When Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo came out as one of the first professional athletes to publicly support marriage equality, many fans and other pros applauded his decision to speak up. But Emmett C. Burns Jr., a Democratic Maryland delegate, had a different opinion. He wrote to the Ravens administration that they should “inhibit such expressions" from employees.
In response, Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe wrote his own scathing letter to Burns. Two excerpts:
“As I suspect you have not read the Constitution, I would like to remind you that the very first, the very first amendment in this founding document deals with the freedom of speech.”
“As recently as 1962 the NFL still had segregation, which was only done away with by brave athletes and coaches daring to speak their mind and do the right thing.”
Ed Schultz couldn’t read the entire strongly-worded letter on television, but in his exclusive interview with Kluwe on Friday’s The Ed Show, he asked the kicker what motivated him to respond to an issue happening practically on the other side of the country.
“It’s an issue of free speech and of civil rights. The message the delegate was sending out was not one that any progressive in this day in age would want to see in our government,” Kluwe said. “It’s just not the right message.”
The Ravens organization issued a statement in support of Ayanbadejo’s right to freedom of speech under the first amendment. Kluwe said that's the right call:
“I think it’s great the Ravens came out and supported him because as athletes we have this very prominent platform where we can affect social change. And I think it behooves all of us to do the right thing."
Schultz asked if he’s involved with the fight for marriage equality in Minnesota, where the issue will be on the ballot in November. Minnesotans will decide whether or not to amend their state constitution to permanently define marriage as between a man and a woman.
Kluwe confirmed that he’s a very active member of Minnesotans for Equality, and will continue fighting to defeat the amendment.
“Gay people would like to get married,” he said. “I think that’s something when we look back 20-25 years from now, and you look at history, which side were you on? Were you on the side that supported this or did you try to take people’s rights away?”
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it sickens me that it was a democrat that tried to inhibit this Baltimore Raven's expressions of free speech. I applaud the Minnesotan Viking's backing of this professional football player's rights !
There was no head count at the DNC platform vote..Personally I could care less what happens in Israel. That's political not biblical and you can move there. Kluwe is speaking of Human Rights and the pursuit of "personal happiness", not yours. I AM Christian, not some misinformed fake Bible-thumper or TROLL plant..Get yourself a life and leave others alone..Now go watch those 'tired' bears...
Billyhill, what is your point?! Mr. Kluwe has explicitly made his case. How about you doing the same.
James, what are you saying? Please don't accuse democrats of rigging votes...
Billyhill, when has two people getting married been considered "special treatment"? This is relevant: Is a black person and a white person marrying "special treatment"?
What is your point?
No interracial marriage is not considered special treatment, as it was legalized. Thus, avoiding such a designation. And nor will same-sex marriage be considered special treatment, once states-rights get on the right side of this issue.
(Don't get me started about why citizens appeal to the federal government and federal courts for relief. On second thought, see daveydog4 posts on this thread for how locales discount and marginalize segments of their citizenry.)
Two points:
Billly, If I may call you that, you can call me Cal!
Let's not over-analyze this one or parse words, or we may never get to the meaning of the discussion:
Let's cut through the underbrush, Billy. Let's go to the heart of the matter. Apologetics aside. There are real people lives involved in this one.
So there you have it. The President has spoken. It is appropo for Congress and/or the Courts to act.
It seems that some states will let a segment of their citizens lie alone.
SORRY:" A General Accounting Office report in 1997 identified 1,049 laws where federal benefits, rights or privileges were contingent on marital status. They include tax breaks, pensions and Social Security benefits, inheritance rights and loans." ~CNN Justice, Defense of Marriage Act, Comparing marriage and civil unions 2004
Unequal from whose perspective? Do you have any idea what it is to live in this nation, this world, growing old alone? Alone, generally speaking, because some group or cadre of married persons have edicted that you are OKAY to live amongst them. Yet not OKAY to have a life-long loving relationship with one other person, but using a strange mixture of reason, they consent to same-sex relationships involving a "host" of characters as sufficient and argreeable?
As the Constitution elucidates, Congress is invested to fix what is "broken" since our national inception. Today, we have seen the Courts correct "flaws" in our national character in a number of cases-they may be the decider in this matter too. This Case is coming before them in the next term.
States should help out then. Nevermind, there are appeals to higher institutions! :-)
And, now I understand you: You want to keep people status-quo'ed and broken. I feel sorry for you, actually. :-(
*_done.
If you don't care one way or the other, why the use of emotional terms like "fascists"?
Billy challenge yourself to stay aboard the sound and the fury on this one. :-)
As for the government, Congress is a representative body made up of citizen-reps from each state in the Union (the voice of the people). What the states voluntarily will not do, has been traditionally tackled at the national level--- As most likely will be the case here.
I have plainly demonstrated above that the Constitution has a an article ('full faith and credit') that intends to bring the states into alignment and agreement.
On this issue we all should face reality. A segment of the citizenry is hurting and is making its case before the American people with significant success. Each state acting as "the Elder" should be able to protect and better the lives of all the citizens who live within its borders. If not, then their is are "greater Elders" in the Federal and Court systems who must decide the welfare of the Union.
