News Round-Up: July 6, 2016

Some news stories you may have missed:

• Over one billion people live in jurisdictions that have legalized same-sex marriage.

• Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson says same-sex marriage is to blame for 160,000 murders in America.

• What a surprise: Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus says Hillary Clinton obviously lied.

• An idiot has filed a lawsuit against the state of Kentucky for refusing to allow him to marry his laptop. He apparently thinks he's making a point of some kind...

• Zales is the first major jewelry store to carry a line of rings designed specifically for LGBT weddings and commitment ceremonies.

• Right-wing website readers really want Newt Gingrich to be Donald Trump's running mate.

• Democrats now have a nearly 70,000-voter advantage over Republicans among the more than 1.3 million active registered voters in Nevada.

• Gryffin drops acoustic version of "Heading Home" featuring Josef Salvat

DUCK DYNASTY Star Phil Robertson Endorses Ted Cruz For President

Sen. Ted Cruz lays claim to the high honor of being endorsed by the Duck people.

Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has released a new video wherein he goes duck hunting with Cruz, camouflage, grease paint and all.

You'll recall Phil Robertson is virulently anti-gay and got in some trouble a while back for sharing those opinions. It eventually brought about the demise of his popular show.

From the Houston Chronicle:

Robertson says in the endorsement video that his qualifications for a president include someone who is godly and who would “kill a duck and put him in a pot and make him a good duck gumbo.” He says Cruz “fits the bill.”

Cruz defended Robertson in 2014 when he got in trouble for declaring that gays are sinners and that African-Americans were happy under Jim Crow laws.

I did think it odd that Robertson kept referring to Cruz as "my man." What all goes on in those duck blinds?

Las Vegas: "Duck Commander Musical" To Close After Four Weeks

Duck Commander Musical, based on the popular reality TV show Duck Dynasty, has announced it will close May 17th.

The show had it's official opening on April 15th at the Rio’s Crown Theater in Las Vegas.

According to reports, calls were made to the crew today informing them the show would close.

To be fair, the reviews were not bad. Not GREAT mind you, but not bad. I hate seeing actors out of work, but clearly the brand has lost it's lustre.

The once popular reality juggernaut came under fire when the show's patriarch, Phil Robertson,gave an interview to GQ Magazine in 2013 where he shared anti-gay animus:

"It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.

[snip]

"Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men. Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right."

In the aftermath of the interview, the TV series saw a decline of 50% of it's audience.

Right Wing Rodeo

Some of the most outrageous things conservatives said this week:

• Erick Erickson: "The minimum wage is for people who have failed at life."
• Lou Dobbs: Drunk women pretty much get what's coming to them.
• Phil Robertson: "Convert them or kill them."

Duck Dynasty personality Phil Robertson says he's "as much of a homophobe as Jesus was"

Anti-gay Phil Robertson, of Duck Dynasty fame, has written a new book - UnPHILtered - to "clear the air" on several topics.

Of course, one of those being his now famous comments about gays in an GQ interview that saw him be suspended from his TV show.

In this interview with ABC, Robertson is asked if he thinks he's a homophobe. His response: I'm as much of a homophobe as Jesus was."

I somehow doubt that. Watch the interview below:

Homeless Center Director Carl Siciliano on Phil Robertson debacle

Graphic via Memeographs

"When Phil Robertson and others condemn LGBT people in the name of Christ, they help create a climate where many religious parents condemn their LGBT children.

"The Ali Forney Center is inundated with youths from across the country who have been thrown out of their homes by religious parents who rejected them. Over 200,000 LGBT youths are enduring homelessness in the USA.

"LGBT youth will not be safe until more Christians follow the example of Jesus Christ, who never uttered a word in judgment or condemnation of LGBT people."

- A Statement from Ali Forney Center Executive Director, Carl Siciliano, regarding Phil Robertson.

Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty: You need to marry a 15 year old girl

In this clip, Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty at the Sportsmen's Ministry in Georgia in 2009:

"Now that's a woman. They got to where they're hard to find. Mainly because these boys are waiting til they're twenty years old before they marry them.

