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Wednesday, February 13, 2008Statement from Senator Chris Buttars
This is the statement no elected official wants to make, but I made a mistake and owe the Senate and the people of Utah an apology. Yesterday in discussion on the Equalization Bill, I made a comment which could reasonably be understood as offensive. It was a dreadful choice of words and I recognize that my words were damaging. I want to thank Senator Romero for speaking out immediately and President Valentine for allowing me to address this matter. Again, I apologize to anyone that may be hurt by my remarks. I did not mean to be degrading in any way to anyone, and I am truly sorry.
posted by The Senate Site at 7:52 AM | Link
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75 Comments:
I think most people will take Sen. Buttars at his word on this apology. What we really need is an apology for SB260.
The idea that police misconduct should be kept confidential is far more offensive than any slip of the tongue yesterday.
Mr. Buttars apology is in no way enough. How about an apology for calling the domestic partner registry repugnant. This racist bigot needs to be stopped. He is an embarrassment to the Senate and to the State of Utah. This story will go national. A resignation is the only acceptable outcome to this situation.
Colin
A public "slip of the tongue" like this does make you wonder what Sen. Buttars has to say about a lot of things in private. And, SB260 is not the only legislation I'd like to see him apologize for.
Buttars and Stephenson should resign, Buttars for offending African-Americans and Stephenson for offending Uglo-Americans
Mr. Buttars' apology is completely unwarranted, and this whole episode is absolutely absurd. Mr Romero should be ashamed of himself. It is nothing more than a disgusting example of today's disease of political correctness. Anyone who took his statement in context understands the point he was making. Anyone who is hyper-sensitive and looking for racist connotations will see what they want to see.
I cannot accept this apology. We need to address racism in Utah and America. To do this, Utah now needs to appropriate $50 million per year to fund diversity programs.
These are my terms. They are not negotiable.
You tell 'em, Al!
I cannot get the file to load. What application do we need to run it?
If the file won't load, you need to delete some of the porn on your hard drive.
Thanks for the tip on deleting the porn from my hard drive. I've been meaning to do that any way. I can load the file now.
A sad representation of Utah. Mr. Buttars do us South Jordan residents a favor and reign or don't run again because of your ideology we are switching parties and hope you go back to the hole you came from.
Senator Buttars did not need to apologize. There was nothing racial in his remark, since it was within the same context as Howard Stephenson's preceding remark. But I see the brainwashed lynch mobs are already forming to witch-hunt Chris Buttars out of office. Guess what? You won't have the blogosphere all to yourself. I posted my own response HERE.
And as for you, South Jordan Resident. Who are you to even talk about diversity? South Jordan is over 90% white. You got rich and bought your way out of diversity just like the rest of the rich snobs in Riverton, Herriman, Bluffdale, and Draper. Move to Rose Park, Glendale, or WVC and then tell us how much you like diversity. LOL.
Mr. Butters you are a disgrace to Utah and the position of power you hold. You are in no way the role model you should be to the young voters of Utah.
Bodie said...
Mr. Butters, giving an apology is only the beginning of dealing with the diversity/race issues in Utah. You can't only use new policies and social actions, we need an educational movement for change in the many hearts of people.
Buttars uses adjectives like "black" and "dark, ugly" as pejoratives. That fact speaks for itself. Even he admitted his words were damaging. He has demonstrated lack of tolerance time and time again. It's time for Utahns to demand his resignation.
Mr. Buttars, while I do believe you regret making your remarks, you must face consequences for this remark. To tolerate racism sends the wrong message. And these remarks are racist. It is time for the Senate to censure you sir.
Senator Buttars should resign and take with him Senator Christensen and his appalling SB117. Both are embarassments to the state of Utah and will vote against important issues out of spite.
This is your choice for an elected official? Welcome to reaping the rewards for looking at the ballot blindfolded, everyone. If you truly feel this is the way and view of the Utah populace... Please, Please remain silent. Interesting that a 'SENATOR' can survive after such comments, while a newscaster or the such tends to get a bit more of a response. Which one do we put more trust into? One who states the news.. or makes the news? Though it may have been but one word, it seems to signify the entire conceptualization in which this Senator revolves around, in action, deed, and thought. Do we truly need this in our leadership? Shall we just stand by and allow yet another derogatory viewpoint exist, while sculpting our laws and regulations?...
