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It would have been pretty easy for Ken Shetter, the mayor of Burleson, Texas, to stay quiet in the wake of the historic Obergefell ruling. A heavily Republican suburb of Fort Worth, Burleson sure ain't Austin. Some have argued that it would have been politically smarter for him not to comment on the ruling or on the subject of marriage equality. But staying quiet about what he believes clearly isn't Shetter's strong suit. And that, in this diarist's estimation, is a good thing. We've seen plenty of bad news come out of Texas post-Obergefell, including one county clerk who thinks she's above the law, so it is nice to focus on something good happening in the Lone Star State.
On the day the Supreme Court ruled, Shetter immediately took to Facebook to congratulate the LGBT citizens of Burleson:
First, let it be said that the response to his post was overwhelmingly positive. But, unsurprisingly, Shetter's remarks did attract some criticism. One person commented:
I really hoped that you had enough back bone to be your own man instead of following the politically correct crowd. I am disappointed in you Ken Shetter
Another warned that he was headed for electoral defeat because of his accepting words:
Wow! Do you forget where you live? Horrible political move. But I will say you had the courage to post your true beliefs. Now the voters know what you stand for. But that will likely seal your fate.
But one hater, in particular, stood out:
I need our mayor Ken Shetter, who has had some posts on my FB wall, post that he is happy with the supreme court ruling on gay marriage, or anyone else that is OK with gay marriage, to quote me a bible verse, that states gay marriage is acceptable to God, the Almighty!!! Just pick a book, old or new testament, that has a verse or chapter, from God, that says he condones this type of behavior!! Good luck!! If you do not quote a bible verse by book & chapter, don't bother replying!! - no replies in this manner will mean you know it is wrong in the eyes of God...I'm not real smart, but I do know that 2 men can't have a birth child & neither can 2 women, adoption ruled out. All of us are here because of 1 man & 1 woman. Anything else is taught by someone other than God! Is anyone that reads this, ready to stand before the almighty, on their judgement day, and say gay marriage is OK with them. I'm afraid praying for mercy on your soul, will not work, in god's eyes. Begging for forgiveness from God, of your foolishness, is out of my control!
Other politicians might have ignored such an unhinged post clearly out of lockstep with mainstream opinion in 2015. But, like I said, Shetter isn't that type of mayor. The challenge posed by this Burleson bigot inspired Shetter to write a heartfelt essay for his Facebook audience titled
"But the greatest of these is Love." It really is worth reading in full, so I recommend that you do that. In the meantime, the highlights...
First, he restates his view, not backtracking a bit:
As the mayor, I congratulate LGBT citizens of Burleson on their right to marry. Further, I am pleased the Supreme Court's ruling is just one of many ways we are telling members of the LGBT community (particularly LGBT youth) they are fully accepted and valued participants in our society--no matter where they live.
Then, he rejects the challenge to quote a Bible verse supporting his policy views. Because the Bible does not dictate policy.
I have strong and long-held Christian beliefs. Obviously those beliefs inform and ultimately help shape my views and the decisions I make as a public servant. It would be impossible for me to completely separate my spiritual beliefs from my role as mayor. However, I believe the separation of church and state, as written into the First Amendment to the Constitution, forbids me from allowing my Christian beliefs (or any other religious beliefs) to dictate policy or official action. So, I will not quote any verse of the Bible in justifying my mayoral views. I will simply say I will uphold the Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court of the United States (that's how it works in our system, at least since Marbury v. Madison). I will also be true to my commitment to do everything within my power to make Burleson a great place to live, learn, work and play for all...And all includes gay citizens of Burleson.
But, as far as his personal views are concerned, Shetter is happy to provide Scripture:
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13: 8-13
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
He continues:
I believe very strongly being gay is not a choice, it is simply who you are. Given that reality and what I believe about the nature of God, I can not believe God would disqualify gay people from sharing deep love and intimacy with a soul mate. Beyond that, Jesus was very clear to me about my role on this earth. My job is to love people where and how I find them without judgment.
And then, in closing, he kills the haters with kindness:
If you agree with me 100%, great. If you think I'm going to hell or that I'm not a true Christian because of my beliefs, not great, but okay. If you agree with me about gay marriage but don't believe in God, I respect you all the same. Whatever your views on this or a host of other issues, I'm going to do my best to love you. It's what Jesus taught me to do and it's just a better way to live life.
The essay has been shared over 500 times. Not enough times, in this diarist's opinion.
Mayor Shetter is a wonderful example not only of a true Christian, but of a political leader who refuses to be intimidated into not speaking up for what is right. Good for him, and good for Burleson for having this guy at the helm. I don't know what his reelection prospects are, but I rather doubt the bigots outraged over this Facebook commentary are going to bring him down.
H/T Towleroad
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July 17, 2015
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From d3clark:
From a complex physics diary by PriceRip, a simplifying chemical analogy graphic by jwinIL14.
From your diarist, Chrislove:
I'm not trying to bring the primary stuff into Top Comments, but this is harmless enough. This comment by joe from Lowell in response to a string of people saying that they supported Chris Dodd in 2008 made me snort.
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July 16, 2015
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