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Where's the rest of the outrage
By Matthew
Mar 20th 2008
at 12:27 am EDT
Here's what happened to freedom of speech. We are free to read and write our reactions within this forum.
It is critical that Representative Kern's freedom to express her opinions be steadfastly defended.
At the core of this absurd diatribe by Representative Kern is her clear misunderstanding of human nature. Love and community are primal urges, not intellectual constructs, and certainly not to be legislated.
The outrage from the GLBT community is clearly warranted and paramount to the constructive dialogue that is growing out of Rep. Kern's words. It's great that such ignorance is being met with reasoned arguments, many having foundations in science and firm grasps on cultural history (neither of which seem to be of any interest to the Representative).
To review Rep. Kern's words, she stated that "[She] honestly think[s] it's [homosexuality] the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat."
Where's the outrage from the Islamic community? I concede that terrorism poses a great threat to humanity. However, Islam as a method of instruction for conduct within the human community is no greater (or lesser) a threat than any other ideology. In fact, if the Representative were to study Islamic law, she will find that she has a great deal in common with Islam. At least with regard to her grossly misguided views on homosexuality.
Good Afternoon Representative Kern. My name is Preston Mitchum and this email is in regard to the disrespectful and discriminatory remarks about the homosexual community.
I am offended by your rude remarks about the homosexual community and believe you should apologize immediately. As a State representative, you are supposed to be of integrity, intelligence, motivation, and perseverance. I cannot believe that you uttered hatred words about GLBT's. I am sure there are other issues that State representatives and members of Congress can worry about, besides sexual orientation. For instance, the wiretapping bill, the Iraq War, issues with Guantanamo Bay, etc. You made really harsh comments and I for one am deeply offended.
Comments such as: "Studies show that no society that has totally embraced homosexuality has lasted more than, you know, a few decades. So it's the death knell of this country." Additionally, "I honestly think it's the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat."
If you believe homosexuality poses more of a threat than terrorism, you should reconsider your position. God forbid (yes I said God) that someone is gay or lesbian. I would hate if they touched you because I hear that this "disease" is contagious. Furthermore, I am bothered that you are an educator. Excuse me for assuming, but I hope you are not telling children that homosexuality is an abomination. This will force children to hate the GLBT community and whether you believe it or not, they are not born to hate. They grow up in a society that teaches them that homosexuality is wrong and believe it so much, they murder other children who are comfortable enough to “come out.” Case in point - Lawerence King -a 15-year-old Junior High School students that was shot in the head for being openly gay.
To make it worse, you also compare being gay to "toe cancer." How can a woman with such stature, be so unkind to a group of individuals who were born into a lifestyle? Why would one person choose to be gay and ridiculed by people in high positions like you? No one questions why you are a straight woman, and therefore, you have neither the right nor authority to question another's sexual orientation.
Our nation is supposed to be progressive and dedicated to improving the lives around us. Progressives believe that narrow self-interest should not be what defines America. Something that the Center for American Progress mentions on their website is that a progressive is NOT: naïve, short-sighted, narrow minded, selfish, arrogant, and xenophobic. I can only hope that today's youth listen to your comments and get as offended as I am and writes numerous emails. There are no facts behind your words. It is simply frustration for an opinion that will never be changed.
Honestly, I appreciate the work you are doing as a State representative, but this in no way overweighs your criticism of the homosexual community. I am personally disappointed that we have representatives speaking for constituents, especially if they are as discourteous as your words.
I just have one question for you: If homosexuality is “spreading” like the plague, please explain to me why you are a heterosexual? You have not been injected by the homosexual bug, so how can you say that this is negatively affecting our community. I hope you really reconsider everything you said and apologize to the gay community for your uncouth comments. Remember, they are listening.
Please remember that Campus Progress' terms of use do not allow promoting or endorsing any particular political party or candidate for office. Posts or comments that do this will be deleted.
!
It is critical that Representative Kern's freedom to express her opinions be steadfastly defended.
At the core of this absurd diatribe by Representative Kern is her clear misunderstanding of human nature. Love and community are primal urges, not intellectual constructs, and certainly not to be legislated.
The outrage from the GLBT community is clearly warranted and paramount to the constructive dialogue that is growing out of Rep. Kern's words. It's great that such ignorance is being met with reasoned arguments, many having foundations in science and firm grasps on cultural history (neither of which seem to be of any interest to the Representative).
To review Rep. Kern's words, she stated that "[She] honestly think[s] it's [homosexuality] the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat."
Where's the outrage from the Islamic community? I concede that terrorism poses a great threat to humanity. However, Islam as a method of instruction for conduct within the human community is no greater (or lesser) a threat than any other ideology. In fact, if the Representative were to study Islamic law, she will find that she has a great deal in common with Islam. At least with regard to her grossly misguided views on homosexuality.
- Matthew Orr