Quote of the Day: Jim Bob Duggar Edition

"It was a very difficult situation. But as we talked to other parents and different ones since then, a lot of families have said that they have had similar things that happened in their families."

Jim Bob Duggar

According to the gospel of Jim Bob Duggar, molestation happens all the time in Christian families. What Josh Duggar was doing to his sister and other little girls in a Christian setting is perfectly normal. I call bullshit on this.

Quote of the Day: Barry Goldwater Edition

Barry Goldwater was right about the Christian Right. Jeb Bush's recent pandering at Liberty University is a perfect example. Liberty University founder Jerry Falwell has a history of anti-feminism and anti-Civil Rights positions.

Jeb Bush's Intolerance Hypocrisy

"Somebody here is being small-minded and intolerant, and it sure isn’t the nuns, ministers, and laymen and women who ask only to live and practice their faith. Federal authorities are demanding obedience, in complete disregard of religious conscience – and in a free society, the answer is no."

Jeb Bush, accusing President Barack Obama of being religiously intolerant.

The irony of Bush's statement is rich. Bush made his comments at the commencement address at Liberty University.

Jerry Falwell, the founder of Liberty University, has a lengthy his of supporting segregation. Falwell was against the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education. Falwell's own words.

“If Chief Justice Warren and his associates had known God’s word and had desired to do the Lord’s will, I am quite confident that the 1954 decision would never have been made. The facilities should be separate. When God has drawn the line of distinction, we should not attempt to cross that line.”

Jeb Bush is not a dumb man. He is aware of Falwell's controversial history. Bush spoke at Liberty University to pander to the xenophobic base of the Republican Party.

Quote of the Day

“I strongly oppose what Governor Pence did. We should not enshrine bigotry under the cover of religion. It’s not just bad practice – it’s un-American.”

Sen. Mark Kirk

Wilco Cancels Indiana Show

Wilco announced on Facebook that they are cancelling their Indiana show because of the anti-gay "Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act."

We are canceling our May 7 show at the Murat in Indianapolis. The “Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act” feels like thinly disguised legal discrimination to us. Hope to get back to the Hoosier State someday soon, when this odious measure is repealed. Refunds available at point of purchase.

Indiana is going to experience more boycotts because of this stupid piece of legislation.

Joel Osteen on Those Pesky Facts

Christian Right leader Joel Osteen takes time out from making homoerotic remark to tell his followers to ignore reason and science. Comments like this shows that conservatives aren't even trying to make intellectual arguments, anymore.

Has the Westboro Baptist Church Read the Bible?

John Fugelsang was happy to point out to the Westboro Baptist Church that Jesus Christ wasn't in the Old Testament. Christ also made no mention of homosexuality in the New Testament.

Facts aren't going to stop the Westboro Baptist Church from getting its hate on.

Tina Dupuy on Her Childhood

Tina Dupuy talks about her traumatic childhood with progressive talk show host Sam Seder. Dupuy's parents were members of the Children of God cult. Dupuy tells Seder that when she was a child that her mother used her as a prop. Dupuy's mother had Dupuy by her side to help sell Children of God pamphlets on the streets on Manhattan. Her parents exposed to alcohol and drugs at a young age. Dupuy was later placed in foster care.

Dupuy's parents were highly unloving and made her a ward of the state. Dupuy briefly tried to live with her father and that didn't work out. Nancy Updike of This American Life researched Dupuy's story. The head of the group home told TAL that Dupuy's parent's rarely visited.

Here is the link to Dupuy's appearance on This American Life. The interview made Dupuy highly uncomfortable.

This is so awkward for me to talk about, because I've spent the last 25 years convincing myself that it had nothing to do with that my mommy didn't hug me enough. I don't want anyone to think that I'm blaming my mommy. And I also don't want to feel like I'm ripping on her. Does that make sense?

Dupuy did a one woman show in Los Angeles called "The Cult and the Cyclops." The show is about Dupuy's youth and her parents time in the Children of God cult.

The Daily Caller is attempting to shame Dupuy by saying that the secret is out on Dupuy being a member of the Children of God. Dupuy made a statement of her family's time in Children of God in 2005. The hysterical thing is The Daily Caller thinks they have a scoop.

Dupuy's 2005 statement.

To Whom It May Concern;

Ricky Rodriguez’s recent death has brought on national publicity and the Law and Order episode. People have begun to inquire about the group known as The Children of God or The Family. I realized that I have been ‘outed’ online as a former member.

In order to quash any rumor or speculation, this is what I have to say on the issue:

My parents met in the group. I am a 2nd generation. We lived in 10 countries all over Europe and South America. My parents left when I was 5 years old and we went back to the states. The way I see it - my parents are hippies. If your parents embarrassed you when you were a teenager – I have you beat!

My uncle Rick Dupuy (AKA Watchman) was one of the leaders at one time; he killed himself 10 years ago. I have in my possession the ‘purged’ literature that belonged to him. You think you have a strange uncle – I have you beat!

