Great speech. Hero indeed! This is my viewpoint exactly, it doesn't make sense its the basis of America. To deny that is anti-American....Watch for the tears at 3:40!
This was amazing, but when I saw his tears fall at the end, I broke down myself.
I don't see how anyone can tell this gentleman he's wrong. Someone who is a staunch believer of this country's ideals, so much so that he put his life on the line, laying down exactly the reasons why none of this makes sense. We need to stop this and not let this man's words fall on deaf ears.
I have the upmost respect for you sir! Because of you and the rest of America did to help the British soldiers and other allies of Europe we are able to stand here today, I am proud to be British and I'm proud to be friends with such an amazing country!! X
My father fought bravely during WWII and I remember him as I see our political system is crumbling through the hate/racism being spewed and I feel sick that his ideals that he fought for are being trampled. We are not supposed to be an Oligarchy or a Theocracy. This man speaks truth~
What a remarkable man, what a remarkable American, what a remarkable father, what a remarkable speech. Thank you, Mr. Spooner. Not only for serving our country so valiantly, courageously and generously, but for standing up for fairness and equality once again. You are the sort of American that makes this nation great.
Thank you i loved reading all the positive feedback and comments. Philip Spooner is a great man and I could not be prouder to call him my great grandfather.
Sorry but homosexuals are a sin, they are exactly the same as child molesters and serial killers, they are disgusting and we need to keep America pure as when it was founded. We need to stop tolerating evil behavior like child molesters and gays. Give your soul to Christianity or else you will goto hell forever and burn, that is a fact.
Thank you so much. I'm a lonely gay 18 year old man trying to pay for college because my parents don't accept me the way I am. Thank you for giving me hope. You're a beautiful person. Bless you.
That was flat out beautiful and touched me deeply. He is right. There is no real reason to deny gays and lesbians the same rights and standards that straight people have and enjoy. Every so often someone comes along to remind me how fortunate I am to be an American, but also the responsibility and application of America's creed about life, liberty and equality to ALL. I am really proud to be a citizen - belonging in the same group as this fine gentleman. Thank you sir!!!!
I never really liked gay people until i watched this video and realised what this man and many others went through for not just straight people to live but for all sexualitys and races to live.
Really??? His words have the power of experience, sacrifice and honor behind them. He believed in the American ideal so much that he put his own well-being on the line. What have you done? Compare his words to yours and you'll see just how weak you come across in comparison.
a WW2 vet, a man who fought for this country has even said himself, to mind your own business and let gays live no diff from anyone else. who ever says they shouldn't and calls themselves Americans by saying so you've just slapped this poor old man right in the face... no... you've slapped America!
Apparently 54 people are in the closet... or are just complete nazi facsists pigs.
I have family and friends that are gay and they seem to be far kinder, tolerant and accepting of society than my mal-adjusted hetro ragaholic self and acquaintances. I used to be concerned about gay marriage & military enlistment, now it's a complete 360. I'd elect homosexual government reps, let them all marry and enlist. I'd be happy to have their wish for freedom and equality permeate throughout.
Wow - that video brought tears to my eyes. Definitely a message more people need to listen to. Same-sex marriage is already legal where I live (Canada) - I hope that if more brave people like this man speak out, eventually the US will join us in realizing that marriage is about love, not gender.
I put up the video with a full transcript on LiveJournal and Facebook for those who wanted the transcript. The comments here don't give me enough room for the full transcript.
Good morning, Committee. My name is Phillip Spooner and I live at 5 Graham Street in Biddeford. I am 86 years old and a lifetime Republican and an active VFW chaplain. I still serve three hospitals and two nursing homes and I also served Meals on Wheels for 28 years. My wife of 54 years, Jenny, died in 1997. Together we had four children, including the one gay son. All four of our boys were in the service.
I served in the U.S. Army, 1942-1945, in the First Army, as a medic and an ambulance driver. I worked with every outfit over there, including Patton's Third Army. I saw action in all five major battles in Europe, and including the Battle of the Bulge. My unit was awarded Presidential Citations for transporting more patients with fewer accidents than any other ambulance unit in Europe.
I was in the liberation of Paris. After the war I carried POW's back from Poland, Hungary, and Yugoslavia, and also hauled hundreds of injured Germans back to Germany.
I am here today because of a conversation I had last June when I was voting. A woman at my polling place asked me, "Do you believe in equal, equality for gay and lesbian people?" I was pretty surprised to be asked a question like that. It made no sense to me.
Finally I asked her, "What do you think our boys fought for at Omaha Beach?" I haven't seen so much, so much blood and guts, so much suffering, so much sacrifice. For what? For freedom and equality. These are the values that give America a great nation, one worth dying for.
I give talks to eighth grade teachers about World War II, and I don't tell them about the horror. Maybe I have should have told them about the ovens of Buchenwald and Dachau. I've seen with my own eyes the consequences of caste systems and it makes some people less than others, or second class. Never again. We must have equal rights for everyone. It's what this country was started for.
It takes all kinds of people to make a world war. It does make no sense that some people who love each other can marry and others can't just because of who they are. This is what we fought for in World War II. That idea that we can be different and still be equal.
