Today, the left took an act of compassion and did their best to alienate those they hope to convince on the issue of gay rights.
Even if former Governor McDonnell is found not guilty in another week and a half he has suffered greatly through this trial, and in his personal life. Governor McDonnell has appeared flawed and human, and all of us have a chance to see the worst.[read_more]
Bob McDonnell, his marriage in tatters, and spending each day inside a courtroom, moved out of his marital home and in with a priest and friend.
This priest happens to be gay and has struggled with his vow of celibacy. Governor McDonnell, known as a social conservative, has taken positions antithetical to gay rights in the past. Governor McDonnell’s suffering, the Priest’s unrelated internal struggles, and a major political identity group for the left are all at the forefront of Virginia Media. And how does the left react?
Predictably, with mockery and derision.
Lowell Feld of Blue Virginia published one of his trademark rants Sunday morning with the sole purpose of identifying Governor McDonnell as a hypocrite. In this article, Feld refers to McDonnell as a “cad,” “sleazeball,” “Homophobe Bob,” and a “homophobic jerk.” McDonnell was also accused of “right-wingnut, theocratic, holier-than-thou, Pat Robertson-trained moralizing…”
The Priest was condescendingly referred to as the “good reverend.”
Feld feels the need to repeatedly mention that he is okay with the Priest being gay. The reason he has to mention this is because it is not obvious from the remainder of his piece.
How do his readers feel about his piece?
This incredible piece of infotainment was also shared on Dailykos. The comments for both sites contain multiple references to McDonnell possibly being gay, and derisive comments about the Catholic Church.
The reader’s takeaway from Feld and the abrasive left
As a pro-lifer and supporter of gay marriage I have had to fight on seemingly conflicting sides of social issues. But to achieve progress (as one perceives it) in either area one must focus first and foremost on the hearts and minds of those you hope to convince. All the laws passed banning or enforcing behaviors, and all of the court cases won and lost will not have as much lasting effect on social issues as convincing people on a personal level one-by-one either to agree, or at the least, accept an opposing viewpoint has some logic behind it.
Feld has decided that there is no redemption on these issues for McDonnell. So he throws up a post mocking McDonnell, and by implication, mocking the priest and the Catholic Church. Moreover, he is mocking everyone who disagrees with him regardless of the nuanced content and intent of their beliefs. He has set back those of us working on the hearts and minds of our fellow citizens. Unfortunately, this is common behavior(not a tactic) of the left. I do not bother calling it a tactic, because it does not have the goal of changing legislation, affecting jurisprudence, or changing (for the better) the beliefs of anyone who disagrees with him. A tactic has a practical goal. The only goal of his post is to spread bile and misery.
Reflections on McDonnell
There is one very logical conclusion of Governor McDonnell’s beliefs from his choice to live with the Priest. Governor McDonnell is so homophobic and bigoted that he would be a long term guest of a known gay man and seek that man’s spiritual counseling and advice. McDonnell’s behavior indicates what Lowell Feld would call tolerance and a step in the right direction. The Priest likely knows Governor McDonnell’s beliefs better than most. The priest is showing mercy and caring to a “homophobic jerk.” Governor McDonnell is neither too afraid, nor too proud to accept the help. We should all hope to show the same kindness, mercy, and compassion when called upon.
For a little insight into the beliefs of Father Wayne Bell, check out his blog.
62 comments
I find it ironic in our culture that those who are considered upright, moral and observant of strict rules of law, with no compromise on what is right or wrong are upheld as paragons of virtue, while there is a general condemnation of those on their life journeys who turn 180-degrees are termed “wrong” in some way. We are called to do three things in life as God (through his Son) enjoined us to do (providing that there is room in your philosophy for a supreme being): lift the fallen, restore the broken and heal the hurting. We are definitely not called to judgment (not our job), but that is exactly what we are doing when we opine. Long story short—a priest with admitted failings does what he is called to do under the vows he has taken. The one he reached out to saw a lifeline of grace and understanding and grabbed it.
Apparently, Feld is confusing the far-Left caricature that those opposing the far-Left effort to mainstream/publicly validate deviant sexual behavior with the reality that most who do would simply prefer that the Love That Will Not Shut Its Mouth go back to being the Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name (i.e., keep their private deviancy PRIVATE!).
