Lawrence O'Donnell - Focus On The Family Busted For Lying At Doma Hearing By Sen. Al Franken

[thylacinegurl]

True story: their real name is "Focus on (how to destroy) the Family.

[TugsN]

"Will any facts matter..."?

To fundy tea bircher? No.

Facts are a liberal plot and scientists are paid shills of the government.

I actually was subjected to this swill on Fox Nation.

Borderline retarded.

[Joelsef2898]

No comments about her twin sons being named Tim and Tom?

[neenerpuss]

FOF? Free Of Facts!

[livingstranger]

@TheSnoopy1750 I suppose I find the federal funding to planned parenthood unconstitutional, I agree that it violates the 10 Amendment. Individual states should determine that. The federal government should not hold such power. I'm also not teaparty advocate; if you read my earlier comments, I stated I'm neither left or right wing...are you that stupid?

[TheSnoopy1750]

@livingstranger I am still waiting for your evidence that "Forcing those who disagree with a practice to pay for it is unconstitutional."

If I am a pacifist, does that mean my tax dollars can't go to military spending?  I guess we should have a tax form that has boxes each person checks off to indicate where their tax payments go. LOL

Of course ignorant people like you often make bold claims (lies) with zero support. That is why you are a pathetic, intellectually dishonest person.

[Asher8328]

Well done, Sen. Franken.

[livingstranger]

@thesnoopy1750 You're boring.

[livingstranger]

I have a couple friends who are gay, and personally I think they should have the right to pursue anything. I just find this while thing a distraction while our country is being financially destroyed.

[retrospect1983]

@livingstranger regarding this video, would it be fair to say--- rather than minnery being a lier, he may simply be lacking in reading comprehension ?

[livingstranger]

@FatFred2U Also, if you read my statement, I specifically said it's unconstitutional for someone to deny the rights of others. In the case of Planned Parenthood receiving millions of tax dollars to perform abortions, that's unconstitutional. Forcing those who disagree with a practice to pay for it is unconstitutional.

[TheSnoopy1750]

@livingstranger "Forcing those who disagree with a practice to pay for it is unconstitutional."

Are you really that stupid? Do you just make up crap as you go to protect your delusions? And you wonder why most people think teabaggers and bigoted religious nutjobs are bad for this nation.

Show me anywhere in the Constitution where it says that a person's tax payment can only go towards things that they personally agree with.

I await your response.

[mgunslinger17]

@livingstranger "Forcing those who disagree with a practice to pay for it is unconstitutional."

That's a really feeble argument. There many many instances where people don't agree with how government funds are spent. That's why we send representation to Washington to promote what the voters want. And besides, PPH doesn't accept government money to perform abortions for any cases other than rape, incest, or life endangerment.

[livingstranger]

@Knowzilla13 So you're saying a majority vote is mob rule? The people should have no say? What if the roles where reversed and minority didn't want gay marriage? Would gay marriage advocates be the mob? I personally couldn't care less if gay people want to get married? But why label a religion as prejudice just because it's conscience says otherwise? Seems kind of hypocritical to me. That's why the whole liberal vs. conservative battle is a distraction.

[videogamemaker]

@livingstranger Majority vote is mob rule, when they are voting on how minorities are treated. In fact there is specific language to this in the founding documents of the country. Majority rule would have ensured the continuation of slavery, women as non-voters, banned interracial marriage, and would keep same-sex marriage illegal as well as sodomy.

[livingstranger]

@FatFred2U I'll have to get those references to you at a later time. A little busy at the moment.

[livingstranger]

@FatFred2U

So what you're telling me is it's constitutional for the government to force citizens to go against their religion despite the first amendment saying otherwise? I disagree, I believe it has to do a lot with mere conscience. And I will believe what I want, thanks for approving.

[videogamemaker]

@livingstranger No one is going to be forced to go against their religion. Churches refuse people marriage within their walls all the time for any reason. Wrong denomination, wrong race mix (racist, but it happens and is allowed), pastor doesn't believe they will do well, etc. Having federal recognized same-sex marriage means a gay couple can go to the state for a marriage. No church will be forced, and it's false to posit that would be the case.

