Shields demands apology, resignation

Pittsburgh City Council president strikes back at Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern's gay bashing

Ms. Kern:

Today I listened to your remarks related to your views on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people (GLBT). I was thoroughly disgusted by what you had to say and astonished that someone who presumably took an oath of office to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the laws of this nation would espouse hateful, bigoted and un-American views.


I sit here in my office and only wonder who else might be on your "less equal" list. I also wonder, if we should follow your illogic, what it is we should do about this "threat" to the nation? Round them up and put them in extermination camps? How would you have us "cut out this cancer" assuming we do away with our Constitution and Bill of Rights and host of other civil rights we enjoy in this free and democratic nation? Of course you always have the option to relocating to a country that embraces polices of persecuting those who are "less equal." But then AGAIN, you to may run the risk of being persecuted yourself.

Your remarks, whether you know it are not, provided an incredible display of ignorance and intolerance. You incite others to cause harm and even death to those who are of the GLBT community. New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned his office for far less an offense than the ones you committed in your remarks. I would hope that you too would recognize your offense and do likewise - resign. 


I find no place at the table for a public policy maker who would espouse hate, discrimination and bigotry. Your remarks amply illustrate why you are unfit for office and the honor of representing the best interests of all law abiding people in your legislative district. 


As the President of the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, I require an apology from you for your senseless, mean spirited attack on one my colleagues and the Council as a whole. I would think, should you take the time to reflect upon your hateful, bigoted words. An apology is also in order to the GLBT community and their friends. Short of a a miracle, I do not expect that you will. I find persons of your ilk completely blind to your ignorance.

In any event, I would hope that the fair-minded people of Oklahoma will disavow your position in this matter and take the matter up with your state human relations and ethics commission. I would also ask that your legislature censure you and all other hate mongers who truly are a threat to peace loving and law-abiding Americans everywhere. 


Sincerely,
Douglas A. Shields
City of Pittsburgh
President of Council ~ 5th Council District
Room
510 City County Building

414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-255-8965
doug.shields@city.pittsburgh.pa.us
www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us