Monday, April 20, 2009

Freedom of speech takes a fall

Try to look past the issues itself, and consider what this says about freedom of speech.

Perez Hilton: 'The Way Miss California Answered Her Question Lost Her The Crown'

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton may have been crowned Miss USA 2009 on Sunday, but on Monday, it was Miss California Carrie Prejean's answer to a question about same-sex marriage from celebrity blogger and pageant judge Perez Hilton that was the night's biggest story.
During the show, Perez asked Carrie, "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?"
"Well I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. Um, we live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and in, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman," Carrie said to a mix of boos and applause. "No offense to anybody out there. But that's how I was raised and that's how I think that it should be between a man and a woman."
Carrie's answer to the hot button question cost her the crown - at least according to Perez.
"The way miss California answered her question lost her the crown, without a doubt!" Perez told Access Hollywood after the pageant. "Never before that I'm aware of has a contestant been booed at Miss USA."
Keith Lewis, Co-Executive Director of the Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA said in statement to Access Hollywood that he respects Carrie's opinion, even if it differs with his.

66 comments:

Anonymous said...

The right lane on the highway took a fall too. New law, you can't be in the right lane unless you are passing a vehicle or you will be subjected to a $135.00 ticket if the highway patrol catches you!

Anonymous said...

I bet I know how this tread is going to go. Lets outlaw teaching science and shoot the good doctor in Wichita again. Then we can all get our picket signs and go to the soldiers funerals.

Anonymous said...

I saw this story and was outraged. The poor girl gets judges on HER OPINION, rather than how she answers the question! Just because the guy (I use the term loosely) who asked it is a flaming homo, she lost the competition because he didn't like her opinion. Ridiculous.

And to the poster @ 10:30, I think you mean the left (passing) lane, not the right.

To the poster @ 10:50, get over yourself, you liberal whiner. How dare you lump all conservatives in with the whackos in Topeka or the people who shot Tiller. No one even said anything about your precious left, and already you are whining. Pre-emptive liberal whining! A first for this board. Why don't you go hang out on Davey Junior's board. You can stroke each other's ego (or whatever) and talk about the "vast right wing conspiracy".

Anonymous said...

I am sorry, isn't that what the poor girl should be judged on? Isn't that why she entered the pageant, to be judged? I personally would rather be judged on what I thought, than just what I look like. This is NOT a freedom of speech issue. She freely spoke her point of view. It seems the judges just did not agree with her. The intended effect of free speech is an exchange of contrasting views. It is the first and most important concept that shapes our country!

jamie said...

I think they should not of asked that question. I bet no matter how she answered, she still would of had a mixed reaction from the audience and still lost the pagent.

I heard on the news last night about the new no driving in the left lane law takes affect July 1st and they will just be issuing warnings until July 1st of 2010.

Hurray for the new drunk driving laws, but why wait until next year for it to take affect? Makes no sense to me.

Anonymous said...

There's no way to answer that question. It was unfair to ask her that question when the others get non offensive questions. Meaning one way or the other she was going to offend. That is the classic 'do you still beat your wife question'. No way to answer without being guilty of something.

I think that he was hoping to make his platform heard by using the honor of being a judge to slam which ever contestant unlucky enough to draw his question.

There are no do over's she is out, and he was out of line.

Anonymous said...

You know who I feel bad for? The gay people in this world. Their lives and lifestyles constantly being debated. I can't even imagine not being treated as an equal in this free country that we live in. Isn't that what our soliders fight for? Freedom? Why should it even be an issue? I mean, Sit back and think about it... What if the question was, Do you think black people have the right to shop at stores with white people? OR Should a female be a doctor or should she stay at home barefooted and pregnant with 12 kids?

We've come a long way, But not far enough. How can anyone say " we'll the Bible says..." We'll thats okay, But what gives you the right to push your beliefs on anyone? Is that what God would want? Not everyone believes the same things when it comes to God and religon. It's very shelfish for anyone to say that a couple that loves each other shouldn't marry just because they're gay.

