in the ass. The leader of it is probably one of the worst parts. Pope Benedict XVI rang in the New Year at the Vatican by crusading against anyone that does not hold up the 'values' of a traditional family, one that is comprised of man, woman and children. His comments are nothing but offensive and a slap at the true tenets of peace. That is to love all of God's creatures, not just the ones that think and talk like you, ya ignorant bastard.

From PageOne Q:

"Those who are hostile, even unknowingly, to the institution of the family ... make peace fragile for the entire national and international community," the Pope told crowds gathered in a sunny St. Peter's Square.

The German-born Benedict has made defending the traditional family a priority since being elected Pontiff in 2005 following the death of John Paul II, focusing much of his attention on Europe.

Gay marriage is legal in several European countries including predominantly Catholic Spain, where hundreds of thousands of Catholics rallied on Sunday in favour of the traditional family. The Pontiff had addressed the Spanish rally via a live video-link.

This guy is a nutcase, certified by the church and unfortunately followed by millions. Instead of talking about true world peace, he only creates more division in the world. As the leader of a large religious faith, Benedict only invites scorn upon himself while violating that whole "love thy neighbor" thing.

The Question The Republicans Will Never Answer

Okay, there are quite a few of them out there, but none as personal as this couple posted on YouTube. Their son was murdered by people with hate for those of who's sexual orientation happens to different from them. See, for the Republicans to answer a question dealing with the effects of the Christian Right's assault on gay people, it would be to detriment of their campaign to appeal to the base.

How would you answer this?

The video below has been submitted for the Republican CNN YouTube debates by a couple whose son was killed because he was gay.

We're Lynn and Pat Mulder of Auburndale, Florida. Our son Ryan was murdered in March because he was gay. We would like to ask the presidential candidates how will they work to promote the value of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families.

Read more about the Mulder's here.

What a shame to see this evidence of hate in our country. Why people commit these crimes is both explainable (social science stuff) yet unfathomable at the same time. Being different from each other is one of the greatest attributes of our nation. Yet it still makes people act out in terrible ways.

So will Rudy, Huckabee, Thompson or Romney take this question? Nah, I doubt it. We wouldn't want to show the world how bigoted they are.

American Family Association Get Slammed By Ex-Lawyer

When I think of the American Family Association, the last thing that comes to mind is 'family.' Words like 'bigotry,' 'racism,' and 'hypocrisy' are much farther up on the list. Though what does my opinion matter on the issue. It isn't like I worked there or anything, I am just an outsider to the AFA. Joe Murray is an insider, more accurately an ex-insider who used to represent the AFA as legal counsel. His opinions on his former employer are damning to be sure.

From The Bulletin (penned by Joe Murray)

The American Family Association, a pro-family organization and former employer of this writer, sprung into action sending out this "action alert": "Homosexuals working to get Marine general punished for comments calling homosexual act immoral."

AFA then warned that the homosexual lobby "already forced [Pace] to back down a step," and urged supporters to defend Pace and "take a stand for our troops who cannot get involved in this political situation." AFA, like others, had pulled out its red herring.

This is not a political situation, but instead it is a situation where a high ranking official made comments that judged individuals, not ideas. Pace singled out gay soldiers during a time of war and told these men and women that they were immoral. His comments, as a military official, were over the line and not defensible.

AFA, like other "Christian" groups, chose to run to Pace's aid and such an act suggests borderline bigoted behavior from an organization claiming the mantle of Christianity. This is disturbing.

If troop safety is AFA's primary concern, and not fear-mongering, why hasn't AFA demanded Bush bring these soldiers home? Does it really think the "political situation" of gays in the military presents a greater harm to soldiers than the bullets flying in Baghdad or are other motives being subtly conveyed to an America populace who are already fearful, thanks to past action alerts, of the "homosexual agenda?"

Conservative groups had an opportunity to bring a sense of Christian compassion to this debate, but opted instead to scare supporters into believing homosexuals were trying to raise the rainbow flag over the Pentagon. This is not political activism based upon Christian principle; it is fear mongering based on the politics of man.

Murray nails it right on the head. Thankfully this compassionate Conservative actually believes in being compassionate. It isn't about rhetoric for the guy like his former employers use quite frequently. It is wonderful to see decent people that have worked for hateful organizations like AFA finally see the light and fight against bigotry and hypocrisy. Cheers to Joe Murray!

John Amaechi Slams Ann Coulter

The former NBA star who recently came out to the public a couple weeks ago spoke out against the hate-speech from Ann Coulter over the weekend:

Crazy Coulter Goes Over The Line

Tonight at CPAC Ann Coulter was cheered on by the Republican crowd for her vicious remarks against liberals. She railed on Hollywood, Al Gore and Barack Obama. She saved her most tasteless remark for Senator John Edwards.

From RawStory:

"I was going to have a few comments about John Edwards but you have to go into rehab if you use the word 'faggot,'" Coulter said.

That type of vile language has no place in politics. Plenty of mud is slung in the political discourse but that is simply over the top. Republicans have let her open that cesspool of a mouth for far too long and over time she continually out-does herself to get a laugh from the people that think like her but are too afraid to have the 'original' thoughts that Coulter expresses.

