Clipped: Lawmaker's stance not a surprise
Clipped: Lawmaker's stance not a surprise
The Oklahoman Editorial
Published: March 12, 2008
STATE Rep. Sally Kern's remarks about gays were callous and wrong, and have brought her the sort of attention few seek or relish. What they weren't is surprising, given her history in the Legislature.
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Your thoughts!
Darren, There is no "mountain" of evidence. There is NO evidence. There are theories that "possibly" could lead to being genetic, but that still makes it the abnormal... not the normal. Just because you say gays should be "married" doesn't mean that it is the thing to do. Our marriage laws don't allow it. You are on the wrong side of the law for this. Screaming at anyone on here won't change it. Part of the contract for marriage and the consumation of it is having sex. Without that, the marriage can be void or anulled, or if entered into by either party they are unable to concieve and have not told the other party if they knew, it can also be anulled or void. There are multiple parts to the marriage contract that makes more sense for gays to opt for a civil union.
Mike, Oklahoma City - Mar 17, 2008 at 9:30 am
To the adultress who Jesus had just saved from being stoned He said, "neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." The key here is that he did not say go and continue in your deviant lifestyle because she was living outside His will for her life. Homosexuality is a deviant sexual behavior just like adultry and is unacceptable to God. The reason you attack is because the truth is not in you. Here's another scripture verse I should have followed from the start. In Matthew 7:6 Jesus spoke to His disciples concerning people who hate the truth, He said, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." I pray that if you have contempt and ill will toward me because of my stance on this deviant behavior that you will seek God and confess Jesus as your savior. He is the light the truth and the way to salvation. Your doomed to eternal separation from God, if you don't confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead. I wish no ill will toward you, only that you find the truth and the peace that only Jesus Christ can give.
Jeff, Thomas - Mar 15, 2008 at 9:32 pm
One more to Jeff from Thomas...
"David, what did God say about homosexuality?"
Not a single word. It's not mentioned in scripture at all, ever.
"It's a deviant sexual behavior just like any other deviant sexual behavior."
Lie. Homosexuality isnt a behavior, sexual or otherwise. As for their sex life being "deviant," EVERY legitimate scientific, medical and mental health authority has said it is NOT, that it's perfectly normal for some people to be gay. They're not deviant or perverted or whatever other hateful term you can think up.
"Seek the truth and you will find it"
You haven't tried very hard.
"but not apart from God and His help."
Start with love your neighbor. Look at what this homophobia and hate is doing to the lives of gay people, and Kern's words and their support CANNOT be defended by a Christian or any other decent person.
"The Bible is just another book without God and His discernment."
Than why do people continue to use it as a weapon of hate against gay people?
"Trully pray to Him for discernment and read His roadmap for life the Holy Bible."
NOBODY can read the Bible and conclude homosexuality is a sin, much less the worst sin ever. People are FIRST deciding this on their own, then cherrypicking obscure out of context scripture to excuse their own bigotry. This is not Christian loving behavior.
Darren, Columbia - Mar 15, 2008 at 2:09 pm
And Chrystal and others claiming the bible says homosexuality is a sin are WRONG. The Bible never once mentions homosexuality. The OT in a couple of extremely obscure laws calls a sex ACT a sin...along with wearing polyester and eating non-kosher diet and a thousand other laws no one follows. The letters from Paul were NOT about homosexuality, some translations use the word but shouldn't, the word didn't exist in Paul's time and it was NOT what he was talking about.
There is nothing moral, and nothing Christian, about the bigotry and hate and lies of Rep. Kern. And those who use scripture as a weapon disgrace our church, and the Lord who told us LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR. Gay people are your neighbors, too.
Darren, Columbia - Mar 15, 2008 at 2:05 pm
oh, and Mike, there is a MOUNTAIN of scientific evidence that sexual orientation is NOT chosen, and that it can NOT be altered. Again you talk about people having sex...which isn't the issue at all. I swear homophobes are more obsessed with gay people having sex than any gay person in the world is.
And ignorance...not opinion I disagree with, but ignorance, simply not knowing (or intentionally lying about the facts) is what leads to comments like "lifestyle as they choose." Sexual orientation is not a lifestyle and IS NOT CHOSEN. Proven scientific fact.