And also, Since they are being treated second rate and aren't allowed the freedoms that non-gay couples have then why should they have to obey laws, pay taxes. They should be treated equal just like YOU and ME!

Anyways- I think it was a fair question that she answered honestly. I think her answer was backwoods and pathetic. But then again, It was her opinion.

Also- JJ, I know this is your blog but I think you should keep the anti- gay remarks to zero. Allowing people to post such words as H@M@ is DISGUSTING and you should be ashamed to allow such post on here.

Traveler Editor said...

I know this is your blog but I think you should keep the anti- gay remarks to zero

I did not actually make ANY anti gay remarks.


. Allowing people to post such words as H@M@ i

there's nothing wrong with the H. word... that i know of.

Homosexuality used to be considered wrong .. there are still things considered wrong.
like incest
bestiality
adultery

are we going to give those folks freedom too?

The only real objection i have is trying to make gay rights a civil rights issue.

where do you draw the line ?

Anonymous said...

Wow, if I had a smiley face that showed the big eyes here, I would type it. Why shouldn't gay rights be a civil issue?

Traveler Editor said...

Let me rephrase that.
All people should have all civil rights, regardless of anything.
What I mean is, i object to gay people saying their plight is the same as that of blacks, mexicans, women and other minorities.
There is still question about the morality of homosexuality .. .not so with one's race or gender.

You may not agree with that either, but does that make sense?

Anonymous said...

"Homo" is short for Homosexual, which is still the politically corrects term of the day. If you are offended by that, then you need help.

The reason most people are against gay marriage is because of the legal system, and how the "spouse" would be given all of the same rights as a regular man-woman union under the laws of the state. Most people don't see that as fair. Gay people can live together as if they are married, but why do they need to sign a paper and make it official?

Why not allow the beastiality people to marry sheep, or pedophiles to marry 7 year olds? Why not allow a man to have multiple wives? Give em an inch...

bobby dylan's missus said...

Why not allow a man to have multiple wives? Give em an inch...

or women to have multiple husbands.
fair is fair

Anonymous said...

I cannot believe that Trump and the media let that Perez Hilton have that kind of control over the Miss America Pagent. I saw that fool on the Today show and I don't understand what makes him a voice or authority on anything. What is this guys claim to fame anyway? That he is flaming gay and is so unoriginal that he made a play on another worthless name just to gain public attention? I shut my TV off when they continued to let that idiot babble. Its people listening to that kind of ignorance that allows it to continue. That guy is a nobody and I am proud of Miss California. To bow down and say things that straddle the fence or is an outright lie to gain approval and votes is wrong and allowing that guy to go on TV and say that because she wouldn't do flips for the gay community cost her the crown is a sign of the times. Morality is crumbling in the US and allowing people like Hilton (not even the jackasses real name)to run this girls morals into the ground like he is a freedom fighter is pure ridiculousness. They lost the damn vote in California for gay marriage- get over it fool!!!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
The right lane on the highway took a fall too. New law, you can't be in the right lane unless you are passing a vehicle or you will be subjected to a $135.00 ticket if the highway patrol catches you!

April 20, 2009 10:30 PM

Good- To all those jackasses driving 45 mph in the passing lane to Strother every morning on their cell phones acting like you own the road- I hope they start with you!!!

Anonymous said...

Whether they agreed with her or not ON AN OPINIONATED QUESTION should not give them the right to keep her from winning. It should be how she answered the question, if she was articulate and gave an educated, reasonable answer- and she did. Because she didn't suck up to some gay guy who asked a loaded question- and in HIS eyes there was a right or wrong answer- she was judeged. The contestants, if asked the same questions should not give the same boxed statement that makes someone happy but is fabricated for response. They should reflect their culture, education, and moralistic views and that shouldn't be judged by you or me to be right or wrong- just differing.

Anonymous said...

When people like Perez Hilton start making policy, this country is in deep doo doo.

But I guess that's the way he likes it.

Anonymous said...

You know who I feel bad for? The gay people in this world. Their lives and lifestyles constantly being debated.

