The Kiss
CBS, which aired the ceremony, told Newsday that it had received a “small to moderate” 78 negative responses from viewers following the broadcast.
And as well as being musical partners, Shaiman and Wittman have been together as a couple for 25 years.
Shaiman said at the awards: “We’re not allowed to get married but I want to declare I love you and I’d like to live with you the rest of my life.”
The pair then kissed, to the applause of the audience, as the show was going out on live television.
This is no shock to anyone that I don’t care if someone is gay, I don’t care if they kiss, I don’t care if they get married – - I do care that people are still utilizing award ceremonies to make a point.
Michael Moore used the Oscars to shout out, “Shame on you Mr. Bush, shame on you”
Susan and Tim used the Oscars to make peace signs and to show their general lack of respect for the leader of our nation and those who support him.
Martin Sheen has created more moments to show his ignorance than anyone really has a right to.
Sean Penn had to pay to have his words printed because no one really cares what he thinks except him.
Now we have a gay couple who makes a point to announce they can’t be married but want to spend the rest of their lives together.
I commend them that they have had a successful relationship for over 25 years – - but is the Tony awards really the appropriate platform to discuss their inability to wed?
No.
June 10, 2003 - 12:57 PM on June 10th, 2003
Reilly, I agree with you completely.
I find it interesting that the network says they’ve only received 78 negative responses though. I think that’s a better indicator than any of the arguments we’ve made here about how far acceptance and tolerance has come. Imagine what that response would have been 10 years ago.
Still, not the time or place to be promoting their personal agendas.
June 10, 2003 - 01:47 PM on June 10th, 2003
again, I say it belongs in the home. leave it there.
I don’t mind the occasional “…would like to thank my awesome wife…” or “…thank my wonderful partner of 25 years…” that would be ok.
I don’t see the big deal in having to get up in front of TV viewers and the audience and telling someone you love them and then kissing. that wouldn’t even really be appropriate to a legitimately married couple in that forum.
lets get back to the entertainment and leave the personal and political views out of hollywood. hmmm…
June 10, 2003 - 01:58 PM on June 10th, 2003
What is this bit in the gay community about wanting to get married? I’m a single woman who has choosen to live with her man since 1990. Before that we dated for 7 years. Personally, there are no children involved – I see no reason to marry. It is just another stupid piece of paper that the state provides you with. (Exception – those who marry within a traditional religious ceremony with the intent of having a family). Thinking about this all out need to be recognized as married by some gays makes me shudder. Have they lost their mind? What happen to freedom to choose their own lifestyle – and leave when they are ready too.
I think it is beautiful when two people dedicate themselves to each other and live together in that love. But marriage recognized by the state is not neccessary to their lifestyle and it is just plain stupid for them to whine about it. Recognition of domestic partnership -if they want state sanction is fine. And yes they can go through the same nasty laws to undo it that folks who are married go through.
But marriage – a religious sacrament between a man and a woman. Obviously two men do not qualify.
June 10, 2003 - 01:59 PM on June 10th, 2003
What is this bit in the gay community about wanting to get married? I’m a single woman who has choosen to live with her man since 1990. Before that we dated for 7 years. Personally, there are no children involved – I see no reason to marry. It is just another stupid piece of paper that the state provides you with. (Exception – those who marry within a traditional religious ceremony with the intent of having a family). Thinking about this all out need to be recognized as married by some gays makes me shudder. Have they lost their mind? What happen to freedom to choose their own lifestyle – and leave when they are ready too.
I think it is beautiful when two people dedicate themselves to each other and live together in that love. But marriage recognized by the state is not neccessary to their lifestyle and it is just plain stupid for them to whine about it. Recognition of domestic partnership -if they want state sanction is fine. And yes they can go through the same nasty laws to undo it that folks who are married go through.
But marriage – a religious sacrament between a man and a woman. Obviously two men do not qualify.
June 10, 2003 - 02:36 PM on June 10th, 2003
I agree that the inappropriate use of a public forum to make a “statement” was wrong but …is it going to hit the fan now!
Everybody duck!
*flees away from the computer*
June 10, 2003 - 02:52 PM on June 10th, 2003
It is an abomination.