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Chris Buttars is a disgrace and embarrassment to West Jordan and Utah. I live in West Jordan and in no uncertain terms does he represent me. Go back into your bigoted hole with the Eagle Forum, you are a disgrace!
Sen. Buttars is clearly racist. The only acceptable solution is for his immediate resignation. Nobody in Utah wants this racist joker on the hill.
Sorry Anon. 4:20. Please keep it classy. Thoughtful discussion is welcome on the Senate Site but those kind of attacks are not.
Buttars says that he will wants to go on an LDS mission. It will speak volumes if the LDS church allows a known bigot to represent them.
I have known Chris Buttars for 25 years. Most of the individuals, if not all, who post here do not know the man or his character but seem to jump immediately to judge him without giving him the benefit of the doubt. Of course, most have read the paper and therefore they accept the representations made by the press.
Senator Buttars' made a terrible selection of words in his comments to the bill. But those of us who know him, even though we may disagreement with his positions on many issues from time to time, know that he is in NO way a racist. Chris Buttars, as the Executive Director of the Utah Boys Ranch, worked with hundred of troubled children, some of whom were African American. I watched as he worked with these children and turned their lives around. Not one time, I repeat, not one time did he even demean, belittle, or show racism in his attitude or demeanor towards these children. I will turn to my life time of experience with the man rather than judge him based on one unfortunate choice of words.
I was raised in Rose Park, white, graduated West High early 60's. Currently a West Jordan resident. I am appalled by the comment made by Mr. Butters. It only makes me wonder what else he may be thinking and not verbalizing. It was racist, discriminating and an insult to the intelligence of the people he represents. I would not be sorry if he resigned.
If this was the first time Mr. Butters made such remarks we may be able to over looks these comments, "Congressman" but its not. We the people do not know the man more then what he chooses to say therefore he is a racist bigot in the eyes of the people and needs to be removed from office. Also it concerns me even more that a man making such comments is influencing the troubled children of Utah, I would think Mr. Butters needs some mentoring at the Troubled Politician Ranch.
Also "Congressman" @ 11:46 - You are will to stand up and defend Mr. Butters however you do not wish to post your name, why? You don't want to go down with the sinking ship? Some friend you are.
I've never cared for a lot of the things Sen. Buttars says, I've always believed that he is only capable of viewing one side of any issue and that his side is always, in his mind, the right one.
Setting that aside I don't think this needed to go any further than an apology. Every living soul says things they later regret, and the thing is you can't change the past. He apologized and I believe that should be enough.
Congresmen: I have a good friend who ended up in Buttars' home for wayward teens. He is gay and was bullied incessantly. He complained all the way up the chain to Buttars himself, but was told to "grow a thicker skin." His time at "The Ranch" was traumatic to say the least and Buttars stood by. I'm guessing he sat at home with a smirk on his face that one of the "fag kids" was being verbally and physically tortured.
With his comments, previous and current, I'm guessing the "dark ugly" kids had the same problems.
Buttars is a "white ugly thing" who needs to be removed from office in any way possible.
I hope his constituents are watching.
I love to be censored. I makes me so glad that free speech is no longer available in Utah.....Perhaps Sen.Buttars could sponsor a bill.....
I am so ashamed to be a republican in the state of utah right now. I resign......
One of the things that concerns me greatly is the fact that it took ANOTHER racist comment from this racist bigot to get people angry. This guy continually bashes homo-sexuals and fights any law that might give same sex couples even a little dignity. I am married and have four kids and don't see how a same sex couples relationship effects my relationship with my wife. How long until this guy gets arrested in a mens room in Minesota?
Colin
Senator Chris Buttars’ recent “Black Babies” comment is unacceptable. If this was an isolated incident I would chalk it up as a slip of the tongue and let it go. This is not, however, an isolated incident.
Chris Buttars has demonstrated a clear pattern of long term unacceptable behavior. He appears to be a racist, bigot who legislates based on his own agenda of personal bias.
I am outraged by Mr. Buttar’s clear pattern of prejudice and believe it is my civic duty to demand he be held accountable.
To Mr. Valentine
I am writing to express my outrage.
Chris Buttars has clearly demonstrated a long term pattern of bigotry and racism, but that is not the subject of this correspondence.
I am writing this letter to express my outrage with you. Your dismissive, weak, response to this latest incident combines with a long term passive acceptance of this type behavior to project an image of cronyism, bias, and bigotry that runs much deeper than just the racial sentiments of Chris Buttars.