Boo freakin' hoo- their rights stop when they trample ours thank you! It is this ridiculous sense of entitlement that has brought this country to where it is today. People claim disability because they are fat and lazy and don't want to work. They want handicap signs and scooters because they are too lazy to exercise. They wear pajama pants to the grocery store because they are too lazy to take pride in their appearance. They want to sue their employers for worker's comp for their knee and back injury's when if they would only push themselves from the table and take a walk, they wouldn't have so much weight bearing down on them that they can't walk right. Gays want the rights attributed to marriage between a man and a woman for their immoralistic behavior. People sue for anything they think they can get free money and therefore a free ride for and exploit the welfare system by using drugs and gambling at the casino's with taxpayer money. You have illegal aliens suing in our country for their rights- after they illegally entered our country! They get free healthcare and medical care while the elderly and those of fixed incomes can't afford prescriptions and dental/eye care. It is disgusting, unethical, and unmoralistic. There is very little personal value left in this country and people who support the distruction far outweigh those who merely want a good quality of life for their families by paying their own way and preserving the family unit.

Anonymous said...

Using the term homosexual to describe a lesiban or gay individual is offensive and is like using the "n-word" to describe African-Americans. The negative connotation of the word homosexual came initially from both religions who are against homosexuality and also from early psychoanalysis. Before the 1970's it was widely believed that one could change from gay to straight. While there is a minority of groups and individuals who still believe this today, they are just that--a minority.

In fact, those who are anti-gay and believe that homosexuality is always a sign of pathology never use the word "gay". They always use the term homosexual because they say there is "nothing gay about being a homosexual" and that it is a choice-which today we know is not true. To read more about choice versus non-choice I suggust you read Jesse Bering's excellent blog.

Homosexual orientation is okay to say but to say homosexual community or "He is homosexual" is offensive. If you read an article or listen to something in the media where the word homosexual is used you are most likely reading something anti-gay or homo-ignorant-meaning that the author, journalist, speaker or reporter does not understand the negative connotations of the word.

Although the term homosexuality is still used, describing gays and lesbians as "homosexuals" is as offensive today as the words Negro, colored, or crippled. The correct words are gays and lesbians or GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender) community.

Terms like sexual preference and alternative lifestyle are no longer considered appropriate. Preference implies that sexuality is a choice-which it's not-and for gays and lesbians, heterosexuality is the "alternative" lifestyle. The correct term is sexual and romantic orientation.

The gay male and lesbian communities use different terminologies and jargon in each community. Of course, some overlap exists between gays and lesbians, but each group has its own unique slang, "code" words, and euphemisms, and in cases of overlap, the terms may have different connotations for each community.

Over the years, other minority groups have changed how they want to be referred to in an attempt to change how they're treated. For example, African-Americans went from being called "Negro" and "colored" to "black" and "people of color" and finally to the current politically correct term African-American. Today, the word queer, once a pejorative term, is often used in a positive way. Dozens of books and articles are published with queer in their titles, and the term has come into common, affirmative usage by lesbians and gays as well.

It is always best to ask how you're a person with same-sex orientation self-identifies and use the same terms he or she uses, even if you feel uncomfortable with them on a personal level. For example, I don't personally like to use the term homosexual. But when my clients identify themselves as "homosexual" and dislike the terms gay or lesbian, then that's the word I use. To me, the word gay is affirmative and refers to a life of being out and open about one's sexual/romantic orientation. However, many people in the beginning stages of coming out feel uncomfortable with the term. Similarly, some lesbians prefer to be called "gay" rather than "lesbian," whereas others find the term offensive when used to describe women.

It is also important to understand that some "reclaimed" terms used by gays and lesbians to refer to themselves are considered offensive when used by straight people. For example, some lesbians call themselves "dykes" and some gay men call themselves "fags," but these same lesbians and gay men would take offense if a straight person called them that. (In fact, there is some disagreement in the gay and lesbian community itself about these terms, with some gays and lesbians finding them offensive regardless of whether it's another gay person using them.) In these cases, straight individuals should not use the same terminology the client uses, just as a Caucasian person should never use the "n-word" to refer to African-Americans, even if some African-Americans use the word themselves.