I have met and talked with many other 2nd generations. I left the group when I was very young. Some things we have in common (i.e. anger, alcohol abuse and the fact that we all bawled uncontrollably when we found out about Ricky). Other things, we don’t have in common. With that being said, I’m not a good spokesperson for the group and don’t desire to be. I feel there are others better qualified.

Since I am a stand up comic, I like to tackle these things on my own terms. I deal with events in my personal life through humor. Everything that I have gone through in my life I use as material, because let’s face it – public figures can’t do stupid things everyday. I did write a one person show called, “The Cult and the Cyclops”. It covers my experience in the COG. Copies of it are available on my website.

I would like to be known for my humor and not for my association with a child abusing, prostitution encouraging – good old fashion Christian cult.

Thank you,

Tina Dupuy

March 29, 2005

Side note: there is an interesting story on how Tina Dupuy became a columnist. This statement by Dupuy is from an an interview she did with the Kentucky Democrat blog in 2005.

It's a great exercise as a writer. A guy wrote on his blog that I wrote better than some columnists. You'd think I'd be flattered. Yet, I immediately thought, "Wow. I'm a loser. I should submit my work to newspapers." So I started doing that. A couple of pieces have gotten published. Which may have not happened if I wasn't obsessively writing a blog almost everyday for two years.

The person who wrote that praise about Dupuy's writing is me.

“But her blog posts are humorous and on target. She writes better than many columnists.” -Michael Hussey in 2005

I am insanely proud that my words helped inspire Dupuy to become the great columnist she is today. Dupuy was even my one time employer during the 2012 Republican National Convention. Dupuy and I were both involved in the Tampa Tribune using our content without payment. The blogosphere can be a wonderful and very small word.

Funny Quote of the Day

Pat Robertson isn't going to do that. I wonder why the very conservative Robertson has so many Facebook friends posting gay kissing photos. Makes you wonder.

Quote of the Day: Police State Edition

I personally believe in Jesus Christ as my lord savior, but I’m also a killer. I’ve killed a lot. And if I need to, I’ll kill a whole bunch more. If you don’t want to get killed, don’t show up in front of me, it’s that simple. I have no problem with it. God did not raise me to be a coward.”

Dan Page, police officer in charge of crowd control during the Ferguson protests.

Money quote.

“I’m into diversity. I kill everybody, I don’t care,” Page said.

What a true lover of Jesus.

Write A Caption: John Stemberger Edition

Anyone else see the problem with noted gay marriage basher John Stemberger wearing a "God Over Money" T-shirt while standing in front of his Lexus? Stemberger posted this comedy masterpiece on Twitter. Stemberger is a fan of ant-gay rights rapper Bizzle. I never heard the song since I don't hangout with Christian Right hipsters. Joe Jervis explains.

Florida hate group leader and fly champagne Lexus owner John Stemberger is referring to Bizzle, the rapper who was so outraged by the weddings at this year's Grammys that he issued a parody of Macklemore's Same Love in which he compared homosexuality to pedophilia and mental retardation with a bonus reference to Down Syndrome for extra Christian Love™ points. Courageous and godly!

I look forward to Stemberger discovering the Christian lyrics of NWA.

Tampa Church Refuses Gay Man's Funeral

Via Daily Kos: The New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, in Tampa, Florida, denied funeral services to the departed Julion Evans. The late Evans passed away from the rare disease Amyloidosis.

Julie Atwood, the mother of Evans, was informed that the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church would not perform the funeral.

Atwood said she was told it would be "blasphemous" to hold the services at the church because her son, Julion Evans, 42, was gay.

From a First amendment standpoint, the church is within its right not to perform the funeral. Although, I take exception to the church's understanding of the Bible. There is no literal passage in the Bible that states homosexuality as a sin. There is a good argument that the homosexual acts mentioned in Romans is condemning the Romans raping young male slaves.

What many of these so-called Christians lack is compassion. Ms. Atwood was devastated.

"It was devastating," she said. "I did feel like he was being denied the dignity of death."

Pastor T.W. Jenkins gave a bullshit answer to the media on why the funeral was cancelled.

Based on our preaching of the scripture, we would have been in error to allow the service in our church," Jenkins said. "I'm not trying to condemn anyone's lifestyle, but at the same time, I am a man of God, and I have to stand up for my principles."

Bullshit. Jenkins is condemning Evans's lifestyle. He should be man enough to admit it.

Corporatist Christianity

Yes, those occupiers are so evil standing up against those Christians on Wall Street. Jesus loved the money changers above all others.

Matthew 21:12

12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.

13 And He said to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER'; but you are making it a ROBBERS' DEN."

I guess Jesus didn't love the money changers as much as so-called right-wing Christians.

Jesus Really Was A Republican

Matt Bors has created this great comic on how the immigration policies of the tea party don't jive with the teachings of Jesus.

Anti World Cup Rant By Russian Priest

Russian Priest Alexander Shumsky believes the World Cup promotes homosexuality. I believe the World Cup promotes watching a boring sport but opinions differ. The Moscow Times has some gems from Shumsky's blog post.

