The Rev. Dr. Scott Jones of Oklahoma City, pastor of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ, is certainly having an interesting week.
The Oklahoma Gazette of 2/11/2009 has a column written by Jones, The real ‘gay agenda’ in which he responds to the latest nonsense by Sally Kern — her recent jaw-droppingly stupid speech to the John Birch Society citing a 20+ year old bestselling book After the Ball as the top secret “gay agenda” for obtaining equal rights.
Jones explains about the thousands of rights, large and small, that are denied to GLBT people, and that the only agenda they desire is to be regarded equally under the law.
That would be an accomplishment, and a good week’s work, for most folks, but wait … there’s more.
Invited by Rep. Al McAffrey to give the prayer in the legislature, Rev. Jones was there today and gave a Christian call to community.
… So, today, with abiding faith and calm assurance
We invoke your presence on these precedings.
You are the Creator and Parent of us all.
In your divine majesty you have made us each and every one an image of you,
Our splendid diversity reflecting your infinite glories.
You are our Redeemer and Liberator.
Companion to the poor,
You have promised to
Lift up the powerless and cast down the powerful,
To gather the outcasts,
Heal the brokenhearted,
And bind up their wounds.
You have proclaimed release to the captives,
Recovery of sight to the blind,
And to let the oppressed go free.
You Sustain and Comfort us
Filling us with your Holy Spirit
And thereby uniting us with all creation in every time and place
A fellowship of solidarity
A beloved community
Reminding us that what we have done unto the least of us, we have done unto thee. …
Much to my consternation, official prayers like this are a daily occurrence in the halls of our government, from local to national. They are, it seems to me, mostly ignored, maybe even unheard, by those present.
But that wasn’t the case today in Oklahoma, though. Because Scott Jones is a gay man and in introducing his prayer, he made that fact clear — although I am sure the remark about his family, and “loving partner, Michael Cich” did not come as a shock to the legislators, who get wind of these symbolic invitations in advance, and you know they have a gossip mill just like any other workplace.
Anyway, after giving his fairly inoffensive prayer (we’re not anywhere near Jeremiah Wright territory here, we’re not even rocking the boat on civil rights a la MLK in ’67), one Republican legislator objected to adding the prayer to the record — just a stupid bit of parliamentary business — and called for a vote on it, and then 20 voted against.
20 of our finest citizens, ladies and gentlemen. See, this is Oklahoma, and these are rightwing conservative Christians we are talking about. They are proudly ignorant, mean-spirited and childish, and they think their faith calls them to that kind of thinking and behavior.
Stand up proud now, y’all, because history will not be kind to you:
NAYS: 20
Blackwell
Faught
Moore
Ritze
Christian
Johnson
Murphey
Sanders
Coody
Kern (yeah, what’d you expect?)
Osborn
Terrill
Duncan
Key
Ownbey
Thomsen
Enns
Liebmann
Reynolds
Wright, J.
Maybe, in 48 years, these people will be ashamed of themselves as Elwin Wilson was earlier this month when he tearfully apologized to John Lewis, now a U.S. Representative, for being a bigoted shithead in 1961 when he beat Lewis up for violating a Whites Only sign.
Jones didn’t get beat up today, not physically, but the rude and disgusting behavior of 20 Oklahoma congresspersons was a public statement of hate and intolerance, and they meant for Jones to feel it with the same force as a physical attack. They may consider their vote a symbol of their Christian faith, but in fact it only represents their own smallness, and Oklahoma’s major problem
They better hope their god is one of mercy, because they will need a lot of it.
Cross posted at Pam’s House Blend
I’m adding you to my blog roll right now. I should have already done it. The Gazette article reminded me, again, why we must support alternative media. I’m ready to pay for a subscription to support their ongoing efforts. I really don’t want to see the Gazette ever go away.
Having said that, this latest rant by Kern is making me physically ill. I try to follow the teachings of Jesus, and it is sickening to me that anyone would cloak their bigotry in Christianity. Meanwhile, the living God is standing in the shadows saying to any and everyone: COME TO ME ALL YE WHO ARE WEARY AND HEAVY LADEN AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. The actions of Kern and the message she and these others deliver are working to subjugate the real message of Jesus. Most days, I feel like my calling is to fight the bad reputation people like Kern give Jesus. But, how?