This IS an unequal society, gays ARE denied equality, and you still have given no decent reason for such.
NOBODY should "ignore" Kern's comments. This vicious bigotry destroys lives and should outrage any decent person. "Ignoring" Kern is just as immoral as "ignoring" Bull Connor or the Klan would have been 50 years ago.
Darren, Columbia - Mar 15, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Mike you say that marriage is only for heterosxuals, and yet give no legitimate reason for this discrimination. In fact many gay couples ARE married in every way but government recognition, and no reason not to grant denying the recognition that's worth a darn has ever been given.
Saying that Kern is just "upholding the law" with her vicious bigotry and hate is absolute baloney. You think anyone who tries to change a bad law is an outlaw? That anyone defending a bad law is the ONLY person who believes in the law?
And none of this has a thing to do with "believing in myriad forms of sex." It has NOTHING to do with any form of sex. People marry because of love, because of committment. Homosexuality isn't a "belief" and has nothing to do with having sex. A gay virgin is still gay.
Darren, Columbia - Mar 15, 2008 at 1:56 pm
But she's offered no apology, saying she was talking about gay activists who target conservative Republicans. (Those activists, it should be noted, often resort to similarly extreme and incendiary arguments, usually without recrimination.)
The difference is that advocates of equality are not attempting to represent the state of Oklahoma or the religion of Christianity.
Rep. Kern's job is to represent all of her constituants even the gay ones and even the one's who don't believe the way that she does.
Rep. Kern is not representing either nor is she representing the majority of Oklahomans. The only agenda being pushed hear is the radical right wing's agenda. Kern is ignoring the true needs of her district in a lame attempt to again make gay people a wedge issue in upcoming political races.
Want to meet some real gay advocates? See how we deal with the likes of Fred Phelps and our own versions of Rep. Kern. KansasEqualityCoalition.org
GayOK, Topeka - Mar 15, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Do you understand? Anyone, without a contract of some form, can be fired at anytime. But you want some protection, (a special right) that says you can't be fired. Nope.. not gonna happen. Deal with it. You cry that you can't get a fair deal when your "mate" passes. All of that can be handled legally through contracts etc. Of course that would mean you would have to hire an attorney and actually do something to indicate how you want your affairs handled.. oh well.
Mike, Oklahoma City - Mar 15, 2008 at 3:13 am
Nothing in the constitution addresses marriage other than it is a contract by states, and each state recognizes the others standards. How can you say it isn't a special right for two men to be "married"? You're in a dream world. Right to be fired ? ANYONE without a contract in Oklahoma can be fired at anytime with or WITHOUT cause. You can be fired for no reason at all. Being married by definition means hetero. So get your constitution out. Any state has a right to define the contract for "marriage". Has nothing really to do with the Bible. People can use that argument, but it is a contract, with or without a Bible. Maybe your hatred for the Bible blinds your ability to read. The laws of the land she is sworn to uphold she is upholding, regardless of her reasoning, it still comes out the same. Gays cannot be married in Oklahoma. That's the law. The law you seem so concerned with. Like they say.. if you can take a D*** you can take a J***. As painful as it may be. Just because some of you believe in the myriad forms of sex, just doesn't pass the test of society deciding what to accept as a marriage. Anyone can "unite", have a union with all kinds of contracts etc. but not marriage.... that's the law.
Mike, Oklahoma City - Mar 15, 2008 at 3:05 am
Dave is right, but hopefully the citizenry of her district will wise up next time (a majority of them, anyway). There will always be the same lame brained bug eyed bible thumpers who will never change.
And Dave, sorry, but this isn't a contest, pi**ing or otherwise. No one asked you to watch or otherwise have sex with another man, did they?
The issue here is about what's right, and what's fair.
Gays deserve equal treatment under the law, period.
No more and no less than their heterosexual counterparts do. Not "special" rights, equal rights.
Like the right to not be fired from a job for being gay.
Like the right to marry and have the same benefits hetero married couples do.
And so on.
These aren't "special" rights, they are inalienable rights, set forth the US Contitution.
Because, you see, this is the document that people like Sally Kern were sworn to uphold when they took the oath of office.
