Local Republicans join call for Dave Agema's resignation after anti-gay Facebook post
A group of 21 young Republican activists are calling on Republican National Committeeman David Agema to resign in response to an anti-gay post on his Facebook page.
Among those who signed a statement calling for his resignation are Alicia Rice and Jared Boot of the University of Michigan College Republicans and Alicia Ping, a Republican precinct delegate and Washtenaw County commissioner from Saline.
Dave Agema
"We do not have confidence in Mr. Agema representing the best interests of our fellow Michigan Republicans and as a result ask him to resign from his seat on the Republican National Committee."
Agema has attracted widespread attention since posting an article on Facebook on Wednesday titled "Everyone Should Know These Statistics on Homosexuals."
Purportedly written by "Frank Joseph, M.D.," it contains a number claims about gay promiscuity, molestation and adverse health effects of being homosexual, including a statement that homosexuals account for half the murders in large cities.
"Depending on the city, 39-59% of homosexuals are infected with intestinal parasites like worms, flukes and amoebae, which is common in filthy third world countries," the article also states, going on to claim "part of the homosexual agenda is to get the public to affirm their filthy lifestyle."
Agema, the state representative from Grandville who sponsored legislation supported by Gov. Rick Snyder that led to Michigan's ban on domestic partner benefits for public employees, stood by his controversial social media posting on Thursday, saying he wouldn't resign and he has no regrets.
According to a Detroit News report, Agema said the article he posted didn't necessarily reflect his own views but was still worth sharing on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up two days of oral arguments about the constitutionality of gay marriage.
The anti-gay article that initially caused the controversy was deleted from Agema's Facebook page sometime Wednesday, but among the recent "likes" that still show up on his page is a paper by the Family Research Council on "The Negative Health Effects of Homosexuality."
According to a Gongwer News article, when asked about the reliability of the data he posted on his Facebook page, Agema suggested calling the Family Research Council, which he said had similar information on the negative health effects of being gay.
In addition to calls for his resignation by members of his own party, the Libertarian Party of Michigan went on record Thursday calling Agema's actions unacceptable, sickening and reprehensible.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Sue
Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 6:07 a.m.
I'm a republican delegate as well and I think he should resign immediately, for the sake of the future of the party. Being as I lean libertarian, I do not agree with his views and I strongly support the right of same genders to marry. However I'm rather amused at the hypocrisy of liberals posting here who can't give those of us on the right credit for taking a stand against one of our own for something he said that was inappropriate. Can anyone tell me the last time a liberal democrat took a stand against anything one of their own said that was inappropriate?
Laurie Barrett
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 8:47 p.m.
He doesn't know what kind of mistake he is making.
Bridget
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 6:46 p.m.
I can't help but notice the age of the sources on Agema's posted "facts" sheet (followed the links, thanks!): none newer than '94, and most of them from the '80s, when Agema was in his late 30s. Perhaps the information struck him as true way back then, now he dug it out from somewhere, and he never reconsidered its factual basis, despite the readiness of fact checking on the Internet, including discredited sources. However it happened, Agema is sadly underqualified for his positions because he has not updated his skills or infomation.
mpope
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 5:51 p.m.
if these stats are true, (and many of them appear to be very credible) the gay advocacy community has FAAAAR BIGGER fish to fry than eviscerating Agema. http://www.traditioninaction.org/HotTopics/a02rStatistcs.html
Joe Hood
Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:49 a.m.
Oxyclean: Which parts aren't true. Family Research appears to be dead on and nobody on this list appears to be disputing the facts. Not even you here.
oyxclean
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 7:48 p.m.
The stats are not true, Monica. But I would expect nothing less of you and the Catholic Church.
mpope
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
of course, though, his own party has to distance themselves from him. this stuff, esp. because so much of it is credible, is too unpopular.
Poorman
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 4:40 p.m.
