Arizona has made quite a name for itself in recent years, being the infamous state that passed the toughest anti immigration bill, SB 1070, in 2010, causing an uproar, and eventually having several major provisions of the law being declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, while keeping some parts of the controversial law, and hurting Arizona tourism and public image irrevocably.
Now Governor Jan Brewer has until Tuesday to decide whether to sign a new anti gay law, that allows all public services to be denied gay and lesbian people, if the people providing the services choose not to deal with them on religious grounds. Business owners could declare their opposition to homosexuality, and refuse to give service to such customers.
Such a law is unconstitutional and reprehensible, as one’s religious beliefs do not and should not include the right to discriminate against anyone!
If such a law was to be upheld, it would, effectively, make gays and lesbians second class citizens, a sexual “apartheid”, a group that would be denied public services on the basis of someone claiming to be a “good” Christian, when there is absolutely no way that the teachings of Jesus Christ could be interpreted as promoting hate and prejudice against ANYONE!
If this could be allowed, then why not refuse services to Jews, African Americans, Latinos, disabled people, women, the elderly, etc? The Civil Rights Act of 1964 would be upended, precisely 50 years after its passage!
Anyone can be anti gay, or anti African American, or anti Jewish, or anti Latino, etc in their THOUGHTS, as no one can control that, but NO ONE should EVER be able to use religious orthodoxy to discriminate, mistreat, condemn in their public activities regarding such people!
If one wishes to work with the public, one MUST serve ALL Of the public, whether one likes it or not!
Otherwise, imagine the tow truck driver who will not give service to a driver who has a flat tire; or the pharmacist who will not give service to a customer for a prescription; or the nurse who will not give medical services in a hospital to a customer on religious grounds; or the gas station attendant who will not allow a person to buy gasoline; or any business owner in any type of store dealing with the public who refuses service, including the much discussed cake maker who will not bake a cake for a gay couple (but could also be a Jewish couple, or a interracial couple)!
Realize also that many “straight” people could be wrongfully tagged as being gay or lesbian. There are people who may seem effeminate in gesture or voice who are NOT gay or lesbian. There are people who may dress a certain way that makes some people think they are gay or lesbian. There could two men or two women, with or without kids, who some might think are gay and lesbian, but are not. The fact that a majority of gay men and women do not “act” gay or lesbian (whatever that prejudicial feeling is supposed to be), makes the whole idea of discrimination even more outrageous and despicable!
This is not the Russian Federation, nor Nigeria, nor Uganda, all nations where right wing evangelicals have campaigned to pass anti gay laws! It is the United States of America, and we cannot tolerate ANY such prejudice or mistreatment in the United States!
Any professional, as in medicine, for instance, who would refuse to serve anyone on the basis of religion, should have his or her license to practice taken away, as he or she is violating the Hippocratic Oath to serve all people!
This is a time to crack down and make clear that there will be NO tolerance of any prejudice or discrimination by anyone, that it will lead to legal action, prosecution, and punishment within the limits of the law!
There is no room for bigotry in American, based on so called religious principles, in America in the year 2014 and beyond! It is time to crack down once and for all!
Exactly! It’s anti-human!
Wow Ron. We move from one controversy to another. So, do people just want to read your post and comment on it? Or would people like to do something about it? I would like to share a tactic we used here in Illinois. Here is a list of Arizona based businesses.
Best Western- TGI Fridays- Cold Stone Creamery- Allied Waste- Discount Tire- Dial soap- Fender guitars- Courtyard Inn- Residence Inn- PF Chang’s- PetSmart- Tilted Kilt- U-Haul. And the list goes on. Don’t be afraid to contact Arizona’s legislators and let them know you will stop frequenting these nation wide chains. Don’t be afraid to also contact these corporations and let them know that it may be understood that they do not share the same views on LGBT rights, they will be held most culpable.
It might be wrong, but let’s face it. The greedy pricks have the money and power to manipulate law. May as well use it to our advantage.
