No Room in Politics for Hatred

As of Sunday, June 3, 2012

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge, about 140 miles from Pinehurst, stands the Providence Road Church of Maiden, N.C.

It was just this past Mother’s Day that Pastor Charles Worley told his congregation — and, through the use of social media, the entire world — that homosexuals ought to be gathered up and placed in the equivalent of concentration camps.

Now, I am uniquely unqualified to argue Scripture. I am probably better qualified, but still not expert, to speak on the horrors of concentration camps. But I am the leader of a local conservative political party. And, as such, I can speak for many conservatives who are horrified at such hate no matter from where it comes.

Some conservatives, among whom I include myself, consider homosexuality immoral. Some believe it is a disease for which there is hope for a cure. Still other conservatives, more libertarian than me, believe it is an immutable condition that affects a certain number of people born each year, persons who should have the same sexual freedom as anyone else.

But within that entire spectrum of conservative and libertarian thought, there is no room for hate. Pastor Worley represents hate.

Now, I am a sworn enemy of the “gay agenda.” I do not believe that schools should teach that having two fathers is an acceptable way to raise children. I am against the current homosexual attack on the institution of marriage. But support of a constitutional amendment to protect marriage ought not make hatemongers comfortable when they call for violence against the LGBT community.

The advocacy of placing those with whom we differ into concentration camps, similar to the Nazi persecutions during World War II, actually furthers the gay agenda itself.

Pastor Worley allowed himself to become a national caricature of a hateful Southern preacher, preaching oppression and intolerance as the word of God. He tailored his sermon for “Central Casting” of a Grade B movie about civil rights. He made himself a villain as stereotypical as Snidely Whiplash, allowing liberals to pose as Dudley Do-Right. Far from helping the conservative cause against the gay agenda, he gave the liberals an enemy that popular culture loves to hate.

There are perhaps none among us who do not have a cousin, nephew or just a good friend who has come to be identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. Some of us pray for them. Some of us seek psychiatric help for them. For some of us it is just no big deal. However, none of us should ever wish them harm or tolerate those who advocate violence toward them.

The hate of Pastor Worley needs to be placed alongside of the lawlessness that triggered the torture and death of Matthew Shepherd. Moreover, we must point out that what Pastor Worley advocates is exactly the same as the policy of the Ayatollah of Iran. All of this must be condemned in the strongest terms.

Yet, when we hear Pastor Worley speak, as hateful as his words might be, we still must admire the Constitution that both allows him to speak and defends those who publish that speech worldwide, either as an example of righteousness or intolerance.

During protests in the nearby town of Newton, there were those who tried to burn the pastor’s church. Our laws properly characterize those political arsonists as evil, too.

Although I rarely do so, those of my religion more pious than me pray twice a day with a prayer reminding us that only “in love will thou bring a redeemer.”

I personally believe that homosexuality is wrong. But I cannot bring myself to truly hate what God has put on this Earth.

Genesis teaches that “God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” I believe that if I show love to even those things contrary to God’s later law, I can find the good that God promised in the beginning of his sacred text.

All of us, regardless of party, seek to build a better nation. I believe that conservative principles will do that best. But, nowhere is there room in those principles for hate.

Robert M. Levy is chairman of the Moore County Republican Party. Contact him at Law52@prodigy.net.

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mcgal 11 months, 3 weeks ago

By not allowing gays the right to marry we have already set them apart from the rest of the people. Not a concentration camp but still detained from enjoying the rights of their fellow citizens.

geoffcutler 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Just for the record, as a conservative, there's no room for the hate Mr. Levy describes above, by anyone or any side. I agree with you Bob, wholeheartedly.

nothingspecial 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Bravo, Mr. Levy, I always enjoy your thought provoking commentary.

getreal 11 months, 3 weeks ago

A great article and a sad reflection on NC. Just more of the same hate spewed from behind a bible. A very troubled and dangerous person. I wonder, if some deranged person commits a murder and states that they were following the word of this so called "preacher" is Worley ultimately responsible? One can only hope so!

The_AnonymusProfit 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Bob if you want comments tou need to tell lies. You cant write a column that no one can disagree with and expect a good argument...

Lol great article. Sometimes the gop gets it right.

geoffcutler 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Interesting question. Who then, I wonder, would be the parties responsible for international Islamic terrorism?

Antifa 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Pastor Worley's vocal hate is impotent. It'll never happen under the laws of our nation. It will never happen under our Constitution. He's just a hateful old man whipping up the pride and arrogance of his hundred or so church members, talking Jim Crow language to them, making them feel special because they've found some other group of people to spit their hate and frustration at. It used to be black people. Now it's gay people. It's impotent hate all the same. Nothing but mean talk.

