Mr. Tom Walsh:

Your comments make a lot of sense. I would definitely say bigotry plays a part.(not completely, but definitely plays a part.) It seems that those who do not want the Hispanic people to move there, are the first ones to criticize them as being unwilling to work, want a hand-out, and other "stereotypes"etc. The families who have moved to Milbridge want to work hard to support their families and to contribute to their community. It seems if you read some comments from people who oppose these families living there, that these minority people can't win for losing! Let's hope for better days and a bit more fairness.

Mr. Wolf Gray:

Great letter.

Question: Say I were a wedding photographer, and i oppose gay marriage based on deep convictions of faith (which i do). Would i be prosecuted for discrimination if i chose not to serve the gay population? if so, why was this not factored in when the bill was drawn up in congress? Im curious if anyone has any info on the subject, thanks

When Gay Rights and Religious Liberties Clash

by Barbara Bradley Hagerty

NPR.org, June 13, 2008 · In recent years, some states have passed laws giving residents the right to same-sex unions in various forms. Gay couples may marry in Massachusetts and California. There are civil unions and domestic partnerships in Vermont, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Oregon. Other states give more limited rights.

Armed with those legal protections, same-sex couples are beginning to challenge policies of religious organizations that exclude them, claiming that a religious group's view that homosexual marriage is a sin cannot be used to violate their right to equal treatment. Now parochial schools, "parachurch" organizations such as Catholic Charities and businesses that refuse to serve gay couples are being sued — and so far, the religious groups are losing. Here are a few cases:

Adoption services: Catholic Charities in Massachusetts refused to place children with same-sex couples as required by Massachusetts law. After a legislative struggle — during which the Senate president said he could not support a bill "condoning discrimination" — Catholic Charities pulled out of the adoption business in 2006.

Housing: In New York City, Yeshiva University's Albert Einstein College of Medicine, a school under Orthodox Jewish auspices, banned same-sex couples from its married dormitory. New York does not recognize same-sex marriage, but in 2001, the state's highest court ruled Yeshiva violated New York City's ban on sexual orientation discrimination. Yeshiva now allows all couples in the dorm.

Parochial schools: California Lutheran High School, a Protestant school in Wildomar, holds that homosexuality is a sin. After the school suspended two girls who were allegedly in a lesbian relationship, the girls' parents sued, saying the school was violating the state's civil rights act protecting gay men and lesbians from discrimination. The case is before a state judge.

Medical services: A Christian gynecologist at North Coast Women's Care Medical Group in Vista, Calif., refused to give his patient in vitro fertilization treatment because she is in a lesbian relationship, and he claimed that doing so would violate his religious beliefs. (The doctor referred the patient to his partner, who agreed to do the treatment.) The woman sued under the state's civil rights act. The California Supreme Court heard oral arguments in May 2008, and legal experts believe that the woman's right to medical treatment will trump the doctor's religious beliefs. One justice suggested that the doctors take up a different line of business.

Psychological services: A mental health counselor at North Mississippi Health Services refused therapy for a woman who wanted help in improving her lesbian relationship. The counselor said doing so would violate her religious beliefs. The counselor was fired. In March 2001, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided with the employer, ruling that the employee's religious beliefs could not be accommodated without causing undue hardship to the company.

Civil servants: A clerk in Vermont refused to perform a civil union ceremony after the state legalized them. In 2001, in a decision that side-stepped the religious liberties issue, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that he did not need to perform the ceremony because there were other civil servants who would. However, the court did indicate that religious beliefs do not allow employees to discriminate against same-sex couples.

Adoption services: A same-sex couple in California applied to Adoption Profiles, an Internet service in Arizona that matches adoptive parents with newborns. The couple's application was denied based on the religious beliefs of the company's owners. The couple sued in federal district court in San Francisco. The two sides settled after the adoption company said it will no longer do business in California.

Wedding services: A same sex couple in Albuquerque asked a photographer, Elaine Huguenin, to shoot their commitment ceremony. The photographer declined, saying her Christian beliefs prevented her from sanctioning same-sex unions. The couple sued, and the New Mexico Human Rights Commission found the photographer guilty of discrimination. It ordered her to pay the lesbian couple's legal fees ($6,600). The photographer is appealing.

Wedding facilities: Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of New Jersey, a Methodist organization, refused to rent its boardwalk pavilion to a lesbian couple for their civil union ceremony. The couple filed a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. The division ruled that the boardwalk property was open for public use, therefore the Methodist group could not discriminate against gay couples using it. In the interim, the state's Department of Environmental Protection revoked a portion of the association's tax benefits. The case is ongoing.

Youth groups: The city of Berkeley, Calif., requested that the Sea Scouts (affiliated with the Boy Scouts) formally agree to not discriminate against gay men in exchange for free use of berths in the city's marina. The Sea Scouts sued, claiming this violated their beliefs and First Amendment right to the freedom to associate with other like-minded people. In 2006, the California Supreme Court ruled against the youth group. In San Diego, the Boy Scouts lost access to the city-owned aquatic center for the same reason. While these cases do not directly involve same-sex unions, they presage future conflicts about whether religiously oriented or parachurch organizations may prohibit, for example, gay couples from teaching at summer camp. In June 2008, the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals asked the California Supreme Court to review the Boy Scouts' leases. Meanwhile, the mayor's office in Philadelphia revoked the Boy Scouts' $1-a-year lease for a city building

theCHAD

They'd be paying you to take their picture, not to have sex with them

4Him2day

Stop molesting little boys!