If you are unsure about whether your using a term might be considered offensive, it is best to not use it until you have established a rapport and can ask the lesbian or gay person how he or she feels about your using it.

Anonymous said...

"Gays want the rights attributed to marriage between a man and a woman for their immoralistic behavior."

Umm yeah, That's your opinion. Not truth. When did you become the moral police? Maybe I think your boring long post was immoral... Should I take your rights away?

Anonymous said...

Why not allow a man to have multiple wives? Give em an inch...


Doesn't that happen already? Religious men scooping up and marrying 14 year olds. And little is done about that.... Innocent kids are involved and little is done to protect them. But yet, Consenting adults who love each other can't marry. Hmmm Seems f'ing odd to me.

Anonymous said...

No, just stick it in your a$$.

Anonymous said...

OMG- what would you have us to call gay, queer, lesbian, homosexuals? Since you are so politically correct? And please, do not have the audacity to compare this to black rights. Apples and oranges my friend. You would be talking about race not moralistic acts.

Anonymous said...

I don't care what a gay or lesbian thinks about my terminology. That is my right thank you. It is ignorance on your part to think that everyone should bow down to your way of thinking. It is a moralistic issue and just like religion we have the right to choose to say or believe whatever we choose.

Anonymous said...

Why are you people who are so morally right so worried about what someone does in their own home? That is a huge problem with erratic Christians. Their always so worried about what other people are doing instead of their own home. If you think it's morally wrong, Then stop worrying about it and go on with life. It's not like what they're doing is going to send YOU to "hell". Right? So who cares.

And yes! This is a huge civil rights issue- Your taking their rights away to make medical decsions, To get married, Ect.
------------------
Is gay rights a civil rights issue? A symposium leaders debate same-sex marriages and gay and lesbian rights

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_9_59/ai_n6100475/

Traveler Editor said...

Why are you people who are so morally right so worried about what someone does in their own home? That is a huge problem with erratic Christian
>>>>

This is the problem.
No one cares what people do in the privacy of their home.
what people care about is having social structures changed without consent.
Society has a right to define marriage.
Why should a small minority be allowed to change that definition.

This isnt about rights at all.

Anonymous said...

Okay then, Dumbass ( that's my terminology) And thank you for clearing that up that you still have rights, Enjoying them? Because while you have yours to be married to whom you choose, Others don't. All because of who they love, Because the person they love doesn't fit into some sterotype of who people think they should be married to. It's NOT a moralistic issue, It's a human rights issue.

Traveler Editor said...

think they should be married to. It's NOT a moralistic issue, It's a human rights issue.
>
So what will you say when people want to marry their brother or sister.
or a person wants to marry an animal
or a child
or their child
what basis do you have for drawing any line.

what if someone wanted to marry their car for tax purposes ?

Anonymous said...

Blacks were a minority. Did they not have the right to change the injustice that happened to them?

Your definition of marriage is different then mine. So how can society define it when it means different things to different people?

bytedaily said...

To whoever is writing the pro LGBT posts I applaud your effort but you are wasting your time. Religion is inherently bigoted and you will never change a bigots mind.

And to those of you comparing same sex marriage to that of incest and/or bestiality you f'ing disgust me.

Anonymous said...

Human Rights? You are the dumbass...this doesn't have anything to do with human rights! You think these people are abused because they can't marry the same sex, a dog, or a child? You are sick. Get help.

Anonymous said...

Blacks were a minority. Did they not have the right to change the injustice that happened to them?

Lets just see if I am correctly getting what you are saying- you are comparing a group of people shackled, forced into slavery, sold by their own people, beaten abused, and forced labor to unmoralistic sexual behavior? WOW!!! I didn't realize the gay community suffered to this extent. Human rights ass!

Anonymous said...

Why are you people who are so morally right so worried about what someone does in their own home?

