The debate about a gay judicial nominee
The Virginia House of Delegates’ rejection of judicial nominee Tracy Thorne-Begland this week has sparked discussions on the RT and around the commonwealth. Republican social conservatives once again affirmed bigotry in Virginia by refusing to confirm Thorne-Begland him because he is gay.
Some people refuse to accept that. They claim Thorne-Begland’s sexuality had nothing or little to do with it. They demand proof that anti-gay bigotry was truly at the heart of this embarrassing incident. In the face of multiple news reports confirming it, they invoke the La defense. That’s the one where you stick your fingers in your ears, close your eyes and yell, “La La La, I can’t hear you.”
Here is video of the floor debate in which Thorne-Begland’s sexuality is at the heart of every point raised by conservatives. Somehow I fear it will not convince some people.
May 16, 2012 - 1:21 PM
This is yet another stain on our Commonwealth made by Republicans. Seems that whatever they campaigned on, what they made sure to accomplish this session was that women will be made to understand that their bodies do not belong to them; and that if a woman wants to exercise her right to choose an abortion that she will first have to undergo a medically unnecessary procedure (and pay for it herself, I believe); and that homosexuals are not welcome as equals here. Bigots and religious zealots have no place in our legislature. And, frankly, every one of those clowns who voted for the “ultrasound wand of shame” bill should excuse themselves from their elected office and go learn some biology and take a lesson in civil rights.
@Saintbridge #1 Since there is not a thumbs up or thumbs down button Saint just let me say in plain english – I like!
Basically it comes down to voting. Dont like it. two options.
Move or put your guy in. Just like I dont like your man Obama taking
more money out of my pocket because of irresponsible behavior.
I agree with Saintbridge and Gary. This is an embarrassment.
The religious in our society have ALWAYS caused trouble, pain, turmoil and discrimination. They use shame, disgusting comparisons and the language of hate and intolerance all the while claiming God’s Grace for themselves.
Jesus believed in separation of church and state and I see why. Zealots do not make good leaders.
Herb are you saying your federal taxes went up under Obama?
Oh yes…by almost 1100.00 ..a year….
Sandi,
When did you speak and walk with Jesus about seperation of church and state.. Where is this in the bible..or is this a living bible like the living constitution that should always change at the whim of the liberal calling.
Herb, “whim of the liberal calling”…really? Do you even know how the Constitution is amended? It most certainly isn’t “on a whim” by Liberals (who built this great nation, by the way) or by Conservatives. Thomas Jefferson (a great Liberal) was careful to point out that governments should not be changed for “light and transient causes” and a study of our history would indicate that we have (mostly) followed his heeding. And yes, The Constitution is indeed a living document, because our founding fathers knew that they didn’t know everything (unlike you) and that change is necessary, so they wrote into the document the ability to change it. CHANGE, adaptation, is one of the core principles of the Liberalism you mock, yet it protects your right to mock it. Irony defined.
Seriously Herb?
Try Mark 12: Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar
“13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax[b] to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
And they were amazed at him.”
And then try Romans 13 Submission to Governing Authorities
“13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
It is very clear.
And Herb, I have spoken and walked with Jesus exactly as often as you have. Thanks for asking.
“6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
It is very clear.”
Comment by Sandi Saunders — May 16, 2012 @ 7:04 pm
Are you sure that’s the verse you want to go with Sandi? You use a verse that says the governmental authorities are God’s servants to argue that Jesus believed in a separation of church and state? That verse sounds more like it is saying that the church and state are one.
Yes Chuck, taken out of context as you have done, it does. I happen to be OK with the government being God’s servant for our good. He did not say they were to carry out God’s business. In fact he was careful NOT to say that IMO.
How about this one?
“1 Peter 2:13-15
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”
No, I am sticking with my interpretation. Even in the time of Jesus, which would have been the best time in history for a Theocracy, that was NEVER his intention for us.