[FatFred2U]

A group of persons who grant themselves the right to create rules that govern the actions of men, and grants to themselves the right to punish those fond to have violated those rules and grants to themselves the right to collect monies from those who are subject to the rules for the benefit of those who create the rules.

That description applies to religions and governments. But in a democratic society, only the government can claim to exist as an extension of the peoples will.

[cowboyx1970]

Focus on the Family Guy, "How can I burn this Jew?"

[FatFred2U]

@cowboyx1970 I read the first part and thought of Seth MacFarlane creating a new cartoon series, "Focus On The Family Guy". Mike Judge will then come-up with an unfunny clone, "King Of The Westboro Baptists Hill".

[langleywil]

I hate what right wing conservatives stand for. It's always the same. They never think about other people living in the world...why? Selfishness and greed. Churches have ALWAYS, ALWAYS been able to turn anyone away wanting to get married and not ONE lawsuit has been brought forth suggesting that churches should be forced, however, if they fail to cease in their current political agendas, I would hope that any and all tax exempt statuses be taken away and they be treated as a PAC.

[livingstranger]

@Decktrio

Sorry- I don't think anyone has the right to tell anyone else what to do. If gay couples wanna get married, fine. If someone wants an abortion fine. People should not force anything on anyone. 'As long as it someone doesn't pick my pocket or break my leg, I am ok with it.'- Thomas Jefferson.

[livingstranger]

@Decktrio Forcing ministers to perform gay marriage ceremonies is unconstitutional. Forcing someone's taxes to pay for convenience abortions, which also goes against their conscience, is unconstitutional. In fact both instances can go against someone's conscience. I hate government and I think the state is inherently evil. I'm not right wing or left wing; I just look at both arguments. I don't anyone should tell anyone what to do.

[FatFred2U]

@livingstranger Can you actually cite an example of a pastor/minister being forced, against his/her will to perform marriage rites for a same sex couple? Can you describe why you think the Constitution includes protection for those who discriminate based on religious beliefs? Believe what you want to believe, but when you use your beliefs as an excuse to deny rights and benefits guaranteed under the law it is no longer a matter of mere conscience.

Religion is the root of evil.

[livingstranger]

@Korpitotka

Oooh yeah hahaha

[livingstranger]

Al Franken reminds my of Guy Smiley from SNL in the 90's

[Korpikotka]

@livingstranger That's Stuart Smalley, and that character was in fact played by Al Franken. Guy Smiley is a "Sesame Street" puppet.

[videogamemaker]

The circular reasoning of those claiming the study didn't look at married people, because DoMA forbids marriage (which is an incorrect statement, it only forbids federal recognition, not state) in a debate over whether to repeal DoMA is just ridiculous. They are discussing the merits of DoMA. You can't appeal to DoMA during the debate as the reason to keep it.

[stewartx5]

@videogamemaker

I never said DoMA "forbids" anything, including marriage. Those are your words, not mine. And, likewise, never used that as an argument in a "debate over whether to repeal DoMA." Again, your words. My comment simply described what the federal government considers marriage, applying that to the federal study mentioned.

[videogamemaker]

@stewartx5 And your application was supposed to be a criticism, but it was worthless. The study used the term "nuclear family" and set the definition as easily understandable. Minnery (and you) are either liars, or ignorant. It included married (at the state level), same-sex couples. The author confirmed this, you're wrong, Minnery is wrong, Franken was right.

(here's a clue, this video is *during* the DoMA hearing, so it's about repealing DoMA)

[Padmepotter4986]

@stewartx5 You need to learn a little something about the crime of rape. Rape has nothing to do with sexuality or sexual orientation. Heterosexual men rape young boys too. In fact, most child molesters are heterosexual males. Rape is a crime of violence. Your little brother was violated not because the man was homosexual but because he was a violent pedophile. I have a good friend who was raped by a heterosexual male. Should I argue for laws clamping down on the rights of heterosexual males?

[stewartx5]

Say what? Franken and his supporters clearly have no common sense. Since the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage (under the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act), a reference in a federal study to married couples could not possibly include same-sex couples. Thus, the study is describing opposite-sex couples (husband & wife), the Focus On The Family witness was correct, and Al Franken is wrong (again). Shame on him for trying to twist valid research to fit his agenda.

