Staff Editorial: On Rep. Sally Kern
Carrie Cronk
Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: Opinion
An elected state representative of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City recently committed a grievous disservice to the people of the state.
Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) did an excellent job of misrepresenting her constituents and the State of Oklahoma when she spoke using what many would consider to be homophobic rhetoric.
The media has made numerous reports about Kern's quote "I honestly think it's the biggest threat ... our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat." Many opinion threads have pointed out she has a right to express her opinion as granted by the First Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights.
I can't argue that fact, however, when a person is elected to represent the people of a district, city, state, etc., their voice ceases to be their own, and they now must consider what consequences their words will have on their constituents.
In my opinion it's ignorance and intolerance that are the greatest threat to this nation. Kern's comments are evidence of her own ignorance and intolerance of at least two groups of our society and the issues concerning them.
Kern said, "Not everybody's lifestyle is equal, just like not all religions are equal." Yet, the Declaration of Independence states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
Kern also said in her lecture that the "homosexual agenda is destroying this country." She went on to say, "Gays are infiltrating city councils," and that student organizations such as the Gay and Straight Alliance are entering our schools to "indoctrinate" our children.
Kern said she taught school for 20 years, but then said, "We're not teaching facts and knowledge anymore folks. We're teaching indoctrination." According to Merriam-Webster's 11th Collegiate Dictionary, to indoctrinate has two definitions: to instruct, or "to imbue with a usually partisan or sectarian opinion, point of view or principle." Well, I'd have to agree in Kern's case. Her lecture most certainly provided a sectarian point of view regarding Islam and homosexuality.
Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) did an excellent job of misrepresenting her constituents and the State of Oklahoma when she spoke using what many would consider to be homophobic rhetoric.
The media has made numerous reports about Kern's quote "I honestly think it's the biggest threat ... our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat." Many opinion threads have pointed out she has a right to express her opinion as granted by the First Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights.
I can't argue that fact, however, when a person is elected to represent the people of a district, city, state, etc., their voice ceases to be their own, and they now must consider what consequences their words will have on their constituents.
In my opinion it's ignorance and intolerance that are the greatest threat to this nation. Kern's comments are evidence of her own ignorance and intolerance of at least two groups of our society and the issues concerning them.
Kern said, "Not everybody's lifestyle is equal, just like not all religions are equal." Yet, the Declaration of Independence states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
Kern also said in her lecture that the "homosexual agenda is destroying this country." She went on to say, "Gays are infiltrating city councils," and that student organizations such as the Gay and Straight Alliance are entering our schools to "indoctrinate" our children.
Kern said she taught school for 20 years, but then said, "We're not teaching facts and knowledge anymore folks. We're teaching indoctrination." According to Merriam-Webster's 11th Collegiate Dictionary, to indoctrinate has two definitions: to instruct, or "to imbue with a usually partisan or sectarian opinion, point of view or principle." Well, I'd have to agree in Kern's case. Her lecture most certainly provided a sectarian point of view regarding Islam and homosexuality.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 14
Lawrence
posted 3/13/08 @ 3:58 PM CST
Bravo - a well-worded opinion. Sadly, my hopes for a well-worded, reasoned and objective response from Kern herself are likely to be dashed.
Brian
posted 3/13/08 @ 7:58 PM CST
Sally Kern has done more for the gay community than all the PR work of the HRC, GLAAD, and Queer Eye for the Straight Eye combined. Only that nightmare Fred Phelps shocks our conscience more, and that's 'cause he hates dead American soldiers just for living in a country where gays exist. (Continued…)
Steve
posted 3/13/08 @ 7:59 PM CST
While I think that she went overboard in saying things like it was a greater threat to America than terrorists, Representative Kern represents many if not most southerners in their distates for homosexuality. (Continued…)
FRANK LAWRENCE
posted 3/14/08 @ 8:45 AM CST
WHY IS EVERY ONE SO OFFENDED WHEN SOMEONE AFREES WITH WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS?
steven joseph rotolo
posted 3/14/08 @ 9:47 AM CST
Well... I read a transcript of Ms. Kern's edifying diatribe against homosexuals, and I am astounded at the amount of scientific information contained therein. (Continued…)
T. Wright
posted 3/14/08 @ 9:57 AM CST
I am absolutely appalled at the level of ignorance Rep. Kern showed through this dialog. It truly shows her lack of historical facts, compassion for her fellow (voting) Americans and an absolute reliance on a faith/fear based upbringing. (Continued…)
Susan
posted 3/15/08 @ 9:49 AM CST
As a gay Christian and a Republican from Iowa, I do appreciate seeing this article and I think you are right on. I don't think all Republicans and/or Oklahomans think the same as of Sally Kern. (Continued…)
Andi Adams
posted 3/15/08 @ 10:30 PM CST
You hit it right on the nose, Ms. Cronk. It is about tolerance. It is about being the voice of your constituency.
I also appreciated the eveness of your reply. (Continued…)
Lynda Amburn
posted 3/16/08 @ 2:15 AM CST
Well said. Sally Kern has no respect for gays or Muslims. I can't believe she is still in office. OK is not OK.
Stephen and Bonita Ann Richie
posted 3/16/08 @ 10:15 AM CST
The darkened hearts of many may condemn Sally's remarks but The LORD Jesus is so very honored by her. She spoke truth. May The LORD Jesus ever bless her and her labor of love for and to Him. (Continued…)
Post a Comment