This incident, and your refusal to forcefully deal with it, are an embarrassment to our state and to the Republican Party. Ignoring this will only make things worse. People are outraged, and will not let this stand. It is well past time for you, the other leadership in the senate, and all our elected officials to act forcefully and publicly to insure it becomes crystal clear to everyone, that our state will not be governed by bigots.
I have known Chris Buttars for 25 years. Most of the individuals, if not all, who post here do not know the man or his character but seem to jump immediately to judge him without giving him the benefit of the doubt. -- Congresman
Congresman, I believe all people have a great capacity to do good in the world. Mr. Buttars may well be an amazing person who impacts his famliy, friends and neighbors in posive ways none of us will know.
For 99 percent of Utahns, however, the Buttars we will always remember is the one associated with anger, hate, self-interest and negativity. He's the one we see in the media and in the outrageous articles and interviews on the radio.
The well-known phrase "by your fruits shall ye know them" comes to mind. It would be difficult for anyone to deny that the fruits of the many seeds Sen. Buttars has planted in his role in the Utah Legislature have been anything but largely negative and wasteful.
My belief is that Sen. Buttars has squandered his time and focused his legislative career on controversial nonissues that only serve to divide Utah and serve no one in a positive way. Why not work toward making things better instead engendering and spreading hatred and muddying Utah's otherwise positive culture?
Utahns have hundreds of unaddressed issues that our legislators need to attend to by creating legal clarity and oversight. Buttars seems only to address issues that create negative headlines.
His legacy and memory will always be associated with hatred, anger and bitterness if he's allowed to continue acting as the person he now presents himself to be. However, I think it's never too late to love, work for positive changes and make a difference. I'm interested to see if Mr. Buttars is willing to try.
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Anon 4:20:
This is America; you can say what you want. That doesn't mean I'm obligated to host it. Maybe you're new to the Senate Site. We're pretty tolerant of thoughtful disagreement here. But not personal attack.
I'd love to have your thoughts, but you'll have to rework them minus the personal venom.
"Entropy" @ 5:05 p.m.:
Wow. You're obviously bright, but c'mon. Kids read this site. Please re-post a little less graphic and w/o reference to body parts.
Everyone:
This issue can bring out the worst in people. Thoughtful dialog is always welcome and helpful. Senator Buttars is a good man who - like every single one of us - can make serious mistakes. Please keep it constructive.
It's a disgrace that SB260 has even been suggested. This would give police the opportunities to cover up their actions, right or wrong. Doesn't Senator Buttars work for the people? I say have the people fire him! It's time to let these "politicians" know that their crooked actions are up and we the people are not going to take it anymore. No more fear, NO more hate, No more anger. I give it all to the hands of love
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Dear Mr. Buttars;
It is my opinion that your oppology was more than enough compensation for your remark. The call for your resignation is not because you made a "racist remark", but to silence you on all issues. And for that reason I pray that you will not bow to the cowards who are besmirching you and demanding your resignation.
For racist, bigoted organizations such as the NAACP to get involved in this only goes to show that a double standard is accepted and encouraged on issues such as this one. The NAACP could easily be called the modern day version of the KKK for blacks. It is always looking for a White person to lynch for some social injustice.
In closing, Mr. Buttars, I would like you to know that the majority of White America supports your right to speak your conscience. We also support your right to apologize for making a statement you may now not feel comfortable with. Either way, White America needs it's leaders in politics even more than do the minorities need theirs in todays politically correct/pandering society. Should you become tired of trying to please everyone, please consider trying to please only those who are like you and support only the issues you support - White Americans.
Respectfully Yours,
Whip101
Buttars is said to be "distraught." Who of the "distraught" among us is worthy of our sympathy, our empathy, our support, our best efforts, our kindness and consideration, our justice and fairness, our advocacy?
The distraught gay couple who cannot adopt, or legally commit and bind their mutual love, responsibility and rights? Those distraught people who must live under the self-righteous ignorance which concludes that homosexuality is about nothing but genitals? Or that only a married man and woman are able to love, nurture and raise loving, empathic healthy children into similar responsible adulthood and citizenship?
The distraught gays, youth and adult, who live under condemnation from church and state as evil, perverted, beneath contempt? Who live under the hateful intolerance epitomized by the photo of Buttars on the front page of the SLTribune (Feb 12, 2008)?
