Author Topic: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?  (Read 12719 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Anne Bonney

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 5006
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« on: December 01, 2010, 12:42:10 PM »
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/11/30/smi ... t-exhibit/

Smithsonian Museum Removes An LGBT Art Exhibit After GOP Threatens To Defund It

Last month, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG) unveiled “the first major museum exhibition” exploring gender and sexual identity in American culture. With 105 major works by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol, “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture,” the NPG pioneered a show that “celebrates gay and lesbian art and delineates its place in the history of American painting and photography.”

But it appears that a celebration of anything LGBT-related cannot exist without inciting right-wing backlash. In yesterday’s release of its expose, the conservative CNS News complained that the exhibit featured images of “male genitals, naked brothers kissing, men in chains, [and] Ellen DeGeneres grabbing her breasts.” The report saved particular scorn for a four-minute video exhibit that included a depiction of ants on an image of Jesus. Entitled “A Fire in My Belly,” the exhibit was intended “to depict the suffering of an AIDS victim” but, instead, set off a firestorm of religious indignation and outcry over the Smithsonian’s federal funding.

After the Catholic League deemed the exhibit an “assault on the sensibilities of Christians” and demanded the government defund the NPG, the Republicans were quick to pile-on. Decrying the exhibit as an “in your face perversion paid for by tax dollars,” House Appropriations Committee member Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA) demanded a look at the NPG’s budget, advocating for “calling them up in front of the Appropriations Committee, asking for some resignations, auditing all their budget – all their books.” The House GOP leadership seconded the outrage and Kingston’s call for a Congressional probe into the museum’s funding:

    And Incoming House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., called it an “outrageous use of taxpayer money and an obvious attempt to offend Christians during the Christmas season.”

    “When a museum receives taxpayer money, the taxpayers have a right to expect that the museum will uphold common standards of decency. The museum should pull the exhibit and be prepared for serious questions come budget time,” Cantor said through a spokesman.

    Incoming House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said he condemned the use of taxpayer money for the exhibit but would not call for the removal of the exhibit.

    “American families have a right to expect better from recipients of taxpayer funds in a tough economy,” Boehner said…”Smithsonian officials should either acknowledge the mistake and correct it, or be prepared to face tough scrutiny beginning in January when the new majority in the House moves to end the job-killing spending spree in Washington.”


In the face of such right-wing brow-beating, the NPG has decided to remove the video exhibit. In a statement released this afternoon, the NPG Director Martin Sullivan said, “I regret that some reports about the exhibit have created an impression that the video is intentionally sacrilegious. In fact, the artist’s intention was to depict the suffering of an AIDS victim. It was not the museum’s intention to offend. We are removing the video today.”

It is important to note that, as is common with recent GOP arguments, Republican bluster over NPG’s federal funding doesn’t actually hold water. While 55 percent of the Smithsonian budget is federally funded, those funds are only used to “pay for the buildings, the care of collections exhibited at Smithsonian venues, and museum staff.” Museum exhibits are funded solely by private donations, including “Hide/Seek.” But regardless these facts, history proves that, despite the NPG’s hope, conservative outrage will lead institutions to remove whatever is deemed offensive, regardless of what it may celebrate.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
traight, St. Pete, early 80s
AA is a cult http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-cult.html

The more boring a child is, the more the parents, when showing off the child, receive adulation for being good parents-- because they have a tame child-creature in their house.  ~~  Frank Zappa

Offline Anne Bonney

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 5006
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« Reply #1 on: December 01, 2010, 12:46:39 PM »
http://wtop.com/?nid=600&sid=2182930

Va. lawmaker claims pat-downs part of 'homosexual agenda'

November 30, 2010 - 3:30pm

WASHINGTON - A conservative Loudoun County lawmaker says controversial airport pat-downs by the Transportation Security Administration are part of a "wide-scale homosexual agenda."