My wife and I did not raise four sons with the idea that three of them would have a certain set of rights, but our gay child would be left out. We raised them all to be hard-working, proud, and loyal Americans and they all did good. I think it's too bad that those who love each other, want to get married, they should be able to. Everybody's supposed to be equal in equality in this country. Let gay people have the right to marry. Thank you.
If two gay people want to get married, that is their decision. Someone shouldn't have to ask permission to marry someone they love. People who oppose gay marriage, it's really none of your business what other people want to do - it doesn't effect you either way. Get over it!
I'm burrowing "This speech moved me to tears. Not because of the theatre of wheeling out an elderly and frail person to make such an impassioned plea on behalf of equality, but because this man has real experience of what equality is all about and how precious it is. He has risked his own life to protect freedom; seen the sacrifices made to protect freedom; seen the consequences of taking rights away from a certain group. To him, this isn't some hypothetical thought experiment - it is reality.
What a great man. He truly embodies the Greatest Generation... Even after fighting for lives in the European Theatre, to ensure that all people no matter their religion or color or even sexuality (Yes, even homosexuals were taken to concentration camps), he still pushes to fight for equal rights for all.
You are a true inspiration, sir. Thank you so much.
My dad — who would have been 86 this year, was also in WWII, a VFWer, and a Republican — would have stood with this man. And with his own bisexual son.
@TesseractionUK live in reality please, most of them do not agree with homosexuality and their dislikes mean there obviously has to be more work done. Or else we are just closing our eyes pretending everything is fine.
My hat is off to you Mr. Spooner. I fully support what you had to say. If two people who love each other want to stand in their church and comet to each other for their lives that they will love no other then they should be allowed to do so. After all if God didn't want gay people he would not have created them. We all need more love in our lives and less hatred, violence and separation. We need to concentrait and support things that bring us together.
hater types sometimes say "Im tired of all this gay stuff being forced on me by the media". The media sees all the injustice towards gays, and are overwhelming haters with the white hot burn of social justice, scorching hate wherever it hides in the dark.
I really don't remember ever in my life saying 'suck it liberals' (and yes, I do understand that I have a statement on youtube, I'm just not sure how) but thank you for calling me an idiot. That would be my first statement, too, I suppose....
@kaiame You're about a year late to the party. Account hacked, or is this one of those 'my sister/jealous ex/drinking buddy got their hands on my account when I wasn't paying attention' kinds of things?
its crazy when the ones that fought for their country, are now speaking out against it. Tells you something about where we are, and where we are going. Great speech from a great man.
@djanigav Just because a person fights for the country doesn't mean they blindly agree with everything the country does. He didn't change his mind, he's always thought this way, which means he always spoke out "against" the country, even when he was serving. If you don't have a plethora of criticisms of the country, then you probably don't care about it in the first place.
@CrowsTurnOff so what you're saying is he fought for his country that he didn't agree with? Just seems odd. I would not fight for a country if I did not believe in why they were fighting. Why further their agenda when you do not agree with it. That just seems really contradictory. I dunno, maybe I am wrong. Either way, good point.
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This man is confused. Homosexuality is NOT a value that made America great. Of course the Nazis were evil. They killed Christians too. Homosexuals should not be given the right to change the definition of marriage. It opens the door for greater legalized perversion. Thank you for fighting the Nazis Mr. Spooner, but get a grip on reality. Homosexuality is a choice. A devastating, destructive choice. This is not a civil rights issue, it is a radical attempt to further pervert our nation.
Not being persecuted and suppressed for being a minority is what made America great. Your comments about the Nazis... Hilter was a Roman Catholic, read Mein Kampf if you think otherwise. He killed Christians because of their race, not their faith.
It's quite disrespectful what you have said about Mr. Spooner. He risked his life you're ass, and you're claiming that he's "old and confused". But yet you believe in imaginary sky ghosts. Pot calling the kettle black? Yep.
@Welsh: The only thing contributing to the perversion of our nation is your ignorance. OF COURSE homosexuality is a choice... that's why all homosexuals CHOOSE to be chastised & persecuted. What you need to do Mr. Welsh is set aside the years of ignorance/brainwashing/perversion of your religion and really understand WHY Jesus walked this Earth. He was here to teach us to love one another & help one another regardless of our differences. We're not here to judge... That's his job...
Well, welshey, your bigotry is a choice, your ignorance is a choice, your faith is a choice, your beliefs are a choice, the words you express are a choice...
Against the choice? Why then you chose to spread homophobia and hatred, plus some ignorance?
The perversion of a nation would be to come back to the fundamental christianity: that would be devastating indeed; when women would be oppressed, scientists stoned and burned, Equality - destroyed...
@WilliamFrancisWelsh this makes me so angry to read. i had been avoiding reading the comments on this video since it posted 2 years because of ignorant people and there comments. just like you. for the record MY grandfather does not need anything explained to him. He is not confused. and the family could not be any prouder for what he fought for. He's an amazing man.
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@sleekcartim I would share the love of God - the Gospel of Jesus with a homosexual child in the hope that they would turn from the sin. Jesus died for the homosexual & the liar & the bigot & the adulterer. What will you do for the sinners of the world? Hide the truth from them? Sin has consequences. Homosexuality along with all others sins put Jesus on the cross. Mr. Spooner is a confused old man. It happens.