Makes you wonder what he decided to not say. Do you think he was too simple to keep his mouth shut or could there be even more asinine statements that he decided to filter out?
jj45678
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
Instead of these young republicans asking a REPUBLICAN to resign for making ant-gay remarks, wouldn't it be easier for them to change to the democratic party (where we actually accept people for who they are - what a concept!)
Sue
Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 6:18 a.m.
The gay issue is only one of many, and most Republicans don't base their party affiliation on one issue but on many, unlike some on the other side who vote purely based on the color of one's skin.
JimmyD
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
jj - yeah, that makes sense. but it would be nice if both parties presented qualified alternatives to the voters. as an independent, my biggest issue with the democrats is their core support for public unions, which, if my facts are halfway straight, are paid significantly more than the private sector which has been battered by overseas competition.
rm1
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:02 p.m.
Despite the innumeracy of his/her comments, SalineTeacher does perceive the general inadequacy of AA.com's story. The story refers to Agema as "the state representative from Grandville who sponsored legislation . . . that led to Michigan's ban on domestic partner benefits for public employees". This misses the salient fact that Agema is no longer a state representative (due to term limits). Presumably he is therefore free to devote even more time to bringing disrepute upon the Republican Party and the Republican National Committee, where he apparently remains a member. Thanks to Roadman, a (former?) supporter of Agema for the RNC post, for pointing out that Agema once introduced a bill to ban the use of Sharia law in Michigan courts. That's been such a terrible problem in Michigan and across the country. Just think how many times courts have been diverted from the true path of justice by following radical Islamic law . . . . . uhhh . . . none?? Gee, good thing I fact-checked.
SalineTeacher
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
The headline is "Local Republicans," but only three of the 21 are even named. Where are the comments from former Republican State Representatives? Recent Republican candidates for county-wide offices? The Chair of the Washtenaw County Republican party? Other local Republican office holders...like...oh, the Governor? According to http://electionresults.ewashtenaw.org/nov2012/cumulativereport.html, 23,796 people in Washtenaw County voted straight-party Republican; by that measure, we've heard from less than 0.1% of "Local Republicans," only one of whom is named as an elected official.
arborani
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
Good one, Macabre.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:07 p.m.
Well, I have it on good authority that many students will be stoned on Monday in an event that happens at least once every year. Radical?
Chase Ingersoll
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
Moral force that has brought about sociological change (real change in culture) has historically been brought about most by those who declined to use force or coercive power against those who did not support their position. This brand of political pacifism is effectual because it does not threaten the opposition that does not share or understand the position, leaving them emotionally more open to dialogue and eventual understanding, or at least not opposing. The "gay rights" movement has not benefited by "agitators" any more than the civil rights movement has benefited from agitators like Jackson or Sharpton. Rather, rights and relationships of any group are most promoted when they have demonstrated their commitment to and understanding of the rights of people and groups with whom they disagree. This is where the GOP as a group is failed by D. Agema's post., which does not reflect our (GOPs) primary value or mission statement, which is for a government that is so limited that it has not the ability to impose upon individual liberties/personal choices.
arborarmy
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 1:40 a.m.
Grrrr. Keep it up, Dave. It's up to you to remind the nation how misogynist, racist, homophobic, retro-back-to-the-1950s the GOP is.
arborarmy
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 1:39 a.m.
Agema reflects EXACTLY GOP values. More power to him. Keep it up, Dave. Make certain that the nation understands precisely what a bunch of misogynist
leaguebus
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 1:21 a.m.
Agitators make news, people read news, and think about the issues involved. Without agitators like Sharpton, the Trayvon Martin story might have gotten buried by the local police. Same with hit and runs in Mississippi.
clownfish
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 5:46 p.m.
The civil rights movement benefited from agitators such as MLK, Rosa Parks, the young people that went South on the Freedom Rides, and the thousands of "agitators" that went out into the streets to be met with dogs and fire hoses.
Peter
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 5:26 p.m.
