Florida Teacher suspended over anti-homosexual remarks:

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Comments

  • EmBleve
    EmBleve Posts: 3,019
    I'm not sure who you mean by hating him personally; I never said anything hating him. I do not like bigots, I know that much. And it's a shame that someone who teaches American history feels that way about an historical moment; I would think it could encourage discussion and progression and tolerance...not talk of cesspools and going to hell. And second chances, yeah, alot of people deserve those but don't get them. Harsh reality is a bi*ch.
  • EmBleve
    EmBleve Posts: 3,019
    JonnyPistachio wrote:
    Actually the facebook post is dumber in my opinion. There are something like 250 million people on FB. If he put the sign in his yard, he might have only reached 50 people or so. Sure he didnt do that, but I'm making a point, which is that he decided to put these hateful remarks out there where so many people could see it. To me, its the same as putting a sign up in your yard. Maybe you dont realize the scope of facebook.. he might as well get on his roof and yell it into a megaphone.

    It matters not if his neighbors support it. Its bigoted hate and despicable.

    Surprised that some are unwilling to give him a chance?! I have no time for hateful bigots. He's ruined for all I care. I think he should be nowhere near impressionable children.
    +1
  • pandora
    pandora Posts: 21,855
    JonnyPistachio wrote:
    Surprised that some are unwilling to give him a chance?! I have no time for hateful bigots. He's ruined for all I care. I think he should be nowhere near impressionable children.
    You sure changed your mind from a couple pages ago...
    you weren't sure he should lose his job now he should never teach again. :?

    I guess you don't agree with me
    hate is hate Jonny, but it is and its bad for the soul, all of ours

    doesn't matter the words it's the feel, if you feel the hate you've lost a battle

    Like I said about the light ... those giving the light learn the most
    IMO

    Forgiveness is divine

    it may be the only way to reach a bigot is with love and kindness
  • Godfather.
    Godfather. Posts: 12,504
    pandora wrote:
    Godfather. wrote:
    I haven't been following this thread for the reasons
    1) him getting fired was bullshit
    2) in this day and age what kind of dummy would post stuff like that on FB ?...knowing your boss might winde up reading it and using it too fire you.
    but all that aside could you imagine the train being as common as facebook :shock: a whole bunch of us might be job hunting. :lol:

    Godfather.
    always concise ... always insightful... always Godfather
    smiley-thumbsup.png

    love and respect to you Pandi.. always ;)

    Godfather.
  • Godfather.
    Godfather. Posts: 12,504
    blueandwhite wrote:
    Godfather. wrote:
    I haven't been following this thread for the reasons
    1) him getting fired was bullshit
    2) in this day and age what kind of dummy would post stuff like that on FB ?...knowing your boss might winde up reading it and using it too fire you.
    but all that aside could you imagine the train being as common as facebook :shock: a whole bunch of us might be job hunting. :lol:

    Godfather.

    The difference here is that most people have the good sense to post anonymously when they are making politically sensitive remarks. For an amazing teacher, this guy certainly lacked any real common sense.

    Or is Godfather your real name?

    :shh: ....but only here and my friends outside the train ;)
    but yeahhhhh buddy I agree ! I hate to say but he was asking for it when he hit the "share" button .

    Godfather.
  • pandora
    pandora Posts: 21,855
    EmBleve wrote:
    I'm not sure who you mean by hating him personally; I never said anything hating him. I do not like bigots, I know that much. And it's a shame that someone who teaches American history feels that way about an historical moment; I would think it could encourage discussion and progression and tolerance...not talk of cesspools and going to hell. And second chances, yeah, alot of people deserve those but don't get them. Harsh reality is a bi*ch.
    Don't grow hard gentle spirit
    the whole point of life is to grow more tender ... thats just my opinion

    and you are a lovely spirit ... feel it all these miles away... I do :D

    For me it is not about liking or condoning because I can not but I love and hope for kindness
    to help change this man who we mustn't forget is a loved and admired teacher for 22 years.
    That's a long time of really good to be thrown away.
  • EmBleve
    EmBleve Posts: 3,019
    pandora wrote:
    EmBleve wrote:
    I'm not sure who you mean by hating him personally; I never said anything hating him. I do not like bigots, I know that much. And it's a shame that someone who teaches American history feels that way about an historical moment; I would think it could encourage discussion and progression and tolerance...not talk of cesspools and going to hell. And second chances, yeah, alot of people deserve those but don't get them. Harsh reality is a bi*ch.
    Don't grow hard gentle spirit
    the whole point of life is to grow more tender ... thats just my opinion