This man is a hero, in every sense of the word, and he deserves the admiration and gratitude of every American. We should all strive to be this courageous.
he is a good man...the world needs people as accepting and loving as he is...if i could meet him i would love to he is a true hero in every sense of the word
Please add Mr. Spooner to Mt Rushmore. He is the continuation of our revolution for freedom, from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Barak Obama, and to his sons and entire family and all who know him and call him friend. His statement was read today, Father's Day 2010 at Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia. Many of us were in tears. On the day he spoke he was 86 years young and still fighting for freedom for all. He is my hero!
This makes me realize just how little i really know about the world. I am a man of 22 who sometimes can act like a "know-it-all", but after seeing this man speak his heart out, i have no words that can beat true experiences of a long and eventful life.
Im 47, i dont know much, but i do know men like him deserve everyones respect, it hurts my heart to see Neg comments about him. we would be in a world of hurt if they didnt take out the enemy in WW2. Now at 86 y/o he still kicking ass & taking names. god bless him & the USA!
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Wether Spooner's statements ,opinions are his or not does not viciate the fact he was a political stooge for the Homosexualists. look at the campaign's slogan..."Join Philip"...He certainly was an integral stooge of the Homosexualists in Maine. Their effort to disguise and personalize this issue. This is no different had one used a little boy raped by a homosexual and used it in a campaign against the homosexualists.Mainers saw through this dispicable ploy and protected their state.
yes twian is a typo, should be twain...."east is east,west is west, and never the twain shall meet"
'twain' is an archaic expression meaning 'two'...."mark twain" was a riverboat expression to measure the depth of the river. It was also a psudonym for Samuel Clemens.
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A pitiable old stooge. He can barely finish a sentence ,hes almost lost and sloberring on the microphone. It is patheic of the homosexual activists to prostitute this pitable old man in this manner.Clearly the homosexual activists would have dug up a corps and propped it up in front of this comittee if they thought it would have helped. the faithull people of Main outlawed this travesty and fully criminalized Homosexual marriage. They shall obey it wether they like it or not.we have spoken.
@wiseoneetest, First of all, IMHO, no one who fought in WWII is a "pitiable old stooge". Just because nature has taken it's course and God forbid, this man got old, he still has a right to his opinion. He had something to say, and he said it without being mean. Second, all he wants is for his sons to have equal rights, and he has fought for the right to say so. There's no need to write mean comments about a man who fought for America, regardless if you disagree with him. Semper Fi
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Everyone is entitled to their opinion. In my opinion this man was prostituted like a two dollar whore by the homsexual activists. In my opinion the homosexual activists turned him into a little parrot slut to regurgitate ver batum their homo propaganda points. Nothing more that a human tape recorder on playback for his Homosexual puppet masters.
@wiseo...maybe...JUST maybe, the man can think for himself and give his own opinion due to the fact that he has a gay son and has accepted him like a good parent would. How do you know he didn't write that speech himself, from his heart? Regardless if a homosexual wrote the speech for him, what does that matter? It's still what the man wants to say, or he woudln't have said it. Semper FI.
@ wiseo....yes, to each their own......I can definitely agree to that sir. But can you tell me what the word "twian" means? I've never heard of it. I googled it, but couldn't find anything either. Was it a typo? If so, what did you mean to write? Semper Fi.
Aw man, I'm a cynical cunt but this is humanity at its core. It's a shame he's nearing the end of his life, he deserves to live forever. Certainly his views and ideals should live on forever.
he's a true mainer (& hero), salt of the earth ppl dont hate others based on who they are, sure dont like being told to do so. im damn proud to include this at top of my favs. 1 LIFE
This man is a true american hero. Bless his service to this country. Its nice to see someone who can actually put aside centuries of ignorance and hatred to stand up for what this country is supposed to stand for.
This speech moved me to tears. Not because of the theatre of wheeling out an elderly and frail person to make such an impassioned plea on behalf of equality, but because this man has real experience of what equality is all about and how precious it is. He has risked his own life to protect freedom; seen the sacrifices made to protect freedom; seen the consequences of taking rights away from a certain group. To him, this isn't some hypothetical thought experiment - it is reality.
What an incredible man. I am stunned by the beauty and courage in the fact that he has learned new thinking over time, and is willing to speak out on behalf of others.
That was one of the most moving speeches I have ever in my life heard. It brought a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat. I am going to transcribe it all to text and read it again. This remarkable and truly honourable man puts humanity into such clear perspective, I can only hope that the haters and the naysayers will stop, listen & reflect in their hearts the admonition to love and respect others of good will as we would want to be loved and respected. Unconditionally & without reservation.
@CHARESTHEHAMER lmao, im not gonna take someone who favorites dane cook seriously nor as someone who is preaching how i should think. grow up big guy.
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Great speech. Hero indeed! This is my viewpoint exactly, it doesn't make sense its the basis of America. To deny that is anti-American....Watch for the tears at 3:40!
JMichaelFowlkes 1 week ago
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JMichaelFowlkes 1 week ago
This was amazing, but when I saw his tears fall at the end, I broke down myself.
I don't see how anyone can tell this gentleman he's wrong. Someone who is a staunch believer of this country's ideals, so much so that he put his life on the line, laying down exactly the reasons why none of this makes sense. We need to stop this and not let this man's words fall on deaf ears.
KamikazeN1k1 2 weeks ago
Land of the free.
Rare people like him fought for that.