Why do you put gay rights in quotations? And what specific actions by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton do you view as merely 'agitating?'
Joe Hood
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 2:07 p.m.
I'm a little confused on this backlash. I clicked on the story's link at http://www.traditioninaction.org/HotTopics/a02rStatistcs.html and started reading the listing of statistics. My first thought was, OMG. But then I noticed that each line is footnoted with the source for the statistic. Now I know social conservatives aren't popular with this crowd but gosh the reaction here borders on the emotion of pre-WWII Germany. The main contingent is happily attacking the messenger and the party but they're not attacking the facts presented. Does the emperor really have no clothes?
mpope
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
joe, I'm thinking the same thing. if these stats are true, (and they appear to be credible) the gay advocacy community has FAAAAR BIGGER fish to fry than eviscerating Agema.
Joe Hood
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : midnight
Help me understand Clownfish, there are references to the Congressional Record in the one document and Journal of the American Medical Association in another; Those are a little different that StormFront. You're not making a good argument here, you're more a part of this emotional cabal. I find it interesting that if you start Googling those facts, you run into people on the Gay sites asking about the validity of the data but not here.
clownfish
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.
That is because the facts presented are not facts. If I use a study done by StormFront that "proves" people with dark skin are lazy, that does not make it a fact. In this day of the internet I can cite "one study" that shows almost anything, including that the president is an illegal alien and that WTC 7 was brought down by small scale nukes.
Jack Gladney
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 2 p.m.
Yes, Agema should resign or kicked out. And The Dems should force Harry Reid to resign for saying that Obama was non-threatening because he was light skinned and didn't speak with a "negro dialect." *crickets* (or deleted comment)
PattyinYpsi
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:51 p.m.
"This is about common decency and realizing that you cannot win an election by insulting a wide swath of the electorate, whose votes our Republican Party needs to once again form a national majority." Yes. It's about common decency. AND it's about the fact that if we keep bashing people publicly--women, gays, just about all racial minorities including the important Hispanic vote, the middle class, unions, first responders--we won't find it easy to win any more national elections. We'll only be electable in 19th century backwaters like Grandville, Michigan. Scratch a Republican petition signer, find a Republican. They don't even bother trying to disguise their true feelings any more.
Chase Ingersoll
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
Country is going bankrupt, Chicago has the highest rate of young people killing each other with guns and lowest rate of Federal gun prosecutions, March was brutally cold, the Pope is washing inmates' feet and we in Ann Arbor are still discussing this issue? What's the difference in origin between sexual orientation and political orientation? Advanced studies of the human brain are showing differences in brain chemistry of people in different political parties. 90% of political identity is the same as one's parents - is that genetic, or cultural rather than a real choice. Is there a difference in the brain chemistry of Supply Siders as opposed to Austrian Economists? My great grandfather used to say, "...all the world is queer, save thee and me, and sometimes I think thou art but a little queer..." (q. Robert Owen) That is just the nature of human diversity. In order to get along with other people, we need to manage our own personal morality and let others manager their own. I think most people would agree with this statement. But what many don't understand is that rather than resolving conflict between different people by the exercising of power, government is actually increasing the conflict between different people's morality, as people attempt to leverage influence or control over other's morals using government.
seasons
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
Governor Synder recently made the comment that Michigan could be the blueprint for successful Republican led states. The unrelenting bigotry, the harsh rhetoric regarding health care access for women, the attempts to approve bully behaviors when its a Christian attacking those of other faiths, the stealth attacks on our environment, SB 78 for example which would ban the DNR from continuing its responsible stewardship of our natural resources (lumber company interests??), the stealth attack on the labor unions, etc. etc. - all of which imperil the health and well being of our state and of Michigan residents. If this represents the ideal for Republican governed states, we are in for a very rocky time. Agema leading on overtly bigoted legislative efforts, backed by Governor Synder....great image for Michigan.
clownfish
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:15 p.m.
