DISQUS

Brian Gallagher · 1 month ago

It could be the work of a search engine placing ads on any blog with the right keywords, or the right number of keyword hits, or any other kind of programming wizardry that, of course, no matter how sophisticated still can't read and comprehend written arguments.

So anti-gay websites would also be the targets of these posted ads as well. Ironically, this software approach to excite the base and get them to the polls will do the same for the other side.

WDL · 1 month ago

Brian, thanks. You may well be right. I had thought, when the ad first appeared on my site, that it probably popped up for precisely the reason you mention. I've noticed that the ads that come up after any given posting seem to be computer-generated and based on terms that show up in that posting.

It's interesting, though, that John Aravosis seems to think his site (and other gay-themed sites) are getting these ads because they/we are specifically being targeted. If that's the case, then you're right, these may be counterproductive, since they may end up driving to the polls both those who are against same-sex marriage and those for it.

And as John Aravosis points out, it costs money that's not going to generate returns for Yes on 1, when these ads are showing up on gay-friendly sites.

coolmom · 1 month ago

You need to change this--No on 1 supports the gay marriage law; YES on one wants it repealed!

WDL · 1 month ago

Coomom, thank you very much for the correction! Shows what happens when I blog without having coffee to wake my brain up, and when I also do so in haste. I have made the correction and appreciate the tip very much.

coolmom · 1 month ago

Keep up the support. As I am sure you have seen, Catholics are being removed from ministry for supporting same sex marriage. Today's paper had an editorial by Marc Mutty, the diocesan spokesman, saying, "homosexual marriage proponents have yet...to tell Maine what is so terribly wrong with traditional marriage that it must be torn from our law books, tossed to the curb like yesterday's newspaper."
My marriage is fine, thank you, and will be if our gay friends can get married too.

WDL · 1 month ago

Coolmom, thanks for the update. I had read the article at NCR about the firing of a Catholic parishioner who dared to speak out for justice in this debate. I've also read Mutty's editorial, and I have to agree with those in the comments thread who say this is a disingenuous statement.

Mutty proves the truth of something I've been saying on this thread, sad to say. Faced with rising public support for same-sex marriage, the bishops are now trying to depict themselves as pro-civil unions. In reality, they have fought tooth and nail against civil unions and ANY civil rights for gay folks anywhere these issues arise in the world. Just as Mutty did on behalf of the diocese when the civil unions issue came up a few years ago.

I have to admit, my spirit flags with the lies and the outright hate, especially when it comes from those who claim to represent Christ. So I appreciate your support and encouragement very much.

colkoch · 1 month ago

Bill, that's the thing that gets me as well. The Church has consistently attempted to thwart all gay rights initiatives--always and everywhere.

Mutty is being beyond disingenous. The truth is the hierarchical church wants all gays to live just as they do--closeted, sneaky, alone, and sexually immature.

In some respects this global campaign against gays is the most selfish thing I have ever seen this Church hierarchy attempt. I'm not interested in having them jam their misery down my throat.

WDL · 1 month ago

Colleen, I very much agree. There is an element of extreme selfishness in the church's anti-gay strategy, in that it is hinged on preserving patriarchal structures in the church at all cost, no matter what price the church pays for this choice. I've just posted about this, an all saints' reflection.

coolmom · 1 month ago

Tonight I heard from a friend that a priest we both know was suspended for a weekend and his parish covered by a supply priest because he refused to follow the bishops directive to tell the people how to vote.
The pastor who removed the woman from ministry in Lewiston is a former chancellor who has a reputation for being fair and compassionate. It is clear he received his orders and chose to follow them.

WDL · 1 month ago

Sad to hear this, coolmom. I imagine many priests in Maine (and elsewhere) feel caught in a system that runs roughshod over them these days. Bucking the system requires that they pay a huge price--loss of ministry positions, loss of jobs, loss of economic security. It takes real courage to face those consequences.

The real power is in the hands of Catholic people who can use their money to indicate to pastors and bishops where they stand. It would be interesting to study just how the Catholic vote falls out in this election. If a large percentage of Catholics refuse to toe Malone's line, that would say something about the ability of bishops to coerce political conformity in flocks today.