Edmonton Gay rights activist Rob Wells has been a busy man. Arguably the guy most responsible for scuttling Alberta Tory Craig Chandler's candidacy, Mr. Wells has, in quick succession, launched CHRC complaints against Christian Heritage Party leader Ron Gray, and now Catholic Insight magazine, for "targeting homosexuals".
In this case, I am not sure I have much sympathy for Mr. Wells. Strictly legal aspects of the case aside, I have never heard of Catholic Insight (although apparently Michael Coren writes a column for them). I would further wager that it is not on Mr. Wells usual reading list. Even assuming that the content is offensive in the manner suggested, his actions smack of deliberately seeking out reasons for outrage. Other than providing an excuse for an activist to stay active, what possible good will pursuing what is essentially a Catholic little magazine (the editors have described low circulation as being a chronic problem) do?
"In this case, I am not sure I have much sympathy for Mr. Wells."
ReplyDeleteWow, what a powerful, strongly worded defense of free speech. Quick, somebody engrave that in granite!
It's better than nothing, though, and after a conference call with the swing and overnight shift anonymii we've decided to offer a joint statement of congratulations.
Thanks Biff.
ReplyDeleteNote that the complaint was actually filed in February. Catholic Insight is talking about it now in the hopes they can piggy-back on the publicity from the complaints made about the more mainstream Maclean's and Red Deer Advocate, magazines that, unlike Catholic Insight, aren't focussed on hatemongering. A rule of thumb is that anyt publication endorsed by "Lifesite" is almost certain to be pure filth.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to bear in mind that having the word "Catholic" in the title does not in any way make a publication the voice of the Church. In this case, it's a publication for those who think the Catholic Church doesn't hate gays enough and REALLY needs to start ramping it up.
Wow, what a powerful, strongly worded defense of free speech. Quick, somebody engrave that in granite!
ReplyDeleteSettle down, Tinkerbell. Your hissy sarcasm is so strident it's becoming almost ultrasonic.
These types of publications enable the various and sundry addictions and delusions of people like Michael Coren and Kathy Shaidle. My usual position is to not rush to their defense, as I believe parading the clinically insane in the media and providing their corrupted psyches with a hint of respectability is obscene.
These types of publications enable the various and sundry addictions and delusions of people like Michael Coren and Kathy Shaidle. My usual position is to not rush to their defense, as I believe parading the clinically insane in the media and providing their corrupted psyches with a hint of respectability is obscene.
ReplyDeleteThis type of comment is beneath contempt. It's your way or no way, eh?
Stop screeching, Biff.
ReplyDeleteIt's your way or no way, eh?
The type of insanity floated in those rags isn't any way at all.
Well guys, ever ask why the CHP and the Catholic incite organizations haven't publicly disclosed the complete text of the human rights complaints?
ReplyDeleteYou can be assured that the CHRC would have rejected these complaints a long time ago if they were not on solid ground.
A good test on any hate message issue is to substitute black, or Jew for homosexual, and then see how it reads..
Stay tuned to see how this plays out. Chandler may not be the last to pay a price for bigotry and hatred.
Removing hate messages from the Internet can hardly be described as "seeking out reasons for outrage". You should be aware that the complaint against Catholic Insight (or should that be INCITE?) has nothing to do with the magazine, but only the material that they have posted on their Internet site.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you would have a better understanding of the harm caused by hate messages if you had been targetted, or assaulted.
But, I really don't wish that on anyone, not even the Catholic Insight website's editor. But then, who would ever mistake a Catholic Priest for a homosexual??
I just read that a friend in rural Alberta had a rainbow sign at his driveway entrance blasted to bits by a shotgun. But, I'm sure that the thugs who did it were only motivated by good Catholic teachings!
A few more beers, and a little more Catholic Insight propaganda, and next time they'll shoot up the gay man instead of the sign.
Then, will there be enough reason for outrage???