Olbermann: Gay marriage is a question of love
November 13, 2008
Finally tonight as promised, a Special Comment on the passage, last week, of Proposition Eight in California, which rescinded the right of same-sex couples to marry, and tilted the balance on this issue, from coast to coast.
Some parameters, as preface. This isn’t about yelling, and this isn’t about politics, and this isn’t really just about Prop-8. And I don’t have a personal investment in this: I’m not gay, I had to strain to think of one member of even my very extended family who is, I have no personal stories of close friends or colleagues fighting the prejudice that still pervades their lives.
And yet to me this vote is horrible. Horrible. Because this isn’t about yelling, and this isn’t about politics. This is about the human heart, and if that sounds corny, so be it.
If you voted for this Proposition or support those who did or the sentiment they expressed, I have some questions, because, truly, I do not understand. Why does this matter to you? What is it to you? In a time of impermanence and fly-by-night relationships, these people over here want the same chance at permanence and happiness that is your option. They don’t want to deny you yours. They don’t want to take anything away from you. They want what you want—a chance to be a little less alone in the world.
Only now you are saying to them—no. You can’t have it on these terms. Maybe something similar. If they behave. If they don’t cause too much trouble. You’ll even give them all the same legal rights—even as you’re taking away the legal right, which they already had. A world around them, still anchored in love and marriage, and you are saying, no, you can’t marry. What if somebody passed a law that said you couldn’t marry?
I keep hearing this term “re-defining” marriage. If this country hadn’t re-defined marriage, black people still couldn’t marry white people. Sixteen states had laws on the books which made that illegal in 1967. 1967.
The parents of the President-Elect of the United States couldn’t have married in nearly one third of the states of the country their son grew up to lead. But it’s worse than that. If this country had not “re-defined” marriage, some black people still couldn’t marry black people. It is one of the most overlooked and cruelest parts of our sad story of slavery. Marriages were not legally recognized, if the people were slaves. Since slaves were property, they could not legally be husband and wife, or mother and child. Their marriage vows were different: not “Until Death, Do You Part,” but “Until Death or Distance, Do You Part.” Marriages among slaves were not legally recognized.
You know, just like marriages today in California are not legally recognized, if the people are gay.
And uncountable in our history are the number of men and women, forced by society into marrying the opposite sex, in sham marriages, or marriages of convenience, or just marriages of not knowing, centuries of men and women who have lived their lives in shame and unhappiness, and who have, through a lie to themselves or others, broken countless other lives, of spouses and children, all because we said a man couldn’t marry another man, or a woman couldn’t marry another woman. The sanctity of marriage.
How many marriages like that have there been and how on earth do they increase the “sanctity” of marriage rather than render the term, meaningless?
What is this, to you? Nobody is asking you to embrace their expression of love. But don’t you, as human beings, have to embrace… that love? The world is barren enough.
It is stacked against love, and against hope, and against those very few and precious emotions that enable us to go forward. Your marriage only stands a 50-50 chance of lasting, no matter how much you feel and how hard you work.
And here are people overjoyed at the prospect of just that chance, and that work, just for the hope of having that feeling. With so much hate in the world, with so much meaningless division, and people pitted against people for no good reason, this is what your religion tells you to do? With your experience of life and this world and all its sadnesses, this is what your conscience tells you to do?
With your knowledge that life, with endless vigor, seems to tilt the playing field on which we all live, in favor of unhappiness and hate… this is what your heart tells you to do? You want to sanctify marriage? You want to honor your God and the universal love you believe he represents? Then Spread happiness—this tiny, symbolic, semantical grain of happiness—share it with all those who seek it. Quote me anything from your religious leader or book of choice telling you to stand against this. And then tell me how you can believe both that statement and another statement, another one which reads only “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
You are asked now, by your country, and perhaps by your creator, to stand on one side or another. You are asked now to stand, not on a question of politics, not on a question of religion, not on a question of gay or straight. You are asked now to stand, on a question of love. All you need do is stand, and let the tiny ember of love meet its own fate.
You don’t have to help it, you don’t have it applaud it, you don’t have to fight for it. Just don’t put it out. Just don’t extinguish it. Because while it may at first look like that love is between two people you don’t know and you don’t understand and maybe you don’t even want to know. It is, in fact, the ember of your love, for your fellow person just because this is the only world we have. And the other guy counts, too.
This is the second time in ten days I find myself concluding by turning to, of all things, the closing plea for mercy by Clarence Darrow in a murder trial.
But what he said, fits what is really at the heart of this:
“I was reading last night of the aspiration of the old Persian poet, Omar-Khayyam,” he told the judge. It appealed to me as the highest that I can vision. I wish it was in my heart, and I wish it was in the hearts of all: So I be written in the Book of Love; I do not care about that Book above. Erase my name, or write it as you will, So I be written in the Book of Love.”
PROTECT MARRIAGE!
