This isn't about yelling, and this isn't about politics, and this isn't really just about Prop-8. And I don't have a personal investment in this: I'm not gay, I had to strain to think of one member of even my very extended family who is, I have no personal stories of close friends or colleagues fighting the prejudice that still pervades their lives. Full Story »
Posted by Dale Penn
As a fan of Olberman, I watched last night as he read this. It's powerful because it's not hostile nor accusatorial. And it doesn't speak to the constitutionality of the issue, which is undoubtedly in question. It speaks to the heart and to our emotions.
In my years in the film business I worked with many gays, some of whom still remain close friends. What I came to realize is that people are born gay–contrary to the right-wing religionists’ favorite excuses that people make a conscious choice to be gay, or are suffering the aftermath of a weak daddy or an overbearing mommy. This means gays are God’s creation. Thus it shall come to pass that on Judgement Day, those people who think they’ll be first in line are in for a rude shock.
Olberman is a leftie, so many on the right may choose to tune out on this, unfortunately. He makes an eloquent case for gay marriage no matter what side of the political spectrum you are on.
I am gay, in a domestic partnership and live in Florida. I campaigned vigorously against an anti-gay constitutional amendment here that threatens employer benefits already available to unmarried couples (gay and straight) that passed by the narrowest of margins. Now time and money will be spent fighting this in the courts. I don't personally plan to marry should the right be granted, but I do believe in equal protection under the constitution trumps religious belief. Others ... More »
(Disclaimer: I am a big fan of Mr. Olbermann) Well written, and (if you saw it) very well delivered.
Not only is it quality, it is unique. Yes, Olbermann is a liberal. He has come to his position by a circuitous route. He struggled through the times when being a liberal was the worst thing you could be in broadcasting. It is clear from his four-year contract and his ratings that liberalism isn't the stigma it used to be. There is no way to counter his argument that straight people have no business limiting the freedom of gay people. I hold this comment up as one of the most courageous and brilliant works of journalism I have ever witnessed.
My wife, my 13 year-old daughter and I sit down together every weeknight to watch Olbermann, Maddow, Stewart, and Colbert. What they give to us is precious because of all the stupidity and fallaciousness swirling aroung us from the likes of Hannity, O'Reilly, Coulter, Lieberman, Palin, Joe the Plumber, and many others. We are liberals and proud of it.
As silly a show as Countdown can be, Kieth Olbermann's special comments are usually very well spoken and powerful, if a little melodramatic. He is on point here in this defense of same-sex marriage, tastefully challenging Californians who approved a same-sex marriage ban last week to explain their position. Not particularly informative, but well presented and lucid.
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