Eugene Delgaudio, a Republican representing Sterling on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, made the comments in a widely distributed e-mail sent in his capacity as president of the conservative nonprofit Public Advocate of the United States.

In the e-mail -- reported by WUSA9 -- Delgaudio also says the TSA's non-discrimination hiring policy is "the federal employee's version of the Gay Bill of Special rights."

"That means the next TSA official that gives you an enhanced pat-down could be a practicing homosexual secretly getting pleasure from your submission," he wrote.

Delgaudio confirmed the quote to WTOP. He was first elected to the Loudoun board in 1999 and has previously been criticized by his colleagues for anti-gay comments.

In a petition urging opposition to The Student Non-Discrimination Act introduced in Congress by Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado, Delgaudio said the bill would turn America's "playgrounds into homosexual breeding grounds."

In a fundraising and survey appeal, Delgaudio also reportedly said the homosexual agenda in Congress promotes same-sex marriages and adoptions, which will lead to "men hand-in-hand skipping down to adoption centers to 'pick out' a little boy for themselves."

Delgaudio's Public Advocate organization says it supports ending same-sex marriage and pro-life initiatives, along with "equality under the law, regardless of one's sexual orientation."

The group says it has 100,000 members.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
traight, St. Pete, early 80s
AA is a cult http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-cult.html

The more boring a child is, the more the parents, when showing off the child, receive adulation for being good parents-- because they have a tame child-creature in their house.  ~~  Frank Zappa

Offline Samara

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 488
  • Karma: +1/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2010, 01:11:55 PM »
I don't know but since they always quote the Constitution, where is their support of 1st?

I am so sick of theocrats. If there is a god, he ain't peering in 6 billion people's bedroom windows. Unless he's a peeper. Some are like that ya know.

Whatever it says in Leviticus, it doesn't warrant a mention in the Top Ten.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline BuzzKill

  • Posts: 1815
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2010, 05:28:18 PM »
You miss the point entirely.

Its tax dollars. My money. Our money. Taken from us to subsidize worthy causes and supply the needs of government and society. Because it is tax payer dollars it should not be used in ways that denigrate and insult said tax payers, while doing no demonstrable public good.

This is the kind of exhibit that should be supported with private donations by those who value it - not public money.  

No one is saying the artist don't have the right to make it; or that you don't have the right to view it. I would argue it does not belong in a public museum like the Smithsonian. In my opinion having such a display greatly diminishes the stature of the Smithsonian; not unlike the diminishing of the Nobel prize by granting it to Obama and Gore; but my objection is over a tax supported museum displaying porn and blasphemy as if it were art. Such exhibits belong in privately owned studio and galleries.

And folks, take a moment to think on this - What if the figure being eaten by ants were Mohamed?  How tolerant do you suppose the powers that be at the Smithsonian and with academia and the media would be with such a display?  Should all the peaceful Muslims who pay their taxes be forced to support something like that? Wouldn't that be seen as intolerably intolerant and hateful?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Froderik

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7547
  • Karma: +10/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2010, 05:46:03 PM »
Quote from: "Buzzkill"
No one is saying the artist don't have the right to make it; or that you don't have the right to view it. I would argue it does not belong in a public museum like the Smithsonian. In my opinion having such a display greatly diminishes the stature of the Smithsonian; not unlike the diminishing of the Nobel prize by granting it to Obama and Gore; but my objection is over a tax supported museum displaying porn and blasphemy as if it were art. Such exhibits belong in privately owned studio and galleries.

And folks, take a moment to think on this - What if the figure being eaten by ants were Mohamed? How tolerant do you suppose the powers that be at the Smithsonian and with academia and the media would be with such a display? Should all the peaceful Muslims who pay their taxes be forced to support something like that? Wouldn't that be seen as intolerably intolerant and hateful?

One should concede that there is sometimes a fine line between porn and art...