If they left it at home instead of forcing it down our throats it would be different- instead they criticize us for not jumping on the bandwagon to hell. Its is the disrespect for moralistic value and the disgust for the family unit that gays choose to make a mockery of that is bothersome.

Anonymous said...

Amazing how when guns are bashed, this blog is the reddest of the red. But mention British cigarettes and all of a sudden it becomes KU or UCal Berkeley.

Anonymous said...

Amazing how when guns are bashed, this blog is the reddest of the red.

No, what is really amazing is how far society has drifted from morality and normal.
The Gay community wants to be accepted in every way that is normal to the strait community.
They want marriage and families and without making exceptions they could not exist! The fact that they were concieved in a normal fashion is irrelavent.
Tell me how would society even
prevail if "Gay" was normal. Without some type of intervention or exceptions it would simply vanish!
It was never in the plan for any other species and only exist in mankind. Renewal of a species can't be achieved through "GAY Practices."

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Amazing how when guns are bashed, this blog is the reddest of the red. But mention British cigarettes and all of a sudden it becomes KU or UCal Berkeley.

April 21, 2009 1:24 PM


Huh?

Anonymous said...

How can you say that being gay is a choice? God planned all of us from scratch and we're all his creation. He planned who we would be, when we would be born and when we would die. He even planned who we love, who our moms and dads are.

Anonymous said...

Renewal of a species can't be achieved through "GAY Practices."

AMEN!!!! You hit it on the head there!

Anonymous said...

Huh?


Over your head much? Some people are slow... Hahahahahahahahaha... Birtish cigs are called......... Thanks for using that term instead of saying it!! And you right, There are a bunch of rednecks on here! You can dress your boys in all the cameo you want and put a gun in his hands, But some of you people will have a gay child.

Anonymous said...

Renewal of a species can't be achieved through "GAY Practices."


Yes, Because gays can't adopt? Or use a person to get a child through. LOL!! This world will go on even with gays who can't reproduce children on their own.... BTW, Who knew the Iron Cheif Cat Cora was gay AND she's pregnant, Wonder HOW that happened?

Anonymous said...

This world will go on even with gays who can't reproduce children on their own....

That's probably what they said before the flood or at Sodom and Gomorrah!

Anonymous said...

Very well said bytedaily.

Anonymous said...

face it butt pirates can't reproduce. and it is not just a choice. for some it is reactionary to their environment. look at the stats which tell how many were sexually molested before they became sexual deviants themselves.

Anonymous said...

I do not understand why it is anyones business what other people do. I find homosexualty to be wrong. So I do not engage in it. But does that give me the right to judge others? As long as they do not hurt anyone else along the way, let them do whatever they want. It is none of my business. Or yours!

Traveler Editor said...

t. But does that give me the right to judge others? As long as they do not hurt anyone else along the way, let them do whatever they want. It is none of my business. Or yours!
>
Ive said before
no one cares what you do in private.
when they want to change the definition of marriage, then it becomes everyones business.
It isnt about what you do
its about forcing the culture to change the definition of an institution.
how can it be right for a 2-3 percent of the population for force 97 oercent of the population to change the definition of one of its most important institutions?

bytedaily said...

Please tell me how changing the definition of marriage to include same sex couples harms the institution itself?

Traveler Editor said...

Changes the very nature of marriage itself.
as well as the basic family unit.

Ive no problem with civil unions. if the government wants to recognize civil unions, give them the civil benefits of marriage without calling it marriage ..
that would be fine with me.

that would separate civil marriages from religious marriages.

would churches be required to marry gay couples?
marriage is a religious thing by nature too.
as long as its kept out of the church and religious freedom is absolutely guaranteed, ive no problem really.

Anonymous said...

Ugh, this blog is starting to get crazy. Maybe I should stop looking at it. It makes me sad more than anything lately. So much hate!

bytedaily said...

Wrong.

Marriage is a legal status which can preclude religion.

Anonymous said...

Yes, as usual the Christians are thinking incorrectly that everything started with them.

Anonymous said...

JJ- why such hatred today? You are usually on the side of love as a good Christian man. Today you bring hate and intollerance on this issue.