Mrs. Kern did not put her hands on the constitution and swear to uphold the Bible, no matter how much she-or anyone else-might wish otherwise.
Jeff, Oklahoma City - Mar 14, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Does anyone on here really think that this p****** contest does any good. If you like being homosexual or supporting homosexuality carry on, but the nastyness that you spew on here does little to encourage anyone to change there views. If you that support Rep. Kern want to invoke God as the arbitor in this matter, so be it. How many have changed someones mind by beating another on the head with a Bible. I believe your directions were to go into the land so that all have heard what God has to say. Once it has been heard it is then up to each person to accept or reject in whatever manner they so deem. I can only suggest that if you want to see the extremes of homosexuality that you look at publications that promote the "sex" part. I don't ever want to see two men having sex.. sorry.. nor two women... What other species conducts thereselves in this manner, other than humans? Perhaps there are some. Even if I were to ignore the theological ideas concerning it... I would still find it deviant behavior. It is said that it comes from being born that way. Kind of like you have blue eyes, I have brown. Has anyone found that link somewhere in medicine or psychology? I'm sure that with all of our marvelous medical advances and abilities that should be easy to come up with. If one Rep. Kern in a small meeting can cause national headlines on this topic, what does that say about the amount of conflict concerning homosexuality. If you want equality, then you have to be equal. As an individual, gays are equal in that they can carry their life style as they like. But, as a part of society when combined as a lifestyle to want some kind of equality, there is no recourse. The inequities gays espouse are not inequities, but attempts to gain some kind of right never inferred by our founding fathers or subsequent leaders. If Rep. Kern's remarks get you that upset that you can't just ignore it, then I would question your ability to have the high moral ground here.
Mike, Oklahoma City - Mar 14, 2008 at 1:18 am
Dave, Oklahoma City - Mar 13, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Sally Kern is striving to attain the lowest level of the already low Oklahoma legislature. We get the government we deserve. We voted for them.
Dave, Oklahoma City - Mar 13, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Hey Ted,
Are you happy that your tax dollars are going to pay for 3 OSBI agents to sift through emails and phone calls due to a bogus "death threat" that never existed?
How about paying her highest in the nation salary as a state representative so that she can do absolutely nothing except worry about gays, gays, gays and what library books should-and shouldn't be in the library?
But people like you are all the same.
Sally should stick to her "guns"? Sure. Except she hasn't much time left to do so, and your laughable assertion that hers is the voice of morality would make me laugh-hard-were it not for the harm her hate speech will inflict.
Tell it to the parents of the next murdered gay teenager who did so because they were told being gay was "wrong" by hate mongers like Kern.
And she absolutely should have to foot the bill for the OSBI investigation, too.
Jeff, Oklahoma City - Mar 13, 2008 at 8:27 pm
The Oklahoman reported that Sally Kern will not be
punished for a remark that "homosexuals are the biggest threat our nation has" and I support that position. In this country we have a right to free speech. It extends to those who say what we abhor to hear and must extend to us when we say what others
abhor to hear. Homosexual advocates take advantage
of any opportunity to make their opinion heard. Sally
Kern should stick to her "guns." The voice of morality
must not be silenced for the sake of peace.
The media reported that Sally Kern will not be punished for a remark that "homosexuals
are the biggest threat our nation has" and I support that position. However, political "winds"
change as readily as meteorological winds. I urge continued support for Sally Kern in this
matter. In this country we have a right to free speech. It extends to those who say what
we abhor to hear and must extend to us when we say what others abhor to hear.
The media reported that Sally Kern will not be punished for a remark that "homosexuals
are the biggest threat our nation has" and I support that position. However, political "winds"
change as readily as meteorological winds. I urge continued support for Sally Kern in this
matter. In this country we have a right to free speech. It extends to those who say what
we abhor to hear and must extend to us when we say what others abhor to hear.
Ted, Oklahoma city - Mar 13, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I declare this Sunday we all go to a local non-denominational church and tithe 10%, ask for forgiveness of our sins, and then wave at the preacher as he drives away in his Benz...back to his church bought mansion.
John, Oklahoma City - Mar 13, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Ms. Kern is the paragon of ignorance. I thought all those people who quote selective passages of the Bible to accomodate their own thinking had already been laughed out of town.