I’m adding you to my blog roll right now. I should have already done it. The Gazette article reminded me, again, why we must support alternative media. I’m ready to pay for a subscription to support their ongoing efforts. I really don’t want to see the Gazette ever go away.
Having said that, this latest rant by Kern is making me physically ill. I try to follow the teachings of Jesus, and it is sickening to me that anyone would cloak their bigotry in Christianity. Meanwhile, the living God is standing in the shadows saying to any and everyone: COME TO ME ALL YE WHO ARE WEARY AND HEAVY LADEN AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. The actions of Kern and the message she and these others deliver are working to subjugate the real message of Jesus. Most days, I feel like my calling is to fight the bad reputation people like Kern give Jesus. But, how?
Jokelahoman Article: http://newsok.com/gay-pastors-greeting-offends-some-oklahoma-representatives/article/3345267?custom_click=lead_story_title
Jokelahoman Article: http://newsok.com/gay-pastors-greeting-offends-some-oklahoma-representatives/article/3345267?custom_click=lead_story_title
My first thought on taking a vote on this is, what’s the point? Isn’t taking time out of the day to vote as to whether or not the prayer should be in the record an extreme waste of time and our money?
You’ve made some really good points, but is all of the name calling really necessary? I totally agree with you that this kind of vote is really uncalled for and insulting, but one losses the moral high ground when reverting to saying things like “proudly ignorant”, while fairly light in the insults market, is still an insult that just makes your point come across to those who may disagree with you as partisan bickering (or worse). I think that most people would agree that this is a bit absurd when presented with the information of the situation without the partisan name calling.
I still haven’t finished that article in the Gazette on conspiracy theories. I have to admit that things like that often make me laugh though.
My first thought on taking a vote on this is, what’s the point? Isn’t taking time out of the day to vote as to whether or not the prayer should be in the record an extreme waste of time and our money?
You’ve made some really good points, but is all of the name calling really necessary? I totally agree with you that this kind of vote is really uncalled for and insulting, but one losses the moral high ground when reverting to saying things like “proudly ignorant”, while fairly light in the insults market, is still an insult that just makes your point come across to those who may disagree with you as partisan bickering (or worse). I think that most people would agree that this is a bit absurd when presented with the information of the situation without the partisan name calling.
I still haven’t finished that article in the Gazette on conspiracy theories. I have to admit that things like that often make me laugh though.
Dave,
If you think time-wasting and name-calling is the issue here, I really don’t know how to respond to you.
Whew, My rep’s name is not on the list. I’m still mad at him over not standing up for what’s right on Nick’s Law last year and this year.
I think the whole situation is pretty sad. I feel sorry for the 20.
Whew, My rep’s name is not on the list. I’m still mad at him over not standing up for what’s right on Nick’s Law last year and this year.
I think the whole situation is pretty sad. I feel sorry for the 20.
My point was this Rena. If a conservative blogger referred to a group of liberals “proudly ignorant” you would probably take offense to (or at least be irritated by) the comment. It’s about treating people the way you want to be treated. I’m sorry that my comment wasted your time, but while I’m here please enlighten me as to what you think I have missed.
My point was this Rena. If a conservative blogger referred to a group of liberals “proudly ignorant” you would probably take offense to (or at least be irritated by) the comment. It’s about treating people the way you want to be treated. I’m sorry that my comment wasted your time, but while I’m here please enlighten me as to what you think I have missed.
