Traditional Hypocrite

Republican Rep. Pete Sessions, of Texas, says he and his wife of 27 years are separating.

What's interesting about that, is that Pete is a staunch defender of 'traditional marriage.'

Hey, let's face it, isn't divorce one of the most traditional parts about modern marriage?

Yeah, it's Monday -- but we've got one hell of a contender for the Hypocrite of the Week already.

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God Hates Figs: Matthew 21:19

God Hates Figs: Matthew 21:19

21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

21:20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

So when you see a Westboro member - politely change their sign to read Fig. Funny how a spellchecker would have fixed that small issue?

Coming Out to the Congregation

Conyers, GA megachurch pastor Jim Swilley came out to his congregation this week, saying he made the potentially career-ruining decision in light of recent gay teen suicides.

“As a father, thinking about your 16-, 17-year-old killing themselves, I thought somebody needed to say something,” Swilley said in an interview with Atlanta’s WSB-TV. “I know all the hateful stuff that’s being written about me online, whatever. To think about saving a teenager, yeah, I’ll risk my reputation for that.”

To be fair, Blasphemes never ran an article on this guy when the allegations came up a couple weeks ago, because, really, gay pastor - come on? Even we don't run those stories anymore they're so casually common now. Hiding or preaching anti-gay at the pulpit probably would have gotten a mention -- but we didn't hear or discover anyone saying that about him.

Coming out to save gay teens really is awesome and inspiring and all... but before I give him a free pass --

He felt that he needed to lie for 21 years with the mother of his children, and to have a wife to keep the lie to his congregation to give the impression of a good pastor? What kind of example is that? To anyone?

And is this his well crafted opportunity to come out, and come out in a bright shinny light, rather than in the internet fed scandal? I mean, he pulled this PR stunt off so well, he might even try to attract the gay community to worship with him - and tithe with his congregation? That's not gay, that's skill, showmanship and a stunt worthy of praise. And career boosting - not ending.

Bush Campaign Chief is Gay... So What?

Yep. Everyone knew it, and now they know it for sure.

From the article: "Privately, in off-the-record conversations with this reporter over the years, Mehlman voiced support for civil unions and told of how, in private discussions with senior Republican officials, he beat back efforts to attack same-sex marriage. He insisted, too, that President Bush "was no homophobe." He often wondered why gay voters never formed common cause with Republican opponents of Islamic jihad, which he called "the greatest anti-gay force in the world right now."

Right? And that whole anti-gay agenda that the Republican party endorses? Yeah, he really wishes he could have done something about that, back then... when he was in CHARGE.

But before I slap the Blasphemes's Hipocrite of the Week on this guy - Defense of Marriage Act" was Clinton, same as "Don't Ask Don't Tell." Well, at least Obama repealed both of those anti-gay acts - oh, he hasn't. Well, maybe he's been too busy? In the next two years then?

Breaking News

Prop 8 is unconstitutional - much to the dismay of the folks in Utah, about California? Anyhow, the best part of this story is that they cited the 14th Amendment in their decision. Ha - Ha.

The ruling by Judge Vaughn R. Walker of Federal District Court in San Francisco represents an important victory for gay rights advocates... for ten seconds until it gets appealed and then goes to the United States Supreme Court. That's when it gets real.

And then this happened...
Shaquille O’Neal signs with Celts. I prefer the Shaqrock.

this is just too easy sometimes

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All New SCOTUS Fun!

Old and busted: Obama's Katrina.

New hotness: Obama's Harriet Miers!

Now that President Obama has announced his choice to succeed Justice Stevens, we can look forward to a thoughtful and informed confirmation process, in which the nominee's views on Constitutional issues can be probed...

The president wanted a highly credentialed non-judge who would serve for a long time and wouldn’t cost too much political capital. He got a 50-year-old solicitor general and former dean of Harvard Law School – the first female in each post – whose record the Senate (and media, and activists) already examined in a confirmation process that put her into her current post. That her appointment would put three women on the high court for the first time also doesn’t hurt. So this ought to be a breeze...

JUST kidding:
Far-Right Group AFA Demands To Know Kagan’s Sexuality, Since ‘No Lesbian Is Qualified’ To Sit On SCOTUS

RNC uses Thurgood Marshall speech to attack Supreme Court nominee Kagan

The tendency of Republicans to view electoral setbacks as being the result of insufficient ideological fidelity, whereas Democrats view defeats as the result of being insufficiently appealing. The result is that when Republicans lose, they double down on the crazy, whereas Democrats decide that they need to punch their hippie friends harder. But, Democrats punch the hippies when they're winning, too, so maybe it's just part of the modern Democratic party DNA?