Loakers 2 weeks ago
I have the upmost respect for you sir! Because of you and the rest of America did to help the British soldiers and other allies of Europe we are able to stand here today, I am proud to be British and I'm proud to be friends with such an amazing country!! X
CHRISTINKER86 3 weeks ago
My father fought bravely during WWII and I remember him as I see our political system is crumbling through the hate/racism being spewed and I feel sick that his ideals that he fought for are being trampled. We are not supposed to be an Oligarchy or a Theocracy. This man speaks truth~
LeBaggeLady 3 weeks ago
The face of courage.
orchidtender 3 weeks ago
As a straight Republican, all I can say is that I completely and unconditionally support all movement for equality for LGBT individuals.
PhilyTheMaster 1 month ago 4
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PhilyTheMaster 1 month ago
56 people need to come out of the closet
MusicMissionary 1 month ago
This man is one who made America great, it is men and women like he who will make it great again. Not just our country, but the world.
Semper Fi!
Thekentuckyrebel 1 month ago
What an amazing speech. Brought tears to my eyes at 1:53.
AvatarSequelFTW 2 months ago
What a remarkable man, what a remarkable American, what a remarkable father, what a remarkable speech. Thank you, Mr. Spooner. Not only for serving our country so valiantly, courageously and generously, but for standing up for fairness and equality once again. You are the sort of American that makes this nation great.
t0nyc0nde 3 months ago 5
What a beautiful speech. If we can't listen to the voices of those who would give their lives for us, then we are truly lost.
Equal rights for all.
janipun 3 months ago 3
Thank you i loved reading all the positive feedback and comments. Philip Spooner is a great man and I could not be prouder to call him my great grandfather.
kell25ey 3 months ago 4
@kell25ey You should be very very proud of your great grandfather. Wow what a moving speech.
reljin2 2 months ago
This video should be classified as a lachrymatory agent. Heartbreaking stuff.
blueelectricsmoke 3 months ago
I'm almost crying and I'm straight.
hatriarch 3 months ago
Added as one of my heroes
Dispatch1987 3 months ago
If you're still against gay marriage after viewing this video, you have no heart.
NeilFraudstrong 5 months ago 11
Good on him!!
sanagrl1 5 months ago
Phil Spooner, you are awesome.
rav3rrn 7 months ago 2
Equal rights for everyone. This man is a goddamn hero.
irishsoccermbw 8 months ago 4
i don't like the term "fighting for your country" i prefer a"fighting for what you believe in"
skatersrule155 8 months ago 7
That is what America is supposed to be about!
PonyPower71 8 months ago 9
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Sorry but homosexuals are a sin, they are exactly the same as child molesters and serial killers, they are disgusting and we need to keep America pure as when it was founded. We need to stop tolerating evil behavior like child molesters and gays. Give your soul to Christianity or else you will goto hell forever and burn, that is a fact.
JesusChristRulesYOU 9 months ago
Thank you so much. I'm a lonely gay 18 year old man trying to pay for college because my parents don't accept me the way I am. Thank you for giving me hope. You're a beautiful person. Bless you.
rubbernuts20 9 months ago 58
@rubbernuts20 quite the gay nickname you have there, rubbernuts.
whatevyouknow 5 months ago
@rubbernuts20
Alleluia! Don't give, comrade!
Mortablunt 3 months ago
@rubbernuts20 religion poisons everything bro
BrendanIsCool 2 months ago 5
That was flat out beautiful and touched me deeply. He is right. There is no real reason to deny gays and lesbians the same rights and standards that straight people have and enjoy. Every so often someone comes along to remind me how fortunate I am to be an American, but also the responsibility and application of America's creed about life, liberty and equality to ALL. I am really proud to be a citizen - belonging in the same group as this fine gentleman. Thank you sir!!!!
OrchidIslander 9 months ago 6
WELL SHAME THE REALITY this man saw his hateful neighbors vote against him and his son.
rextrek 9 months ago
Normally, I'm a huge troll... but the biggest salute possible to you sir, congratulations for living a long and fulfilled life.
Badmusicpeoplelove 9 months ago 6
I never really liked gay people until i watched this video and realised what this man and many others went through for not just straight people to live but for all sexualitys and races to live.
08chazman08 9 months ago 7
What a truly great man.
randyest 9 months ago 2
Thanks Mr. Spooner !
BigPhred 9 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Cheap liberal bullshit tactic.
Silkie341 9 months ago
@Silkie341 u mad?
Ikissboysiamgay 9 months ago
@Silkie341
You want to argue with an actual soldier on what he fought for?
JepJep92 9 months ago 3
@Silkie341 "Cheap liberal bullshit tactic"
Really??? His words have the power of experience, sacrifice and honor behind them. He believed in the American ideal so much that he put his own well-being on the line. What have you done? Compare his words to yours and you'll see just how weak you come across in comparison.
OrchidIslander 9 months ago 52
a WW2 vet, a man who fought for this country has even said himself, to mind your own business and let gays live no diff from anyone else. who ever says they shouldn't and calls themselves Americans by saying so you've just slapped this poor old man right in the face... no... you've slapped America!
NOHfeer17 10 months ago 6
Apparently 54 people are in the closet... or are just complete nazi facsists pigs.