June 10, 2003 - 04:58 PM on June 10th, 2003
You wouldn’t be making the point if you didn’t disagree with them. If someone at the Oscars had said something about supporting our troops, you would never have castigated him for hijacking the forum. Let them ‘hijack’ the goddamn forum; it worked for them and you wouldn’t have ever heard of them had it not.
June 10, 2003 - 05:50 PM on June 10th, 2003
Ok, this is how I feel about the whole thing…I’m glad my children weren’t watching, so I don’t have to explain that one!!
What you do in the privacy of your home is your own business, but don’t do it in public and expect me to accept it. I have some tolerance towards the gay community, but I don’t believe they deserve special treatment. I feel most gays have an political agenda for everything they do. They are thrusting themselves into the lime light and forcing us to “just deal with it”, which is totally unfair. It’s funny when a conservative does something like that, we are called intolerance if a liberal does it, he is commended for speaking his point of view. Funny how that works.
I say a simple handshake or a pat on the back would have been sufficient.
June 10, 2003 - 05:51 PM on June 10th, 2003
Ok, this is how I feel about the whole thing…I’m glad my children weren’t watching, so I don’t have to explain that one!!
What you do in the privacy of your home is your own business, but don’t do it in public and expect me to accept it. I have some tolerance towards the gay community, but I don’t believe they deserve special treatment. I feel most gays have an political agenda for everything they do. They are thrusting themselves into the lime light and forcing us to “just deal with it”, which is totally unfair. It’s funny when a conservative does something like that, we are called intolerance if a liberal does it, he is commended for speaking his point of view. Funny how that works.
I say a simple handshake or a pat on the back would have been sufficient.
June 10, 2003 - 05:52 PM on June 10th, 2003
Opps! Sorry about the double post there!!
June 10, 2003 - 06:03 PM on June 10th, 2003
Ya see, lee, the boat done gone and left ya standin’ on the pier with yer finger in yer mouth. Listen up now!
They only got 78 complaints cuz the sissy core audience that tunes into this kinda pansy ass show ain’t gonna mind seeing two of their OWN smoochin’ away on stage. Au contrairy fairy, if ya know what I mean (winky). You betcha bottom dolla walla they sittin’ on them fancy french couches or settees or whatever they call ‘em, and they givin’ that fag couple the big thumbs up and toasting with pink champagne.
Guess that’s why I don’t watch them fruit-loopy Tony Awards.
In fact, it’s one reason why I don’t friggin’ live in New York. The Big Apple done gone totally flambaied (sp?). Yup, that town is like one big flamming…
(…Tinsel steps in)
Sorry folks. Time for Trasher’s meds. My apologies. He’ll be fine in a moment.
June 10, 2003 - 07:52 PM on June 10th, 2003
Yuck, I know where that finger’s been! Ya may have a point there Tins; I quit watching those self-promoting awards thingies many years ago cuz I got tired of watching celebrities sitting around congratulating each other on how wonderful they were when most of us really didn’t give a damn. Ah well, there’s probably a documentary in there somewhere…
June 10, 2003 - 07:58 PM on June 10th, 2003
I’m sorry to say I saw that. I’ve been watching the Tony Awards for eleven years now, and I’ve noticed that year after year gays have been trying to push the envelope with their acceptance speeches, starting with an Angels in America-star in 1993 who thanked his lover onstage. I’m sure there have been more incidents beforehand, but that’s the first one that made me sit up and take notice.
It’s really a shame about this particular couple, because up to that point, I was really enjoying the speech. That kiss ruined it for me.
I don’t have a problem with the idea of freedom of expression, but geez, there is such a thing as propriety. I’d like to think so, anyway. It’s kind of like picking your nose or wiping your keester for the world to see, you know?
June 10, 2003 - 09:55 PM on June 10th, 2003
Seems that Trasher got hit by a “trailer”….trailer-trash…get it?
Never mind.
Actually, I remember the Kushner speech you refer to, but the moment that stuck with me was how he glared at the show’s conductor who had the nerve – the NERVE! – to make the orchestra play over his speech…er, bombast…which, frankly, went on much too long. I recall Kushner said something like, “This is a VERY dangerous orchestra,” and then glared at them as he walked off stage.