[videogamemaker]

@stewartx5 Wow, another ignorant illiterate? Amazing. The author of the study itself confirmed that Franken is right, and she would know more than FoF, and especially you, random internet person. Marriage is a state issue, and both Mass and Cali had same-sex marriage during the period of the study. You're wrong, and a homophobic bigot. Deal with it.

[stewartx5]

@videogamemaker

Oh, I'm definitely homophobic. My brother, then 11-years old, was raped by a homosexual man and I was propositioned by homosexual men several times in my youth. I've since talked randomly with dozens who have had, in their youth, similar encounters with homosexual men. Based on that, I firmly believe most homosexual men are predators who will routinely victimize boys and young men if given an opportunity. Show a study or evidence (not rhetoric) which suggests otherwise.

[videogamemaker]

@stewartx5 That makes about as much sense as a woman swearing off all men because one raped her. That's proof of an individual being broken, not everyone with the same skin color or sexual orientation being the same. Plus, your story is just an anecdote (not to mention offensive), not evidence or a study. All that aside, you didn't address any of my points that you and Minnery are wrong, and Franken was correct.

[stewartx5]

@videogamemaker

Of course, this isn't about a woman's choice following a single instance, but instead adult men abusing boys. And, whether you consider them anecdotal or not, my personal experiences are sufficient for me to form an opinion.

As for your "points," we all, including the study cited, agree "kids with two long term parents tend to do better than kids with only a single parent." There's nothing in that (your words) saying "parents" include same-sex couples, which was my point.

[videogamemaker]

@stewartx5 I'm unsurprised you were unable to follow my simple analogy. Racists use the exact same justification. "I was robbed twice by black men, thus, I am ok being wary of all black men ever". That would be racist, you're homophobic, the end.

I don't have to differentiate between straight or gay parents, because both groups are two functional adults, and should not be discriminated against in the law, and luckily this study didn't do that. Too bad you and Minnery just don't understand it.

[videogamemaker]

@stewartx5 Also homosexual men don't rape 11 year old boys, pedophiles do. Your attempt to conflate the two is offensive, and ignorant. Youtube doesn't allow URL links or I'd post to numerous studies proving this. But if you ignore the study posted in this very Youtube, I don't expect to you believe others either.

[stewartx5]

@videogamemaker

And I'm claiming, based on my experiences, that most homosexual men are in fact pedophiles. Until you can change my experiences, you're not going to change that opinion. In other words, actions speak louder than words.

[videogamemaker]

@stewartx5 Luckily the US has a long history of the courts and legislation forcing the majority to stop discriminating, so I don't have to convince you of anything. You're simply wrong, and while I sympathize with your brother's traumatic experience, you holding it against all people that share a similarity is inexcusable. If i did the same thing, I'd never trust a straight white man with my money, not after all the latest financial chicanery.

[LatherLanD]

@stewartx5 Wow your a real fool.

[videogamemaker]

@stewartx5 And your pedantry really reveals your bias. Disregard the legal status of the couple, kids with two long term parents tend to do better than kids with only a single parent. This has been proven in Germany, the Netherlands, the US, and every person's brain with functioning common sense. You want so bad to side with team bigot that you revert to minutia to win points. DoMA hurts gays and lesbians, and hurts their children. You and FoF have shown your true colors.

[cyberfysh]

@stewartx5 As I heard it, the study didn't refer to "married couples" but to "nuclear families" - it was the FoF submission that assumed that "nuclear family" = "married couple", an assumption that was debunked by the senator's quoting from the study, and by the lead author of the study.

[stewartx5]

@cyberfysh

Listen at 2:45. Franken specifically says the study defines a "nuclear family" as "one or more children living with two parents who are MARRIED to one another."

[Knowzilla13]

@stewartx5 5 US States (it will be six soon, on the 24th New York's Marriage Equality Bill comes into force) & the District of Columbia (as well as 10 countries nationwide) allow same-sex MARRIAGE.

[stewartx5]

@Knowzilla13

Yes, and 45 states, along with roughly 190 countries, don't recognize same-sex marriages. Moreover, the majorities in several of those few states don't support same-sex marriages. In California, for example, same-sex marriage was voted down by the citizens, but imposed on that majority by a judge.

