| Author |
Message |
    
SteveM
Citizen
Username: Maplewoodsteve
Post Number: 19
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 10:17 pm: | 
|
As one of her first acts in office earlier this year, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings started a crusade against a wascally wabbit named Buster. Buster's offense? In a series promoting family diversity, Buster actually dared to include a Vermont family with two mothers!!! PBS, knowing where their money comes from, chose not to distribute the "Vermont" episode, aptly titled "Mud Time". But now, through the miracle of streaming video and the internet, you can see this scandalous episode with your very own eyes. Read on, fair reader, for details and internet links below.
-----------------------------------------------
FAMILY PRIDE COALITION ANNOUNCES IT WILL STREAM RECENTLY BANNED “POSTCARDS FROM BUSTER” EPISODE ONLINE
‘Virtual Rally’ Planned for Thurs., March 10 Protesting the Department of Education’s Stance Against the Children’s Program
The Family Pride Coalition -- the only national non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents and their families -- has announced it will broadcast online the “controversial” episode of PBS’ popular children’s program “Postcards from Buster.”
The program features Buster, an animated character who visits real-life families, exploring the diversity of America. But in the episode entitled “Sugartime!,” a storm of controversy ignited after U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings denounced the program because it featured children whose parents are lesbians. The Family Pride Coalition will make “Sugartime!” available to all families for one week from March 7 to March 13, 2005 at http://buster.familypride.org. Family Pride also hopes to raise awareness of the subject matter surrounding the program, while also generating support from the public in defending the dignity and integrity of all families.
In conjunction with the online broadcast, Family Pride will launch a “Virtual Rally” on Thurs., March 10 to defend family diversity around the country. Those interested in participating are asked to contact the Department of Education by phone, e-mail or fax, voicing their disapproval of Secretary Spellings’ actions against “Postcards from Buster” and demand she recant her incendiary remarks against LGBT-headed families. To participate in the rally, users can get more information by logging onto http://buster.familypride.org.
The controversy began late January when Spellings issued a strongly-worded letter denouncing PBS and the producers of “Postcards from Buster” for featuring a family with two moms, declaring, “Many parents would not want their young children exposed to the lifestyles portrayed in the episode.”
At the center of the debate are the two mothers, Gillian Pieper and Karen Pike, who have become both a target of hate by anti-gay groups, as well as the inspiration for increased activism among LGBT parents across the country. In a joint statement released by the couple, Pieper and Pike expressed their dismay toward Secretary Spellings’ stance, touching on the heart of the issue that has affected their family so personally.
“This issue is not about sexual behavior. This issue is all about the children. All children, from all families, must be made to feel valid and accepted. No child is too young to teach about love and inclusiveness, tolerance and unity. Knowledge is power. Let our kids learn about the world they live in so that they can grow up and believe that America is home to everyone, and not just people who are like themselves,” they said.
In addition to streaming the “Sugartime!” episode online, the Family Pride Coalition has also initiated an aggressive advocacy campaign to educate and inform the public about same-sex parenting. Featuring the slogan “Love & Hate are four-letter words. Which do you want your child saying?,” Family Pride has begun a wide-reaching wild posting and postcard campaign designed to make people realize what exactly is at stake in this debate. Family Pride is also producing a public service announcement featuring openly gay U.S. Congressman Barney Frank; openly gay actor, author and father B.D. Wong and others addressing the importance of defending diversity.
More information about the Family Pride Coalition can be found at www.familypride.org |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 292
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 10:49 am: |
|
So frightening that such utter nonsense is coming from the Education Secretary!
Went to the website and took advantage of the option to send an e-mail to a bunch of friends who might otherwise not have heard about this.
Gotta remember to go back to participate on the on-line rally on Thursday. |
cmontyburns
Citizen
Username: Cmontyburns
Post Number: 734
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 11:07 am: |
|
Children must be taught to fear lesbians. It is our only hope of protecting them from this growing menace.
|
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 724
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 11:20 am: |
|
You know who seems to have teflon coating in all of these gender-bending cartoon characters? Bugs Bunny.
I loved Bugs Bunny as a kid but was oblivious to his obvious perversions. How many times did Bug dress as a woman and kiss Elmer Fudd. We got a laugh out of it as kids, but it clearly taught sexual deviance. I was saved from a life of sexual ambiguity by a steady diet of red meat and pro football.
