Michelangelo Signorile Vs HRC

"It's not really a reversal [to reinstate Phil Robertson]. We think it's actually a positive outcome, and we want to thank A&E for their attentiveness and collaboration over the course of the last few weeks. We've received assurances also that the Robertson family is now open to working with African-American and (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people to address the real harm that such anti-gay and racist comments can cause. That's been our 'ask' since Phil's comments ran in GQ, and while it's a positive step, it certainly cannot and should not be the last one." - HRC vice president Fred Sainz, speaking to CNN.

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,homophobes,HRC,Michelangelo Signorile,Phil Robertson,reality shows,religion,television

Phil Robertson In 2009: Men Should Marry Girls When They are 15 Or 16 Years Old

The right wing regularly calls Harvey Milk a "predator pedophile" because he allegedly dated a teenager. Liberty Counsel spokesdouche Matt Barber: "Harvey Milk was demonstrably, categorically an evil man based on his rape of teenage boys."  Let's see how Barber and his ilk spin THIS message from Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson.

UPDATE: More from the original source.

What you want to do, according to the Duck Dynasty patriarch, is “marry these girls when they’re about fifteen or sixteen.” Robertson is no stranger to doing just that. He began dating his wife Marsha when she was fourteen and he a legal adult. They married two years later when she was just sixteen. The age of consent in Louisiana is seventeen years old, and it is a crime for anyone regardless of age to engage in sexual relations with a fourteen year old (though there is no word on if they had premarital sex). If a person is under seventeen, it is illegal for anyone more than two years older to have sex with them. No matter what, it is likely (but not proven) that Robertson broke at least one law.

Dating a 14 year old while a legal adult? C'mon, Matt Barber. Let's hear about this godly relationship.

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,Phil Robertson,Tea Party,teabaggers

Television Boycotts In The Name Of Jesus Are Totally OK With Teabagistan

Censorship! Freedom of speech! Religious liberty! OUTRAAAAAGE! Oh, wait. That deafening sound you hear is crickets, because the weekly boycott demands by the American Family Association, one of the nation's largest Christian advocacy groups, are totally OK with the Tea People.  Because when Christianist groups call for nationwide boycotts of television shows and their advertisers, that is a righteous use of the free market in order to preserve morality, marriage, family, and the American way. But when GAY groups use or threaten the use of a boycott, THAT is homofascist intimidation, intolerance, bullying, a stifling of religious liberty, and an attempt to deny the freedom of speech. Just so we're clear.

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Posted in: AFA,Duck Dynasty,hate groups,homophobia,hypocrisy,One Million Moms,Phil Robertson,religion,Tea Party,teabaggers

Fox News: The Reinstatement Of Phil Robertson Is Victory For Religous Liberty

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,Fox News,GLAAD,homophobia,Phil Robertson,reality shows,religion,Tea Party,television

GLAAD Reacts To A&E's Decision

Via press release: "Phil Robertson should look African American and gay people in the eyes and hear about the hurtful impact of praising Jim Crow laws and comparing gay people to terrorists. If dialogue with Phil is not part of next steps then A+E has chosen profits over African American and gay people – especially its employees and viewers."

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,GLAAD,Phil Robertson,reality shows

Tony Perkins Celebrates

"The attacks on Phil Robertson revealed to the American people that the push to redefine marriage is less about the marriage altar than it is fundamentally altering America's moral, political and cultural landscape. A&E Network's reversal in the face of backlash is quite telling to the American people who are growing tired of GLAAD and cultural elites who want to silence people and remove God and His word from every aspect of public life.

"The goal of GLAAD is to silence anyone who dare challenge the idea that homosexuality is normal. However, the Robertson family's refusal to cower to GLAAD's bullying and the ensuing backlash to the suspension, unlike anything since Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, finally forced A&E Network to withdraw the suspension. We've also seen these intimidation tactics used against wedding florists, bakers, photographers who have been hauled into court, fined and even ordered to violate their religious beliefs by participating in same-sex weddings.

"Where is the fairness there? Where's the tolerance? There is none. This is why hundreds of thousands of Americans had enough and took a stand by signing petitions in support of Phil Robertson and the right of Christians to quote the Bible." - KKK-affiliated hate group leader Tony Perkins, via press release.

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Posted in: bigotry,Christianists,crackpots,Duck Dynasty,FRC,hate groups,homophobia,Phil Robertson,reality shows,television,Tony Perkins

Robertson Family Reacts To Reinstatement

Posted to the Facebook page of Fox News reporter and asshat supreme Todd Starnes:

"The family is excited to keep making a quality tv show for our dedicated fans, who have showed us wonderful support. We will continue to represent our faith and values in the most positive way through Duck Dynasty and our many projects that we are currently working on. The outpouring of support and prayer has encouraged and emboldened us greatly."

