Maryland Legislator Doesn't Support Free Speech

[Cole Parker]

What is this country coming to?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/07/brendon-ayanbadejo-ravens-emmett-burns-marriage_n_1863488.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

[Chris James]

Emmit Burns is a pastor in his conservative Christian church so this should not be such a surprise. What should get him in deep trouble is that he used Maryland House of Delagates stationary to send the letter. At the very least he should be censored by the Maryland Assembly for that. Otherwise, this just proves that wingnuts come from both political parties. Free speech, Burns should recognize that citizens have the right to use it just like he does, otherwise toss the jerk out.

[E.J.]

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe's response to Burns:

http://deadspin.com/5941348/they-wont-magically-turn-you-into-a-lustful-cockmonster-chris-kluwe-explains-gay-marriage-to-the-politician-who-is-offended-by-an-nfl-player-supporting-it

[Cole Parker]

WHAT A MARVELOUS, SIMPLY INCREDIBLE LETTER. I HOPE SOMEONE READS IT TO EMMIT. I'M NOT SURE HE CAN READ HIMSELF.

c

[DesDownunder]

Love your comment about reading the letter to him, Cole.

He has the face of a dried prune with a necrophiliac death-wish.

[colinian]

Chris Kluwe's response to Emmit Burns is delicious! My favorite line is "This is more a personal quibble of mine, but why do you hate freedom?" You ROCK, Chris!

Colin

[The Pecman]

I love this line from the story on football player Chris Kluwe:

Chris Kluwe Explains Gay Marriage To The Politician

Who Is Offended By An NFL Player Supporting It:

“They Won’t Magically Turn You Into A Lustful Cockmonster."

Well, we can only hope...

[Camy]

A sweetly written and thoroughly amusing response. Thanks to the urban dictionary I learnt a new word, too: fromunda. As in 'Narcissistic fromunda stain.' Yick. If Burns doesn't have an instant blood pressure problem I'll be most surprised.

[DesDownunder]

I would think that Emmit Burns already has blood pressure high enough to stave off his realising Christian humility, let alone attaining, Buddhist tranquillity.

[FreeThinker]

I think at this point that I need to come out of the closet and admit I have been a bigot against jocks for years. But, no more. These two football players have taught me that I have been guilty of the same prejudice these men are fighting, not against gays, but against athletes. I have allowed my experiences in the past to color my thinking. I have assumed that all jocks were jerks. They're not and these two men are stellar examples of why I've been wrong for all these years. I respect them and I'm grateful for the courage they have shown.

As for this Burns character... it amazes me how right-wingers preach freedom of religion only for those who pray the way they do and freedom of speech only for those who speak the way they do.

[Merkin]

Chris Kluwe is an extraordinary wordsmith and a wonderful human being.

[Gee Whillickers]

Absolutely epic response. Just perfect. Gosh, Burns might now be incensed enough to stop watching football!! What a horrible loss to all!

[Cole Parker]

The estimable Emmit has backed off and is now saying even fooball players have the right to express themselves.

I wonder if widespread condemnation on the internet, TV and in the press had anything to do with it?

C

[DesDownunder]

Cole, his backing off was due to you posting the story at AwesomeDude. He couldn't cope.

[Cole Parker]

I'm sure you're right, Des. Absolutely.

C