I am always amused, that the BEBAC's( Beedy-eyed, Born- again Christians) always selectively quote something out of the old testament and try to insert it into the teachings of Christ. What nonsense. We did't say they were smart, just mean spirited.
You would think, that Ms. Kerns total lack of accomplishments as a legislator might be noticed by the voters she represents. Apparently,they also are to engrossed in their own hate and ignorance of things they do not understand, to recognize her failure.
The vocal ignorance of Ms.Kerns will keep many high paying employers out of Oklahoma and in California. Why would a growing company want to subject their employees to such nonsense and vilificaton by backward people. Ms. Kern's does Oklahoma a great disservice with her public ramblings,which now even the late comedians are gleefully using. She does more harm to the reputation of the good people of Oklahoma than "The Grapes of Wrath" did in the 30's.
Bob Hill, Former OKC resident,
Sebastopol, California
Bob , sAN fRANCISCO - Mar 13, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Oh, and Jeff from Thomas, take your scriptures and and keep them in church.
The last time I checked, we were a constitutional republic, not a theocracy, no matter how much people (and I use that term VERY loosely to apply to you) and Sally Kern might wish otherwise.
Jeff, Oklahoma City - Mar 13, 2008 at 1:14 pm
For all the Kern supporters that say she has "a right" to say the things she said, you are correct. But she also has to expect the avalanche of negative emails and voicemails (even from talk show host Ellen Degeneres) she is getting.
She also flat out lied she had received death threats, and due to this lie, 3 OSBI agents were forced to sort through the emails and phone calls when no threat existed.
Finally, I think the Oklahoman and others that support this crazy bigot are really missing the point: She has been in office now for over 3 years. During that 3 year period, what accomplishments can she point to that have helped the average citizen? Answer: zero. Even the born again crazies that support her must be disappointed as even the most out-there legislation she has sponsored has failed.
The fact is, most Oklahomans are far more concerned about jobs, taxes, the high price of gas, and REAL terrorism. Even those that may not be gay rights supporters would place that at the bottom of their list of concerns.
Maybe Sally ran unopposed in the last election, but something tells me that won't be the case this time around.
Memo to Sally: hope you didn't give up your day job, honey. Oh yeah, and PLEASE do something about that horrible hairdo!
Jeff, Oklahoma City - Mar 13, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Yes the bible does speak about homosexuality being a sin. And yes it speaks about a multitude of sin. Sin is sin, that i will agree. However, to compare someone being overweight is a stretch i would say. Yes gluttony is a sin, but every individual that may be overweight may not be a result of gluttony. Furthermore, i have never witnessed a oversized individual try to force their views on others. What seems to be occuring is that the gay agenda is to make everyone accept their lifestyle and tolerate it. State Rep. Kern, had aright to say what she felt and that was ok. Just as she stated although they have the right to choose that lifestyle, it is still morally wrong from the Christian perspective. If that is the lifestyle an individual chooses so be it. My only concern is that they seem bent on making the est of the agree with their agenda. That is wrong. this agenda has found its way into our schools. And in our education systemit has no place. It is not the responsibility of the educational society to educate our children on this lifestyle, nor is it the proper for them to address whether it is wrong or right. This Agenda has taking a foot hold and we will continue to see the moral decline of of society as long as we are made to swallow their view point. I'm with rep Kern on this one. and a correction to the blogger that stated that homosexuality is only mention in th eOld Testament. the discussion of homosexuality is referenceed in Romans 1:24-27. Its worn g and I am tired of people having to apologize for not agreeing with that type of lifestyle. Truthfully, you don't see heterosexuals walking around annoucing to the world that they are straight. So why do homosexuals fee the need to announce to the world that they are gay? I feel like the military. Don't ask, don't tell.
Crystal , Florissant - Mar 13, 2008 at 10:41 am
Jeff, you ask, "what did God say about homosexuality"? That's what I was asking when I asked, "what did Jesus say about homosexuality". Isn't Jesus God, the Word made flesh? Isn't that orthodox Christian theology that we believe God came to earth in the person of Jesus? So if Jesus says it than that must be what God really thinks. Jesus came to give us a picture of who God really is. So, once again I pose the question that no one ever seems to answer, what did Jesus (God) say about homosexuality in the gospels?
