Liberal Gay agenda once again pushed on the mayor!

[Guest Peeves]

Your opinion is just that, while what I said is reality, as was what I had quoted from Black Dog's post. I quote: Pride Week in Toronto is one of Canada's premier arts and cultural festivals and one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.

"Arts and cultural." There is no "political." As I said, it's entertainment. Gays have won their rights in Canada, and again, this parade does not represent the gay community. If they want to celebrate their pride, good for them; but that's what it is - a celebration, not a political statement.

Cultural? Maybe? Political...it aint.

http://europetravelvids.com/3215/See_the_Gay_Pride_Parade_in_Toronto.html

[Guest American Woman]

You ignored the context of my post. I said the overtly political aspect has diminished, not vanished entirely.

You went on to say it was "replaced by the entertainment value." That's a quote. "Replaced." "Entertainment."

Incidentally, many gays I know don't participate because it's not political enough.

You do realize that's backing up my view, right?

You don't know what we're talking about when we use the term political, do you?

I sure do.

Yes, if you read the tourist bumf and ignore the entire history of the event then you're on to something.

This isn't about the "history," it's about the present. You know. How the political aspect has been diminished and "replaced" by the entertainment value.

[Guest American Woman]

Cultural? Maybe? Political...it aint.

http://europetravelvids.com/3215/See_the_Gay_Pride_Parade_in_Toronto.html

It's about as political as Mardi Gras.

[Guest Peeves]

Then that confirms my opinion that people who are aghast overinflate the importance of the parade. There are more meaningful ways to support "gay" rights, if one wishes to do so (and if one is so exclusive with their support for sexual freedoms).

[ed.: sp]

Yes, it seems some are forced to attend. I resent any pressure on anyone gay straight elected or citizen to attend, and I further resent any that claim someone should as a show of support. Support for what, licentious behavior by a few exhibitionists and lawbreaking?

http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/Home/ADFContent?cid=4832

"Firefighters forced to participate in ‘Gay Pride Parade’ win heated legal battle

ADF-allied attorney receives favorable verdict on harassment charge against city of San Diego on behalf of firefighters

SAN DIEGO — An Alliance Defense Fund allied attorney representing four San Diego firefighters received a favorable jury verdict Tuesday in a lawsuit against the city. The San Diego Fire Department disregarded the firefighters’ objections to taking part in the city’s “Gay Pride Parade” celebrating homosexual behavior and retaliated against them for later complaining about the harassment they endured during the event.

“Government employees should never be forced to participate in events or acts that violate their sincerely held beliefs,” said ADF-allied attorney Charles LiMandri, the West Coast Regional Director of the Thomas More Law Center. “We are pleased with the jury’s verdict recognizing the firefighters’ right to abstain from activities that they consider morally offensive and that subject them to harassment.”

After being forced to participate--despite numerous objections--in San Diego’s 2007 “Gay Pride Parade,” four firefighters from the SDFD were sexually harassed through lewd cat calls and obscene gestures at the event, which was replete with sexual displays and graphic images. The firefighters then suffered harassment and retaliation after complaining to superiors about the parade. The city was well aware of the firefighters’ objection to participating in the parade because of its lascivious nature exhibited in past years, including unwanted sexual comments and gestures from participants and spectators.

“Many people may mistakenly think the ‘gay pride’ parade is merely a ‘fun’ event,” said ADF Senior Counsel Joe Infranco, who is co-counsel in the case. “They never would have imagined the crude sexual harassment these firefighters were forced to endure. But in truth, the goal of homosexual behavior advocates is to undermine society’s long-held values. They continue to seek this, whether by demanding participation in ‘gay pride’ parades or by trampling the democratic process to redefine marriage.”

After the lawsuit Ghiotto v. City of San Diego was filed in the Superior Court for the County of San Diego, the fire department changed its policy so employees will no longer be forced to participate against their will.