Well Dave,
If there ever was a time for calling bigots, bigots, and proclaiming ignorance as ignorance the time is now. How much longer should we allow these “assholes of the earth” to roam freely, victimizing the gay community. They do not bite their forked tongues when they spew their venom and hatred, and neither shall I. If you cannot see the injustice here I suggest you move on to a more familiar place, like maybe under Sally Kern’s coat-tail.
sweetly be,
Kudzu
Well Dave,
If there ever was a time for calling bigots, bigots, and proclaiming ignorance as ignorance the time is now. How much longer should we allow these “assholes of the earth” to roam freely, victimizing the gay community. They do not bite their forked tongues when they spew their venom and hatred, and neither shall I. If you cannot see the injustice here I suggest you move on to a more familiar place, like maybe under Sally Kern’s coat-tail.
sweetly be,
Kudzu
Kern’s Krew a Kollection of Peeping Toms
http://tinyurl.com/cukugw
Kern’s Krew a Kollection of Peeping Toms
http://tinyurl.com/cukugw
I saw the post at the Blend and responded there. Rena I just don’t know what to say anymore, its becoming such a regular occurrence that it’s … sickening.
I hate to have to write another post this weekend headlined “Ashamed to be an Oklahoman, Part Tres,” but it may happen (lately I only have time to write on weekends, it’s been a weird week).
No surprise to see the other names with Kern’s — Ritze (author of the bill to put a Decalogue monument on capital grounds), Coody (if I’m not mistaken, from Lawton and every bit as disgusting as Kern), Terrill, Duncan, all the Christian Taliban marching in lockstep for such an asinine and offensive action.
I saw the post at the Blend and responded there. Rena I just don’t know what to say anymore, its becoming such a regular occurrence that it’s … sickening.
I hate to have to write another post this weekend headlined “Ashamed to be an Oklahoman, Part Tres,” but it may happen (lately I only have time to write on weekends, it’s been a weird week).
No surprise to see the other names with Kern’s — Ritze (author of the bill to put a Decalogue monument on capital grounds), Coody (if I’m not mistaken, from Lawton and every bit as disgusting as Kern), Terrill, Duncan, all the Christian Taliban marching in lockstep for such an asinine and offensive action.
Kudzu,
There is a difference between calling a spade a spade and calling someone an asshole.
Don’t you want to have the moral high ground in these arguments? Don’t you want to be the better person? Don’t you want to treat others the way that you want to be treated?
I’m not sure why I am even bothering with this. It’s all futile. Polemics will be polemics whether they are reactionary right-wingers or radical left-wingers. At the end of the day, all any of them accomplish is treating the other guy like crap.
Kudzu,
There is a difference between calling a spade a spade and calling someone an asshole.
Don’t you want to have the moral high ground in these arguments? Don’t you want to be the better person? Don’t you want to treat others the way that you want to be treated?
I’m not sure why I am even bothering with this. It’s all futile. Polemics will be polemics whether they are reactionary right-wingers or radical left-wingers. At the end of the day, all any of them accomplish is treating the other guy like crap.
Dave, as a white male, maybe this isn’t obvious to you, but there’s a wide difference on the moral scale between denying someone basic rights and dignity, and calling them a name because you kinda take it personally when they do. I guess we’re all supposed to just sit back and let ourselves get kicked in the gut repeatedly without a peep of complaint. I’m sure that’s what you’d do, all high minded and all, if the universe suddenly shifted and you were on the flip side.
There are a range of actions to take to fight injustice, and I and others who have responded to your lecture have used them all. But I am not going to be your version of a saint and let this nonsense go unremarked with the derision it deserves. If it bothers you, don’t read it.
Rena,
A) You don’t know me, so don’t take the fact that I happen to be a white male as some pathetic excuse to assume that I don’t know what it is like getting the short end of the stick.
B) No one should “sit back and let ourselves get kicked in the gut” but responding to bad behavior with bad behavior is asinine. All you are doing is sinking to their level. Go after their ideas, not them as people.
C) I am not high minded (at least not on purpose…I will have to do some soul searching on that part and get back with you, maybe I am and don’t realize it). I am simply asking people to treat each other better.
D) You seem to confuse not treating people like dirt with not responding to and challenging them. If someone is a bigot, by all means call them on it; take on their ideas and make them defend them. If you think some policy is ass-backwards, then explain why it is. Demonizing people however is not the answer. Let their words, deeds, and ideas hang them…that is much more effective then calling them any number of different insults. This is a conversation that I have had with Red S Tater about a million times. He seems to see things the same “us vs. them” mentality that you have displayed.