Let me tell you about potent hate. On May 8th, six out of ten citizens of our state voted to put every gay citizen of our state behind fences. No civil marriage to someone they love. No hospital visitation rights, no right to inherit their loved one's property, no mutual insurance. Truly segregation in fact, truly a "separate but equal" status for gay citizens. This was wrong when we did it to black citizens, it is wrong when we do it to gay citizens, and it would be wrong when if we did it to left-handed citizens, or redheads or short people or amputees.

Our Constitution says we are all created equal. Brown v. Board of Education ended the "separate but equal" status of black citizens. It is only a matter of time before the same fix happens for gay citizens. In the meantime, every citizen who voted to deny the rights of our gay citizens should be as ashamed as they are about the Jim Crow era of second-class citizenship for black citizens.

Pastor Worley is an impotent clown. The real haters in our state are the ones who voted in Amendment One. That's effective hate, potent hate that hurts lives and livelihoods, that truly shames us in front of the whole world.

Bentpan 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Antifa 36 minutes ago "The real haters in our state are the ones who voted in Amendment One." It seems Antifa is simply Worley's mirror image and is to consumed in selfrightious hate to see it. Yes Worley is an impodent clown Antifa, but sadly so are you.

The_AnonymusProfit 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Anita while i voted against the amendment. Your facts are wrong and you are lieing wether you no it or not.

MikeNC 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Anita...Do the innocent unborn children ever get any rights or just hate? About 60 million infants sentanced to a cruel death since 1973 right here in America. Are you stumping for them along with the gay...Mike

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/Abortion%20is%20Murder/abortion_americas_killer.htm

Toyboy52 11 months, 3 weeks ago

It looks like I will have to write something much more right wing so people can get a chance to criticize me more. I'll work on that for next week LOL , Bob Levy

clarabelle 11 months, 3 weeks ago

MikeNC - and every year 15 million children die of hunger. I wonder - would an early abortion be preferred if they DID have a choice. I also wonder how many kids you have adopted or supported. I imagine none.

MikeNC 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Now there's some sound logic Clarabelle. In other words they mean nothing to you other than 'toxic waste' as they are referred to in an abortion lab. I could not even attempt to make up such a reply as you just signed your own "Name" to....Mike

OldSpook 11 months, 3 weeks ago

"I wonder - would an early abortion be preferred if they DID have a choice."

Operative words here appear to be the "DID hae a choice." MikeNC did not go worldwide, he kept it to this country so as not to muddy the waters and pointed out that about 1,538,462 unborn children are murdered in this country (not worldwide) every year. Why is it that the homosexual community not getting their wants (notice I did not say rights) is more important these unborn childrens right to life? Oh and before you ask, yes I do support programs for feeding children and assistance for single parents.

clarabelle 11 months, 3 weeks ago

"Now there's some sound logic Clarabelle. In other words they mean nothing to you other than 'toxic waste' as they are referred to in an abortion lab. I could not even attempt to make up such a reply as you just signed your own "Name" to....Mike"

As is always the case .......... your small minds cant seem to grasp the larger truth. I never mentioned "gay" or "homosexuality" - but you two will never change. And tell me again mikey - just how many of these kids that "are" being born to women with no means of support, or the millions of kids that are being abused because of unfit parents have you adopted or provided support for.........

MikeNC 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Yes clarabelle...the butchering is all my fault. Mine and Diane's two favorite charities are 'Doctors without Borders' and 'Smile Train' and we help other local programs as well. We do help those in need and we have not adopted. The choiceless whom you and others make choices for appreciate your genuine concern....Mike

JD 11 months, 3 weeks ago

I am just thankful to be in an age of video so that people like Worley can be called out on their bigotry and zeal. He has a right to say it and I have a right to show people what he has said and have him publicly criticized. He abuses religion for his own personal goals. Bigots can be called out. That is my freedom of speech.

Unfortunately Bob people like Worley are what comes to mind when you have to picture a neo con. Republicans need a house cleaning. The crazies are running the asylum and you need to stop catering to those just to get your votes. Show a platform of economic and social conservative principles without bringing religion doctrine as your reasoning.

nothingspecial 11 months, 3 weeks ago

JD, pardon me but I think you might have just inadvertently stepped into some of that bigotry you complained about in describing Worley as a typical neo con. And I think Mr. Levy marches pretty well to his own drummer.