It would simply be a matter of any business firm placing a small ranibow flag somewhere on the front of their building or in their advertisements.

That would show that they serve the gay community.

After a short while it would just be taken for granted as the business' that don't serve the gay community will all be bankrupt and out of business.

That's "Rainbow" Flag

It would be just like the early Christians using the Sign of The Fish

Catholic sex abuse cases

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected from Roman Catholic Church sex abuse scandal)

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Catholicism portal

Clerical sexual abuse allegations have been made against Roman Catholic priests, monks, and nuns. Several major lawsuits were filed in 2001 alleging that Catholic priests had sexually abused minors.[1] Some priests resigned, others were defrocked or jailed,[2] and financial settlements totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars were made with many victims.[1] The cases became ongoing national news in the U.S. with the accusations made against Paul Shanley and John Geoghan, and publicized by the Boston Globe in 2002.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops commissioned a comprehensive study that found that four percent of all priests who had served in the U.S. from 1950 to 2002 faced some sort of sexual accusation.[13][14] According to this report, common actions included touching adolescent males under their clothes and removal of clothing, but more serious acts were committed in many cases. The Church was widely criticized when it was discovered that some bishops knew about allegations and reassigned the accused instead of removing them,[1][15] although school administrators engaged in a similar manner when dealing with accused teachers[16], as have the Scouts[17]. Some bishops and psychiatrists noted that the prevailing psychology of the times suggested that people could be cured of such behavior through counseling.[15][18] Many of the abusive priests had received counseling before being reassigned.

Continued allegations

While the church in the United States claims to have addressed the issue, others maintain the only change is the church has hardened its defences while allowing abuse to continue. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops convened a meeting in Dallas on June 12, 2002 to address the sex abuse scandal. However a Dallas Morning News article revealed nearly two-thirds of the bishops attending had themselves at one point covered for sexually abusive priests.[91]

[edit] Abuse in literature and film

A number of books have been written, see List of books portraying paedophilia or sexual abuse of minors, about the abuse suffered from priests and nuns including Andrew Madden in Altar Boy: A Story of Life After Abuse, Carolyn Lehman's Strong at the Heart: How it feels to heal from sexual abuse and the bestselling Kathy's Story by Kathy O'Beirne which details physical and sexual abuse suffered in a Magdalene laundry in Ireland.

The Magdalene laundries caught the public's attention in the late 1990s as revelations of widespread abuse from former inmates gathered momentum and were made the subject an award-winning film called The Magdalene Sisters (2002). In 2006, a documentary called Deliver Us From Evil was made about the sex abuse cases and one priest's confession of abuse.

Several other films have been made about sex abuse within the Church, including:

Doubt (2008), based on the play

Hand of God (2006), documentary filmed for Frontline[92]

Sex Crimes and the Vatican (2006), documentary filmed for the BBC Panorama Documentary Series that purports to show how the Vatican has used Crimen sollicitationis to silence allegations of sexual abuse by priests.[93]

Our Fathers (2005), a Showtime movie based on the book by David France[94]

Twist of Faith (2004), an HBO film

The Boys of St. Vincent (1992)

Song for a Raggy Boy (2003)

Bad Education A film by Pedro Almodovar.

[edit] See also

Bernard Cardinal Law

Mainelyme, you gotta stop cutting and pasting and come up with some original thoughts.

thank you 4Him, what a shame that this is what we have come to, allowing gay couples to be intolerant of straight peoples beliefs, while gays DEMAND we be tolerant and pander to them

Mainelyme: what do you mean "little boy" i asked a question, it was answered stay out of it!

theCHAD

I said stop molesting little boys

That's the only little boy that I alluded to.

Change your prescription if you don't see well.

Mainesurvivor

I have to keep up with 4Him2day you, DEW.

Hey, DEW

You said the other night that you are big and fat now.

Just how big and fat now are you?

Church actions in dealing with sex abuse cases

[edit] Apology and meeting with victims

In Sydney's St. Mary's Cathedral, Pope Benedict XVI made a historic full apology for child sex abuse by priests and clergymen in Australia, on July 19, 2008. Before a 3,400 congregation, he called for compensation and demanded punishment for those guilty of the "evil": "Here I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured and I assure them that, as their pastor, I too share in their suffering." The Pope added: "Victims should receive compassion and care, and those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice. These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation. I ask all of you to support and assist your bishops, and to work together with them in combating this evil. It is an urgent priority to promote a safer and more wholesome environment, especially for young people." On the 21st of July before flying out of Australia Pope Benedict met with a group of four victims of sexual abuse. He met them at St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, listened to their stories and celebrated mass with them.[67]

The Pope met two male and two female victims of sex abuse by priests at St. Mary's Cathedral. Broken Rites criticized the meeting as hand-picked: "I'm afraid that what they've done is selected victims who have agreed with what the church's policies are. The pope should have met with Anthony Foster, the father of two girls abused by a priest, who cut short a holiday in Britain to return to Australia in the hope of meeting the pontiff. [68][69][70] The New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma hoped "it will be a sign of righting the wrongs of the past and of a better future and better treatment by the church of the victims and their families."[71] The victim's rights advocacy group Broken Rites welcomed the Pope's apology, but remained disappointed the Pope had not made his apology directly to sexual abuse victims. [72]

[edit] Compensation payouts

January 15, 2007 Diocese of Charleston Bishop Robert J. Baker agreed to pay $12 million to settle numerous cases concerning abuse by priests.[73]

