5 Officials Pull Names From Proclamation (Chicago GOP nix welcome to gays)

[Rose Siding]

CHICAGO Jul 21, 2005 — The five Republicans on the county board withdrew their names from a routine proclamation welcoming the 2006 Gay Games to Chicago.

The Illinois Family Institute is urging Democratic commissioners to do the same.

"There's a big difference between tolerating and celebrating homosexuality," said Peter LaBarbera of the group. "For governments to be using taxpayer money and big corporations spending money to sponsor this, we think the average Joe sees that as being just a little bit off."

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the ceremonial proclamation without opposition last month as one of a group of routine measures.

"I must have been out of the room" when the proclamation came up, said Tony Peraica, one of the five Republicans on the 17-commissioner board.

Organizers say the Gay Games, set for July 2006, could pump $50 million to $80 million into Chicago's economy........

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=963542&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

[gratuitous]

1. A big difference between tolerating and celebrating?

I haven't seen groups like the grotesquely misnamed Illinois Family Institute (it should be the "Illinois Some Families That We Specifically Like and Approve Of Institute") that even come anywhere NEAR "toleration."

And Tony Peraica is a mealy-mouthed, lily-livered coward who doesn't even stop to ask "how high" when his Repressive Right Overlords say "jump."

[Tyler Durden]

2. Might be time for Gays to tell rePukes to PISS OFF once & for all.

I've never understood the Log Cabin guys or similar ilk, kith and kin.

Why anyone, for any reason, would wish the approval of, or membership in and organization that has part of its raison d'etre discrimination against people like the person in question just strikes me as silly.

Sort of like the "African-American Chapter of the KKK." It just doesn't seem to make sense.

[atreides1]

6. From What I Understand

The Log Cabin Republicans have mostly a financial interest. They agree with the Republican stance on taxes and so-called fiscal responsibility.

In other words, they are concerned about how much cash goes back into their wallets, and are willing to sell out the rest of the gay
community for that cash.

In my opinion the members of the LCR are no better then the Jewish KAPOs who assisted the SS in the death camps, all just to get better
treatment and more food then the other inmates.

Maybe members of the LCR should wear armbands, that way at least those in the gay community will know who their enemies are.

[Tyler Durden]

8. Sort of like being one of the "good" Jews in Nazi Germany?

I am sick and tired of people who support monsters for "financial" or any other reason.

A monster is a monster. And we ain't talkin' MOTHRA here.

[ChrisK]

3. These folks could use a phone call from Rick Santorum

Just last week he was praising of his assistant, a man who is openly gay.

Maybe Rick can ask the GOP to be "more tolerant" of others....Naaaaah!..its better to be a bigot and under cut folks for being "different".

I see myself as an "Average Jo" or Chris if you would, and have not one problem with Homosexuals..there PEOPLE..Humans..just like EVERYONE ELSE..When the hell will this sink in with others out there? Christ!

[TahitiNut]

4. "I must have been out of the room"

"I must have been out of the room" when compassion and humanity was being taught, said Tony Peraica, one of the five Republicans on the 17-commissioner board.

[Ian David]

5. Of course, they have no problems with the govt celebrating christianity

So, no more "prayer breakfasts," I guess?

[EC]

7. This "average joe" (josette) is a bit pissed at them telling

me what I'm supposed to be thinking...and being completely wrong...


For governments to be using taxpayer money and big corporations spending money to sponsor this, we think the average Joe sees that as being just a little bit off."


The average joe has no say in what corporations spend money on and as far as taxpayers, I'm guessing this is being sponsored through the tourism monies, which this will bring to the city, so shut the fuck up Illinois Family Institute, you're out of step with America and a bit off...

[moobu2]

9. This is a list of names and contact info

for the Commissioners who removed their names. Please take a minute and let them know howyou feel about it.
Peter Silvestri, 9th District (REMOVED HIS NAME FROM 'GAY GAMES' RESOLUTION): [phone]; no e-mail provided.

Gregg Goslin, 14th District (REMOVED HIS NAME FROM 'GAY GAMES' RESOLUTION): [phone]; [e-mail]

Carl R. Hansen, 15th District (REMOVED HIS NAME FROM 'GAY GAMES' RESOLUTION): [phone]; no e-mail provided.

Anthony J. Peraica, 16th District (REMOVED HIS NAME FROM 'GAY GAMES' RESOLUTION): [phone]; [e-mail]

Elizabeth Ann Doody Gorman, 17th District (REMOVED HER NAME FROM 'GAY GAMES' RESOLUTION): [phone]; [e-mail]

[EC]

11. Done

Here's a copy:

You've made a mistake pulling your support for this. Tourism is much needed and this will provide much monies to the Chicago Area. Your homophobia is showing and it's shameful. The gay parades do not stop people from attending Mardi Gras in New Orlean's in fact it attracks tourism. I think you have made a giant mistake, and the voting public will make a notation of this and it will be reflected in the next election.
Elaine Tihen

[VegasWolf]

10. Intolerance and xenophobia are classic symptoms of low intelligence. No

one should be surprised by the Republicans stance on this point.