That's an interesting hypothesis there with the Mohamed thing. I agree a veritable shit-storm would erupt over a thing like that, if they ever allowed it (which they probably wouldn't).
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline BuzzKill

  • Posts: 1815
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« Reply #5 on: December 02, 2010, 06:23:34 PM »
Quote from: "Froderik"
One should concede that there is sometimes a fine line between porn and art...

That's an interesting hypothesis there with the Mohamed thing. I agree a veritable shit-storm would erupt over a thing like that, if they ever allowed it (which they probably wouldn't).

Sure, I will concede that. But there is little doubt many tax paying American's would think much of this exhibit qualifies as the former - and so tax monies should not go toward supporting  it.  The same can be said of the blasphemy part - opinions will differ - and yet there is no question a lot of tax paying Americans are upset and offended by it.

Also too - as a nation we are going broke. No one questions that cuts must take place. This is in my mind the place to start - this and a whole lot like it.

As to the Mohamed thing - heads would roll - literally.

As to the GOP and its outreach to the gay community: They elected a vice president with a gay daughter whom he ( the VP) is clearly proud of and loves very much, and whom the Prez had no problem with and seems to like and respect. Also - Bush did a great deal to help the fight against AIDS; so much so, even some liberals are allowing him a few kudos for this effort and out reach. This is far more worthwhile than a gay "porn" "art" exhibit. This is the kind of outreach that provides demonstrable good and I know of no GOP member who opposes such outreach.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline seamus

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 824
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« Reply #6 on: December 02, 2010, 08:08:09 PM »
I dunno, why are democrats so afraid of private firearm ownership?  :nods:
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
It\'d be sad if it wernt so funny,It\'d be funny if it wernt so sad

Offline Froderik

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7547
  • Karma: +10/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« Reply #7 on: December 02, 2010, 08:15:35 PM »
Quote from: "seamus"
I dunno, why are democrats so afraid of private firearm ownership?  :nods:

 :rofl:
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Whooter

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 5513
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« Reply #8 on: December 02, 2010, 08:32:33 PM »
Quote from: "Anne Bonney"
http://wtop.com/?nid=600&sid=2182930

Va. lawmaker claims pat-downs part of 'homosexual agenda'

November 30, 2010 - 3:30pm

WASHINGTON - A conservative Loudoun County lawmaker says controversial airport pat-downs by the Transportation Security Administration are part of a "wide-scale homosexual agenda."


"That means the next TSA official that gives you an enhanced pat-down could be a practicing homosexual secretly getting pleasure from your submission," he wrote.


That is funny Anne.

I paid for a first class ticket, I would like to submit to the enhanced pat-down prior to boarding in a private room.  My friend would like to have his pat down performed without gloves on out in the open where people can watch.  Is tipping allowed?



...
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

Offline Ursus

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 8989
  • Karma: +3/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
« Reply #9 on: December 03, 2010, 12:10:15 AM »
Quote from: "BuzzKill"
You miss the point entirely.

Its tax dollars. My money. Our money. Taken from us to subsidize worthy causes and supply the needs of government and society. Because it is tax payer dollars it should not be used in ways that denigrate and insult said tax payers, while doing no demonstrable public good.

This is the kind of exhibit that should be supported with private donations by those who value it - not public money.
Well, fwiw... this particular exhibit was, in fact, supported by private donations. From the above article, "Smithsonian Museum Removes An LGBT Art Exhibit After GOP Threatens To Defund It," emphasis added:

    While 55 percent of the Smithsonian budget is federally funded, those funds are only used to "pay for the buildings, the care of collections exhibited at Smithsonian venues, and museum staff." Museum exhibits are funded solely by private donations, including "Hide/Seek."[/list]
    « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
    -------------- • -------------- • --------------

    Offline BuzzKill

    • Posts: 1815
    • Karma: +0/-0
      • View Profile
    Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
    « Reply #10 on: December 03, 2010, 09:33:13 AM »
    Quote from: "Ursus"
    Quote from: "BuzzKill"
    You miss the point entirely.