In December 2006 the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (its archbishop was Roger Cardinal Mahony) agreed to a payout of $60 million to settle 45 of the over 500 pending cases concerning abuse by priests.[74] In July 2007 the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay a $660 million settlement to hundreds of people who claimed to have been abused by clergy. [75]

In September 2003 the Archdiocese of Boston agreed to pay out $85 million to 552 victims.[76]

In 1997 the Diocese of Dallas negotiated a $31 million settlement with victims.[77]

In June 2003 the Archdiocese of Louisville made a $25.7 million settlement involving 240 victims of sexual abuse.[78]

On January 3, 2005 Bishop Tod Brown of the Diocese of Orange apologized to 87 alleged victims of sexual abuse and announced a settlement of $100 million following two years of mediation.[79]

In December 2006 the Diocese of Phoenix agreed to pay $100,000 to William Cesolini, who claimed he was sexually assaulted as a teenager by a priest.[80]

In Canada the Christian Brothers have paid out approximately $35 million (Canadian) in compensation.[81]

In May 1994 the Diocese of Lincoln (Nebraska) agreed to pay Rob Butler, FKA Adam Butler, $40,000 after he claimed he was abused weekly for two years.

[edit] Prevention

In 2002, the U.S. church adopted a "zero tolerance" policy for sexual abuse.[82][83]

By 2008, the U.S. church had trained 5.8 million children to recognize and report abuse. It had run criminal checks on 1.53 million volunteers and employees, 162,700 educators, 51,000 clerics and 4,955 candidates for ordination. It had trained 1.8 million clergy, employees and volunteers in creating a safe environment for children.[84]

[edit] Bankruptcy

Citing monetary concerns arising from impending trials on sex abuse claims, the Archdiocese of Portland (Oregon) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 6, 2004, hours before two abuse trials were set to begin, becoming the first Roman Catholic diocese to file for bankruptcy. If granted, bankruptcy would mean pending and future lawsuits would be settled in federal bankruptcy court. The archdiocese had settled more than one hundred previous claims for a sum of over $53 million. The filing seeks to protect parish assets, school money and trust funds from abuse victims; the archdiocese's contention is that parish assets are not the archdiocese's assets. Plaintiffs in the cases against the archdiocese have argued that the Catholic church is a single entity, and that the Vatican should be liable for any damages awarded in judgment of pending sexual abuse cases.

In December, 2004, the Diocese of Spokane, Washington agreed to pay at least 48 million dollars as compensation to those abused by priests as part of its bankruptcy filing. This payout has to be agreed upon by victims and another judge.[85]

The Diocese of Tucson filed for bankruptcy in September, 2004. The diocese reached an agreement with its victims, which the bankruptcy judge approved June 11, 2005, specifying terms that included allowing the diocese reorganization to continue in return for a $22.2 million settlement.[86]

On October 10, 2006, the Diocese of Davenport filed for Chapter 11 protection. [87] The decision to file for bankruptcy was driven by many claims which focused on Bishop Lawrence Soens, who had been accused of fondling as many as 15 students during his tenure as priest and principal at Regina Catholic High School in Iowa City during the 1960s. Soens denies the allegations. A judge discharged one suit in October 2006.[88]

On February 27, 2007, the Diocese of San Diego filed for Chapter 11 protection, hours before the first of about 150 lawsuits was due to be heard. San Diego became the largest diocese to postpone its legal problems in this way.[89]

On March 7, 2008, the Diocese of Fairbanks filed for bankruptcy after 130 civil suits filed by Alaska natives who claim to be abused by priests, and other church employees, beginning in the 1950s.[90]

theChad...I was able to hear George and Ric interviewing Shanna Bellows of the MCLU. She stated that if a photographer, who offers his services to the general public, refused to do the wedding pictures, he or she would be in violation of Maine civil rights laws.

Wolf stated, "As the Apostle Paul said: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)." I agree. We should abhor what is evil (in this discussion - homosexuality) and cling to that which is good (God's standards of righteousness).

Any liberals concerned that Mr. Gray is using a religious argument to justify homsexuality? Any liberals concerned about the breach of the infamous "wall of separation"?

Of course not, as long as the religion isn't Biblical Christianity...

Nancy-Linn Nellis - Yet another person thinks they live in the "other Maine"

Tom Walsh - F_ck Racists (go ahead thumbs down it, report it as inappropriate whatever I really don't care)

Ashley Zook - Yea Baldacci trying to cut taxes in Maine what a bone head move! These cuts should just be the beginning.

Wolf Gray - Gay mar... yawn

George E. Wildey - didn't read it.

Gay weddings aside, what if a photographer refused to be hired for any gay-related event? Or they disapproved of a mixed-race marriage they were asked to photograph, what then? Should they be allowed to say "no"? Where do the current laws stand on these issues?

Wolf, cousins may marry each other under Maine law.

seacoast

If they aren't intelligent enough to say they are all booked up at that time then they aren't smart enough to be in business.

I would doubt very much that two people of any kind who are in love and ready to make a legal commitment would want to take the time out of their happy reverie to institute a lawsuit.

I love the way you click me out

It not only makes people want to read what was posted but, shows the clicker was upset by my intelligent thoughts!

As my late father always told me, "Son. Every knock's a boost!"

The issues cited by 4Him really have nothing to do with same-sex marriage. He is citing issues regarding anti-discrimination (Ie Maine Human Rights Act, housing, employment etc), which BTW Heath tried to address in his failed petition last year. He also addressed adoption, civil unions and Civil Rights teams in that same failed petition. These were all things he wanted the people of Maine to reverse, prevent or end.

