Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Gay marriage, concealed carry and “right to work”?
Next Post: Good morning and see you later
Posted in:
* From a press release…
U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today released the following statement on the discriminatory law recently enacted in Indiana:
“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.”
Background:
* Senator Kirk was one of 11 Republican senators to vote for the Schatz Amendment to grant married same-sex couples full access to Social Security and veterans benefits.
* Last month, Senator Kirk signed an amicus brief, filed in the DeBoer v. Snyder case before the Supreme Court, in support of same-sex couples’ right to marry.
* In 2013, Senator Kirk was the second Republican senator to voice support for same-sex marriage.
* Senator Kirk was the lead Republican sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which passed the Senate in the 113th Congress.
It’s your turn, Gov. Rauner.
*** UPDATE *** Rauner did say something today…
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner says he’s troubled by what he’s read about the situation in Indiana.
“I believe Illinois has struck the right balance between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws and I support Illinois’ position on these issues,” Rauner said.
Rauner says he believes this law will open the door for discriminatory behavior and that would be bad.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:20 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Gay marriage, concealed carry and “right to work”?
Next Post: Good morning and see you later
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Woof. That’s bringing it old school.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:27 pm
No ambiguity there.
Well said. “Nuff said.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:35 pm
A profile in courage. Standing against this bigotry days after others have condemned it.
Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:35 pm
That’s a beaut!
Comment by anonlurker Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:41 pm
At the Battle of Missionary Ridge, Brig. Gen. August Willich skirmishers started up the ridge without orders. Deciding that following them was preferable to being massacred in the rifle pits, Willich gave orders to advance, although several of his units were already doing so.
Like Willich, Kirk is leading from behind those who have already attacked. Always safe that way.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:42 pm
What a sharp contrast with Rauner’s position! Rauner is no Mark Kirk.
Comment by nona Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 4:46 pm
Take that Flanders … I mean Indiana.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:06 pm
Rauner has no desire to take a position on this that seems clear. And at the same time if he criticizes Indiana for adopting a position that could drive business away it undercuts his narrative that they’re stealing jobs from us.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:11 pm
Now that Gov. Asa Hutchinson threw Mike Pence under the bus Mark Kirk wants on the bus.
It would be nice if Kirk discovered his principles before everyone got the “well, duh” point.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:24 pm
===Rauner says he believes this law will open the door for discriminatory behavior and that would be bad.===
lol
“…and that would be bad.”
So…if the door isn’t open, there… isn’t… discrimination… it will not… be bad?
Governor, it’s bad. How about that?
Pathetic
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:30 pm
Bruce Rauner’s moral cowardice is becoming more and more difficult to ignore.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:31 pm
==It would be nice if Kirk discovered his principles before everyone got the “well, duh” point.==
Excellent point, indeed!
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:32 pm
Good for Kirk. His support for the LGBT community has been apparent.
Comment by QCLib Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:35 pm
Compare and contrast Kirk’s statement with the Republicans running for president.
I say good on him.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:37 pm
- Norseman -, you have a good point, a solid point.
In comparing and contrasting that, even timed as it is, is much better than Rauner tried…twice.
Glad you commented as you did, made me think on it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:41 pm
Kirk is a moran
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:53 pm
Done.
Rauner and Kirk are opposed to any law that could allow discrimination based on sexually orientation.
So is everyone.
That was really never the problem, but now that everyone who felt a need to reaffirm what no one is affirming, let’s stop whipping this dead horse.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 5:59 pm
I view Kirk’s statement as both timely and authentic. For those who are whining why didn’t he comment sooner, good grief, maybe someone can point to the rule book for pols that lays out in detail exactly when they are required to comment on laws passed in other states and the time limit for doing so. Sen. Kirk did not have to comment at all and certainly not in that forceful manner. But he did.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 6:02 pm
“Rauner says he believes this law will open the door for discriminatory behavior and that would be bad.”
