"For somebody to try to take that away from me I was pretty surprised, from a politician especially. People get fired for saying the things that the delegate said. People lose their jobs for discrimination...I think that whoever voted for him has their right to vote for who they believe represents their values. And if he represents their values, he's the best person for the job. If Obama represents the best values for the country, he deserves the job. ... Its an equality issue. I see the big picture."posted by ericb at 1:59 PM on September 7, 2012 [19 favorites]
"Maybe I am a man ahead of my time. However, looking at the former restrictions on human rights in our country starting with slavery, women not being able to vote, blacks being counted as two thirds of a human, segregation, no gays in the military (to list a few) all have gone by the wayside. But now here in 2009 same sex marriages are prohibited. I think we will look back in 10, 20, 30 years and be amazed that gays and lesbians did not have the same rights as every one else. How did this ever happen in the land of the free and the home of the brave? Are we really free?"The Right Side Of History? Hell, yes.
2. "Many of your fans are opposed to such a view and feel it has no place in a sport that is strictly for pride, entertainment, and excitement." Holy fucking shitballs. Did you seriously just say that, as someone who's "deeply involved in government task forces on the legacy of slavery in Maryland"? Have you not heard of Kenny Washington? Jackie Robinson? As recently as 1962 the NFL still had segregation, which was only done away with by brave athletes and coaches daring to speak their mind and do the right thing, and you're going to say that political views have "no place in a sport"?posted by rtha at 2:48 PM on September 7, 2012 [4 favorites]
"If gay marriage becomes legal, are you worried that all of a sudden you'll start thinking about penis?"I'd wager he already does. It sure seems like there's a way higher percentage of gay men amongst the rabid homophobe politician population than amongst the general population.
free-er: Alaska, California, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and WyomingHuh. Based on case law, Maryland's constitution isn't "free-er".
same as US Constitution free: Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin
Okay, rooting for the Ravens, I can do, but the Vikings? That's going to be hard.
Second, growing up in Minnesota the Vikings were sometimes derisively called the Vi-queens.
In the wake of Kluwe's remarks, Burns initially defended his letter, saying something on Friday about it being best for "a public person representing a public team" to avoid saying anything controversial. But in a weekend phone interview with the Baltimore Sun, Burns finally relented:posted by zombieflanders at 8:26 AM on September 10, 2012 [5 favorites]Upon reflection, he has his First Amendment rights. And I have my First Amendment rights. … Each of us has the right to speak our opinions. The football player and I have a right to speak our minds.Gee. Who knew? Ayanbadejo told the Sun Burns's backtracking was "a little too late from a damage control perspective." The Ravens linebacker also told the newspaper how much sentiment on the topic seems to be changing in NFL locker rooms:His advocacy used to lead to "snickers in the locker room" and a jokes that he is gay (he is not).Translation: It's getting better.
Not anymore. He said at least 10 teammates have offered support in recent days. The switch in attitude, he said, "has happened faster than I ever thought it would happen."
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Nice command of invective, though. Maybe I can root for the Vikings during kicks.
posted by eriko at 1:52 PM on September 7, 2012 [12 favorites]