Imagine if one wanted to erase race, age, or religion from the Maine Human Rights Act.

For those who have not read the bill/law, this is a copy/paste from it:

3. Affirmation of religious freedom. This Part does not authorize any court or other state

or local governmental body, entity, agency or commission to compel, prevent or interfere in any way

with any religious institution's religious doctrine, policy, teaching or solemnization of marriage within

that particular religious faith's tradition as guaranteed by the Maine Constitution, Article 1, Section 3 or

the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. A person authorized to join persons in marriage

and who fails or refuses to join persons in marriage is not subject to any fine or other penalty for such

failure or refusal.

2. Prohibitions based on degrees of consanguinity; exceptions. person may not marry that person's

parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle or first cousin.

B. Notwithstanding paragraph A, a person may marry that person's first cousin as long as,

pursuant to sections 651 and 652, the man or womanperson provides the physician's certificate of

genetic counseling.

dirigodad, I've seen many times where some Christian people (those who support this law) have been discounted on this site by other Christian people (those opposed), you seem to be one of them. Yes it goes both ways and it is a very sad situation. It is sad that Christians are pitted against each other. As a father of five, I too try teach my children the lessons of the Bible and specifically the lessons of Christ. But on this site, I have decided not to post scripture any longer and not in relation to same-sex marriage as it is not about religious dogma, but about civil law and equality. See the above posting of the new law, specifically number 3, Affirmation of religious freedom.

free2bee, I for one haven't seen where Christians are being pitted against one another. No serious Christian is for homosexual marriage. It goes against true Christianity. It is plainly taught in scripture that it is immoral. The two are just not compatible. If you attend a church that endorses homosexuality, find a church that speaks the truth.

You just proved my point 4Him, one Christian telling another Christian they aren't worthy and they are wrong in their interpretation of the teachings of the Bible. One Christian telling another Christian that they are not Christian. It is an us against them scenario. Back to the deck refurb.

Why a rainbow flag shouldn't it just be a flag with a big turd on it?

free2bee, only one of us is right, I'll use the bible to determine what is true and what isn't. You haven't a leg to stand on using that for a criteria. Jesus will separate the wheat from the tares, Matthew 13. This a fight against good vs evil, not Christian against christian.

For those interested here's a clip of a group of gays disrupting a church service: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFyPnvz-iI

Matt 13:36 Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field."

Matt 13:37 And He said, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man,

Matt 13:38 and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one;

Matt 13:39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.

Matt 13:40 "So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age.

Matt 13:41 "The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness,

Matt 13:42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth

The rainbow is a sign that God placed in the sky for us saying he would never again completely flood the earth again [ genesis chpt 9] The gay community using the rainbow as their banner is just another way of mocking God.

A rainbow is caused by refraction of light through water droplets in the air. It's got nothing to do with religion OR sexual orientation. Give me a break.

Ok hank, and billions and billions and billions of years ago there was this big big big bang and then.........

dogood...if you do not agree with something just say so. You do not need try an be offensive. People on both sides of this issue find your post offensive even if some will not say so.

Jd, Still waiting for you to explain how your church is clearly against homosexuality and so is the bible, but yet you support it.

and I am still waiting for you to condemn hate filled speech. You have never once condemned any person for using words which are meant only to inflame. You have not once condemned anyone for calling for the out right killing of homosexuals. Have you not seen posters calling for homosexuals to be thrown into the river, pushed into the river, etc...? How would your brother-in-law feel about this?

People which are sitting on the fence about this topic will be pushed to one side or the other by the blatant hate which is seen by many posters on this site. I have never witnessed such out and out hate for another human being and more troubling are the Christians which seem to ignore it and not condemn it.

Boy can you change the subject in a hurry. Ok here it is . I officially condemn any and all talk of killing or physically injuring any person by any means. Your turn. Explain how your church is clearly against homosexuality and so is the bible, but yet you support it.

Dirigodad, when are you going to end your bigorty and homophobia?

JD he also refused to watch this video, I guess because I'm a Methodist? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20M9ywn7Zgs about 'bashing' after he posted a video about "Gays Interrupt Church Service".

4Him tried to get my sister to log on today but she said she's had enough of the "denomination bashing" and since some refuse to accept that this law was passed and see it as a civil law issue, she's 'too old' to play the games.

Oh jeez 4Him, I forgot to tell you that she wanted to make sure you knew she still respects your rights to your views and that she still loves you and prays for you and bigfoot.

Sorry 4Him didn't ask her to log on, I did. Don't want to leave anyone with a false impression.

Ms Nellis, It is what I've come to expect from any State of Maine agency, all about the southern part of Maine (that's where the good roads are). The agency which promotes tourism dosen't care about downeast or the highlands of Piscataquis and Somerset counties, the intent is to have the money stay in southern Maine because they could give a hoot about the rest of us (except at tax time)!

Mr. Gray, Thank you, you've summed it up nicely.

free2bee

Please tell your sister that they are "'too old' to play the games" also.

Perley

4Him2day

DEW

"........and billions and billions and billions of years ago there was this big big big bang and then......... "

Your mind hasn't been quite right ever since.

dogood

4Him2day

Danforth E. West

'Look-look-look to the rainbow'

Follow it over the hill and stream

Look-look-look to the rainbow

Follow the fellow who follows a dream.

Follow the fellow-follow the fellow

Follow the fellow who follows a dream "

There once was a man who expounded an entirely new way of thinking

A way of thinking that many accepted and many rejected

The ones who accepted the message loved this man

The ones who rejected the message nailed Him to a cross.