    Its tax dollars. My money. Our money. Taken from us to subsidize worthy causes and supply the needs of government and society. Because it is tax payer dollars it should not be used in ways that denigrate and insult said tax payers, while doing no demonstrable public good.

    This is the kind of exhibit that should be supported with private donations by those who value it - not public money.
    Well, fwiw... this particular exhibit was, in fact, supported by private donations. From the above article, "Smithsonian Museum Removes An LGBT Art Exhibit After GOP Threatens To Defund It," emphasis added:

      While 55 percent of the Smithsonian budget is federally funded, those funds are only used to "pay for the buildings, the care of collections exhibited at Smithsonian venues, and museum staff." Museum exhibits are funded solely by private donations, including "Hide/Seek."[/list]


      I had read that. I find myself wondering if the "artist" had received federal grants to produce their work and would like to know, but as to the issue of the Smithsonian putting such work on display, as I said:  In my opinion having such a display greatly diminishes the stature of the Smithsonian; not unlike the diminishing of the Nobel prize by granting it to Obama and Gore; but my objection is over a tax supported museum displaying porn and blasphemy as if it were art. Such exhibits belong in privately owned studio and galleries.
      « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

      Offline Anne Bonney

      • Newbie
      • *
      • Posts: 5006
      • Karma: +0/-0
        • View Profile
      Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
      « Reply #11 on: December 03, 2010, 10:03:07 AM »
      Quote from: "BuzzKill"
      You miss the point entirely.

      Its tax dollars. My money. Our money. Taken from us to subsidize worthy causes and supply the needs of government and society. Because it is tax payer dollars it should not be used in ways that denigrate and insult said tax payers, while doing no demonstrable public good.

      It's your opinion that it does no good.  Regardless of whether or not you "approve" of them, they ARE a part of America.  A very large part and have contributed greatly to society.  I don't want my tax dollars going to fight foreign wars, but...

      Quote
      This is the kind of exhibit that should be supported with private donations by those who value it - not public money.  

      Nobody seemed to be bothered by it until.......After the Catholic League deemed the exhibit an “assault on the sensibilities of Christians” and demanded the government defund the NPG, the Republicans were quick to pile-on

      And there we have it.  It offended the delicate sensibilities of the Christians.  




      Quote
      No one is saying the artist don't have the right to make it; or that you don't have the right to view it. I would argue it does not belong in a public museum like the Smithsonian. In my opinion having such a display greatly diminishes the stature of the Smithsonian;


      How?


      Quote
      not unlike the diminishing of the Nobel prize by granting it to Obama and Gore; but my objection is over a tax supported museum displaying porn and blasphemy as if it were art.


      Eye of the beholder.  What you call "porn" and "blasphemy", others call art.  Why should a group of religious people get to decide what's ok for public funding?

      Quote
      Such exhibits belong in privately owned studio and galleries.


      In your opinion.

      Quote
      And folks, take a moment to think on this - What if the figure being eaten by ants were Mohamed?  How tolerant do you suppose the powers that be at the Smithsonian and with academia and the media would be with such a display?  Should all the peaceful Muslims who pay their taxes be forced to support something like that? Wouldn't that be seen as intolerably intolerant and hateful?

      The same thing would apply.  Separation of church and state.  Who gets to decide what's "decent" and what's not?  I was just as upset over all the flak over the cartoon of Muhammad.  It's silly.  If you don't like it, don't look at it.
      « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
      traight, St. Pete, early 80s
      AA is a cult http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-cult.html

      The more boring a child is, the more the parents, when showing off the child, receive adulation for being good parents-- because they have a tame child-creature in their house.  ~~  Frank Zappa

      Offline Anne Bonney

      • Newbie
      • *
      • Posts: 5006
      • Karma: +0/-0
        • View Profile
      Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
      « Reply #12 on: December 03, 2010, 10:08:01 AM »
      Quote from: "BuzzKill"

      Sure, I will concede that. But there is little doubt many tax paying American's would think much of this exhibit qualifies as the former - and so tax monies should not go toward supporting  it.  The same can be said of the blasphemy part - opinions will differ - and yet there is no question a lot of tax paying Americans are upset and offended by it.