getreal 11 months, 3 weeks ago

If people would just use their brains and instead of their lust, they wouldn't get pregnant in the first place. Now let's stand back and look at who gets abortions. What is the average education and IQ? You have to be pretty stupid to get pregnant when you didn't want a baby in the first place. Someone that careless shouldn't have kids! I hate the idea of abortion, but I hate the idea of unwanted children being born and neglected even more. Drug addicts, young kids, very poor people who can't afford to feed their children, they should have the option to get abortions to avoid giving a lifetime of sorrow and abuse to some poor child. Or better yet, just say no! I really think the low lives of the world have babies because having sex is the only thing they have to do and they never think about the outcome. For those of you who scream about the clinics and those who have abortions, show me how many unwanted children you personally have adopted. Just supporting a few charities isn't enough. Put your home where your mouth is and take some of these kids into your life! If not, shut up and stop telling others what to do with their lives. At least they are trying to right the wrong they did in the first place. But then again, posters on this site are already experienced with telling others how to live their lives and what they accept as "normal". Having a child is one of the most important and toughest jobs you will ever have. Too bad any idiot can get pregnant. I've already said what I think of the "preacher" in the above story in an earlier post, the posts about abortion didn't seem to have anything to do with that nut case Worley talking about gays, but since it was brought up, I have added my 2 cents for what it is worth.

jimt 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Mr. Levy, while I applaud your decision to distance yourself, and by implication Republicans in Moore County who look to you for leadership and/or guidance, I can't help but note what appears to me to be some cognitive dissonance at work in your mind.

You write: "Some conservatives, among whom I include myself, consider homosexuality immoral...I personally believe that homosexuality is wrong. But I cannot bring myself to truly hate what God has put on this Earth."

By homosexuality I presume you mean the act of homsexuality between consenting men and men or women and women. Christian conservatives tend to parse their opinion thusly, God loves homosexuals but hates homosexuality (the act). You make no such distinction, instead you refer, in both instances to "homosexuality."

You say that you believe homsexuality to be immoral, but cannot hate what God put on this earth. I find this perplexing. Are you saying God created homosexuals, and that, contrary to Conservative doctrine, it is not a "lifestyle choice?" Further, are you suggesting that since God created homosexuals it his hardly surprising that the end result will be actual acts of homosexuality? And if that's true, are you saying that in your opinion God created individuals who, by their inate nature will commit immoral acts? QED, you seem to be indicating that God creates and condones acts which you consider immoral. I believe most Christians, and Jews, and even Muslims, would blanch at the thought that God could condone, let alone create, immorality. So who's right, you or God?

Thatcher 11 months, 3 weeks ago

God.

JD 11 months, 3 weeks ago

No nothing special. It is not bigotry that I have it is disappointment with radical branches of my party. Worley is a bigot, your defense is a strawman one.

Thatcher 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Here's one strawman I love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xNA8s....

Bentpan 11 months, 3 weeks ago

jimt 2 hours, 30 minutes ago

"God creates and condones acts which you consider immoral. I believe most Christians, and Jews, and even Muslims, would blanch at the thought that God could condone, let alone create, immorality. So who's right, you or God?"...............................................................................

Whether you do or don't in fact believe or accept that there is a God, your argument still fails, "God" creates murderers, child molesters or on a lessor note liars, thieves, adulterers. According to christian doctrine God loves them all in spite of their failings. A lesson perhaps? BTW this poster is in fact not a christian but that does not preclude me from seeing the good in their teachings.

nothingspecial 11 months, 3 weeks ago

JD, when you lump neo cons in with Worley, you're using the same tactics liberals use to prejudicially dismiss large portions of the conservative view. Worley made an idiot statement - I'm saying don't lump him with neo cons or brand neo cons as idiots. It does "our" party no good in the short or long run.

By the way, you use an incorrect interpretation of straw man. Its a sound byte often thrown around with little idea of what it really means.

Here's a Wikipedia attempt at defining it for you: A straw man is a type of argument and is an informal fallacy based on misrepresentation of an opponent's position.[1] To "attack a straw man" is to create the illusion of having refuted a proposition by replacing it with a superficially similar yet unequivalent proposition (the "straw man"), and refuting it, without ever having actually refuted the original position.

JD 11 months, 3 weeks ago

Yay you learned to internet. Explore and learn. The more you know!

“I don’t think it's important to reelect the president, I think it is essential to reelect the president," Clinton said.

Courseaire 11 months, 3 weeks ago

jimt: "By homosexuality I presume you mean the act of homsexuality between consenting men and men or women and women" I know for a fact that God created the act of homoseuality between women and women because this is almost every man's fantasy and a Ménage à trois (french for 'Holy Trinity').

fugitiveguy 11 months, 2 weeks ago

Barack Obama's has far surpassed some of my expectations. He has set a new record for increasing the debt over time and also he has made GWB look like a fiscal conservative.

JimHeim 11 months, 2 weeks ago

I see the GOP has embedded discrimination against gays in their North Carolina platform. Lucky they don't hate gays or it would be worse than just second-class citizenship.