    and you are a lovely spirit ... feel it all these miles away... I do :D

    For me it is not about liking or condoning because I can not but I love and hope for kindness
    to help change this man who we mustn't forget is a loved and admired teacher for 22 years.
    That's a long time of really good to be thrown away.
    I am a lovely and gentle spirit.. and this is why it upsets me for someone in his position (or anyone, really) to feel the way he does; it is disheartening and disappointing imo. I feel the same way about racism or other discrimination. I doubt he is going to change, honestly. And I know people who were loved and admired in their profession for almost as long, and not given second chances for less blatantly hateful things as this. I feel that only someone who would agree with what he posted on facebook would be tolerant of it. He handled it totally wrong and should have kept it to himself (the smart thing to do). In all my years of education, I would never be able to respect a teacher or professor who would say something like he did. Out the window.
  • Prince Of Dorkness
    Prince Of Dorkness Posts: 3,763
    pandora wrote:
    It surprises me people are so unwilling to give him a chance to clear his name after 22 years
    this surprises more than the fact he did this


    He had a chance to clear his name.

    Was just interviewed on CNN.

    And he doesn't take it back... still stands by it.

    So there's his "name."

    I wouldn't want that person teaching my kids shit.
    I can't drive without Pearl Jam
  • pandora
    pandora Posts: 21,855
    EmBleve wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    EmBleve wrote:
    I'm not sure who you mean by hating him personally; I never said anything hating him. I do not like bigots, I know that much. And it's a shame that someone who teaches American history feels that way about an historical moment; I would think it could encourage discussion and progression and tolerance...not talk of cesspools and going to hell. And second chances, yeah, alot of people deserve those but don't get them. Harsh reality is a bi*ch.
    Don't grow hard gentle spirit
    the whole point of life is to grow more tender ... thats just my opinion

    and you are a lovely spirit ... feel it all these miles away... I do :D

    For me it is not about liking or condoning because I can not but I love and hope for kindness
    to help change this man who we mustn't forget is a loved and admired teacher for 22 years.
    That's a long time of really good to be thrown away.
    I am a lovely and gentle spirit.. and this is why it upsets me for someone in his position (or anyone, really) to feel the way he does; it is disheartening and disappointing imo. I feel the same way about racism or other discrimination. I doubt he is going to change, honestly. And I know people who were loved and admired in their profession for almost as long, and not given second chances for less blatantly hateful things as this. I feel that only someone who would agree with what he posted on facebook would be tolerant of it. He handled it totally wrong and should have kept it to himself (the smart thing to do). In all my years of education, I would never be able to respect a teacher or professor who would say something like he did. Out the window.
    Well I feel as you do
    people are incredibly disappointing... it can break you heart if you let it.

    And yes he was wronger than wrong he was hateful... but again many are and without
    so much evidence.

    I think perhaps we should be glad he did not keep it to himself
    not for his sake
    but because everything happens for a reason
    his actions bring a reaction... bring some closer to their convictions,
    clarify others, teach more.
    We are all intertwined each one of us and we can only hope for respect for all.

    I just wish something different for him. I know if he learns respect he will find respect again.
    Maybe someday.
  • JonnyPistachio
    JonnyPistachio Florida Posts: 10,219
    pandora wrote:
    JonnyPistachio wrote:
    Surprised that some are unwilling to give him a chance?! I have no time for hateful bigots. He's ruined for all I care. I think he should be nowhere near impressionable children.
    You sure changed your mind from a couple pages ago...
    you weren't sure he should lose his job now he should never teach again. :?

    I guess you don't agree with me
    hate is hate Jonny, but it is and its bad for the soul, all of ours

    doesn't matter the words it's the feel, if you feel the hate you've lost a battle

    Like I said about the light ... those giving the light learn the most
    IMO

    Forgiveness is divine

    it may be the only way to reach a bigot is with love and kindness

    I had to think this over before I came to a conclusion, but yes, now I am adamant that this guy made a bad mistake that he cant take back. He is a detriment to the education of children in my eyes.

    I dont hate him.. I feel bad for him that he was in such a hateful position himself to use extremely poor judgement and that he came to the conclusion that gay marriage could end in a ticket to hell. He's clearly the one with the hate problem.

    Forgiveness certainly is important -- if he asked for forgiveness he deserves it. But that doesnt wipe clean the fact that he is a hate filled bigot. All the forgiveness in the world would not convince me that a person like this should be teaching impressionable children.. Time for him to find a new career.

    And yes, I'm glad he didnt keep it to himself. Its self destructive and he was asking for it.
    Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)
  • pandora
    pandora Posts: 21,855
    Prince Of Dorkness wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    It surprises me people are so unwilling to give him a chance to clear his name after 22 years
    this surprises more than the fact he did this


    He had a chance to clear his name.