ADF is a legal alliance of Christian attorneys and like-minded organizations defending the right of people to freely live out their faith. ...."

[Guest Peeves]

It's about as political as Mardi Gras.

There have in the distant past at least been a few arrests. I can equate it to the carnival like atmosphere I've experienced i say Trinidad or as I've seen reported from Mardi Gras parades. I've seen bikers topless by the score in Myrtle Beach, and I can understand reluctance to charge them either. But to claim it doesn't occur, that it's for a cause today political, gay or otherwise is disingenuous.

I respect anyones right to attend or not as they see fit, but any elected official must stand by their own convictions and position and if some would fault them for that, for standing on their principles then be honest why. The political aspect is the mayor's political position on socialists and unions, so any guise for attacking him is grist for 'their' mill.

The parade is a celebration.

http://www.realwomenca.com/archives/newsletter/2002_july_aug/article_7.html

[Black Dog]

You went on to say it was "replaced by the entertainment value." That's a quote. "Replaced." "Entertainment."

You do realize that's backing up my view, right?

I sure do.

This isn't about the "history," it's about the present. You know. How the political aspect has been diminished and "replaced" by the entertainment value.

Mindless, worthless pedantry all.

[Black Dog]

The parade is a celebration.

So a celebration can't be political?

[Guest American Woman]

The parade is a celebration.

The parade is a celebration, entertainment, and as such, it should be up to individuals to attend or not attend as they see fit. I think this sums it up well: Barbara Kay wrote in the National Post, “Pride has no more legal and political ambitions to fulfil. The revolution is over. Pride is no longer about ‘support’ for gays. Now it’s all about having gay-themed fun. They don’t need politicians for that.”

It has been about more than just "gay-themed fun," however; the parade has been used as a venue for promoting anti-Israel views, for example. Why should any politician be expected to support such an event?

Edited April 20, 2012 by American Woman

[Guest American Woman]

Mindless, worthless pedantry all.

The definition of any variation of "pedant" should include: "most overly used word on internet forums by those who best represent the characteristics themselves."

[msj]

Mindless, worthless pedantry all.

Could you imagine if American Woman and g_bambino had kids?

Fortunately they're so pedantic I doubt they could figure out how.

[Guest American Woman]

Could you imagine if American Woman and g_bambino had kids?

Fortunately they're so pedantic I doubt they could figure out how.

See the post just above yours - thanks for offering more proof.

[g_bambino]

Fortunately they're so pedantic I doubt they could figure out how.

Unfortunately, your parents somehow did.

[Guest American Woman]

Unfortunately, your parents somehow did.

Or it may just have been dumb luck, emphasis on the dumb.

[g_bambino]

I guess if you believe, as Ford does, that being a politician is simply a non-stop campaign, then yeah sure. I don't think it's a bad thing to hope for someone a little less cynical though.

All politicians... Okay, most politicians are in constant campaign mode (maybe I'm a cynic, but when I see a politician at Pride, I can't help but think he or she is there, at least in part, with the next election in mind); it's just that the majority of them tone it down between one drop of the writs and the next. But, yea, Ford does seem to be constantly stuck in campaign high gear.

Obviously Ford's made his priorities known, and "queer culture" isn't amongst the top (then again, what culture is important to him, other than "jock culture"?). That's okay by me, personally, though. If he were openly hostile towards people who don't identify as "straight", then that'd be a different matter. So far as I can tell, he hasn't been.

[g_bambino]

Political...it aint.

There is still a political element to it; it remains a "rebellious" spectacle. (Though, I think, as homosexuality becomes more normalised, Pride's rebelliousness will continue to diminish, which may lead to its eventual demise. Hell, I even think the notion of "gay" (and its counterpart, "straight") will one day fade out of our collective consciousness and be replaced by something less polarised.)