JimHeim 11 months, 2 weeks ago

fugitiveguy - According to charts from Federal Reserve Economic Data, you are dead wrong about Obama's spending. Their data show that Obama has reduced government spending more than any president since Eisenhower.

Bush turned a $5 trillion surplus into a $5 trillion debt in his two terms. Obama isn't going to even come close.

Just making stuff up is no way to win our argument.

JimHeim 11 months, 2 weeks ago

getreal - Get.Real. People enjoy sex and you can't stop it. Abstinence education only leads to early-onset grand-parenthood.

Children not properly educated about how sex and reproduction work are scarcely prepared to deal with the issue when those marvelous hormones kick in. The best way to prevent unwanted children is comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education. Funny that by fighting good sex education, the anti-abortion crowd is responsible for most abortions.

Contraception is a constitutional right. So is abortion.

JD 11 months, 2 weeks ago

And under Romney's tax plan he will cut HIS OWN taxes by 5 million and add 3 TRILLION more to your precious deficit over 3 years.

OldSpook 11 months, 2 weeks ago

Somehow, and I reserve the right to be wrong, I just don't recall the writers of our Constitution debating contraception. Either I was absent that day or Jim is making up his "facts" again. Maybe Jim's just trying to get the Trojan army to rise again?

nothingspecial 11 months, 2 weeks ago

Good Lord, Jim are you still using that goofy lie that the President is the most fiscally responsible president since Eisenhower?! It never passed the common sense test to begin with and was bashed to crap by numerous fact checkers.

KEY QUOTE: "Federal spending was close to 20 percent under the Carter administration, dropped to 18 percent under Clinton, and is currently at an incredible 24 percent of GDP. According to the Congressional Budget Office, federal spending may hover around 22 percent for the next decade. Federal spending is also higher this year than any year since 1949. The last time spending was higher—in 1946, it was 24.8—the country was just coming down from the exorbitant rates of spending during World War II."

http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2012/06/01/president-obama-has-outspent-last-five-presidents

http://news.yahoo.com/fact-check-obama-off-thrifty-spending-claim-231221900.html?asid=ed8312ac&ugccmtnav=v1%2Fcomments%2Fcontext%2Fddbc2144-1bb6-3f8f-92ff-4869755686bc%2Fcomments%3Fcount%3D20%26sortBy%3DhighestRated%26isNext%3Dtrue%26offset%3D20%26pageNumber%3D1

Courseaire 11 months, 2 weeks ago

Oldspook - However Lincoln mentioned it in his Gettysburg Address "Fourscore and seven years ago our Fathers brought Fourex on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. So you have a condom, conception as well as a proposition, but usually the proposition comes first.

teufelhunden 11 months, 2 weeks ago

Weird how the majority of people getting free healthcare are the same ones who don't use their free birth control.

JimHeim 11 months, 2 weeks ago

Oldspook - Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479 (1965)

JimHeim 11 months, 2 weeks ago

teufelhunden - please confirm the source of your blindingly stupid statistic.

JimHeim 11 months, 2 weeks ago

nothingspecial - Shall I believe you or the Federal Reserve? I'll go with the Fed. Reality has a liberal bias.

Thatcher 11 months, 2 weeks ago

JimHeim-- Just believe the truth: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57400369-503544/national-debt-has-increased-more-under-obama-than-under-bush/. Have a great night!

Bentpan 11 months, 2 weeks ago

Identify the Consequences of Pathological Lying Pathological liars are usually unconcerned or unaware of the consequences of these fabrications. When caught in a lie, these individuals usually make no effort to apologize for the lie or admit that they were wrong. One way to identify a pathological liar is by recognizing a history of broken promises, ruined relationships and an inability to complete important tasks on time. While most people feel some remorse for telling lies, a pathological liar will simply move forward and act as if nothing is wrong.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/13256-identify-symptoms-pathological-liar/#ixzz1wxxXfhVz Seek help Mr Heim, you might want to take President Obama with you.

JimHeim 11 months, 2 weeks ago

Bentpan - When you have to resort to ad hominem attacks because you have no facts on your side, you have lost the argument.

Thatcher 11 months, 2 weeks ago

JimHeim-- Feel free to respond to my post when you get a chance. Thanks!

AM910 11 months, 2 weeks ago

The fact is, this is only news because the Republican Party introduced this legislation for the voters of NC to fight over, which brought out the hate mongers. Thank you to the Republican Party for bringing the ignorant people of NC into focus. Job well done!

nothingspecial 11 months, 2 weeks ago

AM910, to my interpretation you are basically saying the majority NC vote for the amendment, folks who generally voted their conscience and values were "ignorant". I would counter that your comments clearly show ignorance about matters of faith and the values that religious persons hold,

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No Room in Politics for Hatred

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