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Pittsburgh City Council Mentioned in Bigoted Tirade
by Mountain Girl ~ March 10th, 2008. Filed under: Community, Election.We at 15211.org are not usually in the business of asking anything of our loyal readership (other than to comment on our posts), but we would appreciate it if you listened closely to the video below. It’s the audio of a speech given by Representative Sally Kern from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and sprinkled throughout are slides of residents of Oklahoma showing their outrage at her hateful words.
This is a speech she thought she was giving to a roomful of only 50 people. She should have thought better of it since it was a public meeting and someone recorded it (although I suspect she is too simple-minded to realize she is even saying anything horrifying). At any rate, she goes on a bigoted rant about “homosexuals taking over” city councils all over the country. Why do I mention it on 15211.org? Because her list includes: Eureka Springs, Arkansas; PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA; Kensington, MD; and West Palm Beach, Florida.
I share this not to question the sexual orientation of anyone on our city council, but to express my outrage that anyone’s personal life is fair game for this woman’s inspection and persecution. I sent her an e-mail, which I’ve included at the end of this post. Feel free to use it or write one of your very own and send it to:sallykern@okhouse.gov or srkern@cox.net.
Oh, and today’s the day our legislators started hashing out the details of the smoking ban. If you’re so inclined, you may contact the Committee Members and/or Wayne Fontana; fontana@pasenate.com (412) 344-2551 and Chelsa Wagner; wagner@pahouse.com (412) 881-1005 and let them know how you feel.
Rep. Kern:
I suppose it’s within your rights to talk about your constituency and fellow House members in Oklahoma, but I am requesting that you not talk about the Pittsburgh City Council. You know nothing about Pittsburgh or the people that run the government here or you would not have included us in your bigoted, small-minded rant that millions of people will now hear on You Tube.
We have a youthful mayor and a progressive, thoughtful council for the first time in as long as I can remember. To take something wonderful and detract from it because of the alleged sexual orientation of a council member or members disgusts me. You are a disgrace to your state and a disgrace to the institution of government. I only hope the good people of Oklahoma see fit to put you where you belong next election–out of office, out of a job and completely stripped of any power or influence you ever had. Good luck, I have a feeling you’ll need it.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Mountain Girl,
Thanks for posting about this issue. I’ve been reading about Kern’s bigoted, hateful, homophobic tirade on other websites and wondered how people in Pittsburgh would react. I have no problem with her talking about the Pittsburgh City Council, but I do have a problem with her hatred of gay people and her speaking out against gay people having a role in local (or any) government. The public does not have to put up with her hatred and attempt to oppress those she portrays as so different from herself. I hope she is voted out when she is up for re-election.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Representative Kern’s comments are really disgusting. I just emailed her at both addresses and told her exactly what I think of her hate speech. I am all for free speech, which is why I am thankful that I can tell her I think she is in the same league as the KKK and the Nazis.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Thank you for posting this on 15211.org. Unfortunately, this type of attitude is still probably far more prevalent than most people think.
I am not asking anyone to agree or disagree on any aspect of the topic of homosexuality - just to the basic idea of live and let live. The last time I read the Constitutional Amendments (which admittedly was not too recently!), there is a phrase pertaining to “the seperation of church and state” - a phrase coined by Thomas Jefferson, who knew better than Sally Kern a mere 207 years ago.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
sad sad sad. i know that there are bad homophobic people out there, but it makes me sad when i see it in our elected leadesrs. at least the people of Oklahoma now know what kind o fa person she is. they need to let this lady know that those views are not okay in today’s world….
March 12th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I emailed her and told her of my disgust with her attitude. Seriously… what does one’s sexual orientation have to do with their ability to do a good job?
PLEASE take a minute and email her. She needs to know that this type of thinking is unacceptable.
Kim
March 12th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I cannot believe that, it’s like listening to Stern and the lady from God Hates F@gs is on.
I just sent this idiot an email. I guess living in the east you don’t realize that people still think like this, well, unless you live in McKees Rocks I guess. Thanks for posting the info MG.
March 13th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
According to one news account, Mrs. Kern has received in excess of 3,000 e-mails about her hate speech. Now she is de-crying “free speech” instead of just apologizing for her bigotry. But I guess if you’re a bigot, you don’t have enough self-awareness to realize that you are a dunderhead.