LOVE EACH OTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU."

Perley J. Thibodeau

Mainelyme

New York, New York

"So, I'll cling to the Old Rugged Cross

'Til at last my trophies I lay down

And I'll cherish The Old Rugged Cross

And exchange it someday for a crown."

JD, you seem to be a magnet for insecure people, a real dear abby here on the BDN. Between cher and free2bee you'll be busy.

Ms Nellis - I'm a little surprised you would dwell on the Observatory and not mention the beautiful park in your own town which we, as a family, frequent. For the first time ever, the brochure from Tourism talks about areas AWAY from the coast. Every, let me repeat, EVERY other brochure dwells on the coast. As one who lives inland and knows of the many attractions we have AWAY from the coast, it has been, to say the least, irritating to be ignored all these years. Inland finally, FINALLY, get an emphasis and you're upset. But not to worry. Inland will never get another emphasis in a brochure, thanks to folks like yourself. Enjoy.

Mainelyme & 4Him2day - I click on the thumbs down because 1. cut and paste; 2. boringly long; 3. post after post after post after post after postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter postafter post. Why don't you guys swap e-mail addresses and take your personal fights elsewhere.

woody, post after is two words.

It's a shame, but most of the conflict regarding homosexuals is the use of civil rights laws to hurt others who don't agree with them. They yell about their rights, but what about the rights of the photographer, doctor, minister, etc. It's not like there isn't any other photographers, the doctor found someone else, plenty of ministers and churches etc etc.

Frank, you are so right.This has nothing to do with civil rights, and will only take the rights away from those who oppose it. Amazing how such a small minority that practice immorality can bring such damage to our counrtry.

BTW Mainelyme - what does DEW mean? You can tell us then we'll thumbs down you ! ;=}

4Him2day - whether or not we agree with your points, bludgening us with scripture, is counter productive. But I have to admit I'm glad that you posted the article from NPR.org - I never would have expected an objective article about homosexuals and religion.

FrankC

Go back to your coloring book

If you don't know by now then you never will!

Woody1

We did swap e mails but he abruptly stopped because I am too intelligent for him

Thank you for asking.

Mainelyme

4Him2day - how about saying: Amazing how such a small minority can bring such damage to our country.

Morality / immorality isn't the issue in most cases. Its the lawyers judges who let these uncommon sense law suits prevail.

There's this small town where everyone inter-bred (sp) for years and one characteristic is that they just can't stand it when people wear yellow/gold color clothes. They put up with it for quite a while, but then one of them who went away to law school, can back and said - let's sue MacDonalsds to change their corporate colors, because we can't help it, we were born this way. And we want to be nasty, even tho there's a burger king next door .. ... .. ..

Frank, I for one don't believe scripture is counterproductive as you say. It's what I base my beliefs on. Gods word has the same power to convict people of their sins today as it ever did. While it may not convict everyone, I do believe it will convict possibly those on the sidelines that may be just here reading. I could care less if it offends some, it still has the power to save people. It did for me, thanks for at least being respectful.

Who clicked me out and thus denied the word of the Lord?

Whadda shame you have no sense of humor at all. You showed your true colors - nasty response based on your false impressions. Too bad. Why don't you stay and post on the Daily News or Washington Times. They actually lean to the right! The BDN is a NYTimes/Globe wanna-be.

Mainelyme - Whadda shame you have no sense of humor at all. You showed your true colors - nasty response based on your false impressions. Too bad. Why don't you stay and post on the Daily News or Washington Times. They actually lean to the right! The BDN is a NYTimes/Globe wanna-be.

I couldn't resist excerpting the following sentence from the boa constrictor article on the BDN site. Just replace the word "snakes" with "gays", and it says it all.

"...it is the fear of the unknown and of course superstitious rhetoric that causes the common phobia of snakes"

4Him2day - It's not the scripture, but the bludgening of posts that I was suggesting might be counter productive. Gotta feeling most folks here don't read them when you post a whole string of them, but when you post one significant one, they might.

I guess my poor writing makes it too easy for folks to mis-construe. When a non issue question and a smiley face gets nasty retorts.. sheez.

Hoe dare you seacoast to associate snakes with gays !!

FrankC

You can shove them up your a ss and whistle Yankee Doodle Dandy for all I care.

My messages are for people who can read.

FrankC...Sorry if I offended you, didn't know you were gay :)

HOW'S THAT GRAB YA?

And "I am that Yankee Doodle Boy!"

seacoast, not to worry, we know you only meant to offend everyone else

Hey, DEW

Big day tomorrow

You get to go to Mass and sign a hate petition.

Be sure they put an L or and S behind their names.

L for Lace Curtain

S for Shanty

My mother always had lace curtains and we never looked down on anybody.

Mainelyme

I actually agree that a photographer shouldn't have to take pictures at a gay wedding if he/she doesn't want to. Photography is an artistic expression and you shouldn't be forced to artistically express yourself for something that you don't believe in. Why someone would want a photographer at their wedding who didn't want to be there is beyond me anyways, I can't imagine the phototgrapher would do a good job if her/his heart was against it.

What scares me is the doctor in California. While I fully support a health practitioner's right not to participate in a treatment/procedure that he/she finds morally objectionable (particularly abortion), that is not the case here. The doctor was not morally opposed to performing in-vitro fertilization, in fact that was his specialty, he was discriminating against who he would and would not treat. Being able to subjectively decide what groups of people you are and are not going to treat is an extremely dangerous and slippery slope to start down. Health practitioners are called to treat everyone equally and objectively within the bounds of the law.