    Was just interviewed on CNN.

    And he doesn't take it back... still stands by it.

    So there's his "name."

    I wouldn't want that person teaching my kids shit.

    His conviction to this is strong not a popular conviction with many
    but he is following his core beliefs.

    Following it so much that he is willing to lose his job. I guess.
    That is a strong conviction, indeed.

    Hate can make you blind, it can make you assume and generalize and keep you from
    feeling others.
    People are not often what we assume they are ...
    really never are they
    but hate doesn't care it makes one believe things that are not true.

    Hate is powerful but not as powerful as love ...

    I will be hoping some good will help change him in his life
    remove the hate and replace it with love and respect for others.

    If he can love a gay person that is all that will be needed.
  • pandora
    pandora Posts: 21,855
    JonnyPistachio wrote:
    And yes, I'm glad he didnt keep it to himself. Its self destructive and he was asking for it.
    a lot of good came from this too
  • pjhawks
    pjhawks Posts: 12,919
    Pandora,

    are you ok with a gay porn star being a teacher in florida? here is the latest story of a teacher fired in florida.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/2 ... k3%7C88940
  • cincybearcat
    cincybearcat Posts: 16,837
    pjhawks wrote:
    Pandora,

    are you ok with a gay porn star being a teacher in florida? here is the latest story of a teacher fired in florida.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/2 ... k3%7C88940

    Only could read the text...public or private school?
    hippiemom = goodness
  • Prince Of Dorkness
    Prince Of Dorkness Posts: 3,763
    pjhawks wrote:
    Pandora,

    are you ok with a gay porn star being a teacher in florida? here is the latest story of a teacher fired in florida.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/2 ... k3%7C88940

    Funny you should ask that..

    I just posted an interview I did with him about a year and a half ago...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfJhaxJI ... r_embedded

    He's one of my favorite stars, I'm hoping he lands on his feet with this.
    I can't drive without Pearl Jam
  • pandora
    pandora Posts: 21,855
    pjhawks wrote:
    Pandora,

    are you ok with a gay porn star being a teacher in florida? here is the latest story of a teacher fired in florida.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/2 ... k3%7C88940
    yes I am ok unless there was inappropriate behavior or teaching in the classroom
    which looks like there was not

    I'm not going to prejudge him or anyone else involved in porn.
    Because porn doesn't turn me on does not mean I am against it
    as I posted earlier.

    But thank for asking ;)
  • Hugh Freaking Dillon
    Hugh Freaking Dillon Posts: 14,010
    pandora wrote:
    He was not threatening harm condoning rape or child molestation which are both crimes against
    another human being.

    inciting hate is a crime against a group of human beings. you just blew yourself out of your own argument.
    Gimli 1993
    Fargo 2003
    Winnipeg 2005
    Winnipeg 2011
    St. Paul 2014
  • cincybearcat
    cincybearcat Posts: 16,837
    Hugh Freaking Dillon wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    He was not threatening harm condoning rape or child molestation which are both crimes against
    another human being.

    inciting hate is a crime against a group of human beings. you just blew yourself out of your own argument.

    He didnt incite anything.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • Hugh Freaking Dillon
    Hugh Freaking Dillon Posts: 14,010
    cincybearcat wrote:
    Hugh Freaking Dillon wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    He was not threatening harm condoning rape or child molestation which are both crimes against
    another human being.

    inciting hate is a crime against a group of human beings. you just blew yourself out of your own argument.

    He didnt incite anything.

    posting hateful, bigoted remarks online isn't inciting anything? so what is it? just because no one was gay bashed directly related to his comments, doesn't mean the his actions are justifiable.
    Gimli 1993
    Fargo 2003
    Winnipeg 2005
    Winnipeg 2011
    St. Paul 2014
  • cincybearcat
    cincybearcat Posts: 16,837
    Hugh Freaking Dillon wrote:
    cincybearcat wrote:
    Hugh Freaking Dillon wrote:

    inciting hate is a crime against a group of human beings. you just blew yourself out of your own argument.

    He didnt incite anything.

    posting hateful, bigoted remarks online isn't inciting anything? so what is it? just because no one was gay bashed directly related to his comments, doesn't mean the his actions are justifiable.

    He didnt day anything about being violent towards gay people at all. He simply posted his opinion of gay marriage. He is wrong, but doesnt mean he incited any violence. I think people are taking this way too far, and its reactions like this that stop good discussion about a hot topic.
    hippiemom = goodness

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