[videogamemaker]

@stewartx5 Wow, backpedaling much? You have been proven hopelessly wrong about same sex parents being included. The study shows absolutely (and is backed up by similar studies in germany and the netherlands, the Dutch one in particular was a 10 year study) that same-sex parents are just as good, or in the case of lesbians, better, than their opposite sex counterparts, showing the "think of the children" argument wrong.

[videogamemaker]

@stewartx5 Also interracial marriage, women's rights, and the end of slavery were also "forced" on the majority by a judge or legislation. If minorities had to wait on the will of the majority, America would still be a slave owning, wife abusing, hellhole. Luckily, we have the protection of minorities against the majority built into the founding documents of the country! We just need politicians to actually adhere to them.

[stewartx5]

@videogamemaker

Buddy, I don't have time to continue responding to your multiple comments as you endlessly bring up unrelated tidbits (now interracial marriage, women's rights, and slavery) in an attempt to win the argument. I've had my say, so you can continue to rant on your own if you want.

[Knowzilla13]

@stewartx5 Does that matter? The most democratic, most free, and countries with the most well educated people do recognize same-sex marriage - several more developed countries are currently on the verge of recognizing same-sex marriage as well.

Mob rule is not welcome - the majority cannot take away the rights of the minority. Prop 8 in California violates the US Constitution and is therefore invalid. The proponents ran of campaign of lies, fear, and prejudice.

[cyberfysh]

@stewartx5 Yes, he says it refers to two parents who are married to each other and either biological or adoptive parents of the children in the family. Surely in countries and states that have already recognised same-sex marriages, that definition would include same-sex couples and their biological and adoptive children, as the author of the study confirms.

[stewartx5]

@cyberfysh

The author of the study only said that the definition of "nuclear family" could be interpreted to include same-sex couples, not that the results of the study itself applied to same-sex couples. The Department Of Health and Human Services has done no study concerning same-sex marriage and children, so obviously cannot form a conclusion at this point regarding that.

[George91280]

The COnstitution is indeed a living breathing document that changes for the better good over time. Shurly the FOunders would not agree with Gay marriage.. but they also were not against slavery for the most part.. So the Constitution changes over time for the betterment of the union. Gay Marriage should be legal throughout the US. But it will undoubtedly be legal in Blue states before any Red states. Iowa baffles me, but htey atleast they are not all crazy

[oneirishpoet]

this fucktard Mr. Minnery looks like the most uptight, old, white asshole I've ever seen...

[mochiam]

What she brings children to church? To this very fake institution that tries to destroy her family? She is not less dum than the brainwashed counterparts. Bleah1!

[Rumake]

Marriage and the US Constitution:

YouTube clip titled:

Ted Olson Interview With Fox News Sunday's Chris Wallace

[Akira625]

Focus on the Family: Self-appointed, self-righteous, self-serving, Pharisees.

[stevenweir76]

There is an American group with the word "family" in part of its name that isn't batshit crazy to destroy homosexuals? Progress!!!!

[smeejay]

Even back in the 70's I knew that eventually someday, there would be a place for us LGTBQ just as our Nation's forefathers designed this nation to be. What I never expected was that, during my lifetime, those that spent their lifetime and made their fortune by vilifying us would see their hateful ways being pulled out for all of society to see them for their uglyness. Who knew...

[saltythebear]

Mr Minnery, did you even read your study, or your presentation? I feel like so many of these Focus on the Family members are cutting out and saying what they want to hear, then flying by the seat of their pants for anything else. Jesus fucking christ, you're a grown adult- freshman in high school would be more prepared than you are in this hearing or a debate.  How do you not know to check your sources? Was your education that bad?

[silentfades]

@saltythebear Of course the checked it Salty - he is simply a liar 

[gerryfisherbaltimore]

Here's what I don't understand...Focus on the Family has been distorting studies like this for *years* in legislative committee meetings across this country. Why has it taken this long for a politician simply to read the study back to their faces to prove that they are lying? I don't get why this has taken so long. (Way to go, Senator Franken!)