But if we can get past all that, and get through the static of both sides being complete buttheads... I hope that she's asked about her opinion on the Commerce Clause, the Necessary and Proper Clause, and the General Welfare Clause, to name but three provisions under which courts have ratified incredible assertions of federal power divorced from those the Constitution discretely enumerates. If Elena Kagan refuses to answer such queries substantively – employing the usual dodge that she may be called upon to interpret these clauses as justice – we can rightfully hold that response against her, as she herself counseled in a law review article 15 years ago.

And if you really, really want to know her opinions... here's a list based on her previous confirmation.

Otherwise, it'll just be about her lack of judgment in kicking off Army Recruiters out of Harvard because of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. When 8 of her potential peers completely disagree with her, then I think that speaks volumes to her ability. And since she wrote a letter about how stupid the whole SCOTUS nomination process is, with pre-arranged questions and answers, I hope they grill her.

PS, she looks JUST LIKE British comedian David Mitchell.

Just sayin'.

Bummer Photo Op

Unfortunate picture of the leader of the British Conservative Party, David Cameron

I hate you, but I love Twilight.

God hates homosexuals, but loves Vampires?
The original post can be found here. Yeah, it's the Westboro Baptists. I have to congratulate them for one thing... they are the biggest trolls on the planet.

BTW, Jesus looks appalled.

Are you sure you want to do that?

Have any gay friends who donate to the big ambiguous Red bucket in front of every store (maybe not Target)? You may want to forward the Salvation Army's stance on homosexuality.

Straight (ugh, sorry) from the horse's mouth... or simply, in their words

Homosexuality

The Salvation Army holds a positive view of human sexuality. Where a man and a woman love each other, sexual intimacy is understood as a gift of God to be enjoyed within the context of heterosexual marriage. However, in the Christian view, sexual intimacy is not essential to a healthy, full, and rich life. Apart from marriage, the scriptural standard is celibacy.

Sexual attraction to the same sex is a matter of profound complexity. Whatever the causes may be, attempts to deny its reality or to marginalize those of a same-sex orientation have not been helpful. The Salvation Army does not consider same-sex orientation blameworthy in itself. Homosexual conduct, like heterosexual conduct, requires individual responsibility and must be guided by the light of scriptural teaching.

Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage.

Likewise, there is no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for reason of his or her sexual orientation. The Salvation Army opposes any such abuse.

In keeping with these convictions, the services of The Salvation Army are available to all who qualify, without regard to sexual orientation. The fellowship of Salvation Army worship is open to all sincere seekers of faith in Christ, and membership in The Salvation Army church body is open to all who confess Christ as Savior and who accept and abide by The Salvation Army's doctrine and discipline.

Scriptures: Genesis 2:23-24; Leviticus 18:22; Mark 2:16-17; Romans 1:26-27; Romans 5:8; I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Corinthians 13; Galatians 6:1-2; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; I Thessalonians 5:14-15; I Timothy 1:15-16; Jude 7

I have never know the Salvation Army to refuse help to anyone who needed it. They're big proponents of hating the sin while loving the sinner. However, that is usually just an excuse to pass judgment on the people around you, but it is possible; it just involves hating the sin that's inside yourself, while loving the sinners that surround you, and letting them and god worry about the state of their souls. All I have suggested is that before you put any money in their little red kettles make sure you aren't opposed to the positions of the Salvation Army.

Research where your money goes, sinner.

Was Jesus Gay?

In response to my question WWJD: Washington DC, someone sent me a letter.

It suggests, with Biblical evidence, that Jesus might have been gay. Whoa, what?!

There is nothing in the Bible that confirms Jesus’ sexual orientation one way or the other, and thus difficult to determine whether he took the straight-way, the gay-way, or the bi-way. But there are some randy little clues that maybe he did keep a policeman’s uniform in his wardrobe for Taco Tuesday at the Nazareth Tool Shed:

1. Jesus never spoke about homosexuality, despite the Old Testament and Saint Paul bookending his life with plenty of disdain for gay man love.

2. “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him.” (Mark 7:14-16)

3. Mark writes about a naked man fleeing from Jesus’ side at the moment of his arrest: “A young man wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.” (Mark 14:51)

4. Having never make a position against homosexuality, Jesus sermon on the Mount includes the proclamation, : “The Kingdom of Heaven would be available to anyone that had been prosecuted.” What a devilishly delicious clue.

5. At Jesus’ crucifixtion stood Jesus’ mother and the disciple that he loved. While one may argue he loved all his disciples, John does go the lengths to individually identify THAT disciple he loved: “When Jesus saw his mother there, and THE disciple whom he loved.” (John 19:26)

We can only ask the question.

CJ

Author of ‘God Hates You. Hate Him Back’

www.GodHatesYou.net

What Would Jesus Do, indeed?

WWJD in Washington DC?

The Book of Matthew states:

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me,
I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you came to visit me...."

That is, unless you live in Washington D.C. because the Catholic Archdiocese there said that it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn't change a proposed same-sex marriage law. A threat that could affect tens of thousands of people the church helps with adoption, homelessness and health care.