More people should reasonably be distraught, not only that West Jordan elected Buttars, but that it went ahead and re-elected him.
I feel very badly that Buttars feels distraught. But he's at the end of a very very long list. Including my gay friends, both living and dead of suicide.
Whip 101:
I appreciated your first paragraph. Your second paragraph was on the edge but your third paragraph really caused me some heartburn. We're one America. Skin tone shouldn't be any more significant than hair or eye color, or the color of your car. Please reconsider your way of thinking.
Shelama 2:55 & 3:00,
You are obviously very bright, and your comments would have been welcome here except for the personal attack and the paragraph about sex. Want to repost?
Emotions are high on all sides - and rightfully so - but let's keep it solution-oriented and respectful.
Justsomedad, 2:12 p.m.:
I appreciate your concern but have a different perspective. One of our senators made an offensive comment in the heat of a debate. Within minutes, the Senate President addressed the issue, in public, on the Senate floor. The senator was given an opportunity to speak to the body. He was not resistant at all; in fact, he was humbled, full of remorse and eager for the opportunity to apologize to his colleagues and the people of the State of Utah.
Maybe you're new to the senate. In context, the response was neither weak nor dismissive. It was classy but decisive – and left no room for doubt that this kind of speech has no place here. No one, including Senator Buttars, finds this kind of speech acceptable.
I believe impartial observers will conclude the senate response was appropriate to the offense. Chris Buttars is a good man who – like every single one of us – can make serious mistakes.
Repost
It was the honorable Buttars himself, in chambers, who legitimized in and for open and public discussion regarding this august body and its members, and the body politic, the topic of the thought of what and whose sex makes another person sick.
Why was he not censored by his colleagues for that if such a similarly truthful expression here by me is considered an "unacceptable personal attack"??? Buttars attacked in a totally equivalent fashion a whole group of individuals personally with his personal opinion about sex, as if it was relevant to public policy, acting officially in public office in public space.
Grow up and be honest about who is really attacking whom offensively.
The respectable solution is for Buttars to resign, be recalled by West Jordan, or certainly not re-elected. And not only for the grotesquely mindless, stupid and totally revealing "black baby" comment. Be honest.
It also involves being honest about who and what Buttars is, and what he himself says about other peoples sexual choices. It involves this forum not giving Buttars any privileged immunity from dealing equivalently with his person and conduct regarding topics that he himself brings into play. Are you denying that he has done such? Are you denying that you agree totally with what he said? Are you denying that is the reason you are protecting Buttars from such "attack" if such discussion of his chosen issue really does consititute attack?
Regarding legal recognition and protexction of same sex marriages/unions (which they certainly will be eventually), Buttars REAL issue is that if/when they are, traditional heterosexual marriages will then constitute "only" 95-97% of marriages, assuming all gays marry. And that will make it difficult for Buttars to teach his children, his grandchildren and neighbours to be as hatefully intolerant as he is when they see that gay families raise children to be empathetic moral productive citizens no better or worse than he. He will not, in that milieu, be able to train them hate so easily and to smile for the camera and communicate his heart and mind the way he did for the Tribune on 2/12/08.
The Senate Site said:...
"...Skin tone shouldn't be any more significant than hair or eye color, or the color of your car. Please reconsider your way of thinking...."
Neither should sexual or gender orientation. Please reconsider your way of thinking.
And please, since Buttars himself legitimized the topic as appropriate for this blog and for the Senate, please admonish Buttars against personally attacking those persons whose sexual expressions of affection, love, unity and committment he finds offensive and sickening. Which, we must both agree, the honorable Buttars has indeed explicitly done.
Why and how does the Senate, and The Senate Site, find Buttars' comments about "black baby" offensive, and take appropriate action, but is silently and totally (silence gives consent) consenting of his hateful attack on the persons of people who express sexual love, affection, commitment and unity differently than he does? If you believe this is an unfair characterization, I refer you again to Section A, Page 1 of the Salt Lake Tribune, Feb 12, 2008. Which of the two people in that photo would you want as a parent teaching your children?
Perhaps this is but an example of how we as a people mature faster regarding matters racial, albeit too slowly, than we do matters sexual and genital and moral? At least for those like Buttars (and apparently the Utah Senate and this Senate Site, who equate, makes an identity of, morals and genitals?
