· What are the country's most pressing problems?
If you say Iraq or unemployment, you're wrong. Gay marriage and flag burning are the most important problems that we face—according to Senate Majority Leader Bull Frist (TN) on Fox News Sunday. Transcript and video:
HOST: …Are gay marriage and flag burning the most important issues the Senate can be addressing in June of 2006?
FRIST:…When you look at that flag and you tell me that right now people in this country are saying it’s okay to desecrate that flag and to burn it and to not pay respect to it, is that important to our values as a people when we’ve got 130,000 people fighting for our freedom and liberty today? That is important. It may not be important here in Washington where people say, well, it’s political posturing and all, but it’s important to the heart and soul of the American people. … Why marriage today? Marriage is for our society that union between a man and a woman, is the cornerstone of our society. It is under attack today.
Even the FOX News host was taken aback and pointed out that this was blatant pandering to the far-right base during an election year. Just as an fyi, Cuba, China, and Iran are the only other countries to ban flag desecration. Transcript at ThinkProgress and video at Crooks and Liars.
· Meanwhile, across the pond, the Rt Rev Richard Harries, the Bishop of Oxford and one of England's leading Anglican bishops, says the Bible supports same-sex partnerships and ...
· The Church of Scotland considers civil unions.
· On Wednesday, New York state's highest court will begin hearing a case to decide whether New York City can issue licenses for same-sex marriages. Mayor Michael Bloomberg says if the court decides the city can issue the licenses, it will start performing gay marriages. If the ruling is the opposite, Bloomberg says he and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn will work with the legislature to make gay marriage legal. However, Bloomberg has been criticized for appealing a lower court ruling that said same-sex marriages were legal. City attorneys say the mayor wants a definitive statewide ruling to prevent confusion.
Frist is a revolting ol' cracka'--just revolting!
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 30 May 2006 at 11:56
How can Frist say those are the most important issues? Totally insane.
Posted by: Lee Owens | 30 May 2006 at 13:48
I'm surprised Faux News even asked the question.
Posted by: Robguy | 30 May 2006 at 14:23