And it only took Rauner two days longer than the band Wilco to figure that out.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 6:02 pm
I credit Kirk with the smarts to remember which state he represents, unlike Rauner with his futile attacks against public employees. However, I doubt Kirk would have stepped forward without the recent strong challenge by Duckworth and the folding of far right conservatives on this issue.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 6:13 pm
Good for Senator Kirk. Bravo.
VanilllaMan, is your legal analysis of the Indiana law grounded in any legal education or practice? Because I think the bloody horse is still breathing. Your opinion notwithstanding, reasonable people disagree that everyone is opposed to a law that protects some from otherwise illegal discrimination.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 6:38 pm
Kirk once again comes across as half hearted day late dollar short. He is right wing when it pays and center left if that’s working this week. There’s no way to respect the guy.
Comment by Johnny's in the Basement Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 8:02 pm
The beating Pence is taking from the Indiana business community is raw and relentless. Lilly,the Simons, Indy Motor Speedway, the dude from Angie’s List who ran Daniel’s campaign… Mitch threw him under the bus, too.
Lesson to governors everywhere: if you feel the need to close a bill signing ceremony to press and public, maybe you should give the bill another think.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 8:46 pm
When NASCAR criticizes your intolerance, you have problems.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 9:31 pm
i wonder if Barles Charkley can keep his mouth closed this weekend for the Final 4. he came out last weekend with a pretty serious comment, but can CBS hold him back?
Comment by PoolGuy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 9:42 pm
PG, good luck keeping Charles from speaking his mind.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 9:52 pm
there will be millions and millions watching, we shall see
Comment by PoolGuy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 9:55 pm
Why would CBS hold him back?
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 9:59 pm
PG, have you noticed a retinence on this subject? Except from Gov. Rauner?
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:03 pm
47th, just figure CBS does not want Final 4 to turn into a political circus, but I’m sure it will come up
Comment by PoolGuy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:10 pm
even if Indiana legislature passes protected class status legislation in next 48 hours i doubt this lets up anytime soon. and Gov Rauner will have to be a tad more explanatory at some point other than his Mr Mackey “drugs are bad” response
Comment by PoolGuy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:15 pm
PG, a circus? Talk to Ringmaster Mike.
If they don’t pass a decent out by Friday, the beating will continue on CBS Saturday.
For crying out loud, this isn’t a “liberal/conservative” thing. The Indy business community warned Pence while the bill was being considered, and now they’re beating him like a rented mule for blowing them off.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:25 pm
Pool guy, with respect, controversy = ratings.
Not that CBS won’t dominate the weekend ratings because they own the broadcast, some people might actually tweet about something Charles Barkley will say. Then it’ll get on the Facebook, and while Bruce Rauner has no social agenda, everyone else seems to have a social media presence. Television networks dream about ways they can generate social media interest. The industry geeks call it synergy, others call it buzz, Nielsen calls it ratings and lots people make money.
This is exactly the kind of political circus CBS wants. As the kids say, it’ll go viral.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:28 pm
hey i’m on your side, but not sure if Final 4 games and players should be caught in middle. if it’s going to be like that then the players should just boycott and not go to Indy this weekend. postpone the tourney and move it somewhere else
Comment by PoolGuy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:29 pm
Like Charles said.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:35 pm
yes Word, again I agree with you. but I saw pretty much every major Repub candidate stand behind Gov Pence this week, so it kinda is a liberal/conservative or Dem/Repub issue in that sense. when will those guys back off and realize theyre on the wrong side?
Comment by PoolGuy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:40 pm
if this doesnt let up I’m starting to think Gov Pence may end up resigning
Comment by PoolGuy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:45 pm
===if this doesnt let up I’m starting to think Gov Pence may end up resigning===
It won’t get that far. There is a governmental “fix” with a trailer bill that can change the landscape, if Pence makes the move to get it through signing.
The only way the heat escalates beyond bad press, very deserved bad press, is of thd trailer bill fix isn’t put into motion and completed.