Senate Site:
I understand how you might feel that the response to Mr. Buttars latest outrage was acceptable and appropriate.
I can assure you, however, that a large segment of the general public disagrees. President Valentine's dismissive response to every inquiry so far, if he bothers to respond at all, has been the same, "the issue is over"
Senate leadership's failure to make a clear, forceful, public statement regarding this issue is interpreted by many, myself included, as passive acceptance of institutionalized bias and bigotry.
This site is a joke and so is our state government.
Why is everyone calling it the "black baby" comment. He didn't say anything about a black baby. He used slang to describe what he thought of the bill they were debating. I don't see what all the fuss is about. If he had said, "This baby is ugly" instead, would everyone be defending all the ugly people? (And before all you quick-to-attackers out there in the blogosphere start giving me a hard time remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder)Let's not make this into more than it is.
he WAS talking about a black baby. Try reading any article on it or watch the video you idiot.
Buttars has far too long of a history for being openly prejudice against others to beleive he's not in this case.
The fact is that he has shown time and time again that he is a "closet" racist. He will make comments like the "dark ugly baby" and not really apologize for anything. He just said sorry that you took it the wrong way not sorry he said it. And then reffering to the NAACP as "those people" was bad as well. He should be punished for these things, not just because their racist but because he is one of the faces of utah. Do we really want the nation to think of our great Utah as close minded and racist? I personaly dont.
I am currently ashamed to be a resident of West Jordan City. This man has not once, not twice, but numerous times "accidentally" shown his various prejudices against people he considers being very different from himself. Buttars has done this not only through his initial comments but also through his sad sorry excuses of apologies. I hope that the other residents of our state, as well as the rest of the nation as a whole, do not in any way believe Buttars to be a legitimate representative of the people of the city I reside in.
It did not surprise me that buttars would make a racist remark..
Because he has in the past made MANY sexist and homophobic remarks.
It's sad how it took so long for everyone else to see him for who he is.
Bigot.
Buttars' loss of Chairmanship is, finally, a step in the right direction. But given what the Senate leadership knew, and when it knew it, it is not unreasonable to guess the character and motives of a leadership that decided to act only when Buttars' asinine letter became public.
What changed, really, to warrant now rather than then his dismissal?
Sen. Butters is despicable and should resign. Is he really as dumb as he wants the voters to believe? Butters is racist and he knows it. This man has no character and really feels that he is all-powerful.
The delegates of Senate District 10 almost sent him packing at the Salt Lake County Republican Party convention. Ozwald Balfour should have known better when he helped Butters to win by one vote to avoid a primary. Butters would have suffered the same faith as Mark Walker. He would have been beaten soundly in the primary.
He may be able to win his seat in November but his legacy will remain his racist Black Baby comment along with all the others he is likely to make over the next four years.
I am tired of living in a society where citizens constantly bash politicians for every tit and tat. It takes a special kind of person to even have the gumption and will to run for office, and quite frankly I think too many Americans are too lazy or scared to run for office. They don't want to deal with responsibility, or they don't want their numerous mistakes in public spotlight.
While Chris Buttars is not perfect, he is apolgetic and trying. No human being is perfect. We all make mistakes, say something that is interpretted wrong, or act in a way that we may regret. Humans do not make just one mistake, they make numerous mistakes. Yet we each are learning, and trying to be better. We apologize and go on, trying not to repeat our mistakes.
I truly believe Buttars is repentant, and he put his foot in his mouth, something I along with millions of human beings do frequently. Instead of attacking people for apologies, lets make the world a better place and accept apologies. Just remember the Golden Rule. I think if we all lived by it more, our society would be a happier, more productive place.
Senator Butters Do not step down or give in to the Gay community. They are a small percentage of the population and when they compare their disgusting life style to racism is a joke and a slap in the face. Keep up the good work.
Being GAY has nothing to do with Racism!!!!!!!!!!!! And we need to put these people back in the closet where they belong. They are not a ethnic group. Wanting to hump the same sex has nothing to do with race. Shut up you pathetic sad people that cant get the opposite sex interested.