MG
March 17th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Like it or not, freedom of speech is guaranteed by the First Amendment. I’m certain that many things I say or you say are offensive to others but without it we would have a Totalitarian state. I prefer the Constitution as it stands.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:13 am
CW, are you agreeing with the statements by Kerns? Wouldn’t surprise me actually. Funny how everyone screams “free speech” when they say something stupid, which is why I expect CW to now scream “free speech”. Good thing about blogs though, MG could simply delete that comment.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:21 am
But MG will not.
Steve-O, you’re lucky I respect free speech or your comments would mysteriously disappear.
MG
March 17th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
The other good thing about free speech is that offensive, hateful, bigoted people are able to make their views known, so that the rest of us know who to avoid.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Eulalia,
You couldn’t have said it any more perfect.
It’s also the freedom of speech and freedom of choice that will likely cause her civil service to cease next election.
March 18th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
MG
Where are the voting polls for MT Washington located? Are there more then One?
March 18th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Hi Common Sense,
I know the question wasn’t directed towards me but I know one is located at Olympia Park…
March 19th, 2008 at 11:56 am
It is truly amazing that people who are so vocal and insist on change for Pittsburgh and Mount Washington are not from the area. The majority of you folks here do not speak for 13000+ residents nor do the degenerates from the CDC. You all have your opinions on how we should live, where we should shop, what businesses we should have (by the way the Kard Store and you all have colossal nerve to voice your opinions. Why do you have colossal nerve? You are asking where the voting polls are? That’s disturbing! And for all of you folks that have no clue where to vote I would like to inform you that there are 14 voting polls – Shaler Street Church, Sweetbriar Street, Whittier School(2), Sullivan Hall, Olympia Park, Reams, Presbyterian Church on Grandview, Senior Center, Presbyterian Church on Bailey, St, Justin’s Plaza, St. Justin’s Church, Boggs Avenue School and Prospect School. Before you all hold pep rallies for change I suggest you first figure out where to vote – which should be the important issue!
March 19th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I need to finish my thought…I agree a nice Card store would be a great addition — however we are not Shadyside.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Wow Melissa Rossiter,
That was a ferocious attack…
Not so sure who it was directed at but I though you should know I live here. My mother and father are from here. My grandparents are from here and my grandmother’s grandfather is from here… so forgive me if I vote at Olympia Park but as long as it is the “designated place” on my voters registration card, no need for me to know where else to vote.
Also I don’t think people are trying to tell you where to shop. It is after all America.
I think people are suggesting ways to develop small business for everyone to enjoy (should they want to), bring tax revenue into the city, and have some additional shopping options (people can walk to)instead of bars???
March 19th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Melissa:
I’m not sure to whom you’re referring as it seems from what people say on this site, they ARE from the area. If you mean, that we weren’t born and raised here, then I have to disagree. There should be no length-of-time requirement for getting involved in the community where you reside. I also think renters’ opinions should be solicited. After all, renters become owners if they like where they’re living.
I’m sorry that comments on this site make you feel as if people are telling you how to live your life. I believe we’re just exchanging ideas and opinions and you should feel free to chime in with any more of your own.
Thanks for the polling place info. Maybe we’ll do a post about that closer to the 22nd.
MG
March 19th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Oh and I also don’t think that referring to store in Shadyside means we’re trying to become Shadyside.
MG
March 19th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
CTR and MG,
I was asked by someone to look at this site for a few reasons. Olympia Park voter and MG my comments stem from utter frustration with happenings and non-happenings in an around the city and MW. I have been involved in this community for well over a decade — actually since I was a young girl — as well as my mother and father. As far as people telling me how to live my life that’s not exactly what I meant — however it would never happen.
Isn’t this a blog for free speech? My comments about the CDC come from a history with the organization — having sat on the board and who was extremely active — my opinion is my right as it is others opinion or right to disagree. As far as renters — I did not refer to renters in my original post — I need to clarify that so MG don’t be defensive about it.
CTRN — you are albsolutly right — enough with the bars — there are 6 bars right now on Shiloh — another place to drink isn’t exactly attractive.
March 19th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I do think the question of where the voting polls are is a legitimate question. Perhaps those asking just moved into the area. Sometimes the voting polls are moved such as the one referred to in Whittier School which was originally located on Hallock and has resulted in 2 now at the same place. Also, someone could have just turned old enough to vote. Perhaps they have been ill and now recovered. Maybe they did not vote before but feel compelled to vote now and maybe will continue to vote in the future.
There can be a variety of reasons and plenty more I have not listed. They should not feel intimidated for asking.