"Look, you wait til they get to be twenty years old and the the only picking that's going to take place is your pocket.

"You got to marry these girls when they're about fifteen or sixteen and they'll pick your ducks."

Now, if an adult male were to "date" a 15 year old boy, he would be attacked as a pedophile.

You have to wonder about how those same "moralists" will react to Phil Robertson advising men to find wives who are 15 years old...?

A&E backpedals on "suspension" of Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty

A&E Networks has lifted the "indefinite" suspension of Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty.

Robertson set off a firestorm after his incendiary comments to GQ Magazine earlier this month comparing homosexuality to bestiality.  A&E's initial reactions was to "suspend" the patriarch from filming. 

Robertson has not missed any filming to date.

An A&E statement to The Hollywood Reporter read:

As a global media content company, A+E Networks’ core values are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect. We believe it is a privilege for our brands to be invited into people’s home and we operate with a strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to these principals.

That is why we reacted so quickly and strongly to a recent interview with Phil Robertson. While Phil’s comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs, and his own personal journey, he and his family have publicly stated they regret the “coarse language” he used and the mis-interpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article. He also made it clear he would “never incite or encourage hate.” We at A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article, and reiterate that they are not views we hold.

But Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man’s views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family… a family that America has come to love. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A+E Networks also feel strongly about.

So after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family.

We will also use this moment to launch a national public service campaign (PSA) promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people, a message that supports our core values as a company, and the values found in Duck Dynasty. These PSAs will air across our entire portfolio.

Sarah Palin admits she never read the Phil Robertson interview she defended

Well, this should come as no surprise.

Sarah Palin, the former half-term governor of Alaska, made an appearance on Greta Van Susteren's show last night to talk about the endangered species that is "free speech," and the Duck Dynasty debacle.

It turns out Ms. Palin, who jumped at the chance to stand up for Phil Robertson and his comments comparing homosexuality and bestiality, had never even read the interview.

When pressed by Fox News host Greta Van Susteren whether the language Robertson used when talking about his opposition to homosexuality was graphic and offensive, Palin admitted she didn’t know what Robertson had said.

“I haven’t read the article. I don’t know exactly how he said it,” Palin said Monday on Fox News’s “On the Record with Greta Van Susteren.”

After the GQ interview was published, Palin immediately came to Robertson’s defense by posting a statement on Facebook saying it was an issue of free speech and defended his comments in a TV appearance with Sean Hannity.

"I defend what he said! What did he say?"

Priceless.

(via Politico)

Phil Robertson - THIS is having your freedom stifled

Those folks protesting that Phil Robertson, of Duck Dynasty fame, has had his "freedom of speech" stifled by being suspended from the hit TV show might want to take a look at this American citizen sentenced to a year in jail in Dubai for making a "parody" video:

An American man detained for months in the United Arab Emirates and seven co-defendants were fined and sentenced to up to a year in prison Monday after being convicted in connection to a satirical video about youth culture in Dubai.

The video they produced and uploaded to the Internet was a spoof documentary of would-be "gangsta" youth in the Gulf Arab city-state. The state-owned daily The National said they were accused of "defaming the image of United Arab Emirates society abroad."

Shezanne Cassim, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen from Woodbury, Minn., became the public face of the defendants after his family launched an effort to publicize his months-long incarceration following his arrest in April.

Cassim, who was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Dubai for work after graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2006, was sentenced Monday to a year in prison followed by deportation and received a 10,000 dirham ($2,725) fine, according to family spokeswoman Jennifer Gore.

[snip]

Gulf Arab authorities have been cracking down on social media use over the past two years, with dozens of people arrested across the region for Twitter posts deemed offensive to leaders or for social media campaigns urging more political openness.

The video, called "Ultimate Combat System: The Deadly Satwa Gs," is set in the Satwa district of Dubai. It is a documentary style clip that pokes fun at Dubai youth who styled themselves "gangstas" but are not particularly thuggish, and shows fictional "combat" training that includes throwing a sandal and using a mobile phone to call for help.