Buttars says questions of morality with gays cannot be answered since "anything goes" with them. Which means, of course, that gays must necessarily be advocates and practitioners of murder, child abuse & neglect, lowering taxes on the wealthy & raising them on the poor, racial discrimination, neglecting the poor, failing to protect the weak & the powerless, exploiting women & children & the vulnerable, sexual abuse, torture, lying, stealing, incest, cheating, dishonesty in business dealings, cruelty to animals, pyramid ponzi schemes, embezzlement, local Mormon church leaders sexually abusing girls under their ecclesiastical authority, cheating on taxes, abusing youth in behavioral treatment camps, enjoying excess food, prosperous ease and haughtiness rather than taking care of the poor (i.e., SODOMY, as per Ezekiel 16:49), denying medical care to the poor, spending money on gold plated angels when poverty abounds, religious brainwashing from the crib, lying about the authenticity of claimed ancient texts unburied from a New York hillside in the 19th century, deceiving young women into polygamous marriages under the guise of being a prophet in the 19th century, breaking contracts, etc. All these must follow homosexuals since with them "anything goes."
Some perverted genital-obsessed persons equate, even identify, morals with genitals only. And neglect the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faith. Buttars justifies his positions, at least in part, by his belief in "absolutes", as if that was an unqualified virtue. Torquemada, Hitler, and Bin Laden also believe(d) in absolutes. Why otherwise is Buttars obsessed with the genitals and orifices of others? Of course, Buttars also believes that "Intelligent Design" is a legitimate science. He's tailor made to be a Utah legislator, at least for another 10 years. The tide, however is turning, even in Utah. That's an absolute. Hopefully Buttars will live to see the collapse of his house of cards.
Buttars believes in traditional marriage. So do I, 100%. I also believe in same-sex marriages. When same-sex marriage becomes legally protected, as it eventually will, then traditional marriages will still constitute 95-97% of all marriages. That is hardly a threat to traditional marriage. The fact is that neither one threatens the others. Buttars is not so dumb as to not recognize that fact, so what else is at work here?
Is it that the legalization of same-sex marriage will almost certainly lead to the legalization of plural marriages? And since the Manifesto of 1890 was purely pragmatic and practical, not scriptural (by Wilford Woodruff's own admission), the legalization of plural marriage would and should remove all obstacles for the Mormons, including Buttars, to return to a more pure and full practice of The New and Everlasting Covenant (D&C 132). You see, polygamy is still very much a revealed part of Mormon theology and scripture. But would anyone like to venture a guess whether Buttars or the brethren would really like to return to this inspired, Godly and scriptural practice, "Thus Sayeth the Lord" notwithstanding?
It was not until the 1990's that a major denomination of the Baptist tradition in America finally apologized for its support of slavery. I suspect that for the Mormon church and those like Buttars, a similar apology regarding their policy and practice regarding homosexuality will be longer in coming. But it will eventually come. Even if if requires a new "revelation."
Buttars comments are being considered racist, but you post comments from the Black RACIST Al Sharpton with no comment? If Buttars needs a rebuff it should come from his voters. not the thought police.
In no way am I in support Buttars comment however the idea the Rev. Sharpton feels that Utah now needs to provide $50 million dollars for diversity is an outrage. Quit looking for opportunities to fund your personal war. If a gay couple wants to be gay in there own home I wont say a word but im tired of the gay community pushing their view onto straight people and the straight way of life. Gay people ore the odd man out so to speak not the other way around.
You do realize that this is absolutely no slip of tongue. At the end of the day Senator Butler will still have the same feelings.
Making these remarks are just as horrible as discrimination against the LDS faith, African Americans, Jewish Men and Women, and Christians in the early days. There is absolutely no excuse for any Senator or State representative to speak out like this, while yes, it is fine to have such opinions, you are alienating gays that maybe wanted to follow in your footsteps.
Gay men and women are people to, they have the same skin, organs, hair, genes, teeth, blood and eyeballs as you do. They just know how to love with compassion that you lack.
I was raised LDS and still practice the faith, yet you must realize that I take the persecution of our people as a lesson to treat everyone equally.
Being prejudice against homosexuals is just a way to scapegoat against our own faults, the wrong doings of our fathers and ancestors.
Remember that everytime you pray, everytime you make such a statement or outburst a child is listening, a child that may be yours, your siblings or neighbors, but we are all the children of God.
And one day, one of those children may be a homosexual themselves. You must understand them before you discriminate agaisnt them.
You must understand that every time a bible basher speaks out against our faith or any faith for that matter, you try to make them understand, our religion is just a part of us, we cannot change that.
You go BOY! This PC nonsense has to end!! He is correct!!!! Look at the harrasment the radical gays are doing in Kalifornia over passing prop 8!! Good job sir!!