I’m guessing he later gave Julia Roberts a few Raging Diva lessons, which she drew upon for her own Oscar moment, when she berated conductor Bill Conti.
Bi*ches will be bi*ches.
Btw, Kushner is an leftist ideologue, down to the core. He is on record as saying that he is a communist. Says it with a straight face, too.
June 10, 2003 - 10:18 PM on June 10th, 2003
I love theater and didn’t watch the show. If that was on Sunday night, I was watching the Jeff Corwin Experience. It’s hard for me to watch any award show all the way through. I wish the winners would just go up, collect their award, say thanks, and leave. Not very many people can remember who won what four years ago, anyway.
The kiss in and of itself doesn’t bother me any more than do most other public displays of affection by straight people. I’ve seen straight men kiss before, and in some cultures (other countries) it’s the equivalent of shaking hands. To me, context and nuance determines the meaning (i.e., they weren’t taking throat cultures). I’m more put off by people practically dry-humping in public in front of kids (as if they need to be sexualized at an even earlier age).
I think the reason why there were only 78 complaint calls is that the people attending and watching generally know to expect this from time to time. Other people may not watch for the same reason.
BTW, does anyone know what the ratings were?
Alfredo, I’m inclined to agree — this thread is going to be interesting.
June 10, 2003 - 10:25 PM on June 10th, 2003
Jeff Corwin’s awesome
June 11, 2003 - 02:52 AM on June 11th, 2003
What the hell is a Tony award?
Yes, I rarely watch TV anymore, and no, I rarely get to go to concerts either, dammit.
June 11, 2003 - 11:08 AM on June 11th, 2003
I enjoy the theatre and it does take getting used to. I would say that 90% of the males on a given production are homosexual. I still help out on those productions even though I am a prude. I accept these people as they are without giving them license. If two men want to spend their life together, it is no big whoop. As for men kissing. If it is a problem, stay out of the Middle East because you will be horrified. Nothing like two guys in speedos carrying AKs walking down the beach in Beriut while holding hands. No, they are not homosexual, they are Arabs.
June 11, 2003 - 05:00 PM on June 11th, 2003
Evilmike, a Tony is an award for the best in US theater. I believe the UK has its own version of it, as do many countries.
Lee, the Discovery channels are almost worth the cost of having cable by themselves.
June 11, 2003 - 05:43 PM on June 11th, 2003
Absolutely Sasha! I believe while you were watching Jeff Corwin I was on Discovery watching their “Journey to the Center of the Earth” special. It was excellent. Next Sunday, “Walking With Cavemen.” Looks like it’ll be good. Who needs those Hollywood buffoons??
June 12, 2003 - 12:36 PM on June 12th, 2003
I think our good friend “Sandy” may be on to somehting.
*************************************
“Tinseltrasher” writes:
1) sissy core
2) pansy ass show
3) Au contrairy fairy, if ya know what I mean (winky).
4) that fag couple
5) fruit-loopy
*************************************
And I quote from the BH rules of etiquette:
“We enjoy and encourage comments from our readers – even the ones in disagreement with our opinions stated on our website. However, please understand that we can and will delete comments and ban IP’s from those people who insist upon spamming this site, flaming other members, as well as for slander, racial slurs, blatant insults towards other visitors. This is at complete discretion of the owners of this website and is not up for debate.”
If those HOMOPHOBIC references do not constitute the above…. then I surely don’t know what does.
This man gives new meaning to the word BIGOT.
************************************
And “Cara Lynn”….
Heterosexuality has been forced on homosexuals from time immemorial. We have simply had to “just deal with it”. I suggest you do likewise.
And for your information we don’t want “special rights”… we only want the same rights afforded you as a heterosexual. This should not be a difficult concept.
To suggest homosexuals have any less or more of an “agenda” than you do is ABSURD! You certainly had one in your “just keep it out of my sight” posting above!
*************************************
Sandy?
You’re right. This is a study in futility.
June 12, 2003 - 12:59 PM on June 12th, 2003
Hey Choses, glad to see you’re back.