I have family and friends that are gay and they seem to be far kinder, tolerant and accepting of society than my mal-adjusted hetro ragaholic self and acquaintances. I used to be concerned about gay marriage & military enlistment, now it's a complete 360. I'd elect homosexual government reps, let them all marry and enlist. I'd be happy to have their wish for freedom and equality permeate throughout.
dlbysr44 10 months ago 5
Wow - that video brought tears to my eyes. Definitely a message more people need to listen to. Same-sex marriage is already legal where I live (Canada) - I hope that if more brave people like this man speak out, eventually the US will join us in realizing that marriage is about love, not gender.
MissLynx 10 months ago 4
Liberty and justice for all. That's what this good ol guy served this fucking country for!!! Listen up young punks!!! (fucktards in our government)
rich2rock 10 months ago 2
I put up the video with a full transcript on LiveJournal and Facebook for those who wanted the transcript. The comments here don't give me enough room for the full transcript.
gunnora 10 months ago
Good morning, Committee. My name is Phillip Spooner and I live at 5 Graham Street in Biddeford. I am 86 years old and a lifetime Republican and an active VFW chaplain. I still serve three hospitals and two nursing homes and I also served Meals on Wheels for 28 years. My wife of 54 years, Jenny, died in 1997. Together we had four children, including the one gay son. All four of our boys were in the service.
gunnora 10 months ago
I was born on a potato farm north of Caribou and Perham, where I was raised to believe that all men are created equal and I've never forgotten that.
gunnora 10 months ago
I served in the U.S. Army, 1942-1945, in the First Army, as a medic and an ambulance driver. I worked with every outfit over there, including Patton's Third Army. I saw action in all five major battles in Europe, and including the Battle of the Bulge. My unit was awarded Presidential Citations for transporting more patients with fewer accidents than any other ambulance unit in Europe.
gunnora 10 months ago
I was in the liberation of Paris. After the war I carried POW's back from Poland, Hungary, and Yugoslavia, and also hauled hundreds of injured Germans back to Germany.
gunnora 10 months ago
I am here today because of a conversation I had last June when I was voting. A woman at my polling place asked me, "Do you believe in equal, equality for gay and lesbian people?" I was pretty surprised to be asked a question like that. It made no sense to me.
gunnora 10 months ago
Finally I asked her, "What do you think our boys fought for at Omaha Beach?" I haven't seen so much, so much blood and guts, so much suffering, so much sacrifice. For what? For freedom and equality. These are the values that give America a great nation, one worth dying for.
gunnora 10 months ago
I give talks to eighth grade teachers about World War II, and I don't tell them about the horror. Maybe I have should have told them about the ovens of Buchenwald and Dachau. I've seen with my own eyes the consequences of caste systems and it makes some people less than others, or second class. Never again. We must have equal rights for everyone. It's what this country was started for.
gunnora 10 months ago
It takes all kinds of people to make a world war. It does make no sense that some people who love each other can marry and others can't just because of who they are. This is what we fought for in World War II. That idea that we can be different and still be equal.
gunnora 10 months ago
My wife and I did not raise four sons with the idea that three of them would have a certain set of rights, but our gay child would be left out. We raised them all to be hard-working, proud, and loyal Americans and they all did good. I think it's too bad that those who love each other, want to get married, they should be able to. Everybody's supposed to be equal in equality in this country. Let gay people have the right to marry. Thank you.
gunnora 10 months ago 9
What a bloody beautiful man.
SunburnedBeans 10 months ago
Wow...now THATS an American!! Good job,Sir!..You make me proud to be an American,too! Thank you for your service. For ALL of us.......
SeattleRexx 10 months ago
Sing it, brother!
IDespisePalin 10 months ago
If two gay people want to get married, that is their decision. Someone shouldn't have to ask permission to marry someone they love. People who oppose gay marriage, it's really none of your business what other people want to do - it doesn't effect you either way. Get over it!
TheMrbCrowder 10 months ago
1:03 "the battle of the bulge"?
mang0mang0mang0 10 months ago
Oh my God, a non-stupid American :S!
omglolwhatever 10 months ago 6
I can't say it any better than "thatgaybloke" did.
If I ever have the privilege of meeting Mr. Spooner, I will buy that man the drink of his choice, even if it costs me my last dime.
GMPax 10 months ago 3
Is there a transcript of this speech I work in a WWII Museum and would love to share this with my fellow employees.
chrisbrettsmith 10 months ago
I'm burrowing "This speech moved me to tears. Not because of the theatre of wheeling out an elderly and frail person to make such an impassioned plea on behalf of equality, but because this man has real experience of what equality is all about and how precious it is. He has risked his own life to protect freedom; seen the sacrifices made to protect freedom; seen the consequences of taking rights away from a certain group. To him, this isn't some hypothetical thought experiment - it is reality.
ElCibaeno1966 10 months ago 6
Thank you for speaking out for what is right.
coffeescup 10 months ago
A great speech. Thank you, sir. Your words and actions are an inspiration to us all.
LordSmas 10 months ago 2
God Bless You Mr Spooner.
1jbfan 10 months ago 2
God bless you Mr. Spooner.
You make me proud to be an American.
1jbfan 10 months ago
God bless him and all our troops!
lasvegasjh 10 months ago
How can anybody dislike this video? Philip Spooner is the MAN. If only more people were like him, this world would be a much better place for it.
