Gay Apartheid

[innerSpaceman]

You got it right, Betty.

For years, decades in fact, Republicans have been using the power of de-funding to defeat elements of passed legislation they could not defeat with votes.

The Dems don't try this nearly as much (but maybe because they didn't have as much opportunity).

In any event, though it's a back-channel way of stopping DADT, Obama once again looks hypocritical (in a way) for having his administration put pressure on to short circuit this method. Of course, this may not exactly be the "act of Congress" Obama was looking for, but it IS an act of Congress and he should get on board (imo)


Of course, I admit this is sort of in line with him refusing to simply order a stop to the investigations and firings, which he has the power to do. He said he would not, and wants an act of Congress. I suppose he meant an actual law repealing DADT, but he's responsible for his choice of words.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

from The Advocate

Hawaii Warriors football coach Greg McMackin used the word "faggot" three times when discussing rival team Notre Dame at a media preview on Thursday, then turned around and asked the press not to use the word in quoting him because he didn’t "want to…have every homosexual ticked off at [him]."

Well guess what coach, they told! And it ain't just us faggots who are pissed.

TowleRoad has the video of his apology.

[innerSpaceman]

Caveat: I read a transcript of his apology and did not watch the video.

But ... if his apology was carefully crafted to seem sincere, I think he succeeded. Because it was one of the rare apologies that did not creep with lawyertalk and seemed, to me, to actually come from the thoughts of the man offering the apology.

In this day and age, I give points for that.


I also say, "That's So Gay" pretty often ... so faggot dance is not really going to get me up in arms.

[Alex]

As punishment they have to go back to being the Rainbow Warriors. I'm still annoyed they changed it.

[Gemini Cricket]

I wrote a couple of letters and made a couple of calls.

Responses below. The font inconsistency from the president's office is true (I reproduced it here - LoT didn't have the same font) and made me laugh a little.

Mr. DeCaires,


As I said to the media shortly after this was reported to me
(see http://www.kitv.com/video/20231155/index.html), I am angered and disappointed by the statement attributed to Coach McMackin. It certainly does not represent the values of the University of Hawaii.


The coach of the football team of the University of Hawaii at Manoa -- one of the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaii system -- reports to UH Manoa Athletics Director Jim Donovan. Donovan in turn reports directly to the leader of the UH Manoa campus, Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw; both are copied on this reply. They will have direct responsibility for handling this matter going forward.


Tomorrow marks the end of my five years of service as the University of Hawaii President. Vice President Linda Johnsrud will be Acting President until M.R.C. Greenwood arrives in Hawaii on August 20. I am also copying VP Johnsrud on this reply.


David McClain
President
University of Hawaii System

Dear Mr. DeCaires,

I share your deep disappointment and concern about Coach McMackin's comments at the WAC meeting. As I indicated in my press release today, "Hurtful language like this has no place in our community, and particularly not among leaders of our UH Mānoa campus. Athletic Director Jim Donovan and I will be discussing with Coach McMackin further steps that will be taken to reaffirm his and our commitment to fair and equal treatment of all. We have a strong relationship with our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community, including Student Services Coordinator Camaron Miyamoto, so we are already working with them as to the best approach to address this issue."

I appreciate your writing and letting me hear your concerns, because UH Mānoa is truly committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment for all members of our community. Mahalo - Virginia Hinshaw

[Gemini Cricket]

Another:

Mr. DeCaires:
I sincerely apologize for Coach McMackin's offensive remarks -- he clearly made a very serious mistake. Regardless of the details of how the statement was made, or the outcome of this situation, I intend to use this hurtful and unfortunate incident to further teach our staff and student-athletes that diversity and appreciation of others is a mandate and not a choice of convenience or circumstance.

That said, I believe Coach McMackin is sincerely apologetic, and I can say in all my interactions with him in the past 16 months (including being on the road with him for about 8 days in Japan earlier this spring) I have never heard him say a derogatory or disparaging remark about anyone. That is why what he said yesterday is even more shocking and disappointing.

I talked to Coach McMackin yesterday and again this morning by phone (he was in Salt Lake City yesterday) and I believe he is truly remorseful for what he said. Also, Coach McMackin is scheduled to meet with me and the Chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa later this morning.

I can't comment on disciplinary action or possible/pending disciplinary action for state employees, so I just can't say much in regard to that aspect of your email...

I appreciate you getting in touch with us and letting us know how you feel about this situation -- and I will take your thoughts and email into account as we move forward.

Thanks again for letting us know how you feel, and on behalf of the UH Athletic Department I again sincerely apologize for Coach McMackin's offensive statements.

Jim Donovan

Athletics Director
University of Hawaii at Manoa

1337 Lower Campus Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 956-7301

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I agree that it was a well crafted apology and that he is probably sincere.

But I'm left with the nagging question: why did he say that in the first place? three times!

[innerSpaceman]

Yeah, 3 times is a little bizarre for a faux-pas.

All I can say is thank goodness I represent no one but myself and no one goes around youtubing what I say.

[Gemini Cricket]

Coach McMackin suspended for 30 days without pay. He will volunteer to coach the team in the meantime. His pay will go to gay causes.

Source

[innerSpaceman]

Can we submit Grant Proposals? I'm thinking the iSm Needs a Man Now Fund is a worthy gay cause!!