As History major/Political Science minor I like to stay abreast on the latest news and political headlines. In my efforts to remain “fair and balanced” I frequent a number of websites. Everything from TMZ, CNN, Yahoo! News and even Fox News. Today, while I was browsing the front pages of Fox’s website I was struck by a headline “Teacher's Job in Jeopardy Over Gay Marriage Views”. The brief description of the article read: “Florida school suspends former 'Teacher of the Year' for voicing his objection to gay marriage on Facebook.” WHAT!?! WHY!?! HOW DARE THEY!!! I can just hear the rants of the radical right sympathizing with this poor “Teacher of the Year.” How could I not read the story?
So I read it and I learned about Jerry Buell, a “Veteran American History teacher” who reacted to New York making marriage equal by posting the following comment on his personal Facebook page:
“I’m watching the news, eating dinner when the story about New York okaying same-sex unions came on and I almost threw up,” he wrote. “And now they showed two guys kissing after their announcement. If they want to call it a union, go ahead. But don’t insult a man and woman’s marriage by throwing it in the same cesspool of whatever. God will not be mocked. When did this sin become acceptable?”
As the story goes, “Three minutes later, Buell posted another comment: “By the way, if one doesn’t like the most recently posted opinion based on biblical principles and God’s laws, then go ahead and unfriend me. I’ll miss you like I miss my kidney stone from 1994. And I will never accept it because God will never accept it. Romans chapter one.”
The story on Fox News said that “his job is on the line because of what some have called anti-gay and homophobic comments” and that Mr. Buell is “stunned by the accusations.” What accusations are you stunned by Mr. Buell!?! Your comments were CLEARLY anti-gay and homophobic. Or did you were you referring to a "cesspool" in a positive light!?!
So let me jump on my soapbox for a moment and make a couple of quick observations:
1) I love how different news corporations spin the same story – and Fox News certainly isn’t the only one to do it!! In fact, a hobby of mine is to watch Fox News report on a story and then watch MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow report on the same thing. In the example of the story above, Fox News’ touted Mr. Buell’s “Veteran” teaching status and former “Teacher of the Year” award (both of which have no merit to the story). But I could see Rachel Maddow teasing an upcoming segment on her program about the “evangelical Florida teacher using social media to spread hate and prejudice.” In this case, I would lean more towards Ms. Maddow’s side but it just makes me laugh how these networks sensationalize stories according to which side of the aisle their viewers tend to lean. At least its good for a few good laughs.
2) What is not laughable in this story is Mr. Buell’s hateful comments and unfortunate view. However, this is America and we are each entitled to believe what we want. But since Mr. Buell is quick to reference The Bible as an excuse to broadcast his hateful message (referring to Romans 1) perhaps he should be reminded of another verse: Matthew 7:2 = “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Referring to gays as a “cesspool” and calling out their “sin” seems a lot like judgment to me. It amazes me how some people want to condemn others because of their “sin” but seem so quick to forget their own. Yep, I sin. So do you! So if I am going to hell for my “sin” then I will see you there for “yours.” I hope you like it hot!!!
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