I think your idea is great, and must be employed if Brewer signs the bill into law. Also, the Super Bowl should be moved elsewhere for 2015 as a punishment!
JOB lists some nation-wide companies based in Arizona. Just because they are based in Arizona doesn’t mean that they are automatically in favor of the ban. You boycott only the ones who favor the ban, otherwise you’ll be hurting some businesses unfairly.
Good point Leia.
Princess Leia, what you say rings true! Thanks!
I wonder how a business is going to determine if someone is gay. Two men or two women eating together at a restaurant doesn’t automatically mean they are gay.
YES, Rustbelt Democrat, it is totally preposterous and ridiculous!
If a place of business determines “gayness” by stereotypes, there are going to be tons of lawsuits, as stereotyping will not work. But even worse is, as I said above, the tow truck driver, the pharmacist, the nurse, the doctor, the gas station attendant, etc–who will not serve people in need–wow, massive troubles ahead, and the whole concept of prejudice and discrimination present in the law is as bad as Jim Crow racial segregation!
Stand back. Look the big picture here. And you realize all this garbage from Republican legislators, which give the appearance of merely screwing with the people, is recognition that they are losing. (And, quite possibly, dying.)
I think this current Republican Party, going by “GOP,” should change its logo to show a map of the United States being set ablaze by, presumably, one or more recognizable politicians from the so-called party.
(I might prefer some obscure figure to represent a front group. Perhaps the designer could borrow from that iconic, 1967 Beatles’ album cover of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”: a collage of Republican pols, and/or shadowy figures, lighting the United States of America on fire.)
YES, D, the party that promoted the fight against slavery, now is following the lead of the Russian Federation, Uganda, and Nigeria. Isn’t that great company? 🙁
Apple is one of several major companies against the anti-gay bill.
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/02/25/3328891/apple-arizona-anti-gay/
Princess Leia, Arizona will suffer tremendously if Jan Brewer signs the bill. What one wonders is why she is procrastinating, and therefore, creating a bad image for her state and herself!
“JOB lists some nation-wide companies based in Arizona. Just because they are based in Arizona doesn’t mean that they are automatically in favor of the ban. You boycott only the ones who favor the ban, otherwise you’ll be hurting some businesses unfairly.”
You are correct Leia in regards to your statement regarding the companies I listed not necessarily agreeing with the new law. But I believe I explained myself in my comment, “It might be wrong, but let’s face it. The greedy pricks have the money and power to manipulate law. May as well use it to our advantage.”
I stand fast by what I said, and the article you linked today proves it. The NFL is hinting at pulling out, and now Apple sort of (wink-wink) hints to it. They don’t mind sending jobs to Asia but, Ah that’s another topic. Anyway Leia, my point is simple. Is it right boycott and hurt business of corporations that don’t necessarily agree with this legislation. Not really, but let’s face it. They’re the ones who can get things done in that state. Why do you think Apple and Marriott are suddenly appealing to Brewer’s good nature? Maybe it’s the cynical side of me, but I can’t help but think it’s because they know it will hurt their national business. The question you have to ask yourself Leia? Does the unfairness of possibly hurting some of these corporation’s profits outweigh the unfairness of our citizens civil rights? Keep up the good fight…………. 🙂
JOB,
I like to look at things in a more optimistic approach.
I tend to be in the middle when it comes to economics.
Well Leia, that’s good to hear, because the country needs balance. There are plenty of people like me. We need more of you.
Same way with me Jane Doe.
I’ve gotten to the point that I think that economic evolution is inevitable.
Good point Leia. Thus far, the developed world has transitioned from an agricultural economy to industrial economy to post-industrial/mass production economy to knowledge economy.
Wonderful piece on AlterNet that brings that up: http://www.alternet.org/story/154056/why_going_%27back_to_normal%27_is_no_longer_an_option_for_the_american_economy_–_and_where_we%27re_headed_now?page=0%2C2
Thanks, Pragmatic Progressive!