Probably mostly because Feld is an a**hole.
let me try to understand you. are you saying that being gay is deviant? are you serious?
Please spare us the contrived outrage (de rigeur from the far Left), because of course I’m serious. And I’m saying nothing about “being gay,” which is a carefully contrived myth promoted by the modern far Left, other than to note that it’s a myth.
I suppose I could ask the same question of you: are you serious? Are you saying that homosexual behavior is NOT deviant? If so, how terribly fashionable of you.
Oh yes, the left loves being part of the fashionable, that’s what makes them so very ‘progressive’.
let me reply to you both. I am neither fashionable nor liberal. Homosexuals are merely that–homosexual they are not heterosexuals. they are not sociopaths.
there is nothing wrong with gay people. frankly, its just none of my business what goes on in another’s bedroom.
Apparently, you don’t have any better grasp on the meaning of the word “sociopath” than you do on the word “deviant.”. And aside from that woeful lack of comprehension of the English language, you evidence no understanding of the radical homosexual agenda’s demand for public AFFIRMATION of deviant sexual behavior. It quite obviously has nothing to do with minding your own business about what goes on in someone else’s bedroom. It is about public APPROVAL of homosexual conduct, approval which you are apparently willing to give. And that makes you either a Liberal, or a nihilist. There is no third choice.
The third choice is the compassion of tolerance. That does not require flying the rainbow flag of affirmation, nor approval of any agenda. Just simple decency.
You confuse “tolerance” with the demand for “acceptance,” Steve. I would expect an attorney to know the difference.
And there is no “compassion” in enabling a self-destructive lifestyle choice. Whether it be homosexual behavior or heterosexual promiscuity.
I’m glad that none of my friends are like you.
Mr Young. I have friends & family who are gay. they don’t want anything from anybody. only a few of them want to get married. they aren’t radical.
alot of straight people enjoy what you are calling “deviant sexual behavior”. do you have something negative to say about these heterosexuals?
Finally, I live in a very rural area. we aint too bright here. but I hope we are neighborly & generous.
As do I (“have friends … who [engage in homosexual behavior]. they don’t want anything from anybody”). In fact, one is a former brother-in-law. Don’t tell me it’s not a choice, a behavior.
Unfortunately, THEY are not the ones who are most prominent. Nor do they exercise their influence to tell adherents to the radical homosexual agenda to shut up.
Or to at least explain to the adherents of the radical homosexual agenda that they are doing more harm to their cause and the nation than they may realize. This issue has to be returned to the realm of free speech, I commend Mr. Young for being consistent, logical and articulate in this thread with the exception of the “shut up’ clunker.
there are always more choices. Just because you can only think in a single dimension does not mean that is all that is out there. The world is multi- dimensional
I think we can all agree with that. I am not interested in hearing about what anyone is doing in their bedroom.
but the republicans continue to try to regulate it
I guess I missed the part about the repeal of the Fourth Amendment (where’s that sarcasm font when you need it?).
Civil societies have ALWAYS regulated sexual behavior, whether it be laws against rape, or incest, or bestiality, or ages of consent.
The simple fact is that the private practice of sexual deviancy is utterly protected. But the operative word there is “private.” Unfortunately, the disorder of homosexuality seems to be frequently accompanied by the disorder of exhibitionism.
It is funny how the GOP claims to favor smaller gov’t except when it comes to very personal issues.
You are definitely a liberal! I have not read one post of yours when you expound conservative ideas!
your comment illustrates why Republicans are leaving the party. Many of us are interested in basic fairness towards gays–or anyone else. So now you call me a liberal? & on other forums, anyone who finds same-sex marriage acceptable are being called non-Christians.
you are alienating alot of people.
One doesn’t necessarily have to be a Christian to support real marriage. After all, it’s supported by every other major religion, every other civil society through 6000 years of human history, and biology.
No, one needn’t be a Christian to support real marriage.
But one is certainly NOT a conservative in any meaningful sense of the word if he or she supports deviant “marriage.”
its time for me to back away from this thread. Rather than refute your arguments & further antagonize you, let me again write that this exclusionary & discriminatory attitude is one reason that so many of us are leaving the active Republican party.