I feel this blog is for an exchange of ideas, questions and information. Sometimes the typed word does not come across like the spoken word. We should make allowances for that.
March 19th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Melissa,
You sound passionate. Why give up? I understand you have history here which is all the more to support local small business development. Run down buildings attract squatters and thieves.
Don’t you think your passion would be better spent pushing for change rather than letting slum lords take over our neighbor’s properties and let them fall into dismay.
Or maybe try using it to solicit good businesses in the district…
March 19th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
MR-
One person asked about their nearest polling place. Based on that one question, I’m not sure how can you conclude that people on this site are not from 15211.
Anyways, you seem to be passionate about 15211 — What is causing your frustration?
March 19th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I mentioned that I loved the Kard Shop when I worked in Shadyside and I want to say that my husband and I were both born and raised on Duquesne Heights/Mt. Washington and we’re still here 55 years later. There’s not much on Shiloh for us now, we go to Redbeards once in a while but only in the afternoon, never at night, and I might drop something off at the post office once in a blue moon. I know it’s not Shadyside, but I would like to spend a day shopping/eating/reading, etc. on Shiloh Street and not be far from home.
March 19th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
My passion has been rooted in the forward thinking in creating a clean and safe neighborhood. As far as slum lords I rallied against them for years — sometimes appearing in housing court by myself — never once feeling intimadated because I knew I was there for a cause for the residents of MW. In a span of 10 years I single handily had 5 vacant buildings razed – I was the original complaintant against Dr. Hurite as a test for the Private Right of Action – it resulted in him having to pay fines and boarding up his slum. He is a habitual offender and that is frustrating but never did I lose my focus.
As far as supporting small businesses I worked diligently for the Boggs/Bailey corridor but because of exhausting in fighting and treacherous people I felt it was best to work on my own – like I have done so for many years.
I continue to work on my own with many complaints in the area – many folks in my committee district call upon me to make phone calls on their behalf to address issues. As far as development – I am a strong proponent – as demonstrated by my work [again by myself] on Eutaw Street – new town homes are being built as we speak. South Hills High School is an intense interest and I have been involved with that project since 1996. So, I have a history – I have a track record – but I am frustrated with a lot of issues and a lot of people. **Not those who are posting here**
Just be so you all know — I am still as active as ever but not in the “organization” fashion as I had done as a CDC board member. I am more effective for 15211 on my own!
March 19th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
The recent March 18th issue of the South Pittsburgh Reporter states that Christopher Beichner is the new executive director of the Mount Washington Community Development and will start employment on March 31st. He is a 29-year old resident of Seneca in Beaver County.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Melissa, WOW…sounds as if you have alot of strong opinions on what should happen in this community. It is obvious to me that you probably are more effective on your own because you dont strike me as someone who “works well with others.” I hope you can appreciate that while the people on this site and the cdc dont represent ALL the residents up here, you as one person doesnt even come close. Best of luck getting anywher with that kind of attitude.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Melissa:
I don’t know what anyone can say to get you more involved (again) in the collective efforts going on in Mt. Washington. You sound as if you’re really committed to progress in our community. have you thought about getting in touch with the people that started the REDO committee? Maybe you’ll have a different and more positive experience with a new organization.
Villager:
I see where you’re coming from, but I sense Melissa is pissed because she’s been burned before when she’s tried to get something accomplished. When you’re volunteering your time (and sometimes money) the last thing you want is to encounter baseless resistance. I have no idea what the circumstances were in her case, but if she’s this upset about it still…she must care. And caring is better than apathy when it comes to community development, don’t you think?
MG
March 20th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Thanks MG — Villager obviously has the attitude problem if she can’t see my point.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Villager,
You don’t know me — you know nothing about me and I can tell you that your “tounge in cheek” remark is unwarranted and petty.
For all of those who have read the comment and if anyone here knows me it isn’t that I don’t work well with others [how small minded] it is I am no-nonsense, I cut to the chase quickly and I do not appreciate people who are not open minded and who will not leave their own agendas aside for the good of the community.
Why don’t you talk to the right people who have worked with me for over a decade within our community — oh and throughout the county sitting on boards and working for welfare of others?!
As far a REDO — I commend Chuck Wallace for standing in the face of the small minded people who can’t think out of the box — who can’t admit that their way isn’t the only way, and that they are behind in their thinking. Frankly — the people that Chuck is up against are only for things and for chnage if it benefits them personally.
Melissa Rossiter