Even the jobs that are out there are becoming more and more automated. Self-checkouts at Walmart anyone?
I do not shop at Walmart, but I know what you’re talking about.
It seems to me that our sci-fi fantasies are becoming realities.
“Even the jobs that are out there are becoming more and more automated.”
Increasing the minimum wage will accelerate that transition.
The higher the minimum wage, the more machines will help you instead of humans.
So, Mark, I guess your answer is to NEVER raise the minimum wage, no matter how high the cost of living goes over a decade or more, right? It is already behind the cost of living by a massive amount, but yet NEVER raise it, so have a permanent under class of “slaves” to do a lot of the jobs, heh? This is your idea of the future of America? And you expect that the people will stand still and allow this to happen? 🙁
Your alternative increases unemployment and machines which replaces workers. It’s simple logic that as the cost of labor increases, machines become more competitive.
There should be no minimum wage.
“so have a permanent under class of “slaves†to do a lot of the jobs, heh”
If you increase the wage, a number of these people will no longer earn a low wage. They will earn no wage at all because they’ll become unemployed.
So your answer is to have a permanent “Slave” class, which means the American Dream is dead, and poverty will spread further. What a horrible scenario!
What really makes me laugh about Mark’s argument is that he wants to see minimum wage abolished. Most likely because he thinks that a true Ayn Rand “Free Market” will fix all our woes. It is so funny that it is sad. Instead of bitching about Fortune 500 companies receiving 63 Billion in U.S tax subsidies (which isn’t very Galt) his beef seems to be with minimum wage. A wage so low that employees qualify for food assistance and housing assistance programs. Paid for by U.S. tax payers. And then presumably bitch about the amount of taxes that he pays. But it’s a noble thing you’re doing Mark. Let’s keep arguing the Cavuto and Dobb’s talking points for the simple fact that it makes me laugh. But at the height of my laughter, I am brought back down to reality by one fact. That you probably vote.
JOB, thanks so much for showing how ridiculous and ignorant Mark is on this topic!
JOB, the higher the minimum wage, the more machines you’ll see helping you in stores, instead of human beings, and then you’ll enjoy yours and the professor’s dream of seeing more people unemployed.
“That you probably vote.”
Of course not. Almost every candidate supports the minimum wage, so I can’t vote for them. Or if they don’t support the minimum wage, they support some other abomination.
Tell me, Mark, how are people to live, pay their bills, and bring up children? If they cannot make a decent wage, there is no hope for a vast majority of Americans!
“Instead of bitching about Fortune 500 companies receiving 63 Billion in U.S tax subsidies”
That’s just because it isn’t the topic at hand. I oppose corporate welfare and I stated many times that I was against the bailout and in favor of letting Goldman Sachs go bankrupt.
“Tell me, Mark, how are people to live, pay their bills, and bring up children?”
If they can’t make a living on a low wage, they surely won’t make a living on no wage at all, which is what increasing the minimum wage will cause: an increase in unemployment.
“JOB, the higher the minimum wage, the more machines you’ll see helping you in stores, instead of human beings, and then you’ll enjoy yours and the professor’s dream of seeing more people unemployed.
Maybe you’re right Mark, but I have a different opinion and idea. Follow along with me if you will. My personal opinion is that you are wrong with the machines. My idea is this, and please follow along.
Let’s say we as true American consumers get sick of all the bullshit and how we are going to enforce our will. Now this gets tricky, so follow me Brother. Automated check outs and poorly paid employees and their subsidies may lead to what? A complete consumer exodus of, let’s say Walmart. I only say Walmart because they are our countries largest retailer. Also the countries largest welfare Queen, followed by Kroger, in a distant second. So we collectively stop shopping at Walmart. Profits go down. Michael Duke’s bonus might start dwindling. Your idea is that Walmart will shut down US doors , and maybe move? But where to? That’s the question for you Mark. Where would Walmart go that would still allow them to be the richest entity on Earth? (Walton heirs are worth a combined 93 billion)
As of January, there were 514 Walmart store on our shores. And these stores accounted for 271 Billion in sales, accounting for 68% of last years profits.