Alot of us have much activist experience & enjoy doing all the “work” of a campaign. Some of us even like to raise money which is an odious job.
If you honestly believe the Republican party does not need the “big tent” crowd–doesn’t need our boots on the ground, our GOTV efforts, our fundraising ability or even our votes–then soldier on with your preaching.
I am trying to join the party because I am looking for a better approach than what the democrats have offered. I am frustrated with many of their decisions and policies. I am more frustrated that loudest voices here and in the GOP won’t accept my support (or vote?) and that they keep running inferior candidates nationally.
Good riddance. Because if you cannot stand up for the fundamental institution of human civilization, then you’re at war with everything for which the GOP stands.
Lol you speak like a school kid ” it’s not fair”. You are a lib!
You use the “lib” word as if it is a bad thing. Why the hate?
It is a very bad thing!
Why? Because they believe differently from you?
No because they are clowns!
why do you hate clowns. Did something happen to you at one of your birthdays?
I hade clown because democrats are clowns that enslave my ppl!
Speaking of clowns, it is quite funny to me for you and the other radicals posting here to think you are doing anything to recruit new voters to the GOP. Your attitude of my way or the high way is not very inviting. Please stop before the GOP looses all its influence. You do not represent the party and you definitely do not represent any views other than your own. BUT, your postings advertise your disdain and promote the GOP as the party of exclusion
Says the man with the fake name!
Clown
Wow. In addition to being mean, you also struggle with the concept of online postings. It is not a fake name. It is not a name at all, so how can it be fake?
Ok you are a fake! A Democratic operative!
again you are wrong. I am not a member of the democratic party. I am simply someone who is not pleased with the democrats and trying to join the republicans, but people like you keep pushing people like me away. This “my way or the highway” approach is why the GOP is struggling to grow. There are plenty of us in the middle who would vote for a decent GOP candidate if we could ever find one.
Sure you are! Propagandist!
Lol “hate” is code word for you should agree with me!
Hate is evident in all your writings. You cannot tolerate different opinions or beliefs. Why? Were you never taught tolerance? You must have had loosely parenting when you were young
Says the person with the fake name!
fake name? The label is a commentary, not an identifier
Then it should be clown instead!
Correct. Not deviant
Wrong it is!
Just because you are a uptight missionary who want everyone to be Christian, does not make what you believe or say true. You opinion is yours but does not make it right. Loosen up and stop hating people that are different than yourself
“You opinion”?
mistyped – happens on the small keyboards these days to me. should have said “your” thanks for catching that error. See, you can be a decent fellow when you want.
Definition of deviant, “Differing from a norm or from the accepted standards of a society. n. One that differs from a norm, especially a person whose behavior and attitudes differ from accepted social standards.”
Are you saying homosexuality is the societal norm?
It is the accepted norm, at least among those open to new ideas and people who are different from themselves
Yes it is!
Like shooting fish in a barrel, eh Mr. Feld. People like McDonnell who hold beliefs that make it difficult to accept gay marriage are “homophobic” … until they modify their position, at which time they become “hypocrites.” No doubt Mr. Feld is finding a target rich environment these days.
Shame on Blue Virginia for their gay bashing and Catholic bashing. The left has no shame.
I’m still waiting for you to answer the question “What is your position on gay marriage?”
You’ve ducked that question elsewhere.
I can’t imagine why you would care.
Because you’ve written articles about the topic and knowing your position makes it a lot easier to analyze your writings.
Do you do that with every author? Or just republicans?
I have no problem directly questioning anybody regardless of their political affiliation. However, that’s not relevant here because I’ve asked you directly.
You have a tendency to obfuscate and defer when pressured under direct questioning. Let’s change that and get a straight up answer here?
BH the misogynist parrot. If she ‘s written on the topic so often, then use a little deductive reasoning and spare us the squawking inquisition.
It looks like I’ll have to. Jeanine has a talent for being quite slippery when it comes to direct questioning.
I can think of no reason why I would do that.
I can think of plenty of reasons why you would do what you just did.
I don’t owe you an explanation. Call it what you will.