Daryl Metcalfe - The New Rick Santorum

[Clark Park]

Originally Posted by Gnutella

Don't throw us all under the bus. Many of us define conservatism as having the government butt out of matters which do not concern them. The problem is, nobody listens to us. Don't confuse reactionary social policy with true conservatism.

Good point, and your point is well taken.

I meant people who describe themselves as "conservatives" but who have intolerant social agendas along the lines of Rick Santorum and Daryl Metcalfe. Budget and fiscal policies, the threat of government over-reach, and so on is something we can discuss and even agree on in a civilized and respectful way. On the other hand I have little patience with those politicians who want to influence public policy on things like reproductive freedom, women's health issues and gay rights because of their person religious beliefs and dogmas.

[marktheshark]

Part of the problem people have with getting Metcalf out of office is the fact that the Democrats can't come up with anyone worth voting for to oppose him. Over the last few years, I've talked to a few of them, or their help, and a good description would be unimpressive. Only one in the last 20 some years I've lived up here was worth a vote. Higher property taxes, higher sales taxes, and bigger government are not good selling points, but Democrats consistently push them. Whatever one thinks of Metcalf, he does represent a large number of his constituents well, hence his reelections. I have several issues with Metcalf, but again, his opposition has been pretty sad.

Politicians who use personal agendas while in office are nothing new. Whether they are on a pro- or anti- something agenda, it's hardly uncommon. It isn't right, it's not what most of us elect them for, but it's nothing new. Neither is it new to have their opponents point out their agendas, or merely accuse them of such. It's politics as usual, and a pretty sad state of affairs.

[Pine to Vine]

Interesting column on the matter in today's Inquirer: Karen Heller: Attempt to silence voice for gays backfires

[Geeo]

Looks like Daryl Metcalfe (R-Cranberry) is going to end up shooting himself in the foot over this. His behavior became another rallying cry for marriage equality in this state and now momentum is picking up to really get this on the agenda. Really sick of Metcalfe's reprehensible behavior on just about everything, and his consituents should have bombarded his office with calls and e-mails about his ongoing antics. It's embarassing that he represents any part of Pennsylvania, especially a county that considers itself a booming suburban area north of Pittsburgh. I hope his constituents aren't as ignorant as he is.

[Don163]

Originally Posted by Gnutella

Daryl Metcalfe is free to say whatever he wants, regardless of how ridiculous it might be. It doesn' necessarily indicate dysfunction in the system, though it is bound to stir the pot.

I agree Metcalfe can, and did say what he wanted to. It's Metcalfe that denied Syms the opportunity to speak on the floor of the legislature. There's no freedom of speech in the PA legislature. One member can object to another member's right to speak during open discussion. This is what Metcalfe did. His reason: He didn't like what Syms was about to say, It would go against his "Christian" beliefs. So much for freedom of speech.

[MatildaLoo]

What people seem to be ignoring is that Rep. Sims was given permission by the House to speak on the matter, and then his mic was cut when certain people didn't like what he had to say.

Also, there's a little concept called SEPARATION BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE that certain people of Metcalfe's ilk seem to ignore. Hopefully the ghost of Thomas Jefferson comes back to haunt him.

[Don163]

Originally Posted by MatildaLoo

What people seem to be ignoring is that Rep. Sims was given permission by the House to speak on the matter, and then his mic was cut when certain people didn't like what he had to say.

Also, there's a little concept called SEPARATION BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE that certain people of Metcalfe's ilk seem to ignore. Hopefully the ghost of Thomas Jefferson comes back to haunt him.

Well Said.

Thomas Jefferson was demonized in his time because he was a secularist who understood the damage that religion could pose to American freedom.