Courage & convictions are admirable qualities..

[bonnie]

General comment:

I think she had every right to say what she said. And I greatly admire her courage to follow her conscience and say the unpopular thing, knowing it would likely cost her the crown.

But I also wonder if a more inclusive answer may have been just as appropriate and perhaps more wise. Would it have been *wrong* to say something like, "I believe in America's democratic system where issues like this can be decided by the people or by the courts, and as Miss USA, I would want to represent and serve all Americans, regardless of my personal convictions"?

Maybe if she had the time to think and formulate the answer so as to make sure no one could take offense.

Perhaps the question might be why would anyone put this offensive,nasty gay man in a position to ask this type of question. The names he has called her on his blog really show the level that this man will stoop to

[Woody]

I heard him call her the 'b' word on TV.

Pardon me ... it was 'stupid b'.

[phkrause]

Good thought bonnie. That was one of my first thoughts, how did this guy get to be a judge? Is he related to Paris Hilton?

pk

[bonnie]

Originally Posted By: carolaa

General comment:

I think she had every right to say what she said. And I greatly admire her courage to follow her conscience and say the unpopular thing, knowing it would likely cost her the crown.

But I also wonder if a more inclusive answer may have been just as appropriate and perhaps more wise. Would it have been *wrong* to say something like, "I believe in America's democratic system where issues like this can be decided by the people or by the courts, and as Miss USA, I would want to represent and serve all Americans, regardless of my personal convictions"?

Maybe if she had the time to think and formulate the answer so as to make sure no one could take offense.

Perhaps the question might be why would anyone put this offensive,nasty gay man in a position to ask this type of question. The names he has called her on his blog really show the level that this man will stoop to

When people ask for a personal opinion and do it publically they should accept the answer.

This was not used as a educational tool to discuss the issue.

It was a question by a nasty,bigoted idiot that wanted to posture at the expense of another.

It was not and never would be comparable to racism. Drawing that comparison is to make her look like a religious bigot and intolerant.

Last time I looked tolerance or intolerant of something in this country was allowed.

Intolernt becomes wrong when used to harm another.

It has become intolerable to have an opinion that does not fit the liberal everything is right ,the only sin is having an opinion that something is wrong.

[Bravus]

No, he's a Hollywood gossip blogger. 'Perez Hilton' is not his real name, and it's a bit of a joke on Paris Hilton's name. He has quite a high profile in Hollywood and fashion circles - the kind of people who usually get involved with beauty pageants. (This interest on our part is pretty unusual!) So it's unsurprising that he was there in that role. (I guess I have to say it - this is not any sort of defense of him, his question, his later statements or anything else. It's a direct answer to a question that was asked, offered for informational purposes only.)

[Woody]

Surely they could have done better. I would have offered my services. And I would have chosen the right winner. However ... I will not post her photo for fear of offending some precious hearts.

[bonnie]

Good thought bonnie. That was one of my first thoughts, how did this guy get to be a judge? Is he related to Paris Hilton?

pk

Because he is gay I would assume and ranks as a protected species.

It is no longer enough to treat others as you would wish to be treated. It is almost part of a holy grail,that you approve all or your racist/bigot, place them on the special pedestal of preferred treatment. Don't voice the opinion you were asked to give,grovel before this holy grail.

[GreatLakesGramma]

Originally Posted By: Stan Jensen

It seems like gays have gone from being bullied, to being bullies.

TU

Don't lump all gay people together. There are kinds among them, just as there are all kinds among heterosexuals. There are bullies, and there are kind and compassionate individuals. There are total perverts, and there are those with higher moral standards than most members of modern society. There are criminals, and there are law-abiding citizens.

It's the bullies and the perverts that make the most noise and get the most attention, but they are not the majority, and it is totally unfair to lump all gays together like that.

[olger]

"protected species.."

Now that ain't bad at all ! Well put, along with many other great comments here that speak wisdom.