THIS is losing your right to freedom of speech and expression.

Being suspended by your employer because you embarrassed them is not.

Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson breaks his silence, addresses his anti-gay comments in GQ Magazine

Following a firestorm over his anti-gay comments, Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson is explaining himself—though he isn't backing down. Robertson allowed the Daily Mail access to a Bible study group in his church. "I love all men and women. I am a lover of humanity, not a hater," he said in a speech.

As for his GQ comments, "I am just reading what was written over 2,000 years ago. Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom. All I did was quote from the scriptures, but they just didn’t know it. Whether I said it, or they read it, what’s the difference?"

Robertson led the group in prayer, noting that "I will not give or back off from my path because you conquered death, Father, so we are not worried about all the repercussions," the Hollywood Reporter notes.

Meanwhile, TMZ is reporting that the religious Hunt Channel and outdoor-focused Pursuit Channel are expressing interest in the Robertsons should A+E drop the hit TV show.

(via Newser)

Since Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty likes to quote the Bible...

Graphic via Jarred and Dave

I figure anti-gay but wealthy Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame must stay up late at night pondering this quote from Jesus in the Bible:

"And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter in to the kingdom of God." - Matthew 19:24

Things that make you go "hmm..."

Censorship - Duck Dynasty flap vs Happy Holidays

Clip description: "With the controversy over Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson' comments about homosexuality dominating cable news Thursday, Jon Stewart really had no choice but to offer the world his take on the issue. The Daily Show host took the opportunity to deliver a scathing take down of the "free speech absolutists" at Fox News.

"Look, I think what the guy said is ignorant," Stewart said, "but I also have an inclination to support a world where saying ignorant shit on television doesn't get you kicked off that medium." But does Fox News truly believe you shouldn't "pressure people to have to adhere to cultural norms of speech?"

"This led to an epic "War on Christmas" montage, after which Stewart explained that Fox's "belief in free speech doesn't extend to the holidays where the word Christmas is mandatory."

So, on one hand, the Teabaggers say Phil Robertson should be able to say what he wants with no repercussions.

BUT - folks during the holidays should be REQUIRED to use the word "Christmas" and not "Holidays" (i.e. "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays"). Isn't that censorship also? Don't people have a right to use the words "Happy Holidays" if they want without getting attacked?

Along the same lines, when Martin Bashir suggested someone should defecate in Sarah Palin's mouth (and subsequently had to resign from his position at MSNBC), why weren't the rignt wingers coming to HIS First Amendment defense?

Things that make you go "hmm..."

Video surfaces of more anti-gay animus by Duck Dynasty personality Phil Robertson

TMZ has posted a 3-year-old video shows “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson demonizing LGBT people as “insolent” and “evil.” Robertson apparently delivered the anti-gay sermon at Berean Bible Church in Pennsylvania.

“First they say, ‘There is no God. Get him out of your mind,’” Robertson said, waving a Bible. “Then they bow down to birds, animals and reptiles, and each other, and the first thing you see coming out of that book is gross sexual immorality.”

“Women with women, men with men, they committed indecent acts with one another, and they received in themselves the due penalty for their perversions,” Robertson said. “They’re full of murder, envy, strife, hatred. They are insolent, arrogant, God-haters. They are heartless, they are faithless, they are senseless, they are ruthless. They invent ways of doing evil. That’s what you have 235 years, roughly, after your forefathers founded the country.

Robertson was "suspended" by A+E Network as a result of anti-gay comments made in a GQ Magazine interview earlier this week.

In related news, the Robertson family has now issued a statement saying they won't do the show without their homophobic patriarch:

"As a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm. We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of 'Duck Dynasty.'"

Perspective: Attack On Freedom

Graphic via Politics with Jarred and Dave

Duck Dynasty personality Phil Robertson reacts on Twitte to suspension over homophobic comments

Megyn Kelly Panel outraged over Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson suspension

Just so you can see what passes for "fair and balanced" over at Faux News.