[lilshorty04]

They never cite the sources that say homosexual couples have children that end up exactly in the same position as straight couples with children. They also tend to forget that their are NUMEROUS single families out there. They never bring that up, do they? They'd rather let a single mother hooked on crack raise a child than letting two women raise children.

[tkeli966]

@matt605

Wow you're dumb. Marriage has always been a state law. Hence it being subjected to the full faith and credit clause of the US Constitution, making DOMA unconstitutional.

[videogamemaker]

@tkeli966 he's just trying to fall back on a technicality since all his previous arguments have been destroyed. That he gets even this wrong is no surprise, people like him will use anything to defend their bigotry.

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 You aren't being even-handed at all. You were caught in the wrong (stating there were zero same sex marriages) then you moved the goal posts to "too few couples", then you moved them again to "didn't use DoMA terms" (as if it needed to). You are trying to deny gay and lesbian couples the protections they deserve as citizens, by defending a lying shill's tricks. You should be ashamed.

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 You are a bigot. The study included same sex couples, and you didn't know that. You also don't like that it included them, since it proves your position wrong. The cheap trick was Minnerly trying to lie about the study, something FoF has a long history with.

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 Why would the study need to use a doma complient term? It was on nuclear families for the benefit of knowing the results. You're just mad the results prove your support of DoMA to be homophobia. I wonder why Minnerly was so surprised if he understood the study and it's terms correctly. Seems to me a full-time paid shill testifying before congress should have their facts straight before trying to weasel in lies.

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 Poor baby doesn't like being rightfully called a bigot. I wonder if it hurts as much as being in a long term couple with children, but denied the equal rights and protections the US constitution is supposed to guarantee you? I doubt it. They used the definition of nuclear family and made that definition clear. It's you who didn't understand it, and Minnery that lied about it. I'm glad for politicians like Franken that actually stand up for the people.

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 Yes, your goal post moving and bigotry is still hilarious.

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 So you're positing (without evidence) that you are certain average same sex couples would be worse parents. Hmmm, I think the real pattern emerging is that you're a homophobic bigot. Plus, there are already systems in place to prevent bad parents from adopting, no need for DoMA to affect that. There are currently same sex families with kids, full stop. That is a fact. Currently they are denied the protections that the US government sees fit to extend to nuclear families. This is BS.

[zachary3625]

i love Al Franken

[MN55405]

Why are all pro-GLBT activists so likable?

[boyinthedrain]

@MN55405

"Why are all pro-GLBT activists so likable?"

Because they have morality, logic, compassion and respect for liberty on their side

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 How many times does a same sex couple get an unwanted child? You're hilarious. This ignores the fact that there are millions of single family households that the government doesn't force into marrying or remove the child to give to a dual parent household. DoMA is unconstitutional and an abomination. It should go, for both the equality of GLBT and the health and well being of their children.

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 AND the whole debate is whether to address DoMA. You don't get to appeal to DoMA as the reason as to why DoMA shouldn't be removed. You are the one that's wrong, and now that you've been proven repeatedly wrong, you move goal posts and allow your bigotry to blind you. A very common attitude among "conservatives".

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 Wow, moving goal posts much? First you said there were zero same sex marriages during this period, now you are saying there are too few, yet you have no idea the number, (which ironically, neither did Minnery, which is what Franken pointed out). The studies author knows far more about the scientific process, how many there were, and if they were statistically relevant. You're wrong, and trying to muddy the waters with pedantry.

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 If the shoe fits, wear it. I love that you, some random internet poster, is calling the author of the study itself wrong. If the study is wrong, why is FoF using it as part of their argument?

Educate yourself before spouting off codswallop.

[Klingonpixie]

And most children in gay families are WANTED children. That makes a huge difference.

[videogamemaker]

@matt605 The same study (which you don't understand, as has been posted, the studies author confirms Franken, so you're just flat-out wrong) has been replicated in Germany and the Netherlands, both of which have had same-sex partnerships for a while, and all three studies in three different nations arrived at the same conclusion. You refusing to allow science to change your mind is the very definition of bigotry.

[PT109Boat]

I wish that the Family Equality Council change their name. I get the Equality part but everytime I see the word "Family", my mind immediately goes to a religious intolerant hate group that is pushing America back to the 18th century.