Anonymous said...

I agree that we arta be able ta do whatever we wants to do. Give them homos the right to get married ifn they wanna. I tried to take my little sister to the courthouse and get hitched, and they said we couldn't do it. By golly, if'n them gays get to get married, me and my sis arta. We gots three kids together after all. Kids arta have their parents bein married.

Anonymous said...

Mel I thought you learned to keep off these blogs.

Anonymous said...

HAHAHAHA

Good one!

Anonymous said...

I find it funny that "Christians" like to oust other human beings...I don't believe that when a gay man or woman has their judgement day they are going to be turned away because of their lifestyle...and really if that is the God you serve...I want no part of it!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I like the butt pirate god better too.

Traveler Editor said...

I find it funny that "Christians" like to oust other human beings...I don't believe that when a gay man or woman has their judgement day they are going to be turned away because of their lifestyle...and really if that is the God you serve...I want no part of it!
>>>>>

Here is the thing
A girl gets judged harshly, and does not win miss america BECAUSE she stated her opinion.
I say she had her right to free speech violated.
and you say I am being hateful and judgemental.
where is the sense in that ?
Youre being judgemental and intolerant of anyone you dont agree with, and then accuse them of being judgemental.
if you will look, i have not judged a person on this thing...

Anonymous said...

It was hate speach. It is illegal in many places.

Anonymous said...

What was hate speech? The contestant giving her opinion?

You are right, it is illegal in many places... It just so happens that the USA isn't one of them. Time for you to re-read the Constitution me thinks.

Traveler Editor said...

It just so happens that the USA isn't one of them. Time for you to re-read the Constitution me thinks.

Yes, that was the point in my posting that to start with.
the erosion of freedom of speech.
if you only allow freedom of speech to those you agree with, you dont really believe in freedom of speech.
i really "hate" hate speech laws.
goes against all that is american ..

much as i hate phelps and his band of idiots .. im all for his right to spew his stupidity.

if we dont have freedom of speech - and any limit at all does crush it - then we dont have any freedom at all.

bob E. Dylan said...

If anything the judge was the one doing the hate-speak.
the girl just gave her opinion..
and he called her all sorts of things.
yet people are saying she is evil ....
whats wrong with this picture

Anonymous said...

I find it funny that "Christians" like to oust other human beings...I don't believe that when a gay man or woman has their judgement day they are going to be turned away because of their lifestyle...and really if that is the God you serve...I want no part of it!

April 22, 2009 12:07 AM

I was talking to all the "religious people" bashing the gay and lesbian population on here in the name of their religion. Not Miss California herself. I think she should be able to say her opinion. I think the ones that oppose Miss California should have the same right!

Anonymous said...

7:43 PM -- good post.

I agree.

Often it is not really a persons fault in a way for being intollerant. It may come from how they were raised. It may come from their religion (probably like JJ). But for whatever reason it is we need to work to rid ourselves of hateful acts and words for the good of the future of our society.

Anonymous said...

If you look at the larger picture on the gay, lesbian topic, all of a sudden the religious people forget we are all sinners in the eyes of God, so why should being homosexual not give them the right to a legal religious ceremoney?
Frankly I think comparing the two consenting homosexual adults wanting to legally marry, to child molesters, animal lovers, etc...is down right sick. The child is not capable to giving consent and neither is an animal.

Anonymous said...

poop noodles give me the creeps.

Anonymous said...

What was hate speech? The contestant giving her opinion?

No, the queer perez and his hateful attitude...he should be the one getting strung up!

Anonymous said...

Below is the definition of hate speech from Wikipedia.

In my opinion, Gay marriage is something you should speak about at home or other private gatherings. It is not something that should publicly be talked about at an event such as a pageant. I don't think either Ms. California or Mr. Hilton did anything illegal or anything to really worry too much about.

Hate speech is a term for speech intended to degrade a person or group of people based on their race, gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, language ability, ideology, social class, occupation, appearance (height, weight, hair color, etc.), mental capacity, and any other distinction that might be considered by some as a liability.