XBlasphemyIncarnateX 10 months ago
What a great man. He truly embodies the Greatest Generation... Even after fighting for lives in the European Theatre, to ensure that all people no matter their religion or color or even sexuality (Yes, even homosexuals were taken to concentration camps), he still pushes to fight for equal rights for all.
You are a true inspiration, sir. Thank you so much.
AzumangaDaiohFreak 10 months ago
FREEDOM!! THAT'S WHAT I WILL DIE FOR!! THANK YOU TO THIS MAN...FOR HIS SERVICE AND
RonSchinners 10 months ago
My dad — who would have been 86 this year, was also in WWII, a VFWer, and a Republican — would have stood with this man. And with his own bisexual son.
Starhavenite 10 months ago
HEAR HEAR! But I think this country is fucked beyond help really...
MrRiggyRiggs 10 months ago
How the fuck could anybody possibly dislike this? Sick people!
This is one of the very few videos that is universal to the human soul!
scarface82us 10 months ago
what a shame for our generation that this mans needs to be troubled with having to state the obvious.
tonybeir 10 months ago 7
This man is a great person.
stevetheninja12 10 months ago
What a sweetheart.
ItsCoreyLynxxYall 10 months ago
Thank you Mr. Spooner. May you forgive me the debt that I will never repay.
pastol 10 months ago
There are 52 dislikes. I'm going to pretend they dislike the equality disparity in America, and voted as such.
StarKnightGoku 11 months ago 7
This is exactly the kind of man who would make me proud to be an American if I was one. As is, he makes me proud to be a human being.
TesseractionUK 11 months ago 8
@TesseractionUK live in reality please, most of them do not agree with homosexuality and their dislikes mean there obviously has to be more work done. Or else we are just closing our eyes pretending everything is fine.
Bennetting 10 months ago
My hat is off to you Mr. Spooner. I fully support what you had to say. If two people who love each other want to stand in their church and comet to each other for their lives that they will love no other then they should be allowed to do so. After all if God didn't want gay people he would not have created them. We all need more love in our lives and less hatred, violence and separation. We need to concentrait and support things that bring us together.
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sabithashasi 1 year ago
hater types sometimes say "Im tired of all this gay stuff being forced on me by the media". The media sees all the injustice towards gays, and are overwhelming haters with the white hot burn of social justice, scorching hate wherever it hides in the dark.
1 LIFE
sleekcartim 1 year ago
This man embodies the consitution of our country and, I beleive, the love of God!
Randy02116 1 year ago 7
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eugenius101 1 year ago
God damn old people are cool.
90cta395 1 year ago 65
@ladyhrist
I really don't remember ever in my life saying 'suck it liberals' (and yes, I do understand that I have a statement on youtube, I'm just not sure how) but thank you for calling me an idiot. That would be my first statement, too, I suppose....
kaiame 1 year ago
@kaiame You're about a year late to the party. Account hacked, or is this one of those 'my sister/jealous ex/drinking buddy got their hands on my account when I wasn't paying attention' kinds of things?
ladyhrist 1 year ago
@ladyhrist At best guess, it was an 'I forgot to log out' and it just never happened on God-knows-who's computer.
That's why I thought it was weird. And a year late, yes, I totally see that. Just got the notification when I responded the first time. Who knows?
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gehanmaclim12 1 year ago
Reduced me to tears.
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kamalpalin 1 year ago
absolutely amazing.
andrethegiant6969 1 year ago 2
its crazy when the ones that fought for their country, are now speaking out against it. Tells you something about where we are, and where we are going. Great speech from a great man.
djanigav 1 year ago 2
@djanigav Just because a person fights for the country doesn't mean they blindly agree with everything the country does. He didn't change his mind, he's always thought this way, which means he always spoke out "against" the country, even when he was serving. If you don't have a plethora of criticisms of the country, then you probably don't care about it in the first place.
CrowsTurnOff 1 year ago 46
@CrowsTurnOff so what you're saying is he fought for his country that he didn't agree with? Just seems odd. I would not fight for a country if I did not believe in why they were fighting. Why further their agenda when you do not agree with it. That just seems really contradictory. I dunno, maybe I am wrong. Either way, good point.
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dulanikaable 1 year ago
God bless!
Deusarmos 1 year ago
God bless this man, his family and our gay/lesbian and straight soldiers.
iloveonlyyou69 1 year ago
Amen, brother! Amen!
notthisshipsister 1 year ago 2
This man is a true hero, and I do not understand how people can make such negative comments on it.
KiraRiver 1 year ago 3
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@KiraRiver hes a faggot no more to say
hiladelphia 1 year ago
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gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
fugert 1 year ago
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This man is confused. Homosexuality is NOT a value that made America great. Of course the Nazis were evil. They killed Christians too. Homosexuals should not be given the right to change the definition of marriage. It opens the door for greater legalized perversion. Thank you for fighting the Nazis Mr. Spooner, but get a grip on reality. Homosexuality is a choice. A devastating, destructive choice. This is not a civil rights issue, it is a radical attempt to further pervert our nation.
WilliamFrancisWelsh 1 year ago
@WilliamFrancisWelsh
Not being persecuted and suppressed for being a minority is what made America great. Your comments about the Nazis... Hilter was a Roman Catholic, read Mein Kampf if you think otherwise. He killed Christians because of their race, not their faith.