[videoguy604]

To all the H8ers, you KNOW you are going to be the losers. You know marriage equality is inevitable, so why do you keep fighting a lost cause that is rooted in H8?

[isakechaos]

I like this video but its not only about children. How about a person not being able to visit a loved one in a hospital. THATS more harmful to me. if i couldnt see my loved one and they died in the hospital i would kill nurses and doctors

[videoguy604]

The rentboy hiring closet cases just need to focus on their own families.

[TheGunpowderTreason]

Senator Al Franken.

...

>LIKE A BOSS!!<

[Bpers2001]

I loved watching this yesterday, on Lawrence's show. This video needs to go viral to show how these so-called Christians will say/do anything (even distort and lie) to keep decent and loving gay/lesbian couples from marriage.

Love you Sen Franken!

[mykelb]

I don't know why straight folks get so upset about this. Current data from the Census Bureau from the 2010 census show that only 19 percent of Americans are married with children. Get over it.

[mykelb]

@matt605 Marriage equality started in 2004 in Massachusetts. As you say, you can have you own opinions but not your own facts, Matt.

[masticina]

Caught in a lie... oh my focus on the family is lying. Anti Gay groups are lying.. these good "Christians " are lying? ...how can they?

[TheArcaneSanctum]

@matt605 did you not hear them say that the lead scientist in charge of the studied stated Franken was spot on?

Pay attention reality is calling.

[MrHueJazz1]

Loved watching that guy squirm in the hot seat. lol

"It doesn't" haha! go Al Franken! ' I'm glad I voted for ya.

[VoteYou]

@matt605 Doesn't really matter, if you have ever met gay parents you know they are far more superior at parenting than these redneck lowlifes and teen moms.

[MrBurtSantos]

My sister and her wife have the most amazing, cutest, smartest child of their own and for someone to say they can't raise a child the same as a straight couple is simply idiotic. Its time to grow up and let people live their lives how they want and get back to focusing on this country in this time and getting kids educated and creating jobs.

[VoteYou]

@matt605 the study is from 2010, we have had gay married couples since then in some states.

[rockyrigby]

I couldn't stop laughing for like 5 mins after first watching this.

[YY4Me133]

If someone has to lie to make their point, they don't have one.

[Sykotix1]

Go Franken!

These bullshit artists are finally being shown for the fucking liars they are.

One thing though...twins called Tim and Tom? They're just babies and you've already turned them into a joke.

[hottopiccasey]

Focus On the Family is a very screwed up hate group. Check out their website and forums. The moderaters edit messages to support their own views and refuse to admit any evidence against their 'values.'

[TheManray05]

Focus on tha family should focus on their own damn families. Get their religious bullshit out of our lives and government.

[oneirishpoet]

@TheManray05 LOL I mad e almost the exact same comment on another version of this video!

[livingstranger]

@TheManray05 Yeah you're right...the state never forces the church to do anything...

[Decktrio]

@livingstranger What does the state force churches to do? The first thing I thought of was certain houses of worship not being allowed to legally recognize polygamy (that they would recognize within their walls)... but then again, I don't think churches don't have the right to legally recognize anything. Certain pastors/ministers take on a double role, of administering the rite of the religious marriage and administering the rite involved in a civil marriage.

[Decktrio]

@Decktrio So if a pastor (at a church that recognizes polygamy as legitimate) is prohibited by the state from recognizing a polygamous marriage... he is only prohibited from doing so in the civil marriage... NOT in the religious marriage. These are religious and civil marriage are two separate things that many relationships choose to have done during the same event... but that doesn't negate their separateness. So in outlawing polygamy, the state really isn't imposing itself upon churches.

[Decktrio]

@livingstranger So I'm not sure, what you were getting at. Maybe if you gave me some examples of the state forcing itself on churches, then I could better understand your point. :)

[dafttool]

Studies have shown that lesbians actually have the most well-adjusted kids, even more than straight parents. Of course, Focus on the Family don't cite THOSE studies. It completely undermines their hatemongering argument.

[babeandandy]

@dafttool Yeah I read about those studies, and shortly after the study on lesbians families one came out on Gay families showing the same things, that their children were better adjusted than 'Traditional' families