Ron's Big Tent has a new clown car.
clownfish
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
This is an isolated incident, not reflective of the general opinions of GOP candidates and office holders. "Jesse Jackson would be out of work if (blacks) weren't dependent on government,"- Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill Los Angeles riots only stopped when blacks went to "pick up their welfare checks." - Ron Paul "If you know Middle Easterners, a lot of them they look Mexican or like a lot of people in South America - dark skin, dark hair, brown eyes, and they mix in. And those people, their only goal in life is to cause harm to the United States. So why do we want them here", Gabriela Saucedo Mercer R, AZ candidate.
JimmyD
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
What about the Honorable Congressional Rep from Alaska this week: "...... I use 'wetback' as a respectable name . . . ". (or something like that).
HB11
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
Nice group of snippets. Let's continue with Harry Reid, the esteemed senator from Nevada who said Obama has "no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one."
PattyinYpsi
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
Scratching the surface: You didn't include any of the insanely misogynistic remarks about women just from the last election!
Brad
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
Pity. He has the perfect hair for the job.
clownfish
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:14 p.m.
"This is about common decency and realizing that you cannot win an election by insulting a wide swath of the electorate,"- Ms Ping. They could have used this advice a long, long time ago.
sayzme
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
Seems the GOP will never learn their lessons. So much for being the party of inclusiveness and tolerance. GOP...going the way of the Whigs, hopefully very soon!
A2Westsider
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 11:53 a.m.
How can the general public get access to sign this petition?
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 10:42 a.m.
So will the Governor be letting Agema do any Pure Michigan ads on this Republican Party vision of our state ala the union bashing commercials?
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 10:40 a.m.
"Agema, the state representative from Grandville who sponsored legislation supported by Gov. Rick Snyder that led to Michigan's ban on domestic partner benefits for public employees..." Goodness, every time the Governor brushes his teeth his picture is plastered all over AnnArbor.com or he's on Local Channel 4 doing the weather but now that his political partner Agema is out taking this hatred and discrimination against gays and lesbians to the next step afer banning domestic partner benefits for public employees, the Governor is quiet as a mouse. Guess it's part of the Governor's plan for bringing jobs to Michigan by making the State sound like a northern version of Mississippi or Alabama?
lefty48197
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 4:25 a.m.
Agema and Dick Snyder: Two peas in a pod.
Rexx
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:17 a.m.
I am thankful that Republicans like Agema CONTINUE to go out of their way to focus the negative spotlight on the insanely backward and offensively outrageous "non-growth" within the party!! If the last elections taught us one thing, it's that AMERICANS are FED UP with the petty, ugly bigotry that infects the GOP to the core. Dave Agema has done FAR MORE for the Democrats than he will EVER do for the Republicans. Any remaining Republicans in Michigan should be tearing Dave apart right now. He just set you back 40 years in the eyes of Independents and borderline Democrats. Embarrassing doesn't begin to explain it!
Basic Bob
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 2 p.m.
And I'm sure Republicans are equally grateful for Kwame Kilpatrick and Jennifer Granholm.
ArgoC
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 2:56 a.m.
My gosh, that article was just ignorant and stupid. Regardless of whether I agree or disagree with his expressed opinions, I have to worry about the man's general competence.
SalineTeacher
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:48 a.m.
Two college students and one local elected official signing a petition is news?
Blake Whitmore
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:22 p.m.
Wow; I wonder how Jonathan Swift would have fared in today's world.
Michigan Man
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 6:13 p.m.
Saline Teacher - Totally on board with your comment - glad you are teaching in Saline. Little wonder the Saline Schools have risen to the top of the food chain. Like your thoughts!
PattyinYpsi
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:47 p.m.
"AMONG those [21] who signed..."... Alicia Rice and Jared Boot ... and Alicia Ping, ... " Geez, I hope you don't teach reading or English either!