DEW

You never did answer my question

Just how big and just how fat are you now?

You're not going to lose any fat tapping a computer keyboard all day long.

Besides, it's bad for your hard.

I meant heart!

4him..."everyone else'? I think you're exaggerating the numbers of homophobes that post here. And my reply to FrankC wasn't meant to be serious...hence the smiley.

seacoast, 4Blasphemy2Day was offended because talking snakes are critical to his religion. ;-D

correction, a talking snake, not snakes. I think its name was Steve.

OldBangor

DEW

You know there was a time in Bangor's history when the citizens hated the newly arrived Irish so much that they actually broke their arms and legs and tossed them into the Penobscot River.

Strange, because the newly arrived Iriah all believed in Jesus Christ, too!

anne is the talking snake. Nice day for a broom ride anne, enjoy.

OldBangor

DEW

I don't know about Saint Mary's but, when the Irish Catholic Immigrants started to build Saint John's Catholic Church on York Street in 1834 the anti Irish would come by every nght and knock down whatever masonry that had been laid earlier that day.

Now the members of Saint John's and Saint Mary's who are the great great great grandchildren of those faithful immigrants are being asked to sign a hate petition against another group of Maine citizens, many of whom are Irish Catholic, too!

Perley J. Thibodeau

Mainelyme

Ha ha. As in "Adam, Eve, and Steve."

anne_of_mdi

I thought it was Adam and Steve.

I never heard it was a three way.

Mainelyme, 1:26 pm. Great point!

Mainelyme, I don't know if it was a three-way, but where did Cain and Abel's wives come from?

anne, for a bonafide witch you have this insatiable hunger for bible knowledge.....good for you!

anne_of_mdi

I heard that Cain slew Able over a jealous rivelry with their parents.

I think one of them was gay.

Cain then went to the Land of Nod to take a wife.

I never did hear whose wife it was that he took, nor have I heard what kind of girls were available to him after he got there.

you must have been on a real bender last night, kindda late in the day for you to "come to" isn't it. Feeling queezy this morning. I know how ill bible verses make you. Pick a book?

Maybe Cain's wife was a shemale?

Queezy? Is that how Queequeg spells it? You sure look like an ignoramus when you don't copy and paste.

4Him2day

If you're referring to me

I already read the newspapers, flossed and brushed my teeth, have showered, shaved and.........have eaten a plate of warmed up spaghetti with Italian sausage, and am now happy to see that Anne is posting here, again.

You want I should DEW handsprings?

As for picking a book

I'm fairly well read

"Lady Chatterly"s Lover, Fannie Hill and The Happy Hooker."

No, Fannie Hill is not about a street in San Francisco.

anne, between you and cher I'm telling you.... got private detective agency written all over it! "CHERLOCK and CO."

Mainelyme, 1:47 pm, I think he was probably referring to me. Actually I posted at around 7:30 this am. "Little 4" must not have been paying attention. Ladies, please make a note of 4Blasphemy's misogynistic rhetoric.

Actually "Cherlock" isn't bad. You still owe me for "materiel."

anne,thats not true, I just find you amusing..really

you really had egg on your face on that one. You take your self waaay to serious, even for a feminazi

Excuse- me -while -I -put -my 1:50-into -my -9th -script

STOP

I -may -call- on- Cherlock- Agency -when-I-write -my-Bangor-murder-mystery

STOP

As-for-DEW's-postings

STOP

Wow, 4Blasphemy, I'm surprised you can spell feminazi. Isn't that a Limbaugh-ism? He's awfully clever.

Did you once say you are home-schooling two daughters? I hope you were kidding. Your grammar and spelling are atrocious.

Anne

He has claimed so many falsehoods were they intelligent they would have to be bound in leather.

As Auntie Mame said, "Boxed like Proust!"

anne, the cobwebs haven't cleared up for you yet from last night. Have another drink anne, your going downhill.

Gotta go, girls

I just got a glossy brochure from my city councilor in the mail and I have to make sure my amendment to a bill prohibiting debt harassment of senior citizens is added to the legislation.

Just keeping New York City a better place for the nation

Mainelyme

Good job Mainelyme. Have fun.

Glad I read Tom Walsh's letter: I just crossed Milbridge off my list of possible places to buy property and move to.

Not sure why 4Him said that Chersully and I were insecure, perfectly obvious to me that someone whose majority of postings are copy and paste is pretty insecure about his own thoughts and self. Me thinks he has 'delusions of grandeur', no other Christian measures up to him. No Christian denomination measures up to evangelical fundamentalists. No one is correct if they don't agree with him 100%. No one is equal to him. Hail to the king of Dominionism! There shall be no law in the US of A that is worthy of being law unless it is Biblical Law.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

And I do mean ACCOMPLISHED!

Now

What were we saying?

Oh, yes.

Gays making the world a better place for tomorrow!

free2bee:

I am surprised you bother with him so much then...that person is is obvious he is a phony and a nobody. He sounds programmed....and one of the most insecure people ever. Have fun with that....I think it is a real waste.

Anne: Pathetic isn't it? re 2:10 PM....I had never heard that word before....feminazi till here and someone told me that is a Limbaugh phrase!

medstudent:

Good points. Although I am in favor of same-sex marriage, I also do not feel someone should be forced to , in this case, take photos if it is something they are very much against. Like you said, who would want to go to such a photographer anyway.....I am sure they would have little difficulty locating a photographer who would be more than willing to do business with them. Medical care is an entirely different issue, I would sure say.