I will not get into slippery slope arguments HERE. This issue, this case, is same-sex marriage. Any other area should stand on its own merits, or its day in court. Same-sex marriage is the discussion now, and soon to be in the Supreme Court.
Let me add. Homosexuality is not illegal in the United States of America. Should businesses provide services to any citizen obeying local, state, and federal laws?
Billy, you spun around on me with your opening sentence, "The issue is equality" (See your #1.7 para 3.)
To the point of "lunch counters", you are aware America once had Jim Crow laws (see: Jim Crow). Currently, we have an african-American President, impossible without national government laws and enforcement. I hope you are not suggesting that is outside the scope of the Constitution. Billy?!
Generally speaking and depending on the context I see no difference in a business being given a compulsion to change its position on providing services to a gay event and a class of people, than Woolworth Stores being swayed to open its lunch counters in the 1960's through sit-ins and economic boycotts.
Off-topic. When did republicans stop telling people how to think? That's a rhetorical statement.
Honestly? You see same-sex relationships in-line with well established hate groups? Wow.
I have never thought about the KKK having luncheons. So, let me think* about it. Okay, I take for granted the KKK is able to socialize whereever laws permit.
* Need coffee.
I hate the Ratbirds but I support them 100% on this issue.
Ravens are some of the most intelegent birds in History. Every hear of the CIA's most valuable crow?
On the subject of Marriage. Gay people who I know are just like straight couples, some of them want to get married to each other and some of them don't. Some of the want to have children, some of them don't. Now how do you figure that? I guess all people are the same when it comes to their freedoms.
Do you know how to repeat a quote?
Some them want to have children and have.
Is kicking a ball the same as kicking the can down the road?
Awesome one more mussel head bumping his chops.
When that ball player is on the field for your team......you want to be just like the mussel head......but when one speaks of freedoms he is just bumping his chops. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm????
And there you have it.
Pro football players are not known for their intellectual capability's.
Most end up flat broke after their days in the NFL are over.
Chris graduated Cum Laude from UCLA, so I'd say that he certainly has more brains than a tough-guy internet troll who can't spell nor form grammatically correct sentences.
I'm going to pile on this Moocow. In case you don't understand Cum Laude, That means at the top of his class. After football he won't have much trouble doing whatever he wants.
I applaud Chris Kluwe's standing up for the First Amendment rights of another fellow NFL player even though I disagree with his views. Now like Ed said, "Kick it out of the stadium" tomorrow. Go Vikings!!!
Ah just so you know, it is known as "Summa Cum Laude"
And chris did not grauate "Summa Cum Laude" from UCLA are any collage.
Are we to discuss Chris Kluwe's college amassments or the quality of his point of view?
Robert- that's funny. I've never heard cum laude explained as tops in class... Guess you weren't up there.
I know that Summa Cum Laude is the proper term. I did graduate in the top ten of my school.
Ok- I assume you misspoke in an attempt to make Moo look dumb...
Moo has no problem with the way he looks. He keeps coming back to show it off.
Number 5 is my new favorite number ... thanks for standing up for freedom!
Chris Kluwe only punts during the game. I don't see the point of making a statement like E.C. Burns (Mr. Burns) made, being a so called Democrat. I suspect he is another FAKE democrat and doesn't deserve office or support of the democratic party. If Mr. Burns wants to limit someones speech he should take his own advice. Now look out Mr Limbaugh you my be the next one to get a hard felt letter.
PS Do you gals think he's cute? I bet he's been getting proposals..Mmmm.
Very cute---❤
I'm voting a straight ticket...not that straight!
What an interesting man, and an interesting letter he wrote to Mr. Burns. "WoW." Mr. Kluwe, I got to read up on you, because I've read very few letters written directly to government officials like that one.
On the otherhand Emmett Burns Jr., got his just desserts, in my opinion. Mr. Burns, don't ever look down your nose at anyone!!!
Putin weighs in a US race..
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/putin-declares-preference-obama-romney-foreign-policy
In America you have the freedom to say what you believe . Your employer can't override that right. The subject does not matter. Good Job.
The Teapublicans think its a great idea and make it mandatory!
David Gregory Meet the Press...Tell Dave to ask the tough questions and call them on their lies! Or you will have a talk with the boss...or get face a boycott! Both!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6872152/ns/meet_the_press-more/t/meet-press-mailbox/
Here in Iowa we had our gay marriage ban thrown out, only because a New York based law firm decided to advantage of the Tom Vilsack/Chet Culver appointed Iowa Supreme Court Justices. They knew they were gonna win before they even filed the briefs. Afterward the decision Iowans kicked all three justices off the court that were up for recall two years ago. One more is up for recall this November, he'll go too. Eventually, we'll get all seven of these justices booted out.
Iowa is loaded with smart people. Michele Bachmann is one who comes from there..DINGBAT!
Yes, in West Branch Iowa, they are replacing the Herbert Hoover statue with Barack Hussein Obama. I heard Plains, Georgia is doing the same thing. LMAO
Maybe you have seen the statues of Willard across the country! In store fronts everywhere! LAYSF! So I see you just got done with your job, I hear your outstanding in your field did you scare all the crows away?