Summation of Megyn Kelly here - 'Really Reprehensible!' 'Word Police!'

From Mediaite:

After showing a statement from Robertson regarding his homophobic remarks, Kelly turned to the panel, and right off the bad Bernard Whitman condemned Robertson’s “disgusting,” “really reprehensible” remarks and said he should get the boot.

Arthur Aidala and Monica Crowley vehemently disagreed, and all three got in a heated back-and-forth about the free speech issues here. Aidala cried, “There’s something called the First Amendment!” Crowley called it a “classic example of the word police, political correctness.”

Whitman shot back that Robertson has every right to say hateful things at “hate speech conventions” but remarks like that have no place in the public square. He said, “Our country’s not founded on hate.” Aidala shot back, “No, it’s founded on free speech!”

A&E is a private company that clearly doesn't believe in homophobia, so they suspended an employee for making homophobic remarks. It's got nothing to do with freedom of speech or the First Amendment because this is not government censorship.

Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson suspended by A+E Network for anti-gay statements

Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty (L) with cast

“Duck Dynasty” personality Phil Robertson has been suspended from the A&E reality series, following anti-gay remarks he made in an interview with GQ magazine.

In a statement, A+E Networks said he had been placed on indefinite hiatus.

“We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series ‘Duck Dynasty,’” the company said. “His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.”

GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz applauded the suspension, saying that it sends “a strong message.”

“What’s clear is that such hateful anti-gay comments are unacceptable to fans, viewers, and networks alike,” Cruz said. “By taking quick action and removing Robertson from future filming, A&E has sent a strong message that discrimination is neither a Christian nor an American value.”

In his comments, Robertson compared equated homosexuality with bestiality, among other things.

Right wing websites are losing their minds saying this is an attack on free speech and the First Amendment. Quick refresher on a couple of things:

The 1st amendment does not mean you can say whatever you want to say. It only means the government cannot punish you. It was written aimed primarily at allowing people to criticize the government and governmental officials without reprimand.

Freedom of speech does not give you freedom from consequences. If you don't believe me, go into work tomorrow and call your boss an "asshole" and see what the First Amendment does for you. It's an easy exercise in how it all works.

Like I always say "Act like a fool, get treated like a fool."

(via The Wrap)

Duck Dynasty personality Phil Robertson backtracks slightly on anti-gay comments

As I reported earlier, “Duck Dynasty” personality Phil Robertson told GQ Magazinew that homosexuality is a “sin,” citing his Christian faith and the Bible as the basis of his belief:

“Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers — they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right,” he told the magazine.

Robertson has now issued a pseudo-apology sent by his network A&E to the Huffington Post:

“I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together,” says the duck hunter.

Robertson goes on, “However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.”

Being such a good Christian, I wonder - did Robertson think his original statement was "loving?"

GLAAD has  issued a statement slamming the reality star for his remarks.

“Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil’s lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe. He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans – and Americans – who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples,” says a spokesperson.

The rep adds, “Phil’s decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on A&E and his sponsors who now need to reexamine their ties to someone with such public disdain for LGBT people and families.”

Duck Dynasty personality Phil Robertson reveals anti-gay animus in GQ interview

Duck Dynasty personality Phil Robertson

Duck Dynasty personality (and Tea Party hero)  Phil Robertson has shares his anti-gay animus with GQ Magazine in an interview that includes this statement:

"It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.

[snip]

"Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men. Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right."

Bryan Fischer, of the anti-gay hate group American Family Association, is absolutely giddy over Robertson's statements:

This would be the same Bryan Fischer who has called for gay people to be criminalized, rounded up, and treated like drug addicts - and that's just the beginning of his attacks on the LGBT community).

In a press statement, GLAAD says that Robertson’s “statement is far outside of the mainstream understanding of LGBT people."

“In Louisiana, which passed a constitutional amendment banning marriage equality, 56% of the population support some sort of legal recognition, marriage or civil unions, for gay and lesbian couples according to Public Policy Polling released in August 2013.”