NOM - Gathering Storm - What Storm? (My Response)

My video response to the "Gathering Storm" PSA by the National Organization for Marriage. I respond to every point made by the PSA video in a somewhat tongue-in-check fashion. Included is an excerpt of Barack Obama's Presidential acceptance speech on Election Night in Chicago in November 2008. In short, all LGBT people are deserved of equal civil human rights, respect and dignity, and the NOM video is perpetrating dangerous lies that threaten the sanctity of America.

UPDATE:
Thank you everyone for supporting this video, I have been very surprised and humbled at the responses I've gotten. And thank you to those who have linked/posted this video onto the following sites (towleroad.com, queerty.com for ranking the video in the top #10 NOM responses, time.com, nytimes.com and huffingtonpost.com among others) as well as showing it on the LOGO News Show and on CNN television. I hope it continues to make a difference out there.

(And sorry for the bleeding chroma key - amateur hobbyist here)

Video: Sean Chapin

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• national
• organization
• for
• marriage
• equality
• equal
• rights
• lesbian
• gay
• bisexual
• transgender
• prop
• propostion

[Leonicdragon]

You know if the state would just recognize that marriage is a religious issue and not sponsor it at all, then they wouldn't have to band together to "protect" it, and everyone can get married according to THEIR beliefs. The Constitution says NOTHING about the right to marry, and that means that it is up the the states to decide per the 10th amendment. What business of the government is it to know if I've committed a religious ceremony or not?

[SeanChapin1]

@Leonicdragon, my view is that marriage is, depending on the American you talk to, (1) a religious institution, (2) a social institution, (3) a fundamental legal civil right, (1) and (3), (2) and (3), or (1) and (2) and (3), BUT in the eyes of our U.S. Government only (3) - a fundamental civil right as stated by the U.S. Supreme Court in their interpretation of the U.S. Constitution from its decision on Loving v. Virginia in the late 1960's.

[Leonicdragon]

@SeanChapin1 well that's odd that the judge used "civil right" instead of "natural right." If could be said that marriage is included as a civil right, but marriage is a natural right covered under the 1st amendment so it doesn't matter. Since you cited that ruling, I'm sure you know what the difference is. Civil rights are a farce because our government cannot give us rights that we are already endowed with by "our Creator." It can only give us privileges which requires permission.

[SeanChapin1]

@Leonicdragon, the United States can not adopt any religion, and therefore rights that are recognized by the U.S. Constitution and government are considered civil rights indifferent to any religions practiced by its citizens, including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Muslim, Hindu, Wicca, etc. Civil rights are a real and crucial element of the morals and ethics of our country.

[SEvePhillips]

I commend your bravery and logic in making this video, it's a true work of art and courage.

[ektwr88]

This is so sincere. I still can't believe that in the 21st century there's people who ACTUALLY "think" like in that video about the gathering storm.

Straight marriage is perfection itself that's why there's such thing as divorce ¬¬

I don't feel attracted to men but one of my best best friends does, and he's a great guy and I wish him nothing but happiness and I'm very glad that now he (and anyone who wants it) can get married.

Greetings from argentina

[simsgirlgem]

40 people have they're heads up they're asses and thus can't see being gay is not a choice same with being bi-sexual

[clubindiana4]

@Leonicdragon "is grounds for a mistrial" = no guarantee of a mistrial. "special legislation" can resolve that loop hole in sentencing.

[Leonicdragon]

@clubindiana4 "I would guess just by reading your comments that you're a white, straight male..."

You would be very wrong in that assumption ;) And btw, blatant prejudice and bigotry in the courts is grounds for a mistrial. That is why they have jury selection. Just because the organizations are grandstanding cases for political gain does not mean that all the facts are their to convict beyond all reasonable doubt. I do have faith in the court, but less so in the prosecution and defense.

[clubindiana4]

@Leonicdragon Were on the same page....I just don't agree with your ration. I would guess just by reading your comments that you're a white, straight male......because you trust the courts to "do the right thing" in situations dealing with minorities, without "special legislation". In theory you're right....in reality there are real and valid reasons why we need this legislation. Time and time again the courts have proven that they are not capable of equal punishment/enforcement.

[clubindiana4]

@Leonicdragon "law makers and public servants were not following their Constitutional duties"

What were their duties? How did they fail?

[Leonicdragon]

@clubindiana4 no actually the civil war was to categorize slaves as "men" so that the Constitution would protect them as the human beings they are and not 1/10 of a person as they were considered. The Civil Rights movement in terms of the race riots was to protect against discrimination. Unfortunately, the law makers and public servants were not following their Constitutional duties. The laws that were enacted in lue of the civil rights movements were federal laws that did just that.

[clubindiana4]

@Leonicdragon So......by your ration....the entire Civil Rights Movement was just a push for special rights? Those who are not counted in the "...all Men are created equal" equation should just lump it?

[Leonicdragon]

@thewhatsit104 yes. :) Well if a church doesn't recognize gay marriage then why would you go there? :P

[Leonicdragon]

@clubindiana4 "The entire document basically outlines "special rights" for different groups ranging from Christians to businesses." *bashes head in keyboard* The Bill of Rights is not SPECIAL. The "Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act" DOES give special rights to homosexuals and african americans ONLY. The Bill of Rights applies to EVERYONE. Nothing is singled out in it as "...all Men are created equal...endowed by their Creator with... UNALIENABLE RIGHTS."