David, Norman - Mar 13, 2008 at 10:33 am
It is interesting that the people supporting Representative Kern have one argument; "the Bible says homosexuality is sin." The Bible also says that gluttony is a sin - How many fat Christians do you see? The Bible also says judging others is a sin - Oops, that is what happened here. The Bible never says one sin is worse than another, but people like to pick on homosexuality, never mind that the Bible has been translated badly and there is plenty of evidence to show that parts have been left out intentionally. Do we really know what God's Word is? Remember, it is homosexuals who are beaten up and killed by so-called Christians, not the other way around. Isn't promoting that kind of hatred a sin? Jesus commanded us to love each other as Christ loved the church and I believe that means all people, whatever their sexual orientation.
In the Bible, Jesus didn't pass judgement on the prostitute, the tax collector, or even his own executioners. I do not believe that he would pass judgement on homosexuals either. The sexual prohibitions in the Bible are located primarily in the Old Testament and they relate to Kosher practices for Jews and Christian religions are quick to point out that those are the laws that we are no longer under. Remember that Romans is a letter written by one man to a church; it isn't the words of Jesus. That passage is Paul's opinion. When one thinks about it that way, it is obvious that the Bible really isn't that clear about whether or not homosexuality is a sin. Paul believed it was, but that doesn't mean that others did.
Angela - Mar 13, 2008 at 8:25 am
I guess there is no defense for stupidity and cherry-picking passages either. Hate rules, everyone has to be like you or God will get em!
lanny, Tulsa - Mar 13, 2008 at 8:12 am
When someone's lifestyle is attacked, a common reaction is to attack the attacker rather than giving an intelligent argument supporting the lifestyle. That's apparent in the comments here. However, that reaction doesn't help anyone or anything. If there is a defense of homosexuality, what is it? It is a sexual sin in the world's three major religions. If a person believes in God, he/she has an obligation to speak out against sin; when one like homosexuality is being promoted as acceptable, a "believer" cannot keep silent. Jeff's reference to Romans explains that the act (along with several others)is sin, but a person giving approval of the sin is also guilty. Several passages in the New Testament warn Christians that standing up for truth will bring scorn from the world. How true it is!
Raymond, Ada - Mar 13, 2008 at 7:45 am
God didn't write the Holy Bible. Neither did Jesus. We don't know what God or Jesus had to say about this issue. Jesus didn't keep a journal for men 200 or 2000 years later to read. The Bible is stories written centuries after Christ by men who said they had a personal conversation with God. Duh, if that happened today we'd lock them up as crazies.
Dave, Oklahoma City - Mar 13, 2008 at 7:38 am
David, what did God say about homosexuality? It's a deviant sexual behavior just like any other deviant sexual behavior. Seek the truth and you will find it but not apart from God and His help. The Bible is just another book without God and His discernment. Trully pray to Him for discernment and read His roadmap for life the Holy Bible.
Jeff, Thomas - Mar 13, 2008 at 5:45 am
Jeff, what did Jesus say about homosexuality?
David, Norman - Mar 13, 2008 at 1:09 am
Gary, where did you pull the sex-slave bit from. If the sherriff is found guilty he should pay for his crime. What that has to do with homosexuality is beyond me. Anyway, the rest of you discussing the Bible, it appears to me don't have a clue or a true understanding. The Bible was given to us by God, written by men through His divine inspiration. His word is clear on this subject though many like you refuse to see the truth. You choose to leave out New Testament scripture like Romans 1:18-32 because you want to suppress the truth and live a lie. A few other scriptures for you: 1 Corinthians 6:18; Jude 1:7; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 Peter 2:10. All these verses describe where we're at today with too many people who care only about themselves and how they can have pleasure. But this pleasure is short lived and results in ultimate destruction and separation from God. We were created to glorify God not ourselves. This is the truth! Jesus came to save lost sinners. This means everyone regardless of race, sexual orientation, everyone!! But the key is we have to confess and believe He is the only way. Romans 10:9 says, "That if you confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead you will be saved." If you're living in a homosexual lifestyle and confess Christ as your Savior he will change your desires and help your overcome this sexual sin. God loves everyone he ever created and desires that they choose to come to know Him as their Lord and Savior. Unfortunately many choose the selfish road which leads to destruction. The scripture verses I gave you show a clear view of those on this road. Hope you take the exit ramp if you're on it. I thank God His grace is sufficient for me an unworthy sinner.