November 12, 2008
Not only has half the people spoken to protect marriage and to protect children, we must now protect divorce! A proposition and amendent is growing to ensure that it is prohibited for a man and wife, two heterosexuals to engage in divorce! This will ensure that families and children everywhere will be protected! I strongly urge all Yes on 8 supporters to help pass this proposition that will ensure your fight to keep marriage and families as one!
Thousands in California unite on the Streets
November 9, 2008
All progressive people who stand for equality and against discrimination should come out this Saturday in Los Angeles to protest the passage of California’ Proposition 8. The well-funded right-wing campaign of bigotry is trying to push millions of LGBT people back into the closet. We can’t let this happen. Everyone should have the right to marry. The LGBT movement and its allies won same-sex marriage rights and only a militant movement will ultimately prevail. Gay or straight, documented or undocumented; Black, Latino, Asian, Arab or white— Prop. 8 is a slap in the face of equality for everyone. Let’s unite and fight back! An injury to one is an injury to all! www.answerla.org
Gay Marriage Ban around the corner
June 3, 2008
If a Gay Marriage Ban ends up on the November ballot and passes so that people can alter the constitution to their willing, “Marriage is between a man and a woman”, then the constitution becomes null and void. They do not run the show, we do.
I propose a nationwide riot against all people and everyone who opposes gay marriage at full capacity. It’s our time to get mad, get angry and get even. This is a civil riot. All those people for gay marriage will need to violently take a stand, and not take it anymore from these disgusting right wing conservative church going bullies. Enough is enough. People in power are doing nothing to bring people together, so we have to take matters into our own hands. If this bill passes, this country will go down in destruction more than it already has at the hands of less evolved human beings. It’s time for us to get stronger and do something about it. It’s time to fight back hard. Every single one of us needs to find a way to make it known, it’s your destiny to not ignore it and not accept it.
-Jagger-
Jagger’s Revolution: Part 2 (untitled coming soon) 2009
*Kevin Hunter is a writer of uninhibited fiction, providing fun dude-lit entertainment for the young adult and beach set.
Available now in paperback!
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=50129
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=41195
All Rights Reserved.
Donald E. Wildmon, founder and chairman of American Family Association, you know that disgusting shriveled up old man who breathes hate into existence. He and his meddling conspirators at that god-awful foul organization called, “American Family Association” are in an uproar once again because someone with decency and humanity is for bringing people together, rather than separating them.
The McDonalds Corporation is taking a great step forward with mankind putting in full resources in joining with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce team. Thank you to McDonald’s CEO Andrew McKenna! You are a brilliant, brilliant man for making this happen.
Two thumbs up!
However, the group that should be wearing white sheets and burning crosses on people’s lawns and who have the audacity to call themselves, “American Family Association” are letting their small group of socially challenged people protest and write letters urging McDonalds to move forward with their endeavor. Those folks are very creepy people and you should stay away from those parasites at all costs!
Take Action
- Very important! Call your local McDonald’s and let them know you applaud McDonald’s for using its size and resources to promote equality in this world.
- Send an e-mail to McDonald’s. Let them know you support them!
- Forward to your family and friends.
Remember it is un-humanitarian to be a supporter of the “American family Association” and YOU SHOULD NOT subscribe to that “agenda”.
You can write a letter or send an email to the chairman of McDonald’s to let them know that YOU DO SUPPORT their alliance with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Andrew J. McKenna, President
McDonald’s
McDonald’s Plaza
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone: 1-800-244-6227
or: 630-623-3000
Fax: 630-623-5004
E-Mail: Andrew J. McKenna, McDonald’s
*Kevin Hunter is a writer of uninhibited fiction writer, providing fun dude-lit for the young adult and beach read set.
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=50129
All Rights Reserved.
Jagger’s Revolution: A Screenplay by Kevin Hunter
For more information, contact AuthorHouse at 888.280.7715 or visit www.authorhouse.com/bookstore
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=50129
AT&T/Cingular Company charged with discrimination
April 2, 2008
Every now and then, there is a story that is brought to my attention that is appalling. Stories that occur because of a member of the human race has caused it, and often times what is most jarring to me is that most people don’t know about it, or aren’t aware of it. In an attempt to bring a new issue to light two men who worked for the AT&T and Cingular companies were faced with discrimination by their own co-workers and superiors. I know the stuff I write about in my books is at times aggressive, radical and insensitive, but I can assure you that what’s in my books does not and should not be an endorsement of who I am personally. Issues like this do bother me because enough is enough. We still have a long way to go before people aren’t faced with discrimination especially at the work place. It’s important to know your rights and to continue to fight for equality until the end of mankind.
To read the full story visit the accuser’s website at
“Partners Against AT&T”
http://www.partnersagainstatt.com/
*Kevin Hunter is a writer of uninhibited fiction writer, providing fun dude-lit for the young adult and beach read set.