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,homophobia,Phil Robertson,reality shows

Homocons & Haters Celebrate

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Posted in: crackpots,Dana Loesch,Duck Dynasty,Gay Patriot,homocons,homophobes,Phil Robertson,Quislings,religion

A&E Caves On Phil Robertson

More from the Denver Post:

In a statement Friday, A&E said it decided to bring Robertson back after discussions with the Robertson family and "numerous advocacy groups." The channel had put Robertson on what it called "hiatus" following his comments in a magazine article about how the Bible informs his view of gays. His comments were slammed by groups including GLAAD, the gay media watch organization. But A&E's decision drew a backlash from those who said they supported Robertson's comments and others who defended him on the basis of freedom of speech.

Here is A&E's full statement:

As a global media content company, A+E Networks' core values are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect. We believe it is a privilege for our brands to be invited into people’s home and we operate with a strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to these principals. That is why we reacted so quickly and strongly to a recent interview with Phil Robertson.

While Phil’s comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs, and his own personal journey, he and his family have publicly stated they regret the “coarse language” he used and the mis-interpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article. He also made it clear he would “never incite or encourage hate.” We at A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article, and reiterate that they are not views we hold.

But Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man's views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family… a family that America has come to love. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A+E Networks also feel strongly about. So after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family.

We will also use this moment to launch a national public service campaign (PSA) promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people, a message that supports our core values as a company, and the values found in Duck Dynasty. These PSAs will air across our entire portfolio. In addition, an A&E source says the family and the network are going to work together to promote tolerance moving forward.

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Posted in: bigotry,Duck Dynasty,homophobes,Phil Robertson,reality shows,religion,television

NALT Responds To Duck Dynasty Flap

The pro-gay NALT Project (Not All Like That) has responded to the Duck Dynasty furor. An excerpt:

As is usual in these debates, the real loser is Christianity itself. Millions of Christians around the world affirm the dignity and equality of LGBT people, and their voices go unheard when public figures like Phil Robertson and his supporters in the right-wing media claim that their discriminatory beliefs represent Christianity. As The NALT Christians Project and a growing grassroots movement of loving, supportive Christians shows, this is not the case. Robertson was suspended because he made hateful comments about minorities, not because he’s a Christian. He and others who couch racist and anti-gay bias in religious language do not own Christianity, nor do they even speak for a majority of Christians.

(Tipped by JMG reader David)

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,NALT Project,Phil Robertson,religion

January 21st: Chick-Phil-A Day

This event is the work of the teabagger site Grassfire, which is home to numerous bits of hilarious crackpottery, such as their claim that President Obama has ordered unisex uniforms for the Marine Corps.

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Posted in: Chick-Fil-A,crazy people,douchebaggery,Duck Dynasty,Phil Robertson,religion,Tea Party,teabaggers

Headline Of The Day

TMZ has the headline and the story:

Chris Sevier, who claims to be a lawyer, has previously sued pretty much everyone under the sun, including Bill O'Reilly, CBS, Facebook and Apple. This time around, Sevier has put together 91 pages of law and religious propaganda, quoting scriptures about the evils of homosexuality. Sevier claims the fact that A&E has indefinitely suspended Phil is going to have a chilling effect on other churchgoers -- himself included -- when it comes to preaching what he believes is the word of God. As for what that word is ... Sevier thinks it's rooted in sin. He says, if gay marriage is allowed, "citizens in that state should be able to marry their pets" -- he sees no difference. In addition to suing A&E ... Sevier is suing President Obama, claiming the Prez is in cahoots with A&E to further the pro-gay agenda.

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,lawsuits,Phil Robertson,religion

Fox Anchor Greta Van Susteren Tries To School Sarah Palin On Free Speech

Via Mediaite:

In a Facebook post, Palin declared that “free speech is an endangered species.” Monday night on Fox News, Greta Van Susteren attempted to explain why invoking the First Amendment in this case does not actually make any sense. Palin said she would leave it to the lawyers to decide whether it’s a “free speech rule of law or not,” and would herself focus on the larger question of “whether we’re allowed to express our personal opinions without threats of intimidation and mockery and criticism and loss of jobs and revenue.” “I think people loosely use the term ‘free speech,’” Van Susteren said, without saying which “people” she was referring to. She added that “if the market wants to be such that people don’t want to watch someone, so be it.”