Unfortunately, many of my peers were sucked in by Mel Blanc's sick agenda and are now users of elaborate haircare products and supporters of the arts. It's a shame to think of how many of these people would be normal if not for Hollywood's unending campaign of perversion. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 295
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 11:31 am: |
|
cmontyburns:  I am rolling!
To quote Education Secretary Margaret Spellings: “Many parents would not want their young children exposed to the lifestyles portrayed in the episode.”
What the hell is she talking about. Seems to me the only lifestyle portrayed is that of a happy, loving family having fun and doing things together. What parent would not want thier child "exposed" to that. She makes it sound like gay porn!
|
Cato Nova
Citizen
Username: Cato_nova
Post Number: 512
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 11:43 am: |
|
In order to spare the children of America, I am offering myself up as a sacrificial lamb to be exposed to all the lesbians that would otherwise be presented to them. |
ina
Citizen
Username: Ina
Post Number: 179
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 12:09 pm: |
|
Cato, this here lesbian says "Thanks, but no thanks." |
Cato Nova
Citizen
Username: Cato_nova
Post Number: 513
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 12:21 pm: |
|
I guess that is what I can expect from my selflessness. |
The Libertarian
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 473
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 8:30 pm: |
|
i never knew cartoons were so sexy! i cant wait for saturday morning! |
johnny
Citizen
Username: Johnny
Post Number: 1205
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 9:13 pm: |
|
Maybe the Education Secretary should be worried about the path of destruction that No Child Left Behind is leaving behind. |
Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1711
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 9:37 pm: |
|
Johnny - don't you know it's all about gay rodents? How could you blame No Child Left Awake? |
anon
Citizen
Username: Anon
Post Number: 1684
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 10:48 pm: |
|
The only answer to Secretary of Education Spellings is to create the position of Secretary of Mis-Education and have Mary Cheney appointed to it. |
njphilf
Citizen
Username: Njphilf
Post Number: 163
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 11:10 pm: |
|
Isn't Maplewood the 'gay' capital east of the Mississippi? One loses count of endless "flags" that they hang outside their homes. |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 728
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 11:53 pm: |
|
If it was a factor in your decision to move I can only applaud the trend. If it will keep you away, I'll hang one myself. |
joeltfk
Citizen
Username: Joeltfk
Post Number: 125
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 7:48 am: |
|
Note that "Postcards from Buster" was recently made an Emmy Nominee for Best Writing and Best Kids Program. Also, I have contacts at WGBH who said almost every station went directly to WGBH to get the program instead of going through PBS, and that the ratings are through the roof as a result of the controversy. Spelling is an idiot. |
Mark Fuhrman
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 1383
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 8:44 am: |
|
Cato, somehow I think that exposing yourself to women would drive more into the arms of Lesbos than anything else. I am sure your first wife would have some interesting things to say on the matter. |
Cato Nova
Citizen
Username: Cato_nova
Post Number: 514
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 9:13 am: |
|
If it was only Sapphic arms into which I drove my first wife I would not have ended up divorced. It is those other body parts that created problems . . . |
Bill P
Citizen
Username: Mrincredible
Post Number: 87
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 11:51 am: |
|
NCLB is doing exactly what the neo-cons wanted it to. Destroy the public education system and provide a justification for public scholarships for rich kids to got to private school. Also known as vouchers.
But as to the topic of the thread I think this whole affair is a sad comment on our country today. If I understand the situation, the episode does not depict the two women in question in the throes of Sapphic pleasure. Wherefore the fuss? Live and let live, and learn to accept what your neighbors do behind closed doors as none o' your business. |
common sense
Citizen
Username: Common_sense
Post Number: 46
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 2:02 pm: |
|
I think we should promote lesbian rabbitism. If only they had done this in Australia last century they wouldn't have the rabbit problem any more.
Next Donahue - gay cockroaches and the men who animate them |
Cathy
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 770
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 2:21 pm: |
|
I think it's anti-rabbit or anti-lesbian discrimination. We've had gay couples in long-term committed relationships on PBS children's programs before. If you don't know what I'm talking about, maybe this will clue you in:
Lyrics to "But I like You"
Ernie: Bert? Hey, Bert? Bert?
Bert: Ernie, what is it? I'm trying to sleep.
Ernie: Hey, Bert, did you ever think about all the things you like?
Bert: Well sure, Ernie, but not now, huh?
Ernie: Yeah but, just tell me something you like, Bert.
Bert: Ernie, I'm trying to sleep.