Then, and only then, can the discussion of fallout, including resignation, should be engaged. They’re all not there yet.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 10:52 pm
wouldn’t it be ironic (unless I’m using irony incorrectly) if Indiana legislature ends up passing protected class status for LGBT community when the whole point of this was to placate the religious right with this “freedom” bill?
Comment by PoolGuy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 11:00 pm
I agree, OW. Further, if Pence’s Crew hasn’t started the ball rolling on a trailer bill by now, he needs a new crew forthwith.
I’m also with 47 to the extent that there may be a cohort of people who tune into the Final Four just because of the potential for controversy. Lots of folks don’t watch NASCAR to watch the cars turn left for 509 miles.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 11:00 pm
AA, yes and people watch the superbowl as much for commercials and halftime show as the game these days
Comment by PoolGuy Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 11:05 pm
I think the GOP candidates for president jumped the gun and the walkbacks will start soon. Mitch and his crew, plus corporate Indy, have thrown Pence under the bus.
What’s the upside of bucking them?
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 1, 15 @ 11:19 pm
Pool, that’s right as well.
I missed a word in my post above. Long day. Meant to say “..ball rolling on *moving* a trailer bill…”
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Apr 2, 15 @ 1:01 am
Looks like BVR got a little of his own “TurnAround Agenda” but he forgot the travel ban part Maybe the Comptroller can issue an order to refuse to pay for any travel to or thru IN (hint)
Comment by Anonin' Thursday, Apr 2, 15 @ 7:49 am
We can question the timing of Kirk’s statement but the fact of the matter is that he made it and it was unequivocal. That stands in direct contrast to Rauner’s comments and those of most of the 2016 GOP field. Kirk has shown that he’s willing to take positions that are contrary to the other members of his party. For that he should be commended not criticized on the timing which feels a bit nit picky. There are plenty of other things to call him out on like the letter he and 47 other ill-advised senators decided to send to Iran.
Comment by pundent Thursday, Apr 2, 15 @ 8:44 am
I always get a chuckle when people are “surprised” by an elected official’s comments or stance on an issue. Anyone who paid any attention to Mark Kirk when he was an MOC knows that he is socially progressive. Why would that be a surprise for anyone? The comments on his Facebook pages (official and political) are a riot. Apparently no one knew anything about Mark Kirk - even as late as 2011. To quote the venerable Billy Madison: “YEESH!”
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Apr 2, 15 @ 9:03 am
When Pence publically acknowledged that the bill he supported was a mistake, that should have been the end of this.
The continued boycotts and whining against the millions of people living in Indiana is nothing more than political pandering.
Having an Indiana address should be no cause for insults, boycotts or sanctimonious blather once their state’s governor acknowledged an error.
We have a governor who can’t even do that. We have no room to criticize Indiana over theirs.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Apr 2, 15 @ 9:12 am
VMan, are you pretending all the criticism is coming from outside Indiana? Business leaders in Indiana are leading the opposition.
They’re not “pandering,” they’re seeking to change the law.
Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Apr 2, 15 @ 9:17 am
Fix it and that will be the end of this. I can’t have a big pile of manure in my back yard and just declare I shouldn’t have purchased that much manure be the solution to my neighbors complaining about the smell.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Apr 2, 15 @ 9:25 am
VM - The mistake wasn’t signing the bill into law, the mistake was ignoring those that warned that this was the likely outcome. I’ve heard plenty of comments from Pence and he firmly believes that the legislation is fine and this is primarily a problem of perception. But that’s ignoring reality. If there was any political pandering going on it was done by Pence and his party. They passed a law rooted in bigotry and discrimination to appease a group of individuals who don’t like the direction they believe the country is headed. There’s been absolutely no evidence that this law was even needed. That’s the ultimate definition of pandering. Simply passing a law to solidify your base.
Comment by pundent Thursday, Apr 2, 15 @ 9:44 am