Birk Wades Into Same-Sex Marriage Debate

[akashicrecorder]

Per PFT:

Last month, Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo came out in favor of expanding the legal definition of marriage to include folks of the same gender. Over the weekend, Ravens center Matt Birk voiced his opposition to it in an op-ed that ran in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

“I think it is important to set the record straight about what the marriage debate is and is not about, and to clarify that not all NFL players think redefining marriage is a good thing,” Birk wrote.

On Monday, Birk said he won’t let the issue become a “circus” in the locker room, but he also said he won’t remain silent.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...rriage-debate/

[akashicrecorder]

As Birk went to Harvard, I'm a little shocked by his stance: Most studies show (and in my own personal experience it's been the case more often than not) that higher education = more liberal/progressive views.

But he's right, since Ayanbadejo vocalized his opinion, Birk has every right to do the same.

[HoustonRaven]

This is too politically charged for the main page.

This thread needs to live here.

Discuss .....

[akashicrecorder]

This is too politically charged for the main page.

This thread needs to live here.

Discuss .....

Is it? It was just a news item. I don't think the news about Brendan expressing his views then being told to shut up by that one lawmaker got moved to an outside forum, did it?

[HoustonRaven]

As Birk went to Harvard, I'm a little shocked by his stance: Most studies show (and in my own personal experience it's been the case more often than not) that higher education = more liberal/progressive views.

Hog to the Wash.

Yes, Birk has a right to his opinion, but please show me these studies that "Higher education = more liberal / progressive".

Someone ought to tell Dr. Gingrich that nugget.

[HoustonRaven]

Is it? It was just a news item. I don't think the news about Brendan expressing his views then being told to shut up by that one lawmaker got moved to an outside forum, did it?

Yes, it most certainly did.

[leachisabeast]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and Birk is expressing his in an appropriate manner, nothing wrong here.

Not everyone has the popular/liberal opinion.

[HoustonRaven]

And let Chris Kluwe response be a lesson on how to respond in kind ....

http://blogs.twincities.com/outofbou...o-14-problems/

Bravo! I don't agree with Birk's stance, but it's reasoned and he's a well educated man. Instead of the knee-jerk reaction of calling him a bigot, Kluwe responds with facts.

It's education that's going to change the minds of folks who do not understand the gay community, not name calling. It's the later that hardens people to their stance.

[Sirdowski]

I think the intellectual-liberal equation is a reflection of the amount of liberal intellectuals involved in mainstream media and other TV avenues.

Many (I'd say most) eminent conservative intellectuals are simply unknown. Paul Rahe, Victor Davis Hanson, John Taylor, to name a few.

[Sirdowski]

Also, I don't think Facebook polls/likes or twitter trending constitute a study.

At least not in any legitimate sense.

[festivus]

And let Chris Kluwe response be a lesson on how to respond in kind ....

http://blogs.twincities.com/outofbou...o-14-problems/

Bravo! I don't agree with Birk's stance, but it's reasoned and he's a well educated man. Instead of the knee-jerk reaction of calling him a bigot, Kluwe responds with facts.

It's education that's going to change the minds of folks who do not understand the gay community, not name calling. It's the later that hardens people to their stance.

I try very hard to reason with people on this issue, and I'm pretty disciplined about it. But I no longer believe that "education" will be an effective tool, at least for some people.

And I don't follow many people on Twitter, but I do follow Chris Kluwe, because he's worth it.

[Greg]

Hog to the Wash.

Yes, Birk has a right to his opinion, but please show me these studies that "Higher education = more liberal / progressive".

Someone ought to tell Dr. Gingrich that nugget.

More "higher eduction indoctrination" is what is should say. It is true that higher education often leads to liberalism, but education and intelligence are not intertwined as closely as some people think. I can show any number of stupid things coming out of the mouths of highly educated educators.

[chicagoravensfan]

Birk and Ayanbadejo both seem like intelligent, respectful guys. Now if they could block and cover like they write op-eds....

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk

[Mista T]

Is it? It was just a news item. I don't think the news about Brendan expressing his views then being told to shut up by that one lawmaker got moved to an outside forum, did it?

Sure .... I moved it to the politics forum within minutes after it was posted. We try to consistent -- the subject of that discussion was BA's opining about homosexuals seeking the legal right to marry, just as the subject of this one is Birk's opposing opinion.

[AirFlacco]

I can show any number of stupid things coming out of the mouths of highly educated educators.

Like what this Calculus prof did at Michigan State.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sh...#ixzz289SI2v8h


Birk's main point was not letting it become a
circus or issue in the locker room. Same should go for any office.

______________________________________

“Don’t discourage it or encourage it,” Birk said. “As long as everybody respects everybody else’s opinion, that’s the main thing. We talk about politics, religion . . . movies, music. It’s OK to have an opinion.”

[jonboy79]

More "higher eduction indoctrination" is what is should say. It is true that higher education often leads to liberalism, but education and intelligence are not intertwined as closely as some people think. I can show any number of stupid things coming out of the mouths of highly educated educators.

I can tell you that I helped my wife with some homework for an interview class and it was the most liberal BS I have ever seen. It was indoctrination to the MAX. The section we had to "learn" was about cultural Biases and it was pointing out how "advantaged" the white male is and how you need to be cognizant of that.

And I agree, highly educated and intelligent are NOT synonyms. The closest parrallel, IMO, is that intelligence makes the acquisition of knowledge easier, and thus it is EASIER to be highly educated if you are intelligent.

[Irish Raven]

As Birk went to Harvard, I'm a little shocked by his stance: Most studies show (and in my own personal experience it's been the case more often than not) that higher education = more liberal/progressive views.

Birk is known for his Catholic background and views. Not as well known as Philip Rivers but still he's made no secret of it

His stance doesn't suprise me at all

And you're right, if BA can put forward his point in an articulate manner then Birk can certainly do the same

[HoustonRaven]

I think the intellectual-liberal equation is a reflection of the amount of liberal intellectuals involved in mainstream media and other TV avenues.

Many (I'd say most) eminent conservative intellectuals are simply unknown. Paul Rahe, Victor Davis Hanson, John Taylor, to name a few.

And some are known, just not ever quoted / sourced in 95% of the colleges in this country.

Dr. Thomas Sowell, Dr. Walter Williams come to mind right away ...

[AirFlacco]

Ah, Dr Walt Williams, minority professor of Economics, George Mason University. I love the guy when he filled in for Rush.



Anyway, he came on at the top of the show once and said I was doing my taxes over the
weekend and figured out I'm supporting 5 families on well fare. ILMAO

My black friends weren't so amused. They hated the guy.

[AirFlacco]

And some are known, just not ever quoted / sourced in 95% of the colleges in this country.

Dr. Thomas Sowell, Dr. Walter Williams come to mind right away ...

Don't forget Anne Coulter. She'd kill any of them in a debate.