Jeff, Thomas - Mar 12, 2008 at 11:02 pm
There needs to be more people like the many who have written posts here to speak up and let the world know that not all Oklahomans are intolerant souls who don't seem to care that our state ranks near the bottom of most quality of life standards. Our state could be great but we need more people who are progressive thinking people to speak up more often and especially in countering the likes of the Sally Kerns of the world. She has every right to say what she wants but does she have to say it here and further embarrass us in Oklahoma.
David, Norman - Mar 12, 2008 at 7:38 pm
She and her ilk are the U.S. version of Taliban, pure and simple religious nut-cases. She parrots J.Dobson, J.Farwell, P.Robber-son, etc.
lanny, Tulsa - Mar 12, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Ms. Kern represents, in my view, a minority viewpoint (albeit a loud minority) in Oklahoma. Nevertheless, many people around the world perceive this to be the way the vast majority of Oklahomans think. This is why we struggle to recruit major employers and highly skilled workers to this state. They tend to select areas to live where people are free to be themselves without being vilified by ignorant scolds.
B, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 5:48 pm
What is most shameful is that so many of her constituents feels the same way she does. They are unabashed in their dislike of anyone different than they are. We have a long way to go before we shed the superstition and magic that pervades our state's culture. We have good people here but so many of them labor under the yoke of religion and its supporting priesthood of charlatans and snake oil salesmen in vestments.
Ron, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I am sorry you feel that way, Jeff. Do you also abide by other "truths" in the bible (mainly Leviticus) by not wearing blended-fabric clothing, or killing your father for working on Sundays? What about football players touching the football? According to the "truth" of the bible, touching the skin of a pig is a sin. When it boils down to it, the Bible is just like any other Holy book. It speaks many "truths," but we need to temper that ideal with the FACTS that the book was just that, a book, that has been politicized and translated, and retranslated to fit the needs of the people for that day. What if this had been a Jew telling the world that all Christians were not better than terrorists, or a Vietnamese citizen saying the same thing about a black person? Substitute almost any other word for "gay" in her comments and you all but have to agree that it would be wrong. If you can't grasp that concept, how about this? When was the last time a homosexual bombed a building, or used people blind, disabled, or even women so they could strap bombs to them and send them out to kill themselves - as well as others - in public settings. The fact of the matter said, no matter what you think about homosexuality, to de"humanize" another person in the manner acted out by Ms. Kern, is unequivocably wrong.
lanez, Edmond - Mar 12, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Jeff in Thomas - I would think that sex-slave operation over there in the Custer County sheriff's office is much worse than a gay person going through life minding their own business. I wonder are you condemning those folks as strongly or is it just so easy to throw stones at gays?
Gary, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 4:12 pm
The Lord and I are just fine, thank you. From Him I've learned to accept those who are different from me. We're all human beings and of His creation.
M, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Jeff I agree with you about the truth being the scriptures but when we lool to them what did Jesus (God) say about homosexuality?
David, Norman - Mar 12, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I've got a firm grip on the truth, it's called the Holy Bible! Try reading God's word, and asking the Lord to speak to you through it. His truth will give you a peace that the world can't give. Praise be to God!
Jeff, Thomas - Mar 12, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Jeff, I think you need to get a grip on reality.
M, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 2:24 pm
It's funny how people who don't like the truth resort to name calling, like idiot and unprincipled when they don't have anything to substantiate their claims. The fact is homosexuallity is unnatural and should not be accepted by our society. Those who live this unnatural lifestyle know deep down it's wrong but they lash out at people like Ms. Kern when the truth is stated. What we need is more people who know the truth to stand up like Ms. Kern did. She doesn't profess hatred toward this group, she only states the truth, that it is an unnatural lifestyle which is harmful to our society if accepted as normal behavior.