JD2008:

i just now saw that post by dogood at 6:57 AM

Horrible! Who would even think like that!

JD2008:

And let's never, ever, forget Charlie Howard!

I think he's getting ready to go to the 5 oclock Mass at Saint Mary's

He wants to jump the line on signing that hate filled petition.

He's had so man personas he doesn't even know who he is anymore.

He could start the search at Desperate for Persoanl Attention.

chersully2000

6:57 am

That's the language he speaks in, alright.

chersully, coz I think he is a pathetic, paranoid little nutter! :)

Mainleyme:

Was at Mt Hope Cemetery early today......Memorial Day wkend ,etc. Had to put some flowers there as many others were. Beautiful day.

Happened to see a tombstone with the last name Danforth on it....no other name with it, I don't believe, but we did not tarry long there.

That's, so many personas.

And also, personal attention.

OY

free2bee:

You are astute!

JD2008 does not really "defend" anyone.....as he sees it, he calls out those he feels are posting really hateful,bigoted remarks and he has every right to do that. At least there is someone on here who is decent and respectful (to women,etc.) It sure shows up the kind of man, if you know what I mean.

chersully2000

You didn't see a great big fat guy with a stupid look on his face and a hate filled petition in his hand?

That was the place

I naturally can't get to Mount Hope or Mount Pleasant for my parents and grandparents and I know there's nobody in Bangor who would take the time to place flowers there for them

None of them could find the time to visit them when they were alive.

That's alright

My loved ones have all the flowers they can appreciate in heaven now.

Hopefully, some day he will realize there is hope and help out there for him if he only is willing to look for it. There is a way out of his cult, he just needs to reach out and ask. There is hope for his family if he will only ask. It is sad when someone is so empty that they entrench themselves in something where they don't have to think like rational people, where they no longer have the words to express themselves as rational people, where they continuously repeat the same messages that have overtaken their God-given intelligence.

He amuses me.

chersully, Lyn sends her best and hopes you and Mainelyme have a great weekend, as do my wife and I. We had ours last weekend.

Mainelyme:

And I do not get the flowers on my grandmother's grave in Connecticut either....but have good thoughts.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery is, as I understand it, mostly a Catholic cemetery , if not entirely. Mt Hope (huge!) has everyone, including Vice President Hannibel Hamlin, as you know. Beautiful.....have seen herons,etc. there....deer....many ponds,etc.............on the National Registry....beautiful place. All kinds of flowering bushes...

free2bee:e

Thanks so much. Glad you had a good wkend last wkend! Monday is the big parade here and love to get the Lime Rickey's to drink (from Bagel Central on Central Street.)

Hi Cher, if you're still there, you mentioned before that the BDN folks told you there are changes coming soon to the comments section. I'm very curious! What kind of changes?

Anne:

Be back in a min.

Anne:

Btw....you have not been around so much lately. Were you aware I had to call about someone posting under chersully20000 about 2 wks ago or so? They/he added a zero on my username. You know, to get back at me for knowing he uses multiple names. Dah!

Anne:

It was very instructive, that right after I asked Mainelyme if he had sent me the post (thought perhaps it was a computer glitch) someone popped right up, saying I had "been caught red-handed." Accusing me of sending myself a post under chersully20000. Imbecile. It was actually Mainelyme who figured it out.....I did not even think to look for an extra zero.....I am honest so my mind does not work like ......well, you know.

As for the BDN. I was told by 2 people there, that they were having a meeting last week (Thurs.) to discuss likely changes. Since they have not decided which ones yet (or maybe they have since the mtg), I would not know yet. They realize, for one, that the thumbs thing has not been used as intended (vile, hateful , bigoted remarks) No rather, people (a very "few") vote down those.....well, you know. So, time will tell, I guess.

Cher, yes I just read about that in the comments on another article. I've had that done to me too. I'll keep my fingers crossed that someday soon we can have a legitimate comments section here.

anne_of_mdi

chersully2000

I was told two weeks ago that there are exciting new innovations coming to the BDN Website.

I haven't seen them yet

Maybe it was just to bait me off.

It's been a beautiful sunny day but, now it looks like it's clouding up to rain.

I got a new pair of high laced paratrooper style black Jack Boots the other day, and I want to get a new pair of tan work boots, but as I've said track work disrupts the subway car routes on the weekend so, I'll go over to Herald Square and 34th on Tuesday.

I hate long weekends.

I wish they had them back when I was in school, though.

Hi, Lyn

Miss ya.

Mainelyme:

Hope you get those other boots on Tues. Things should have "calmed down" around there by Tuesday!

Anne:

I had not realized that you had the same thing done to you.....someone jerking you around that way. Unreal. I would not do that to someone else....and of course you would not either. Must be a real good person doing that!!!!!

chersully2000

He did the same thing to me with the New York Times

I don't know how, but he did.

They took it off as I've got friends there, too.

A slight misspelling like Perley J. Thibodeay or even Therly J. Tibbydeau will DEW it.

Really sick for a sixty year old man, huh?

And a great big fat one with a stupid looking great big fat face, and a small fat brain to match it.

cher, 5:23 pm, well maybe we should do it! That might put an end to this nonsense once and for all.

perley, he's only 60? Guess he didn't learn much. Your 5:38 pm comment reminds me of a joke: How could such a tiny head hold so much air? ;-D

Mainelyme:

yes, I have seen postings by "bigfoot" in the NY Times blog............sad! How does his wife feel about all this, you might wonder.....

Yet he is always talking about his "kids."!!

