Though it could be argued that Santorum’s comments were directed specifically at the Supreme Court case in question, there seems to be little ambiguity surrounding Elsie Wayne’s comments. So what do we all think? … beyond the immediate knee-jerk reaction (which in this case could involve laughing in disbelief, vomiting in disgust, or hanging your head in shame, or applauding her gumption).
Specifically, is this an example of her entitlement “as a citizen… to express her personal opinions” as Joe Clark (her party leader) maintains? Should she be disciplined? Is it appropriate to call for her resignation? I haven’t yet formulated my own answers to these questions and I’m especially anxious to hear the perspectives of some of the more politically savvy dopers (though everyone is more than welcome to chime in!)
Also, feel free to address the issue of “why (homosexuals) have to be out here in the public, always debating that they want to call it marriage? Why are they in parades? Why are men dressed up as women on floats?” I think the answer to these questions are obvious. However, if you take the time to read some Letters From Readers it seems that a fair number of Canadians are under the delusion that gays and lesbians either already have the same rights as everyone else, or that they shouldn’t expect the same rights as everyone else in the first place.
I categorically disagree with Wayne’s statements, but obviously it would not be appropriate for Clark to demand her resignation. MPs aren’t supposed to resign because they did something stupid or unpopular, they’re supposed to resign when they do something illegal or unethical or lose the confidence of their party. Wayne hasn’t done anything illegal or unethical and she hasn’t lost the confidence of her party.
However, I won’t cry if her constituents turf her out in the next vote.
Good old Svend Robinson. He checked my boyfriend out once… Boyfriend was in downtown Ottawa, waiting at a bus stop in the rain, and Svend walked by, sorta staring at him. A couple minutes later he walked by in the other direction and looooked at him again…
The guy’s pretty cool on his own merits, but he has a special place in my heart because of this.
For some great entertainment, check out the video of her interview on CBC news morning. (The link for the video can be found on the same page as the article.) The reporter directly confronts her on the issue of her homosexual ‘friends’. Her response (or lack-there-of) is certainly entertaining.