Many groups were quick to denounce her remarks. The Human Rights Campaign slammed her, the Democratic Party addressed it, even right-wing whacko Michelle Malkin expressed disapproval. The Edwards campaign was also quick in their response. Campaign manager David Bonior set up a 'Coulter Cash' link that is dedicated to raising $100,000 to show that her vitriol has no business being in a political forum. You can donate to the fund here.

Meanwhile the media largely ignored the hateful comment. Only Dana Milbank of the Washington Post mentioned it in passing. Other media publication conveniently skipped over the fact that her anti-gay slur was met with cheering approval of an audience that shows it's true colors when grouped together. We can only hope that the candidates that these people admire will be quick to throw her under the bus....where she belongs.

Hannity And A Hate Crime

Sean Hannity is a well known gasbag, full of lies, deceit and betrayal to the constitution itself. He frequently makes outrageous statements and outlandish remarks that can make the most stoic of figures blush. Here is another segment from the delusions of Hannity (with real world facts interjected).

On New Year's Eve, Yale University's famous 'Baker's Dozen' a capella group was tragically beaten by a group of people who shouted 'fags' and 'homos' at them as they committed assualt and it seems a hate crime as well. This happened after they sung the Star Spangled Banner at a private home and were leaving the party at the time.

Sean Hannity heard the patriotic song they were singing and jumped into the deep end.

From WTNH New Haven, CT last month:

The trouble started at midnight after the Baker's Dozen sang the Star Spangled Banner. Witnesses say a few local young men didn't appreciate the attention the Yale students were getting, made fun of their conservative dress and began taunting them and making threats.

Witnesses say Richard Aicardi, 19, and dressed in a Santa hat, was the most aggressive.

"Very, I would say juvenile," Sharyar said. "Taunting to the point where it was just unnecessary."

Aicardi took out his cell phone and called in reinforcements.

"He said I'm 20 deep, my boys are coming," Rapagnani said.

As the Baker's Dozen left the house they were ambushed. Five, six, seven assailants attacking each member. Their injuries ranged from scrapes, black eyes, a badly sprained ankle to concussions.

Hannity invited the man who was injured most severely,Sharyar Aziz onto his show. When Aziz recounted the facts, Hannity went in a different direction. Sean wanted to attack those unpatriotic bastards who obviously did not like to hear our Star Spangled banner. What else it could it be? He was so confident it was an evil liberal Pelosi loving, America-hater, he offered a $10,000 reward on his show to bring the felons to justice.

Newshounds has the transcript:

"Truth be told, I couldn't tell you what was going through their minds, what it was that made them feel, you know, that a call needed to be made," Aziz answered. " ... I couldn't tell you what was the trigger, the initial trigger, what it was ..."

(snip)

When it became clear that Aziz was struggling, Hannity spoke up to compliment him. Then the FOX News pundit surprised everyone when he said "And you know, I want to get these people that did this to you, and I hope - working with your attorney and the detectives out there that we're able to find them. I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to offer a $10,000 reward for anybody that will come and testify that as a witness to this, to help get these people - you know, America is still a country where you can sing the national anthem and not be attacked viciously like this, and cruelly like this."

Hannity seems intent on catching these criminals, oddly leaving out the fact that some of the assailants were already known AND that the police did not charge them, only detaining four of the perps momentarily.

As WTNH mentioned:

San Francisco police spokesman Neville Gittens defends the handling of the case. "What you want to do is you want to have a complete, thorough investigation. The officers responded, the fight was abated, and now an investigation is on-going."

San Francisco police say their investigation continues. They are identifying and interviewing victims, suspects and witnesses, and will present their case to the district attorney's office.

The first thing that comes to my mind is why would the police just let them go like that and why does Hannity try and go after the 'alleged' criminals with the charge that they hate the Star Spangled Banner?

Here is where this gets interesting, it turns out the criminals have fled the country. No, not out of fear of prosecution, but for serving their country. Yeah, thats right, they were U.S. Marines on shore leave.

From the SF Gate yesterday:

(02-13) 17:33 PST -- As many as three U.S. Marines were involved in the alleged New Year's attack on the Baker's Dozen singing group, an attorney for two singers is claiming in a letter that asks for the head of the Marine Corps' help in the investigation.

(snip)

In a Feb. 9 letter to Lt. General Robert R. Blackman, Jr., the head of the corps, attorney James Hammer named only one of the Marines allegedly involved, saying that he "was one of the men at the center of the attacks and we believe (he) personally participated in the brutal attack on both students.''

The article describes in detail how the Aziz family has had to pay for Sharyar's medical bills while the prosecuters and police department have seem to have dragged their feet in the matter. Doctors that treated Aziz saw that his broken jaw was attributed to a seasoned fighter. In fact, that fighter took pictures of his wounded knuckles on his cellphone, then tried to erase his tracks.

So for now the Marines have gotten away and Hannity....well, it seems that the $10,000 dollar award will vanish into thin air, unless of course he wants to send it to the Marines to get them to come back from their tour of duty in Japan.

(h/t to First-Draft)

Jon Stewart on The Infamous Snickers Ad