Do you really think that Walmart can move those stores to other (Poorer) countries and enjoy the same profits? Or do you think they would adapt?
You are clearly not point of the 1%. Because if you were Mark, you would realize that profits don’t matter. It’s all about winning and losing. But keep trying Chief. Maybe you’ll get there someday. As for jobs being eliminated? Not even close as long as the American blue collar public bands together. But I’m guessing you want no part of that, do ya Sport? Because you would have to care about something more than yourself.
“Of course not. Almost every candidate supports the minimum wage, so I can’t vote for them. Or if they don’t support the minimum wage, they support some other abomination.”
I’m glad you informed me of this Mark. I no longer value your opinions and to be honest with you. You should not be allowed to have one. A man that does not exercise his right to vote should not be allowed to protest any politicians or policies. Good day to you Sir.
“If they can’t make a living on a low wage, they surely won’t make a living on no wage at all, which is what increasing the minimum wage will cause: an increase in unemployment.
I will reply to one more of your comments before I bid a farewell to you Mark. This comment is so ret##ded that it’s amazing you are allowed to own a computer. People take minimum wage jobs because that is all they can get. They earn such a low wage that even as paid employees of a company, they still qualify for food and housing assistance. And this free market shit is okay with you? We should get rid of minimum wage altogether? Did you know that a single Mother of two can make more $ smoking crack, than they can being a Walmart employee. Do you know why these men and women take these shit jobs? So that they can have some sense of pride. And for what? So some beat-off who has no sense of humanity can tell them that they are Making TOO MUCH? And then not even have the decency to vote? You should be deported as you are clearly not American.
OOOOH, JOB, you have made my morning with your total knockdown of Mark! Proud of you, man! LOL
Brewer has vetoed the bill: http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/02/26/3337381/arizona-governor-vetoes-anti-lgbt-license-discriminate/
Wingnuts going crazy over the veto: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/02/27/1280771/-Wingnutz-Goin-Crazy-Over-Jan-Brewer-s-Veto#
I hear that Costco is recommended as an alternative to Walmart because Costco treats their employees better. The nearest Costco to me is several hours drive. I can’t afford to do that each week.
LOL @ the wingnuts throwing Benghazi into their veto meltdown!
LOL! I see the wingnuts also threw in Obamacare!
Thanks for bringing that up about Costco, Jane Doe. That is what I was stressing to JOB. Not all big corporate entities are completely evil.
In my neck of the woods, shopping at mom and pop businesses isn’t always feasible. Many of those type businesses have closed.
“And this free market shit is okay with you? We should get rid of minimum wage altogether? Did you know that a single Mother of two can make more $ smoking crack, than they can being a Walmart employee. Do you know why these men and women take these shit jobs?”
Can’t answer you, because I am not, according to you (LOL), allowed to have an opinion.
“And then not even have the decency to vote? You should be deported as you are clearly not American.”
This is an awesome comment. Oh, sorry to express my opinion. I forgot for a second I couldn’t have one. Anyway, typically more than 50% don’t vote. So I guess the U.S. should only have 150 million people (the stupider half).
@JOB
I’m laughing right along with you in regards to Mark’s comments this week.
@Rustbelt
I laugh at his comments every day.
Disney not supporting the discrimination of Boy Scout adult leaders.
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/02/27/3341051/walt-disney-world-boy-scouts/
The “Christian” right is doomed: http://www.politicususa.com/2014/02/27/extremist-wing-republican-party.html
It is good, Jane Doe, to see pressure against the Boy Scouts, as their stand has no validity.
The Christian Right will never disappear, Princess Leia, because too much money is made on the advocacy of hate and fear, which they are expert at promoting. But education certainly helps to allow people to challenge indoctrination and propaganda!