      That's why there is such a thing as separation of church and state.

      Quote
      Also too - as a nation we are going broke. No one questions that cuts must take place. This is in my mind the place to start - this and a whole lot like it.


      This is a drop in the bucket.  Start with the defense spending and maybe we can get somewhere.

      Quote
      As to the Mohamed thing - heads would roll - literally.

      And it would be just as ridiculous.

      Quote
      As to the GOP and its outreach to the gay community:

       :rofl:  :rofl:

      Quote
      They elected a vice president with a gay daughter whom he ( the VP) is clearly proud of and loves very much, and whom the Prez had no problem with and seems to like and respect.


      It was swept under the rug as much as possible.   When people finally did start talking about it, he supported his daughter.  He did NOTHING to support gay people in general.  


      Quote
      Also - Bush did a great deal to help the fight against AIDS; so much so, even some liberals are allowing him a few kudos for this effort and out reach.

      Gay does not equal AIDS.

      Quote
      This is far more worthwhile than a gay "porn" "art" exhibit. This is the kind of outreach that provides demonstrable good and I know of no GOP member who opposes such outreach.

      Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it's not art.
      « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
      traight, St. Pete, early 80s
      AA is a cult http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-cult.html

      The more boring a child is, the more the parents, when showing off the child, receive adulation for being good parents-- because they have a tame child-creature in their house.  ~~  Frank Zappa

      Offline Anne Bonney

      • Newbie
      • *
      • Posts: 5006
      • Karma: +0/-0
        • View Profile
      Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
      « Reply #13 on: December 03, 2010, 10:12:13 AM »
      Quote from: "seamus"
      I dunno, why are democrats so afraid of private firearm ownership?  :nods:


      I wasn't aware they were.  I think you're using a pretty broad brush there.  The article I posted came directly from the GOP.   I'm a registered Dem (although only because the only other choices are to throw away your vote or the GOP, who has gone completely off the rails....if the Repubs stuck to what they're supposed to be, I'd probably be one) and I fully support the second amendment.
      « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
      traight, St. Pete, early 80s
      AA is a cult http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-cult.html

      The more boring a child is, the more the parents, when showing off the child, receive adulation for being good parents-- because they have a tame child-creature in their house.  ~~  Frank Zappa

      Offline Anne Bonney

      • Newbie
      • *
      • Posts: 5006
      • Karma: +0/-0
        • View Profile
      Re: Why is the GOP so scared of gay people?
      « Reply #14 on: December 03, 2010, 10:13:23 AM »
      Quote from: "Ursus"
      Quote from: "BuzzKill"
      You miss the point entirely.

      Its tax dollars. My money. Our money. Taken from us to subsidize worthy causes and supply the needs of government and society. Because it is tax payer dollars it should not be used in ways that denigrate and insult said tax payers, while doing no demonstrable public good.

      This is the kind of exhibit that should be supported with private donations by those who value it - not public money.
      Well, fwiw... this particular exhibit was, in fact, supported by private donations. From the above article, "Smithsonian Museum Removes An LGBT Art Exhibit After GOP Threatens To Defund It," emphasis added:

        While 55 percent of the Smithsonian budget is federally funded, those funds are only used to "pay for the buildings, the care of collections exhibited at Smithsonian venues, and museum staff." Museum exhibits are funded solely by private donations, including "Hide/Seek."[/list]

         :nods:
        « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
        traight, St. Pete, early 80s
        AA is a cult http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-cult.html

        The more boring a child is, the more the parents, when showing off the child, receive adulation for being good parents-- because they have a tame child-creature in their house.  ~~  Frank Zappa