Anne: I don't think I want to be bothered.....and no, I don't think that would stop anything. Control freak, don't you know (that one.)

re 6:24 pm, really? I figure he just hides in his lonely room.

Anne:

I come on here today for the first time around 3 PM and there were several references to me. I was not even here! You can see who made the references first. So weird isn't it......I was gone most of the day and sure was not remarking about that person....but see I was being mentioned to JD2008.....geez. You try to mind your own business but................

Have a good night.

Pretty pathetic, spending your memorial day weekdend posting on the BDN.

chersully2000...truly amazing how people abuse this site.

JD2008:

I could not agree with you more!

Mr Zook. Using the bible to defend homosexual marriage. What is up is down and what is down is up. What a crazy world. Merely quoting some passage of scripture about love doesn't defend homosexual marriage. (I refuse to use the word "gay" since the homosexuals have hijacked that word. There is nothing gay about homosexual lifestyles.)

Dr Steele is a flaming liberal. Most of what he says is garbage and full of half-truths and exaggerations.

Dr Steele is a well-respected doctor/administrator in central eastern Maine. He shows compassion for his patients and has many good ideas about cutting down on healthcare costs. He is very much a believer in one being pro-active about their own health and practicing good habits and responsibility. You should be half so smart (re 9:33 AM)

*To chersully2000, I was reading thru some comments and saw your question

about the 'Opinion' and 'Comment' section.. You can click the 'Opinion' bar which

takes you to the 'Comment' bar, where you will find pages of one line topics

and comments. It's an easy way to find who's talking and about what, always

interesting and sometimes funny. :)

Hey, they took off my comment about the tub himself.

Now if they'd just empty the tub and throw it out with the water.

KISSES

karenlite:

Where is the "Opinion" bar? On what page? Still do not see what you mean.

I know about going to the Home page and clicking on comments....is that what you mean???

karenlite: Sorry, but I do not see an "Opinion" heading anywhere!

*chersully2000, Yes on the Home page click the 'Comments and Polls' bar.

That should work.

karenlite:

Thanks....I already knew about that but thought you were speaking of something else. Thanks for the info.

The feature you speak of, is what allows, among other things, certain individuals to "stalk" around. If they want to jerk someone around, they can find out where they are currently posting by going to the feature you were mentioning. But, you already knew this.

*12:15pm-Mainelyme, was the tub comment from this page or the comments and polls page?

Who would do such a thing as to remove one of your 'Perley' gems. I live to hear

them and relish their Perley impact on those who so deservedly receive them.

Karen

*12:36 PM, chersully2000 - No, I did not know it was used for that.

That is hideous.

karenliteOn 5/23/09 at 7:31 PM,

It was posted last night between these two.

On 5/23/09 at 7:31 PM, hotubherbie wrote:

Pretty pathetic, spending your memorial day weekdend posting on the BDN.

On 5/23/09 at 8:20 PM, JD2008 wrote:

chersully2000...truly amazing how people abuse this site

karenlite

Tubby must swing some weight after all.

That's what happens when people pity you.

12:50 PM, Mainelyme, pity? Do you pity him?

karenlite

Yes, really.

I'm sure with a little effort on his part he could be an alright guy.

I'm just fine.

What's your major malfunction??

Posting on the BDN all memorial day weekend?

Pathetic.

The Memorial Day Weekend isn't over yet.

WILL THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS PLEASE DEW AOMETHING WITH THIS FRIGGIN' ANIMAL?

The Memorial Day Weekend isn't over yet.

WILL THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS PLEASE DEW SOMETHING WITH THIS FRIGGIN' ANIMAL?

The ‘Cling to what is good’ letter makes one think that there are as many positive

Bible writings as there are negative. It can be reasoned that one has to make a

choice in what they believe. Hopefully we will choose love.

.

*2:06 PM, hotubherbie , My Dear, You can see that you are posting as well as

I am.. We both find a spare moment..

karenlite, don't pay any attention to Mainelyme. Usually his comments are "thumbed down" and cannot be read after a few minutes. He is pitied by most who have worthwile comments in here. Take care.

*7:00 PM, Mainesurvivor,

The thumbs down seem to come from those who are opposed

on either side. It might be better for the BDN to not have the

thumbs up or down as an option.

, karenlite

Mainesurvivor has the most jealous thumb of them all.

He's the one who does it to all my posts and to the posts of another person on here.

The commnents don't disapear as all one has to do is click on them and they are right there again.

Did I tell you that he's hopelessly sexually attracted to me?

Did I tell you that he's hopelessly everything?

Mainesurvivor is Tubby, too.

My God, is he Tubby, too!

Mainesurvivor

hotubherbie

DEW

Tubby

Fat heads everywhere are ashamed to know you are one of them

This is hillarious Mainelyme. You're so easy to get to! As McDonalds would say, "I'm Lovin' It."

Mainesurvivor

You ain't lovin' it yet, Baby.

Not tonight, DEW.

I've got a headache.

Would the Bangor Daily News create a seperate thread line for the Gay vs. Anti-Gay crowd? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

*patom1, Sorry - Freedom of speech is a cherished thing.

Gay issues are front and center now and will

stay that way until freedom rings for them.

.

*purgatory_on_harlow, Whew, you're some angry!

.

**Mainelyme, I love your Perlisms, they're rich and

so are you!

Et al, let's be friends and agree to disagree

with one another. We know deep down that there's at least

a speck of goodness in everyone.. Except possibly

p-o-h..

Right on, patom1. Do we really need to Californicize Maine?