SalineTeacher
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
"... Alicia Rice and Jared Boot ... and Alicia Ping, ... "
John
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
Paul Ryan math indeed!
rm1
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:30 a.m.
I hope you don't purport to teach math there in Saline. The first sentence of the article says: "A group of 21 young Republican activists are calling". And from this you get "two college students and one local elected official"? Or is that just fact-challenged tea party math?
John Q
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:31 a.m.
Typical talk you hear from Republicans all the time. Agema won't resign because his views are the dominant view in the Republican Party.
Michigan Man
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 1:12 a.m.
Does anybody really care what the three (3) mentioned above think about Mr. Agema. Ping is either either traveling, on vacation or just out to lunch most of the time anyway.
mike gatti
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 2:39 p.m.
I care deeply.
Top Cat
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:33 a.m.
He was quoting very old, inaccurate and discredited information. Since he cannot get his facts straight, he should resign. I don't agree with the concept of gay marriage. But it must rise or fall on its merits. In the interim, with the gathering clouds and threats overseas, Americans need to pull together.
dwcwork
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 5:25 p.m.
You give me one govt official that ever got all his/her facts straight all the time. With your logic, then all govt officials should resign (which I am all for - except that means we would have to replace them with more tax and spend types) - either way it is a lose-lose situation.
walker101
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 11:52 p.m.
Reminds me of the south back in the 50's, 60's and 70's, this is light weight compared to the George Wallace and followers of the Democrat parties, I'd like to see where he got all his info and why statements were made.
clownfish
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
John, Many TP'ers want to bring back the 1850's, and you want them to join us in the 21st century?
John
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
This isn't the 50's anymore and that's part of the problem. The GOP is unable, unwilling to change with the times. Keep it up, it only means the GOP is DOOMED
David Cahill
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 11:19 p.m.
You can trust Republicans to be - Republicans.
Superior Twp voter
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 4:47 p.m.
Sky - Left wings Libs will be just........ libs. Don't expect him to change.
Skyjockey43
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:23 a.m.
So that's all you got from this story? That one Republican said something reprehensible? Nothing about that fact that other Republicans made it a point to publicly denounce what he said? You're just going to paint all Republicans with the same prejudiced brush. Typical
Tom
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 11:13 p.m.
Hang-in their Dave. Ignore these people who call for Diversity of Opinion as long as it mirrors their own ideology.
John
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
Is that the PC way to say lying and spreading false statements? I guess FOX News is the "Diversity of Opinion" news channel!
Loopy
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:32 a.m.
"Diversity of Opinion" is a very nice thing to call outright lying and misleading.
Greg
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:40 p.m.
The Republican party has leaders that seem unable and unwilling to learn that the "moral majority" is neither. If you exclude everybody who isn't tea party material, you will never win again. Ignore reality and it will bite you sooner or later.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:24 p.m.
Paul wrote: "I thought we had free speech here in the USA ? I support the right of free speech, no matter what the person says. That is what separates us from the other countries of the world" You have the freedom to say whatever you want free from government interference (Read the 1st Amendment: "Congress shall make no law . . . ") But in exercising that freedom you have to be prepared to accept the consequences from your employer, your friends, the voters, etc.. GN&GL
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 11:41 p.m.
@ERM's Ghost: Glad to see your post! Great post and I agree with @Tom Teague: "By the way, its good to see you back among the commentariat. For a while, I was afraid that your comments had joined ERM in that great smoke-filled studio in the sky."
arborani
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.
Amen to Tom, Colorado and Susie Q.
Susie Q
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 2:14 a.m.
I have missed you ERMG. Welcome back.
Colorado Sun
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 11:50 p.m.
Yeah, I'll agree with Tom. ERMG was sorely missed during the "sabbatical" It spawned Charlie Brown's Ghost - "Good night and good grief" There is a YouTube video dedicated to Edward R. Murrow's Ghost at his alma mater. "Good night and good luck"
Tom Teague
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 11:10 p.m.