My entire point in commenting was that your argument would hold more weight without the name calling. In other words (and not to sound like a broken record), treat people the way that you want to be treated. Yet in response I get mocked, thrown in with people like Kern (who I 100% agree is a bigot and a homophobe, yet for some reason Kudzu seems to think I have something in common with), and lectured at that I am lecturing you. On some very basic level, I’d expect this nonsense from the right wingers, but to get berated by liberals, when I myself am a liberal, is just mind boggling.
Again Rena, I am not trying to give you a hard time. I am just trying to hold your argument up to a higher standard than that displayed by the likes of Ann Coulter (not that you are near that crazy mind you, her name was the first to pop into my head). I wrote something about this this morning over on my blog. The gist of the post was that there is little difference between those on the left and on the right in the way they form their arguments and handle debate. The irony is that both sides complain about the conduct of those on the other side. It is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
I meant no insult or hard feelings by joining the conversation. In retrospect maybe I should have just stayed out. I’m sorry if I angered or insulted you Rena or anyone else. I hope all is well in your worlds.
Take care,
Dave
Rena,
A) You don’t know me, so don’t take the fact that I happen to be a white male as some pathetic excuse to assume that I don’t know what it is like getting the short end of the stick.
B) No one should “sit back and let ourselves get kicked in the gut” but responding to bad behavior with bad behavior is asinine. All you are doing is sinking to their level. Go after their ideas, not them as people.
C) I am not high minded (at least not on purpose…I will have to do some soul searching on that part and get back with you, maybe I am and don’t realize it). I am simply asking people to treat each other better.
D) You seem to confuse not treating people like dirt with not responding to and challenging them. If someone is a bigot, by all means call them on it; take on their ideas and make them defend them. If you think some policy is ass-backwards, then explain why it is. Demonizing people however is not the answer. Let their words, deeds, and ideas hang them…that is much more effective then calling them any number of different insults. This is a conversation that I have had with Red S Tater about a million times. He seems to see things the same “us vs. them” mentality that you have displayed.
My entire point in commenting was that your argument would hold more weight without the name calling. In other words (and not to sound like a broken record), treat people the way that you want to be treated. Yet in response I get mocked, thrown in with people like Kern (who I 100% agree is a bigot and a homophobe, yet for some reason Kudzu seems to think I have something in common with), and lectured at that I am lecturing you. On some very basic level, I’d expect this nonsense from the right wingers, but to get berated by liberals, when I myself am a liberal, is just mind boggling.
Again Rena, I am not trying to give you a hard time. I am just trying to hold your argument up to a higher standard than that displayed by the likes of Ann Coulter (not that you are near that crazy mind you, her name was the first to pop into my head). I wrote something about this this morning over on my blog. The gist of the post was that there is little difference between those on the left and on the right in the way they form their arguments and handle debate. The irony is that both sides complain about the conduct of those on the other side. It is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
I meant no insult or hard feelings by joining the conversation. In retrospect maybe I should have just stayed out. I’m sorry if I angered or insulted you Rena or anyone else. I hope all is well in your worlds.
Take care,
Dave
Here’s what’s great about TAX REVOLT. Suddenly everyone’s “opinions” and “beliefs” do not matter anymore.
Those WITH Civil Marriage rights, WITH the freedom to serve in the military WITHOUT being forced to lie, and WITH a host of other freedoms and privileges in employment, immigration, and adoption – PAY YOUR TAXES.
Those without the above rights and freedoms? – YOU HAVE NO MORAL OBLIGATION to pay a dime to the I.R.S. when the LAW is WRONG.
Equality Tax Revolt – Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Here’s what’s great about TAX REVOLT. Suddenly everyone’s “opinions” and “beliefs” do not matter anymore.
Those WITH Civil Marriage rights, WITH the freedom to serve in the military WITHOUT being forced to lie, and WITH a host of other freedoms and privileges in employment, immigration, and adoption – PAY YOUR TAXES.
Those without the above rights and freedoms? – YOU HAVE NO MORAL OBLIGATION to pay a dime to the I.R.S. when the LAW is WRONG.
Equality Tax Revolt – Wednesday, April 15, 2009