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The Bigger Problem
By Kelli
Mar 21st 2008
at 9:23 pm EDT
You know, I read through most of the comments on here and I feel like almost everyone on here said something that was meaningful and thought provoking but I didn't see many people discussing the bigger problem of Kern's speech.
The bigger issue is that she is in a position of power and her words can inspire action, both good and bad, because of her position. We all know that not everyone agrees with homosexuality. Everyone has a different reason. Kern's is obviously a religious one. And every one is right in saying that freedom of speech allows her to voice those opinions.
But you also have to think about how Kern knew she should not have been saying those things. She says it herself in the recording. Her position of being an elected official dictates certain behavior that must be maintained. Going on a hate-filled rant does not fall within those boundries.
And as for Kern's ability to perform her duties of state representative to the best of her ability...I think the speech speaks for itself and shows that her actions and decisions (the school activity disclosure bill she mentions, for example) are fueled by her religious beliefs and not what is best for EVERY citizen she is representing.
I urge everyone to sign the petition to get Kern out of her elected position.
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.
!
The bigger issue is that she is in a position of power and her words can inspire action, both good and bad, because of her position. We all know that not everyone agrees with homosexuality. Everyone has a different reason. Kern's is obviously a religious one. And every one is right in saying that freedom of speech allows her to voice those opinions.
But you also have to think about how Kern knew she should not have been saying those things. She says it herself in the recording. Her position of being an elected official dictates certain behavior that must be maintained. Going on a hate-filled rant does not fall within those boundries.
And as for Kern's ability to perform her duties of state representative to the best of her ability...I think the speech speaks for itself and shows that her actions and decisions (the school activity disclosure bill she mentions, for example) are fueled by her religious beliefs and not what is best for EVERY citizen she is representing.
I urge everyone to sign the petition to get Kern out of her elected position.
Thanks for reading :o)