I also love the contrast with the "I painted myself into a corner" fella who argues racism first and ponders later.

good stuff,

og

[Bravus]

If I'm the feller you're referring to, I never argued racism. I made an analogy with racism. And I stand by that. Her answer stands up for a particular form of discrimination. We might consider that form of discrimination appropriate and even laudable, but it is still discrimination. It still enforces the beliefs of some on others who do not share those beliefs.

I don't think the question should have been asked in that context. I do think she has the right to hold and to state any opinion she likes. But I also have the right to my opinion that her opinion is discriminatory.

[olger]

General comment:

I think she had every right to say what she said. And I greatly admire her courage to follow her conscience and say the unpopular thing, knowing it would likely cost her the crown.

But I also wonder if a more inclusive answer may have been just as appropriate and perhaps more wise. Would it have been *wrong* to say something like, "I believe in America's democratic system where issues like this can be decided by the people or by the courts, and as Miss USA, I would want to represent and serve all Americans, regardless of my personal convictions"?

If John the Baptist had said to Herod "Gee, I don't want to be judgemental, Kingy.." what do you suppose Jesus would have said about him in Matthew 10?

oG

[Bravus]

...and being asked a tough question in public is an utterly different order of 'bullying' than being beaten to death, as still happens disturbingly often to gay people.

[olger]

If I'm the feller you're referring to, I never argued racism. I made an analogy with racism. And I stand by that. Her answer stands up for a particular form of discrimination. We might consider that form of discrimination appropriate and even laudable, but it is still discrimination. It still enforces the beliefs of some on others who do not share those beliefs.

I don't think the question should have been asked in that context. I do think she has the right to hold and to state any opinion she likes. But I also have the right to my opinion that her opinion is discriminatory.

I rest my case, brethren. The good news is, the paint will dry in about 24-hours and you can tiptoe out.

regards.

oG

[bonnie]

"protected species.."

Now that ain't bad at all ! Well put, along with many other great comments here that speak wisdom.

I also love the contrast with the "I painted myself into a corner" fella who argues racism first and ponders later.

good stuff,

og

It has gotten to the point that any opinion not shared by liberals or gays is wrong.

Nothing wrong in this world except a belief or opinion that believes there is wrong.

Believing gay "marriage" is wrong is not the same as saying I hate gays.Or that I believe they should be presecuted

That will do it every time

[Bravus]

No painted corners for me: the big wide open world without the prejudices that place various people beyond the pale.

[olger]

Exactly. This is a modern fulfillment of the Biblical prediction through Isaiah that people in the time of the end would call evil ---> good, and good ---> evil.

It is precisely this climate of moral confusion that earnestly needs "men who call sin by it's right name."

oG

[olger]

No painted corners for me: the big wide open world without the prejudices that place various people beyond the pale.

I know. I'm familiar with postmodern relativism.

oG

[olger]

...and being asked a tough question in public is an utterly different order of 'bullying' than being beaten to death, as still happens disturbingly often to gay people.

Now you're really reaching..

Stan nailed it, and he didn't need a non-sequitor hammer.

oG

[bonnie]

No painted corners for me: the big wide open world without the prejudices that place various people beyond the pale.

Explain to me what is prejudice about believing the bible has laid out instruction and guidance. I believe the bible when it says it is wrong. If that is prejudice to you,so be it.

Your opinion does not come close to bible authority.

If believing the bible is beyond the pale I will gladly accept that.

[Robert]

Surely they could have done better. I would have offered my services. And I would have chosen the right winner. However ... I will not post her photo for fear of offending some precious hearts.

She does need some clothes, huh?

[olger]

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

og

[Woody]

talkin' about 'fire'.

[olger]

Fire rages all the more as it is fed.

wassup red?,

oG

[phkrause]

Yes GLG you make a good point. I've know quite a few that are better people than most. I think like all, people like to be treated equal. And luckily God will be doing the judging.

pk

[Bravus]

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/05/05/california.miss.california/index.html?iref=mpstoryview