Ernie: Oh come on, Bert, just one. Just name one thing that you like okay? Name just one.
Bert: Alright, Ernie, I'll try.
SUNG:
I like paper clips
Ernie: Paper clips?
Bert: Paper clips!
I like bottle caps
Ernie: Bottle caps
Bert: Bottle caps!
I love pigeons, yeah
Ernie: Pigeons?
Bert: Love pigeons, oh, yes I do
Ernie: Well, Bert, you know
I don't really like any of those things
But I like you
Bert: Aw, Ernie
Ernie: I like playing jokes
Bert: Playing jokes.
Ernie: Playing jokes!
Love my rubber duck
Bert: Rubber duck.
Ernie: Rubber duckie!
Ernie: I like bubble gum
Bert: Bubble gum.
Ernie: Bubble gum! Yes I do
Bert: Well now, Ernie
I'm not crazy 'bout any of those things
But I like you
Ernie: I like to lie awake
In bed at night and talk to you
Bert: Yeah, I know
I like to say goodnight and go to sleep
Ernie: I like to go and see the big hippopotamus in the zoo
Bert: Hey, Ernie, you know what?
Ernie: What, Bert?
Bert: I like that, too!
Ernie: I like jelly beans
Bert: Jelly beans?
Ernie: Jelly beans!
Bert: I like lentil soup
Ernie: Lentil soup?
Bert: Yeah!
I like a marching band
Ernie: I like a music box
Both: Yes I do
Ernie: But though I don't always like everything
Bert: That I like
Both: Still I like you
Bert: Though I'm not too crazy about your rubber duckie
Ernie: Though I don't love pigeons
Both: Still we're awfully lucky
'Cause I like you |
Cato Nova
Citizen
Username: Cato_nova
Post Number: 517
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 3:17 pm: |
|
Bert and Ernie are not actually gay, they are like that Russian duo, T.A.T.U. They are actually pseudo-gay -- they tease and hint but actually both had active heterosexual relationships off the show. (And I don't mean their short-lived liasons with Miss Piggy, who slapped ham with almost every Sesame Street denizen, Bob included). It was a PBS marketing ploy to tap into the gay market without alienating heterosexuals. |
SouthOrangeNanny
Citizen
Username: Sonanny
Post Number: 4
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 3:10 pm: |
|
i watch sesame street everyday..don't see what the hub-bub is all about...it's just a kids show that shows making friends and loving ur neighbor..i think ur all crazy... |
Carrie Avery
Citizen
Username: Carrie33
Post Number: 188
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 3:13 pm: |
|
Yes, me , too, being with young children, and this post is a fine example on how rumours get started and chaos begins. Gay can mean "happy", also, don't forget that. |
Cathy
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 778
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 3:41 pm: |
|
I hope you guys are joking, because I was ... |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1439
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 3:45 pm: |
|
Apparently PBS' gay agenda is not working on adults... |
SouthOrangeNanny
Citizen
Username: Sonanny
Post Number: 7
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 9:58 am: |
|
did anyone see the new video that is coming out of all the kids fav characters together teaching that to be diffrent is ok and that we are all one big family? it was on the nj news last night.. |
SO Refugee
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 53
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 11:07 am: |
|
It's only a matter of time before Velma of Scooby-Doo is outed (cartoon version - she was altered for the live action movies) or Marcy of Peanuts, who affectionately referred to Peppermint Patty as "sir."
In defense of Bert's sexuality - he is at least bi - I include the following.
 |
joeltfk
Citizen
Username: Joeltfk
Post Number: 127
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 2:36 pm: |
|
This topic, like others before it, generates more jokes than serious responses. It's easy to poke fun, but it minimizes the point and amount of institutional homophobia rampant -- and seemingly acceptable -- in our culture. I don't find it at all funny as much as I do horrifying.
SONanny, do you really find this all much ado about nothing or am I misinferring your post?
Note that I am straight, but this is the most abhorrent thing to come out of the Bush administration social policy and right-wing America. |
Cathy
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 801
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 2:54 pm: |
|
All joking aside, joel, I have to agree with you. It is utter lunacy. |
SO Refugee
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 57
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 4:37 pm: |
|
How hypocritical it is as well for a right-winger to say "stop trying to ram all this alternative lifestyle stuff down our throats" when they have absolutely no problem pushing their agenda onto the unwilling populace.
A few percentage points is not a MANDATE. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page