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,freedom of speech,Greta Van Susteren,Phil Robertson,religion,Sarah Palin,Tea Party,teabaggers

Cracker Barrel Caves On Duck Dynasty

From the Cracker Barrel Facebook page:

Dear Cracker Barrel Customer: When we made the decision to remove and evaluate certain Duck Dynasty items, we offended many of our loyal customers. Our intent was to avoid offending, but that’s just what we've done. You told us we made a mistake. And, you weren't shy about it. You wrote, you called and you took to social media to express your thoughts and feelings. You flat out told us we were wrong. We listened. Today, we are putting all our Duck Dynasty products back in our stores. And, we apologize for offending you. We respect all individuals right to express their beliefs. We certainly did not mean to have anyone think different. We sincerely hope you will continue to be part of our Cracker Barrel family.

(Tipped by JMG reader David)

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Posted in: Cracker Barrel,Duck Dynasty,Phil Robertson,retail

Tweet Of The Day - Annise Parker

They're going nuts over in Teabagistan. Enjoy.

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Posted in: Annise Parker,Duck Dynasty,gay politicians,Houston,Phil Robertson,reality shows,Texas

Bristol Palin: Leave Phil Robertson Alone

"Everyone needs to leave Phil Robertson alone for expressing his beliefs. I think it’s so hypocritical how the LGBT community expects every single flippen person to agree with their life style. This flies in the face of what makes America great – people can have their own beliefs and own opinions and their own ways of life. Everyone needs to treat others like God would, with love. It goes both ways. I hate how the LGBT community says it’s all about 'love' and 'equality.' However, if you don’t agree with their lifestyle, they spread the most hate. It is so hypocritical it makes my stomach turn. They need to learn how to respect others’ opinions and not just jump to the conclusion that everyone who doesn’t support homosexuality and gay marriage is homophobic. They take the easy way out every time anyone speaks out about their beliefs on the Bible. If I were Duck Dynasty, I would take my show to another channel. So much disrespect." - Bristol Palin, writing for Patheos.  (Tipped by JMG reader Dave)

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Posted in: Bristol Palin,Duck Dynasty,Phil Robertson,reality shows

HomoQuotable - Michelangelo Signorile

"The Duck Dynasty controversy has become so ugly so fast. It's time to just call it what it is. Religious zealots like Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson are using the Bible to defame a group of people and excuse horrible actions against that group in the name of their Bible, refusing responsibility for the hate their words condone and inspire. And much of the media seems to be going along with it because the Robertsons, a Louisiana family with a reality TV show on A&E, are home-spun country people whom everyone seems to love. I'm seeing way too much defense of this crap as free speech -- as if every corporation is forced to allow its employees to spew vile and offensive defamation against people. Try telling your boss that he or she is like a pig-f**ker and see how long you keep your job. Just tell him or her it's in the Bible, and see if that keeps you from getting shown the door immediately without collecting your stuff." - Michelangelo Signorile, writing for the Huffington Post.

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,employment,freedom of speech,homophobia,HomoQuotable,Michelangelo Signorile,Phil Robertson,reality shows,religion

Frothy Mix: Phil Robertson Went Too Far

Even Rick Santorum says Phil Robertson was out of line. Not that he actually disagrees, mind you.

As conservatives line up to defend Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson’s right to condemn homosexual sex over the last couple of days, one usual suspect missing from the mix was former senator and presidential candidate Rick Santorum, who has been criticized for making similar statements in the past. When Santorum weighed in on Greta Van Susteren’s Fox show Friday evening, he spent plenty of time defending Robertson, but also tried to distance himself from the “crude and coarse” language. “Look, I wouldn’t have certainly said it the way he said it, that’s for darn sure,” Santorum remarked, without saying he disagrees with the sentiment behind Robertson’s statements.

UPDATE: The clip has been pulled.

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Posted in: Duck Dynasty,homophobes,Phil Robertson,Rick Santorum

Wingnuts Threaten Cracker Barrel Boycott

From the Facebook page of Cracker Barrel:

Cracker Barrel’s mission is Pleasing People. We operate within the ideals of fairness, mutual respect and equal treatment of all people. These ideals are the core of our corporate culture. We continue to offer Duck Commander products in our stores. We removed selected products which we were concerned might offend some of our guests while we evaluate the situation. We continually evaluate the products we offer and will continue to do so.

Complaints are pouring in, of course. Twitchy is rallying the anti-gay troops.

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Posted in: Cracker Barrel,Duck Dynasty,homophobia,Phil Robertson

Quote Of The Day - Ian Bayne

"In December 1955, Rosa Parks took a stand against an unjust societal persecution of black people, and in December 2013, Robertson took a stand against persecution of Christians. What Parks did was courageous. What Mr. Robertson did was courageous too." - Ian Bayne, GOP candidate for the US House, writing on his campaign website.

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Posted in: batshittery,GOP,Phil Robertson,religion