Sen. Chris Buttars needs to be reelected!!!
As a matter of fact I was also raised LDS. I am not bashing gays. I simply said I do not appreciate them forcing their views onto straight society. You are correct. Maybe someday one of my boys may come to me and say "dad, Im gay". So be it. However the difference will be that he will have enough respect for the rest of the world to not push that view down the throats of straight people. I am the no active black sheep of my LDS family and they have enough respect for me to not push their views onto me. They are goody goody and I am the black sheep. And you know what, we get along grear and function as a family should. Therefore society can get along just fine with straight people and gays alike. Just down try to cram it down my throat or I will retaliate. I would be willing to bet most people who make a slip like senator Buttars are just tired of having it pushed onto them as well.
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Lotta white folk also didn't appreciate blacks forcing their views of civile rights, equality and justice onto their white dominated society. And some retaliated...lethally. Lotta men folk didn't appreciate women forcing their views of suffrage and equal rights onto their male dominated society. Lotta non-Mormons didn't appreciate the Mormons forcing their views in and around Nauvoo onto their society. Some retaliated...lethally. The Brits didn't appreciate the colonists forcing their view of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness onto them and their society of Empire. And retaliated...lethally.
They Just didn't get it.
Man, mr. anonymous-inactiveLDS-blacksheep-of-the-family, I can almost hear you saying that some of your best friends are gay. So go ahead, tough guy...retaliate. Against the tide, history, and the future. Good luck.
While there is no released video of his comments, the reported account is that the Senator referred radicals.
Compare the gaycentric identity politics of gay radicals with the radical identity politics of the extreme Islamists.
Both are subsets of the populations for whom they claim to speak and act.
He said about these poliical radicals: "They're mean. They want to talk about being nice. They're the meanest buggers I have ever seen."
And regarding his objections to the radicals: “It's just like the Muslims. Muslims are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side.”
From the newsarticle that raised all of this:
QUOTE-
And finally, this is how senator Buttars refers to the "radical gay movement."
"They're probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of."
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Now, if some want to complain that the radicals are not so radical, that's one thing.
And if some want to complain that the openly gay population is not-so-radical, then that's another thing.
A point of reference: Gay Pride Parades -- radical or mainstream?
Hey Rob, I bet you wouldnt feel that way if you liked women. Youre the odd man out not me. Adam and Eve. Not Adam and Steve. OH yeah and to the guy that compared gay bashing to mormon bashing, youre own religion does'nt even support the gay lifestyle so pick a side.
Senator Buttars represents Utah.
What he said is, in my opinion, not in opposition with the views of the majority of his colleagues and constituents.
Utah is dominated by Mormon culture and leadership. These are the people who believe that black people are black because god is punishing them for being fence sitters in some great heavenly battle between good and evil.
What he said is repugnant, ignorant, racist, and perfectly inline with Mormon/Utah (majority) ideology. The majority of the flack he is catching from his colleagues, is not for his views on blacks, but the fact that he voiced them publicly.
I was born and raised in Utah; in a Mormon family, and left as soon as I legally could because of this culture.
Shame on Senator Butters, and Shame Utah fostering such ignorance!
Jaden - I'm LDS in Utah and don't believe those things at all. There is a stark difference difference between prevalent cultural assumptions and the things worth believing in.
RC
I agree with you. There is, in my opinion, a stark difference between prevalent cultural assumptions and the things worth believing in.
It is not, however, a cultural assumption that blacks were not allowed to hold the LDS priesthood until 1978. It is a fact. Nor is it a cultural assumption that the the LDS church vehemently opposed the Equal Rights Amendment. It is a fact. Then president of the church Spencer W. Kimball stated that the ERA would "strike at the family, humankind's basic institution". Mormons believe that Mr. Kimball (like all Mormon presidents) had two way communication with god. It is not a stretch then, to assume that if if the president spoke on behalf of the church, and also regularly spoke (literally)to god, that a good Mormon would have to believe that he at least had god's consent for his remarks. Church leadership even encouraged, organized, and sent busloads of people to Washington to protest the ERA.
1978 was not really that long ago, and the Mormon culture is not (as a whole) significantly different now than it was in 1978. Mormon culture still rules Utah. Utah is still the whitest state in the nation, and I can assure you that it is not because black people don't like beautiful scenery.
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