Well stated. The distinction is lost on many who can't distinguish between government restriction on speech and civil reaction to hate rhetoric. By the way, its good to see you back among the commentariat. For a while, I was afraid that your comments had joined ERM in that great smoke-filled studio in the sky.
PenPal
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:24 p.m.
Why does anyone want to ask for an apology, which would only be phony? Why does anoyone want to ask for a resignation, which would accomplish nothing. I doubt that either an apology or a resignation would humiliate this man. The best strategy is to humor him so that he will keep the Republican smut coming. We need constant reminders of their hearts and minds on social issues.
Paul
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:05 p.m.
I thought we had free speech here in the USA ? I support the right of free speech, no matter what the person says. That is what separates us from the other countries of the world. Wasn't for free speech, there be no gay pride parades. Look at Russia.
Blue Marker
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:09 p.m.
Not when the "free speech" are lies. One of the bits of "information" in the link Agema posted is half of the murders in major cities were committed by homosexuals. This untruth presented as fact is dangerous.
LAEL
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:58 p.m.
@Paul: It's not a free speech issue. People are free to disagree and condemn another person's speech. He's not being censored by the government, thus it's not a 1st amendment issue. His fellow party members condemning what he said is not government censorship.
fjord
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 10:15 a.m.
Freedom of speech is not absolute. Hate speech is not protected by the First Amendment.
Loopy
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:29 a.m.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from rebuttal. Or from fact checking. Whiners.
TessM
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:36 p.m.
What does this have to do with freedom of speech? Mr.Agema is free to say whatever he wants. However freedom of speech is also accorded to those who disagree. Mr Agema is free to spout whatever nonsense he chooses, the rest of us have the freedom of speech disagree and even mock him for his disingenuous drivel. Freedom of speech applies to everyone not just your favorite republican.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:20 p.m.
Free speech is only allowed with it's in line with the opinions of so-called "Progressives."
Paul
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:18 p.m.
Those young R's forget that if it wasn't for free speech, the gay right movement would have never gotten as far as it has today. Now that they have the right to be gay and proud, they want to get rid the right of free speech. Be careful what you wish for they always say.
Roadman
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:58 p.m.
I am personally acquainted with Dave Agema. I supported his candidacy for membership on the powerful Republican National Committee. There was a deep split in the GOP when he was elected over the moderate Saul Anuzis at the May 2012 Republican State Convention. Jennifer Gratz excoriated Anuzis in a convention speech over his failure to aggressively denounce affirmative action and Anuzis was roundly booed and lost the election by sttate delegates in a landslide. He flew numerous combat missions over North Vietnam in 1972 and acquired many decorations for his service as a pilot. This not, however, the first controversy involving his targeting of a minority group. He sponsored a bill earlier this year to ban the use of Sharia law in Michigan courts. This bill was redundant as the Michigan court system has never enforced Sharia, nor can it under the theory that courts may neither interpret nor enforce any religious doctrine in this state. This bill created a stir locally and was apparently intended to cater to anti-Islam bias. Note that the bill did not address the Torah, or any other religious authority. I respect Mr. Agema, but this is yet an imprudent attack on another constituency. The Log Cabin Republicans will undoubtedly have their say in this matter. Saul Anuzis supporters are likely licking theri collective chops for an opportunity to acquire his seat on the RNC.
SemperFi
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:05 p.m.
"imprudent attack" is the most apt commentary you can find to describe Dave Agema's blatant bigotry? His service in Vietnam withstanding, he is an embarrassment to any self-respecting American for promoting the lies and denigration about the homosexual community. If this is who the GOP is rolling out as a party leader, then it is doomed as a national political party.
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:48 p.m.
R.I.P. Freedom of Speech
mike gatti
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.
R.I.P. actually knowing anything before commenting.
fjord
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 10:13 a.m.