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=50129
All Rights Reserved.
Jagger’s Revolution: A Screenplay by Kevin Hunter
For more information, contact AuthorHouse at 888.280.7715 or visit www.authorhouse.com/bookstore
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=50129
Greece Discriminates against same sex couples!
March 19, 2008
The government in Greece is preparing to introduce a “domestic partnership” contract ONLY for unmarried heterosexual couples.
But wait a minute, if they’re going to be implementing this new offer for people living out of wedlock, why not every human being?
Or are other human beings less worthy for them because they choose to join with someone of their same sex?
The Greeks are thinking that they’re offering something so great and wonderful, when in fact it’s just another slap in the face against the other half of civilization.
I am fully against this contract and I’d like to rip it up on national television the way Sinead O’Connor did with the Popes picture oh so long ago.
Either make the partnership for ALL couples including same sex couples or forget about it. It has no merit.
Do they think that a male and female couple is any less worthy than anyone else is?
I’m so over people continuously trying to control masses let me tell you.
For more information, you can visit: http://gayrightsgreece.blogspot.com/2008/03/domestic-partnership-that-discriminates.html
If you’d like to write to the ministry of justice in Greece to express your views on the matter you can do so at:
*Thank you to www.colourfulplanet.com for bringing this issue to my attention.
*Kevin Hunter is a writer of uninhibited fiction writer, providing fun dude-lit for the young adult and beach read set.
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=50129
All Rights Reserved.
Jagger’s Revolution: A Screenplay by Kevin Hunter
Publication Date: February 17, 2008 Paperback: (5×8) – $12.35 ; 212 pages; ISBN: 978-1-434357540
For more information, contact AuthorHouse at 888.280.7715 or visit www.authorhouse.com/bookstore
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=50129
REP. SALLY KERN OF OKLAHOMA SPREADS HATRED
March 10, 2008
Kevin Hunter writes:
Rep. Sally Kern spreads hatred and uses her position to divide people up when she should be bringing them together. Do not support Sally Kern. I will however continue to also use this forum to post things that I believe in to spread information out there to people who might not be aware of these things. Here is a letter that may be of interest to you, written by the Human Rights Campaign President, Joe Solmonese to the Oklahoma Governer to take Sally Kern’s words seriously and not support this kind of behavior.
A copy of the letter as sent to the governor follows:
March 10, 2008
Governor Brad Henry
State Capitol Building, Rm. 212
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Dear Governor Henry:
As head of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) civil rights organization with over 700,000 members and supporters across the country, I am writing to draw your attention to the deeply troubling remarks of Oklahoma Representative Sally Kern stating that homosexuality is a bigger threat to our nation than terrorism.
We hope you will join the Human Rights Campaign, and the GLBT community of Oklahoma in condemning these remarks.
Mr. Governor, words matter. As an elected official, Representative Kern’s words and behavior set an example for the public and equating sexual orientation with terrorism serves only to further divide us and endanger our fellow citizens – some of whom she certainly represents in her elected capacity.
Representative Kern’s statements are especially troubling given the recent spate of hate violence against gay and transgender youth. Last month in California, a 15 year old boy, Lawrence King, who suffered taunting and bullying by his classmates because of his sexual orientation and gender identity, was killed by one of those classmates – a 14 year old boy.
Unfortunately, hate violence in the United States is on the rise. The FBI’s most recent hate crimes report shows an increase in bias-motivated violence from the previous year. Hate crimes based on religion and sexual orientation are the second and third most prevalent, following only race in their frequency. Hate crimes are particularly virulent because they send the poisonous message that some Americans deserve to be victimized solely because of their race, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Comments such as Representative Kern’s only serve to fuel hate motivated violence towards the GLBT community. In fact, these statements are irresponsible and do a disservice to the people of Oklahoma and all Americans.
Mr. Governor, as the chief executive of the state of Oklahoma, you are charged with the safety and well being of all your citizens. We urge you, as their Governor, to take a stand against Representative Kern’s rhetoric and publicly condemn these hate-filled remarks.
Sincerely,
Joe Solmonese
President
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
-30-
Want to watch the youtube video here it is go to this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFxk7glmMbo
Additional update 3/11/08:
To write to Representative Sally Kern to let her know that her words will not be tolerated:
Capitol Address:
2300 N. Lincoln Bl., Room 332
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-557-7348
District Address:
2713 Sterling Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73127
Email Rep. Sally Kern
*Kevin Hunter is a writer of uninhibited fiction writer, providing fun dude-lit for the young adult and beach read set.
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=50129
All Rights Reserved.
Jagger’s Revolution: A Screenplay by Kevin Hunter
Publication Date: February 17, 2008 Paperback: (5×8) – $12.35 ; 212 pages; ISBN: 978-1-434357540
For more information, contact AuthorHouse at 888.280.7715 or visit www.authorhouse.com/bookstore
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=50129