"Wearing pink or blue shoes, [the players] might as well wear women's panties or a bra," Shumsky wrote, adding that he was also offended by the "unthinkable" hairstyles of some of the players in Brazil.

For a straight guy Shumsky is really obsessed with clothes.

Shumsky channels Ann Coulter and claims that the World Cup is a conspiracy to spread liberalism.

"The liberal ideology of globalism clearly wants to oppose Christianity with football. I'm sure of it. Therefore I am glad that the Russian players have failed and, by the grace of God, no longer participate in this homosexual abomination," the priest wrote in his online column.

I take it this Jesus figurine would not be a good gift for Shumsky.

A Good Reason To Not Shop At Hobby Lobby

I tend to think boycotts don't work. However, Hobby Lobby's Christian hypocrisy should be noted. The Global Slavery Index estimates there are 30 million slave laborers in the world. Many of these slave laborers live in China, India and Russia.

China has an estimated three million slaves working to create electronics and designer handbags. The report also alleges that forced labor was used to create headphones for several airlines.

Matt Chambers, a religious Christian and the Director/Co-Founder of an NGO called SafeWorld, questions the spiritual integrity of Hobby Lobby.

Chambers, a Christian who serves as Director/Co-Founder of an NGO called SafeWorld, argues that Hobby Lobby's choice to do business with China goes against Christian principles due to China's botched human rights record and sex-selective abortion practices.

"And, that doesn't even touch the fact that China's cheap labor conditions are such that no American would be willing to work them (some are even equated with slavery)...or the fact that China greatly restricts religious liberty (the very issue Hobby Lobby claims is under attack here),...or the fact that their numbers on infanticide, orphans, and child-abandonment are abysmal," Chambers writes.

"You see, when it comes carrying high the banner of 'Biblical principles', I believe a company who wanted that to be their public persona would be extra careful to NEVER do business with the very people who go against everything they claim to fight for as Christians," Chambers adds.

Christians are held in Chinese labor camps. The same camps that make products for Hobby Lobby.

Bobby Jindal Urges War Against the Federal Government

Gov. Bobby Jindal is a highly irresponsible elected official. Jindal spoke openly about violence against the federal government.

"I can sense right now a rebellion brewing amongst these United States," Jindal said, "where people are ready for a hostile takeover of Washington, D.C., to preserve the American Dream for our children and grandchildren."

Jindal went on about how the Left isn't tolerant to Christian conservatives.

"I am tired of the left. They say they're for tolerance, they say they respect diversity. The reality is this: They respect everybody unless you happen to disagree with them," he said. "The left is trying to silence us and I'm tired of it, I won't take it anymore."

You know what is not tolerant? Jindal openly urging violence against the federal government. We live in a democracy. Jindal is saying that if Christian Right doesn't get what they want then they will wage war against the government. This is shockingly offensive rhetoric from someone contemplating running for President. Would Bobby Jindal approve of citizens taking up arms against Bobby Jindal's government? I think he would likely be hiding underneath his desk.

Jindal is the negotiator urging the kidnapper to shoot the hostage. Statements like this should disqualify Jindal from serving in public office. There is a word for people whoadvocate war against the United States government. Terrorist.

Quote of the Day

"God has told me. I’m chosen to cut taxes and stop killing babies."

Scott Walker

Walker's friend Glen Barry told The New Republic that Walker felt as though God sent him on a conservative path.

Pat Robertson Hearts Stoning of Gays

Pat Robertson gets misty-eyed over the Biblical days when gay men could be stoned to death.

“I think you got to remember from the Bible, if you look carefully at the Bible what would have happened in Jesus’ time if two men decided they wanted to cohabit together, they would have been stoned to death,” Robertson said. “So Jesus would not have baked them a wedding cake nor would he have made them a bed to sleep in because they wouldn’t have been there. But we don’t have that in this country here so that’s the way it is," Robertson continued.

In 2003, Robertson made a creepy prediction that three Supreme Court Justices would retire because of health problems.

"One justice is 83-years-old, another has cancer and another has a heart condition. Would it not be possible for God to put it in the minds of these three judges that the time has come to retire?"

Robertson did not publicly wish for death of these Justices. On the other hand, Robertson wasn't praying for their good health.

Pat Robertson is a bad man.

Awesome Awkward Fox News Moment

Orthodox rabbi Shmuley Boteach called out the cast members of Duck Dynasty for gay bashing. Boteach appeared on the hysterically named The Real Story and created this extremely awkward for the panel.

BOTEACH: They've done tremendous damage to religion. We have to stop making religion in America about bashing gays. They have to just forswear that stupid comment about comparing homosexuality to bestiality. See, the problem in America is that we overlook all the heterosexual guys who are raping women 1 in 5 on the campus. We saw this terrible statistic that in Alaska-

[CROSSTALK]

BOTEACH: Bashing gays is not religion. What is religion is family dinners and combating the divorce rate.

Boteach is right. Bashing gays isn't religion.