Hate speech is not protected by the First Amendment.
tom swift jr.
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:39 p.m.
Heck, I ENCOURAGE these people to use their "freedom of speech", makes it easier to identify them out in the wild.
craigjjs
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:07 p.m.
R.I.P. Thoughtful Commentary.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:55 p.m.
The Government isn't locking him up therefore his 1st amendment rights have not been violated. Free speech is not without nongovernmental fallout.
Brad
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:53 p.m.
It's his own party calling for his resignation, not governmental censorship. So not a freedom of speech issue at all.
Fat Bill
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:44 p.m.
Is the term "Gay Republican" not an oxymoron?
Peter
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:46 a.m.
Wide stance.
Brad
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:54 p.m.
No, but sometimes it is a toe-tapping moron.
Skyjockey43
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:40 p.m.
I'm glad these young people are taking a stand for what's right. Might be nice to see some democrats doing the same thing when their members say something outrageous rather than circling the wagons or just letting the media completely ignore it. Kinda like the comments made today by an NAACP leader regarding the Steubenville rape victim. Oh, you didn't read that anywhere? Gee what a surprise
fjord
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 10:13 a.m.
I read all about Mr. Mayo's comments — on a liberal website, where they were roundly condemned. Most of the outrage about Mr. Mayo's remarks is coming from liberals, not conservatives. So I don't think you have a point.
Danai
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 11:05 p.m.
For the record, Mr. Mayo is not an NAACP "leader." While it is true that he is a former Steubenville NAACP chapter president the organization issued a statement saying that "The NAACP abhors the remarks attributed to Royal Mayo regarding the rape victim in Steubenville. The remarks are Mayo's own, and do not reflect the position of the NAACP and its membership. Mr. Mayo is not the president of the Steubenville NAACP and is not a spokesman for the NAACP..."
craigjjs
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:06 p.m.
Mindless 'whataboutary' is not persuasive. Further, an NAACP "leader" is not the responsibility of the Democratic Party.
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:33 p.m.
It is long past time for the Republican party to get rid of clowns like Agema. On the political side, as out of touch as many Republicans are on social issues, the Democrats are equally clueless when it comes to the economy, which is probably the only reason the Republicans haven't yapped their way into extinction.
Rick Stevens
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
Ha. The Republicans destroyed the economy (tax cuts on credit, 2 wars on credit and the worst economic crash since 1929) and you say the Demos are equally clueless? Who has got us back on track? The Republicans? Please.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:05 p.m.
You're ignoring the 17-trillion-pound elephant in the room. That's not an economic policy, it's a suicide wish.
clownfish
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
fjord, let us not use historical factoids to set policy. stereotypes, myth and theories are what we need in these times. Just because this country thrived with a higher tax rate for decades means nothing. Just because unemployment is going down, business profits are up, the stock market is up, construction is growing and housing prices are coming back up does not mean things are getting better.
fjord
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 10:10 a.m.
They can't get rid of clowns like Agema, because it'd cut their party in half. Also, you clearly don't understand the economy. Tax cuts are not an intelligent economic strategy, and that's all Republicans seem capable of doing. It's long been a myth that Republicans are stronger on the economy, but reality shows otherwise. The economy has always functioned better with higher tax revenues from a truly progressive tax structure, less income inequality, more governmental investment in infrastructure and crucial services, and more regulation, particularly of the financial industry. History backs that up.
nickcarraweigh
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.
The uncomfortable truth is that Dave Agema comes lots closer to the mainstream of Republican thought than do his critics. Willingly, the Republicans have posted strongly-phrased opposition not only to the political positions but to the very existence of various minorities, including immigrants, Hispanics, Catholics, African-Americans, gays and union members. The irony is that a Party so dedicated to economic issues never reached for a calculator while it was assembling a combination of minority "enemies" who, together, now represent the vast majority of American voters. The GOP, in short, has let its mouth write checks it can't cash.
beardown
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:33 p.m.