Before you think that the Catholics are concerned that they would be forced to perform same-sex weddings, hold on. Under the bill, headed for a D.C. Council vote next month, religious organizations would not be required to perform or make space available for same-sex weddings. But they would have to obey city laws prohibiting discrimination against gay men and lesbians. God forbid!

Fearful that they could be forced, among other things, to extend employee benefits to same-sex married couples, church officials said they would have no choice but to abandon their contracts with the city.

"If the city requires this, we can't do it," Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the archdiocese, said Wednesday. "The city is saying in order to provide social services, you need to be secular. For us, that's really a problem."

Yeah, that's Christ's love for you right there. Good work, D.C. Catholics, you're...

BLASPHEMES HYPOCRITES OF THE WEEK

Dirty Delay Tactics

Bankruptcy move delays abuse case

A Catholic diocese based in the state of Delaware has filed for US bankruptcy protection on the eve of a civil trial involving high-profile sex abuse. (more)

The move automatically delays the case, the seventh of its kind in the US since a scandal in Boston seven years ago.

The bishop of the diocese said the move offered the best chance for victims of sexual abuse to be treated fairly.

But an attorney for the victims said the action was a desperate attempt to hide the truth from the public.

The case, due to be heard on Monday, would have been the first to go to trial under a state law creating a two-year window allowing claims to be brought even if the statute of limitations had expired.

Yes, bankrupt. Morally, that is.

Pratfalls in Idiocy

Yesterday, Andrew Sullivan put up a post about an extremely brutal hate-crime attack on an openly gay man in Queens. At the end of the interview, one of the attackers’ friends proudly displayed this tattoo:

The tattoo reads “[Thou] shall not lie with a male as one does with a woman. It is an abomination. Leviticus 18:22″. lol! Oh, sorry, you don't get it.

Leviticus also forbids tattooing. In the very next chapter.

“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:28

Mormon Civil-Rights Analogy

In a stunning move, apostle of the Church of Later Day Saints Dallin H. Oaks likened the backlash of Mormon support and funding of Proposition 8 to the persecution that African Americans endured during the civil-rights struggle.

No, really.

Oaks, in a strongly worded defense of the church's efforts opposing same-sex marriage, told students at Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg that Latter-day Saints "must not be deterred or coerced into silence" by advocates for "alleged civil rights."

Last year, the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged its followers to donate money and time to pass Prop 8, the successful ballot measure that eliminated the right of same-sex couples to wed in California. Afterward, protests, including several near LDS temples, erupted along with boycotts of business owners who donated to Prop 8 and even some vandalism of LDS meetinghouses.

Just so we're on the same page, Mr. Oaks is comparing his backlash to the 'struggle?' Amazingly, there's no mention of GAY CIVIL RIGHTS in the discussion.

And there also seems to be a lack of understanding that Mormons are spectacular racists. In fact, racism is in their bible:

1 Nephi 12:23 And it came to pass that I beheld, after they had dwindled in unbelief they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations.

(Joseph Smith calls dark skinned people ugly, filthy, lazy, and perverts.)

Don't worry, Oaks faces a backlash himself.

"Were four little Mormon girls blown up in the church at Sunday school? Were there burning crosses planted on local bishops' lawns? Were people lynched and their genitals stuffed in their mouths?" asked University of Utah historian Colleen McDannell. "By comparing these two things, it diminishes the real violence that African-Americans experienced in the '60s, when they were struggling for equal rights. There is no equivalence between the two."

In the meantime, Mr. Oaks? You're in line for...

BLASPHEMES HYPOCRITE OF THE WEEK!

Anti Gun N. C. State Senator Shoots A Home Invader. Bullseyes Hypocrisy

North Carolina State Senator R.C. Soles, 74, the longest-serving lawmaker in the General Assembly, shot an intruder as he tried to break into his home Sunday. He shot 22-year-old Thomas Kyle Blackburn in the leg as Blackburn and another man allegedly tried to break down his door. They apparently were both clients of the Senator's legal office.

The Senator, who according to the Gun Owners of America, he has a career of being against guns ownership. Hmmm... for some reason his public beliefs and his private actions seem to contradict each other here. Let's see, he didn't hesitate to defend himself with his own gun when he believed he was in immediate danger, and was the victim of a crime against himself. But, in typical, "do as I say and not as I do" fashion, R.C. picked up his gun and took action in what apparently was a self defense shooting. But he doesn't think that's you or the rest of us ought to be able to do.

We still don't know what type of gun was used, and if it were properly (legally) registered. We don't know if the Senator will be charged for discharging a firearm. And we don't know anything about whether charges will be filed in the suspected arson that damaged Allen Strickland's home.

Who's Strickland? Oh, that? Well, that's where the rabbit hole really starts, isn't it.