It's quite disrespectful what you have said about Mr. Spooner. He risked his life you're ass, and you're claiming that he's "old and confused". But yet you believe in imaginary sky ghosts. Pot calling the kettle black? Yep.
Eriefire 1 year ago 3
@Welsh: The only thing contributing to the perversion of our nation is your ignorance. OF COURSE homosexuality is a choice... that's why all homosexuals CHOOSE to be chastised & persecuted. What you need to do Mr. Welsh is set aside the years of ignorance/brainwashing/perversion of your religion and really understand WHY Jesus walked this Earth. He was here to teach us to love one another & help one another regardless of our differences. We're not here to judge... That's his job...
slester248 1 year ago 8
@WilliamFrancisWelsh
Well, welshey, your bigotry is a choice, your ignorance is a choice, your faith is a choice, your beliefs are a choice, the words you express are a choice...
Against the choice? Why then you chose to spread homophobia and hatred, plus some ignorance?
The perversion of a nation would be to come back to the fundamental christianity: that would be devastating indeed; when women would be oppressed, scientists stoned and burned, Equality - destroyed...
that'd be a perversion!
Deusarmos 1 year ago 6
@WilliamFrancisWelsh this makes me so angry to read. i had been avoiding reading the comments on this video since it posted 2 years because of ignorant people and there comments. just like you. for the record MY grandfather does not need anything explained to him. He is not confused. and the family could not be any prouder for what he fought for. He's an amazing man.
kell25ey 3 months ago 6
This man fights for his sons happiness. what will you do for your (or one you know) gay child?
1 LIFE
sleekcartim 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
@sleekcartim I would share the love of God - the Gospel of Jesus with a homosexual child in the hope that they would turn from the sin. Jesus died for the homosexual & the liar & the bigot & the adulterer. What will you do for the sinners of the world? Hide the truth from them? Sin has consequences. Homosexuality along with all others sins put Jesus on the cross. Mr. Spooner is a confused old man. It happens.
WilliamFrancisWelsh 1 year ago
SPOONER FOR PRESIDENT!
sleekcartim 1 year ago 2
What an absolute hero and a wonderful man.
Otana 1 year ago 4
HERO.
DarbukaGirl 1 year ago 3
This man is a hero, in every sense of the word, and he deserves the admiration and gratitude of every American. We should all strive to be this courageous.
pyroclasm32 1 year ago 7
I don't often say this.
God bless you, Mr Spooner. God. Bless. You.
InvaderTessa 1 year ago 5
he is a good man...the world needs people as accepting and loving as he is...if i could meet him i would love to he is a true hero in every sense of the word
M3talClover 1 year ago 3
Please add Mr. Spooner to Mt Rushmore. He is the continuation of our revolution for freedom, from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Barak Obama, and to his sons and entire family and all who know him and call him friend. His statement was read today, Father's Day 2010 at Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia. Many of us were in tears. On the day he spoke he was 86 years young and still fighting for freedom for all. He is my hero!
rickbangkok 1 year ago
Spoken like a hero, fair play to him.
gerbilsqueex 1 year ago 3
Disapproving of gay marriage is like disapproving of rain.
Azlaier 1 year ago 3
wow this just brought tears to my eyes
OhTheBill 1 year ago 8
What an awesome guy.
acledmaiden 1 year ago 6
This makes me realize just how little i really know about the world. I am a man of 22 who sometimes can act like a "know-it-all", but after seeing this man speak his heart out, i have no words that can beat true experiences of a long and eventful life.
2dreamy 1 year ago 4
Im 47, i dont know much, but i do know men like him deserve everyones respect, it hurts my heart to see Neg comments about him. we would be in a world of hurt if they didnt take out the enemy in WW2. Now at 86 y/o he still kicking ass & taking names. god bless him & the USA!
"greatest generation" is an understatement.
1 LIFE
sleekcartim 1 year ago 26
this is how all americans should be
MegaMonferno9 1 year ago 4
A true Patriot unlike my brother
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hameed 1 year ago
put THAT in your pipe and smoke it homophobes
hameed 1 year ago 7
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Wether Spooner's statements ,opinions are his or not does not viciate the fact he was a political stooge for the Homosexualists. look at the campaign's slogan..."Join Philip"...He certainly was an integral stooge of the Homosexualists in Maine. Their effort to disguise and personalize this issue. This is no different had one used a little boy raped by a homosexual and used it in a campaign against the homosexualists.Mainers saw through this dispicable ploy and protected their state.
wiseoneetest 2 years ago
yes twian is a typo, should be twain...."east is east,west is west, and never the twain shall meet"
'twain' is an archaic expression meaning 'two'...."mark twain" was a riverboat expression to measure the depth of the river. It was also a psudonym for Samuel Clemens.
wiseoneetest 2 years ago
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A pitiable old stooge. He can barely finish a sentence ,hes almost lost and sloberring on the microphone. It is patheic of the homosexual activists to prostitute this pitable old man in this manner.Clearly the homosexual activists would have dug up a corps and propped it up in front of this comittee if they thought it would have helped. the faithull people of Main outlawed this travesty and fully criminalized Homosexual marriage. They shall obey it wether they like it or not.we have spoken.