Daveydog4, your 11.2 post is an example of why citizens appeal to the federal government for relief from bigotry and hatred. There are too many conclaves in America where people cluster together and oppress others (citizens) in their midst.
Why can't you (and yours) simply mind your own business on this issue?
Someone I know and I were talking about the election and she said she wasn't going to vote for Romney. She also said she wasn't going to vote for Obama either. When I asked why, she said it was because he's for gay marriage and marriage should be between a man and a woman. I said you mean to tell me if you were born gay, you shouldn't be able to have any rights? And she said no, she would just have to live with not being able to have any. All I could do is just shake my head at her misguided outlook. :(
WOW they walk among us..Doomed we are all doomed.
The big question, where does it end? We have people wanting to marry their pets, Japanese robots and I even saw some guy wants to marry an avatar he created on the internet. I may not see it my lifetime, but it will happen where some judge in the future will decide to legislate and extend equal rights for these individuals.
LOL....."if you were born gay".....LMAO
Daveydog4, what's your beef? Were you born "straight"? If you were, then you should appreciate what potently drives your interests and libido. Furthermore, you look mature. Has the strength of your sexual attraction/interest changed over the years? I presume not!
So don't "laugh your ass off" at someone else expense. Oh and will you explain to me your slippery slope remarks. In order to to talk about two persons of the same sex marrying, we do not have to talk about "pets, robots, nor avatars.
Some people are born fat and stupid.. Keep laughing your butt could use it.
It's called the XX chromosome, it's called a women.
No wonder you don't get any, you ignorant troglodyte.
XX chromosome...Why so pithy, Daveydog4? EXPLAIN your meaning for why you wrote "XX" chromosome, and what it has to do with THIS discussion, please.
I want to see a corporation executed in Teaxas!
The Left Protests and Boycotts any one or any business with an opposing view and then complains when some one suggests that Marriage should not be a topic in Professional Football, go figure. What is it about people that some think a celebrity's opinion is more important than the average Joe's?
People coalesce around celebrities. You inherently know this: If not so, then what's the point of Television and Stadiums?
Also, It is a false argument: Average Joe's opinions do matter, but 'joe' does not generally have a platform to speak to the masses.
The right always whines when the football shoe is on the other foot! Of course they would defend a DINO!
X', I agreed with the acronym "DINO" here. Mr. Burns looked down his nose in his written letter to Mr. Ayanbadejo's boss.
In my opinion Mr. Kluwe did over-describe in his reply to Mr Burns, but it was just desserts. :-)
Its what's called poking a poll.
Welcome BACK Adrian Peterson! TD!
TD #2 Adrian Peterson! Vkings 14 Jagulars 9
Vikings WIN 26/23 OT Packers are all alone in the basement!
Iowa Supreme Court Justice David Wiggins.......start cleaning your desk out.
Homophobes are you really afraid some one wants your big fat butt?
Nah, we just don't want eastern elitist lawyers from the state of New York dictating their distorted values on the state of Iowa. Also, we prefer that our justices interpret the law not make it.......that is why we kicked the 3 off the court and will continue to purge the court with the power of the vote.
ED, I can't wait to hear your take on the highest paid teachers in the country with an average wage not including benefits of 76K for 9 months of work out on strike because of medical and other benefits. Chicago Teachers that produce just a little over 50% graduates from High School are on strike regardless of the Unemployment Rate, regardless of the decline in household Median Income, regardless of the state's current economic shortfalls, and regardless of the Children's welfare. Talk about GREED. I guess they don't think Obama's Fair Share and Shared Prosperity apply to them. This could be a great opportunity to actually fix the Chicago Public School System, FIRE THEM ALL and start over.
I did enjoy it when I heard the schools were open for breakfast and lunch for the students. I wonder where the students eat when the schools are closed during the summer and other breaks? Maybe they starve? That would explain why so few graduate. I knew the poor performance of the students couldn't be the fault of the teachers.
I am your ordinary God fearing gun toting "redneck" from the south that believes if someone wants to get married be it gay or straight they should be able to.By the way I am also a republican,go figure.
Ho-ray for you! We really know you are out there, but why stand by a party that is so wrong about so many things?
"It is an equality issue, clean and simple."
Since the beginning of the Republican Primary Debates, we've seen every kind of self immolation possible. Each potential candidate has stepped up to the trough, sucked up just enough slop to drown themselves, and crashed to the bottom of the heap. They haven't been out done by thier competitors, it's been their own miserable failures that have done them in. Adultery, scandal, radical religious control issues, gay bashing, immigrant bashing, 9-9-9, pompous arrogance, horrific mudslinging, fumbled lines, inaccurate quotes, and insensitive bets. Now, with the last man standing, all those who previously threw everything they could lift at him, rally around him as he too, self destructs in a puddle of his own waste. The rest of us have calmly stood by, shaking our heads and watching the spectacle of mass suicide. And now, as the final pathetic failure plays out before us, we begin to breathe a sigh of relief. Is the slaughter really over? Is the longest playing bloodbath in history finally twitching in the throes of it last gasp? Can we now see the path toward recovery without the party of NO? We can only hope...