Jeff, Thomas - Mar 12, 2008 at 1:28 pm
The American Taliban is alive and well in Sally Kern, legislator, and her followers supporting her statements. It is a religious thing with all Taliban.
lanny, Tulsa - Mar 12, 2008 at 1:16 pm
The American Taliban is alive and well in Sally Kern, legislator, and her followers supporting her statements. It is a religious thing with all Taliban.
lanny, Tulsa - Mar 12, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Sally has every right to say what she wants as a US Citizen. She is, however, an elected representative of a lot of people who think she's a total clown who doesn't really represent the Sermon on the Mount or other great Christian principles. In fact, she's very unprincipled. Her constituents and non-constituents alike have every right to call her out for beingg a complete idiot without any sense of priorities. Seriously, she claimed she received "death threats," which I highly doubt. Sounds like she's lying, not a biblically friendly way to go about things.
B, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 1:13 pm
"Those activists, it should be noted, often resort to similarly extreme and incendiary arguments, usually without recrimination." Where is your proof in this statement? When have gay activist elevated the likes of Kerns to a threat more great than terrorism? Show me...
C, Atlanta - Mar 12, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Actually, if there is such a thing as "left-handed reprimand", this is an example. The statement, "Those [gay] activists, it should be noted, often resort to similarly extreme and incendiary arguments, usually without recrimination" uses the "tu quoque" or "you also" fallacy, accusing an accuser of a similar offense or similar behavior. In this case by accusing Kern's critics of similar behaviors, the writer is mitigating her offense saying that she is no worse than the people she condemns.
Clearly, Kern feels threatened by homosexuals acting in the political realm to gain the same human rights all Americans enjoy. She is no different from other bigots who did not mind Negroes as long as they "knew their place."
Lynn, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 12:24 pm
We need more leaders like Sally Kern. Too many people who claim to be believers in the Bible set idly by and never take a stand. Her refusal to apologize for something she strongly believes should be applauded. A "religious nut" is better than a roasted one!
Jeff, Thomas - Mar 12, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Wow I'm blown away the DOK would come out against Mrs. Kern. It goes to show you that not everyone is this state is some religious nut. Maybe thaere hope for OK after all...
Anthony, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 11:15 am
So what is her solution for the homosexual threat exactly? I can't stand people who complain about the world without offering a solution. What bill will she propose? It's too bad for her this isn't Nazi Germany circa 1935, she'd make a great gas chamber operator.
Gary, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 10:53 am
Desiderius, Tuttle - Mar 12, 2008 at 10:26 am
Our moral decline is caused by christian zealots. I see not decline but instead an incline of a nation made of different clothes. Fear mongering doesn't help anyone!
Desiderius, Tuttle - Mar 12, 2008 at 10:26 am
Given the fact that her constituents face foreclosure, $4 gas, a looming recession, and a war in the Middle East seemingly without end, I seriously doubt those voters share her concern that gays are our country's greatest threat. She ran unopposed, but one wonders whether she would survive against a solid opponent. Her district is very diverse; some of it is VERY socially conservative, other parts are working class, latino, and black. This looks like the easiest Democratic pickup seat for the fall.
B, Oklahoma City - Mar 12, 2008 at 9:38 am
Kudos to the conservative Oklahoman for taking the right stand in calling Kerns remarks "callous and wrong". Kern does have a right to say what she believes just as Jim Crow did in the south in the sixties when he railed about "uppity niggers". She has that right just as other Americans have had over the years when they criticized Catholics and Jews simply because they were Catholics and Jews. Having the right doesn't make all free speech right. Hateful speech has no place in our society. And as far as the legislature legislating morality...when did that become their job? Whose morality...Sally Kern's morality which involves discriminating against people different from her? No thanks!
David, Norman - Mar 12, 2008 at 8:37 am
She is using Her right to free speach the same as Gay activist, I see no problem.
Marshall, Edmond - Mar 12, 2008 at 8:28 am
She's not bright enough to be constructive. All she can do is cast stones. She offers no solutions, no improvements for our state, and solves no problems. It's funny she complains about censorship now, when most of her legislative history has involved attempts at censorship.
Walter, Edmond - Mar 12, 2008 at 8:04 am
You mean our nation's moral decline shouldn't be the legislature's concern? I suggest that it should be everyone's concern.
Raymond, Ada - Mar 12, 2008 at 7:41 am
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