wiseoneetest 2 years ago
@wiseoneetest, First of all, IMHO, no one who fought in WWII is a "pitiable old stooge". Just because nature has taken it's course and God forbid, this man got old, he still has a right to his opinion. He had something to say, and he said it without being mean. Second, all he wants is for his sons to have equal rights, and he has fought for the right to say so. There's no need to write mean comments about a man who fought for America, regardless if you disagree with him. Semper Fi
ladySEGOVIA 2 years ago 10
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Everyone is entitled to their opinion. In my opinion this man was prostituted like a two dollar whore by the homsexual activists. In my opinion the homosexual activists turned him into a little parrot slut to regurgitate ver batum their homo propaganda points. Nothing more that a human tape recorder on playback for his Homosexual puppet masters.
wiseoneetest 2 years ago
@wiseo...maybe...JUST maybe, the man can think for himself and give his own opinion due to the fact that he has a gay son and has accepted him like a good parent would. How do you know he didn't write that speech himself, from his heart? Regardless if a homosexual wrote the speech for him, what does that matter? It's still what the man wants to say, or he woudln't have said it. Semper FI.
ladySEGOVIA 2 years ago 6
As is said, to each their own, and the twian shall never meet.
wiseoneetest 2 years ago
@ wiseo....yes, to each their own......I can definitely agree to that sir. But can you tell me what the word "twian" means? I've never heard of it. I googled it, but couldn't find anything either. Was it a typo? If so, what did you mean to write? Semper Fi.
ladySEGOVIA 2 years ago
Dont pay him any mind. His disrespectful comments will be removed very soon.
sleekcartim 2 years ago
Aw man, I'm a cynical cunt but this is humanity at its core. It's a shame he's nearing the end of his life, he deserves to live forever. Certainly his views and ideals should live on forever.
LeClassics 2 years ago 21
community <3
sleekcartim 2 years ago 4
This man has great love for his country and his children! He speaks the truth!
ItsMeTheSteph 2 years ago 6
You can discuss the many-we must look and listen!
filetaxdebtrelief 2 years ago
Did anyone else notice the tear running down his face near the end?
RussanoGreenstripe 2 years ago 7
he's a true mainer (& hero), salt of the earth ppl dont hate others based on who they are, sure dont like being told to do so. im damn proud to include this at top of my favs. 1 LIFE
sleekcartim 2 years ago 7
This man is a true american hero. Bless his service to this country. Its nice to see someone who can actually put aside centuries of ignorance and hatred to stand up for what this country is supposed to stand for.
Fuckthenazipunks 2 years ago 281
@Fuckthenazipunks Your post plus your username made me smile like an idiot.
munster2012 1 year ago
@Fuckthenazipunks Well said! I am gonna copy your quote and post this video on Facebook. Happy Easter my friend :)
ElijahJaredStone 10 months ago
This speech moved me to tears. Not because of the theatre of wheeling out an elderly and frail person to make such an impassioned plea on behalf of equality, but because this man has real experience of what equality is all about and how precious it is. He has risked his own life to protect freedom; seen the sacrifices made to protect freedom; seen the consequences of taking rights away from a certain group. To him, this isn't some hypothetical thought experiment - it is reality.
Thank you, sir.
thatgaybloke 2 years ago 132
I couldn't agree with you more. Moved me too..
It's such a tragedy that people that would demand equility and rights for themselves, cannot share that with others. Such a shame.
Concequence 2 years ago 4
@thatgaybloke I couldn't say it better myself, and therefore burrowing your comment...
ElCibaeno1966 10 months ago
*claps and tears up* such a lovely compassionate and truly sincere man .Seperate is NOT equal in this country .
losartandeterment806 2 years ago 7
What an incredible man. I am stunned by the beauty and courage in the fact that he has learned new thinking over time, and is willing to speak out on behalf of others.
snoggledoggy 2 years ago 11
Wow. Just... wow. Bless this man for his service to our country and bless him for keeping his eyes mind and heart so open.
crashpix 2 years ago 5
That was one of the most moving speeches I have ever in my life heard. It brought a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat. I am going to transcribe it all to text and read it again. This remarkable and truly honourable man puts humanity into such clear perspective, I can only hope that the haters and the naysayers will stop, listen & reflect in their hearts the admonition to love and respect others of good will as we would want to be loved and respected. Unconditionally & without reservation.
mensskintightlowrise 2 years ago 3
We need more Republicans like this.
olivemike81 2 years ago 14
ABSOLUTELY!
dukenthaylor 2 years ago
Politics & religion are the downfalls of humanity.
That is all.
DarconAdonis 2 years ago 9
this is a real man, in every sense of the word.
slipvyne 2 years ago 10
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You want to suck on his old balls don't you?
CHARESTHEHAMER 2 years ago
@slipvyne
It's over.
If you can't keep gay marriage legal in New England it's only a matter of time till it's outlawed everywhere.
I recommend those who truly support the gay community now focus instead on doing what they can to combat the growing obesity epidemic among lesbians.
CHARESTHEHAMER 2 years ago
@CHARESTHEHAMER that makes no sense and why it was targeted at me i have no idea why.
slipvyne 2 years ago
Because you need to be woke the fuck up from your bliss niny coma.
CHARESTHEHAMER 2 years ago
@CHARESTHEHAMER lmao, im not gonna take someone who favorites dane cook seriously nor as someone who is preaching how i should think. grow up big guy.
slipvyne 2 years ago