[ed.: sp]

Edited April 20, 2012 by g_bambino

[nittanylionstorm07]

Leviticus 18:22

"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1162122--pride-toronto-issues-invitation-to-rob-ford?bn=1#comments

Mayor Rob Ford will receive his official invitation to Pride Toronto 2012 festivities on Monday or Tuesday, but he has already ignored an olive branch from a prominent gay member of council.

Rob Ford has a family, aka children and a WIFE.

this is more important than witnessing live transfer of HIV and other diseases.

You should consider moving to the southern US where your views are not only tolerated, but considered normal.

[cybercoma]

Your opinion is just that, while what I said is reality, as was what I had quoted from Black Dog's post. I quote: Pride Week in Toronto is one of Canada's premier arts and cultural festivals and one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.

"Arts and cultural." There is no "political." As I said, it's entertainment. Gays have won their rights in Canada, and again, this parade does not represent the gay community. If they want to celebrate their pride, good for them; but that's what it is - a celebration, not a political statement.

You see, I'm not stupid enough to say that Pride Week has nothing to do with entertainment because it does. However, you keep saying specifically that there is NOTHING political about it. You're wrong and their Mission and Values makes it clear. Denying the political aspects of pride is "complete nonsense" to quote Shady.

http://www.pridetoronto.com/about/mission-vision-values/

[msj]

Or it may just have been dumb luck, emphasis on the dumb.

Now now you two.

Stop flirting with each other.

[Jack Weber]

He's a politician. Like all politicians, he ultimately represents that faction of the voting public that voted for him.

It's really that simple,isn't it?

[Guest Peeves]

It's really that simple,isn't it?

And isn't expecting the gay vote since he ran against Smitherman, a gay icon. Whether he attends the Pride parade or not, matters not a damn in so far as votes go. He will likely gain as many as he loses which ever way he goes.

Personally I don't care if he attends or not, but I do respect a person that stands on their convictions in the face of political posturing by those from the left out to fault what ever he does.

I will fault him if he attends even while laws are being broken.

Edited April 21, 2012 by Peeves

[Guest Peeves]

You should consider moving to the southern US where your views are not only tolerated, but considered normal.

Such a considerate suggestion. It might have been worse like suggesting a move out of out of country.

In Iran gays would be hung.

Of course Iran says there are no gays in Iran.

[Guest Peeves]

All politicians... Okay, most politicians are in constant campaign mode (maybe I'm a cynic, but when I see a politician at Pride, I can't help but think he or she is there, at least in part, with the next election in mind); it's just that the majority of them tone it down between one drop of the writs and the next. But, yea, Ford does seem to be constantly stuck in campaign high gear.

Obviously Ford's made his priorities known, and "queer culture" isn't amongst the top (then again, what culture is important to him, other than "jock culture"?). That's okay by me, personally, though. If he were openly hostile towards people who don't identify as "straight", then that'd be a different matter. So far as I can tell, he hasn't been.

Pretty much agree.

[Guest American Woman]

You see, I'm not stupid enough to say that Pride Week has nothing to do with entertainment because it does.

Then there's hope for you yet.

[Jack Weber]

And isn't expecting the gay vote since he ran against Smitherman, a gay icon. Whether he attends the Pride parade or not, matters not a damn in so far as votes go. He will likely gain as many as he loses which ever way he goes.

Personally I don't care if he attends or not, but I do respect a person that stands on their convictions in the face of political posturing by those from the left out to fault what ever he does.

I will fault him if he attends even while laws are being broken.

Would you respect a person who stood on thier convictions in the face of political posturing from those on the right...

Let's hypothetically say a mayor that attended Israel Apartheid Week events??

(By the way,I don't agree with Israel Apartheid Week stuff,I'm just sayin'...)

[Argus]

I get what you're saying, but he's not in campaign mode. He's a figure in public office. He's the leader of the city. He should be making an appearance to show that as leader of the city he welcomes and accepts the gay community there.

And do you honestly think he'd be welcomed and accepted?