But wait, there's so much more. Apparently the long serving Senator also is involved in all kinds of alleged allegations including an arson case, alleged molestation of a minor, big payoffs in hush money, drugs, you name it. And he's a Democrat? Ooof! That's complicated. Looks like there's a whole lot of 'splainin' to be forthcoming.

And Senator? Even though it's just Tuesday, guess what?

You're Blasphemes Hypocrite of the Week!

Good work Senator Soles!

An Ironical Divorce

Protector of traditional marriage Doug Manchester leaving wife of 43 years

Hotelier Doug Manchester was a big supporter of California's Proposition 8. Manchester supported Prop 8 because he was an advocate for traditional marriage. Well, he 'was' and now I guess he's made a reversal on that faith, because he's getting divorced. Actually, she is divorcing him. After 43 years of marriage.

Look, Divorce happens. But this is special. Doug has tipped the hypocritical scale. Doug was an ardent opponent of gay marriage. He gave substantial amounts of money to defeat gay marriage at the ballot box. He told The New York Times that he made the donation because of “my Catholic faith and longtime affiliation with the Catholic Church,” which preferred that marriage remain between a man and a woman. Indeed, the Catholic Church has vehemently opposed gay marriage. Then again, it’s also not too keen on divorce. And that's why....

Doug Manchester, Congratulations!

You're Blasphemes Hypocrite of the Week!

For extra points, there are some of the charges made by Doug Manchester's wife. Elizabeth Manchester accuses Doug of taking $100,000 out of their joint checking account, and also accuses him of stealing her mail. That sounds like the actions of someone who is dedicated to "the sanctity" of marriage.

Biblethumpers Arrested at Pride Fest

The Pride Festival kicked off in Loring Park, in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday. There were bands, food and thousands of people. It's now the third-largest gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender celebration in the country. Yeah, dontcha know? To paint the picture here, it's not a parade, it's in a park.

But the cops were called, and they had to arrest three people. A father, mother and son from Hayward, Wis. were taken away for trespassing.

For the last 11 festivals, Brian and Doris Johnson have passed out free Bibles at the festival. But this year, they were not allowed to have a booth. Pride paid to rent the whole park which gave them the right to choose which vendors they allowed in. I'm guessing the Johnsons weren't gay enough?

Well, the Johnsons said they are born-again Christians and they believe homosexuality is a sin.

Isn't Pride all about inclusion and not being intolerant? I don't know, I think they're both wrong.

Pride could have taken their money and put them in the worst spot in the park... that would be okay. It would have been inclusive, and would have shown that Pride will tolerate these ding-dongs. By having them arrested, it's bad p.r.

Sure the Johnsons could have hung out in the parking lot. Maybe they could have just stayed at home and been intolerant there? I'm really wondering why Brian has been going to the festival for 11 years... ?

Break out the ABBA

He's the Prom Queen!

An openly gay teen has been voted prom queen at his Los Angeles high school in a campaign that began as a stunt but ended up spurring discussion on the campus about gender roles and popularity.

Sergio Garcia said he felt "invincible" when he was crowned queen of the Fairfax High School dance at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Saturday.

Days before the dance, Garcia told fellow students that he was "not your typical prom queen candidate. There's more to me than meets the eye." He's a transformer!

He also promised that he would be wearing a suit on prom night, but "don't be fooled: Deep down, I am a queen." We know Sergio, we know.

And he made good of that promise Saturday, wearing a gray tuxedo topped off with the prized tiara. It clashed. At least he didn't go in drag. God knows someone would have had the same dress on and then Sergio would have had to choke a bitch and... well * whew * thank goodness that didn't happen.

Although many students were supportive of Garcia's run, others were upset and didn't understand why Garcia chose to run for prom queen. No doubt Heather Chandler, Regina George, and Carrie White are pissssed....

"I'm not really happy about that," said 17-year-old Juan Espinoza. "He should've run for prom king."

Juan is obviously a gay basher and needs to be re-educated for his intolerance.

You know who I feel sorry for? The popular girls who got totally dissed. Hey, maybe all those girls can get together with the ACLU and sue in a class action lawsuit against the school and their fellow classmates for gender discrimination?

Alabama (man) Love

Anti-Gay Alabama Attorney General Troy King was caught being very Pro-Gay with his surprisingly Pro-Gay homosexual assistant. Bonus, this Pro-Gay behavior was discovered by his wife. Double hypocrisy family values word score - in his own bed. This is the rumor that the AG’s office has officially denied, so now of course everybody is spilling the sordid details.

You'll recognize Anti-Gay crusader Troy King who wants to outlaw homosexuality and sex toys. (story on Wonkette)

Does it need to be mentioned that he's a Republican? Aren't these stories getting a little too repetitive?

Hold on, a bed? Not in a bathroom stall? What the hell?