I remember a story that came out in January that the GOP came out at it's retreat saying that they needed to court more minorities and women. The retreat was being held at a former plantation in a room named after a former prominent slave owner. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/gop-retreat-slave-plantation-article-1.1242521
Ivor Ivorsen
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:22 p.m.
Is this part of the re-branding of the Republican Party?
Parrhesia
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
Dave Agema's comments are bigotry, plain and simple. He needs to be canned by the Michigan GOP, a private organization. As the MI GOP leadership website states "Dave stands on principles" – clearly the principle of bigotry. For more detailed information, visit their website at: http://www.migop.org/index.php/about/party-leadership/
Loopy
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:24 a.m.
On the contrary, I think this will strengthen his position among his "base," which is why he said it in the first place. He knows that they're anxious to receive this kind of "information" and they pass it around as fast as they can. This wasn't a mistake; it was a calculation.
Parrhesia
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:27 p.m.
No, it is based on the exact definition of a "bigot" and "bigotry." Look it up. Education is important.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 10:18 p.m.
Yup. Anybody who disagrees with you is a bigot. Nice.
arborarmy
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 8:59 p.m.
I'm shocked, SHOCKED, to find a mindless homophobe who doesn't have the courage of his convictions in the Republican Party.
dsponini
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:09 p.m.
Shocked as Jase Bolger? LOL
tom swift jr.
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 8:53 p.m.
I'm glad his fellow Republicans are objecting to his statements. I am, however, a bit confused about their own statement "This isn't about what we believe either politically or as women and men of faith....". That statement seems to be saying that they are objecting to his insulting possible voters but that they don't have an actual objection/opinion as to the "facts" he is supporting?
fjord
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 10:05 a.m.
Bigots like to pretend this is just a matter of differing opinions. It's not. When you vilify a group of people and/or deny people basic human rights based on their gender, skin color, nation of origin, or sexual orientation (it's early, I'm probably forgetting one or two things), that's bigotry. That's intolerance. Calling out bigotry is not itself bigotry, and it is not intolerance. There should be no tolerance for bigotry.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 3:30 a.m.
What link? I didn't post any link. And I haven't voiced support not disagreement with what he said. The point tom swift objected with the man's statements but but the underlying belief. My point is that, yeah, some of us can allow other people a differing opinion without vilifying them or calling them names like "bigot." Liberals can't do that. Liberals - the supposed people of tolerance - must shut down differing opinions.
Loopy
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 12:22 a.m.
UsualSuspect, I don't even know where to start with those "statistics" cited in that flimsy internet chain email (yes, I followed the link), but printing outright lies - 59% of homosexuals have flukes and worms? Who could possibly know this? - is not just a "difference of opinion." Your confirmation bias makes you want to believe them as soon as you've heard them.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:02 p.m.
"it's about not being d-bags." I'm not wearing a watch right now, but I can tell school is out. Does your mommy know you talk like this?
Usual Suspect
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
Well, yeah, some people don't call for beheading of people who have differing opinions. Some people are comfortable with people having differing opinions. They don't call them a "this-o-phobe" or a "that-o-phobe" or "bigot" or whatever, just because they hold an opposing view. This is what tolerance really is about. Liberals could learn something about it.
Topher
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 9 p.m.
I agree. While good the Republicans want to distance themselves and are making a public statement, it would be stronger if they also came out against the "article". It's not just about winning an election, it's about not being d-bags.
beardown
Thu, Mar 28, 2013 : 8:59 p.m.
They are hedging their bets. They are trying to not be seen as pro gay or equal rights to the right of their party who probably agree with Agema's thoughts and also try to be seen as fair and equitable to the middle. Not too shocking. And they know that most of the people who were offended by his statement aren't going to vote for them anyway, so why cater their apology to them. It should have read "we agree with him, but we cannot say it because we want to win elections."