Thursday, June 14, 2007

Just who does she think she is?

From an online buddy comes something I just couldn't resist talking about.

Andrea Lafferty of the Traditional Values Coalition took it upon herself to try and correct a legend in the African-American civil rights movement.

Angry because U.S. Representative John Lewis commemorated the anniversary of the historic Loving vs. Virginia decision (that made interracial marriages legal in the United States) to push a resolution that speaks out in favor of same-sex marriages, Lafferty said the following:

“Rep. Lewis is a member of the Old Guard of civil rights activists who have sold out to the homosexual movement . . ."

Okay this bothers me on so many levels.

And before anyone even tries to claim victimhood status for Mrs. Lafferty, I would like to say that she has a right to say whatever she wants. I do not want to silence her.

But I want to call attention to that fact when every time one opens his or her mouth to comment on something, there are such things as discernment and credibility.

Or in other words, you can say what you want but if someone can spot how you look like a damned fool for what you said, pointing out your ignorance is not censorship.

Or to simplify it more, just who in the heck is Andrea Lafferty to criticize John Lewis on matters of civil rights.

John Lewis has given his time, energy, and much of his blood (I've seen pictures of him after he was beaten bloody) to ensure that African-Americans have basic human rights. From the founding of SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) to the Freedom Riders to the 1963 March on Washington and finally to the halls of Congress, Lewis is the very epitome of a tireless worker for good.

It is more to Lewis's credit that he recognizes the similarities that we all have when it comes to wanting basic rights and the means for self-determination.

Andrea Lafferty, on the other hand, has been involved in a group that relies on bad studies and outright lies to demonize the lgbt community.

The most suffering for the "cause of civil rights" she probably had to undergo was having a hair out of place when throwing out soundbites on a pseudo news show that generously lets her ramble without courtesy of a rebuttal guest.

Or breaking a nail while writing a column due to the excitement of listing salicious details of "homosexual encounters" in attempts to scare the potential reader.

Or maybe breaking a heel when she is walking the halls of Congress and "monitoring" committee meetings.

Her criticizing Lewis on the state of civil rights is like a b-movie actor criticizing Meryl Streep on her performing skills.

Lastly, Lafferty has the nerve the say the following:

Homosexuals have no shame when it comes to exploiting every noble social movement in our culture. These radical groups routinely come up with a new ‘holiday’ or special week in order to push their agenda upon the rest of us—and if you protest against this callous exploitation of important historical events, you’re labeled a homophobic bigot.

Okay Andrea, I won't label you as a homophobic bigot.

But I will label you as confused.

Just because your father, Lou Sheldon, got some black ministers teamed up against gay marriage does not give you any credibility to start attacking a black man whose very life has been dedicated to fighting injustice.

If you had any sense, you would hush your mouth, pay attention, and take good notes while Lewis is talking.

But speaking of those black ministers aligned with your father, if you want to have a good conversation about selling out, I suggest you confer with them.