In case you didn’t know it already, Sandy has left the site, and in an email she told me she hasn’t even “peeked” since the last post she made. You may want to email her
Ciao…
June 12, 2003 - 01:05 PM on June 12th, 2003
Thanks Lee.
Just read her lengthy email BEFORE my previous posting on this thread.
I had encouraged her (in my reply e-mail) to stay “aboard”… but having just seen my nemesis’s post above (second to last), I suspect my friend Sandra has the right idea.
Thanks for the welcome man. Had a great time.
Ciao (e forse) arrivederci.
June 12, 2003 - 01:12 PM on June 12th, 2003
Sorry to see you go too, man. You’re sticking me with no one to argue with but Roggie, and he doesn’t ever have anything constructive to say (what’s German for “brick wall?”
Hey if you never go back to the posts that scroll off the screen, you should at least go see my last post from our last debate about Fonda. Take care my friend…
June 12, 2003 - 05:45 PM on June 12th, 2003
Lee…..the German for ‘brick wall’ also translates as ’stupid bastard’.
Ok, it doesn’t, but don’t GIVE me cheap shots like that, k?
That was pretty bad, even for the ‘trasher, Chose…..
He’s probably attracted to you on a subliminal level..
June 12, 2003 - 05:52 PM on June 12th, 2003
Huh? What cheap shot? I don’t argue with you man; so far I’m always on your side
June 12, 2003 - 07:44 PM on June 12th, 2003
Choses, you know who I am and I’ll state a
question that you have heard me ask a million times – “why does anyone even care if a person is gay or not?” My contention is that only a narrow minded bigot judges ANYONE by their sexual orientation. Tinsletrasher fits the bill, further he
should be banned from this board. Where’s the
webmaster?
June 12, 2003 - 09:09 PM on June 12th, 2003
I’m sorry, folks. I didn’t even realize that post was up there.
Tinseltrasher’s first post was over the top and WAY out of line. If this is what passes for acceptable behavior on this site, I’m done. Those friends I’ve made here can still reach me via email.
June 12, 2003 - 09:26 PM on June 12th, 2003
First off, that post was meant to be “tongue-in-cheek,” as in humorous, funny, satirical, etc. It was aimed at the kind of redneck yahoo doofus who might harbor those thoughts. The aim was to ridicule. Of course it was “over the top.”
The kicker comes at the END, when the rational Dr. Jekyl side, known as “Tinsel,” steps in and whacks the irrational Mr. Hyde – “Trasher” – in the head, and forces the meds down his throat.
Somehow, a number of you missed the Kicker.
June 13, 2003 - 12:16 AM on June 13th, 2003
Choses- I don’t know if you’ll come back to this site. It reminds me of another post thread where we came to an understanding and everyone was warned not to write the crap that they did concerning gays. Tinsel- it did not sound like it was meant to be humorous. Choses knows how I feel and he has always debated without harsh feelings. Evilmike- uncalled for. Lee and Choses are both great guys. Opinions people, view points of others=freedom of speech. But no one has the right to bash someone else’s beliefs to the point that they don’t feel welcome to post anymore. This website was created to support those in the military and give our views on the celebs and libs. Somehow, it always comes down to slamming someone else. I hope Choses comes back- he is well educated and actually cares, reads, and debates on a high level. I think some people owe him an apology. The celebs are probably reading alot of this and can’t wait for the site to implode because of the ridiculous slamming, name calling, and insults. If I insult someone, try not to intentionally, I contact them and apologize. If Choses is gone, with Sandy (because she got slammed), I won’t bother coming onto this site again either. Hope you consider and reread your posts! Jeni
June 13, 2003 - 12:37 AM on June 13th, 2003
I believe Lisa said it best in a thread a short while ago – - here is a direct quote from her post on posting in this forum – - this should clear up any areas which may have become grey.
Begin quote:
“Just a word on acceptance and tolerance, if you will. This website is run by three people. Two of whom are atheists – one of which is a devout Catholic. Two of whom are bisexual – three of whom insist the kinkier the better! One born in the USA, one born in the UK and one born in Greece. One of us is 1/2 Arab. One of us is Irish. The other is Welsch.
My point here is that we are ALL adults in this forum and should be able to accept a person for their beliefs, values, sexual preference, race, creed, religion and preference in soda products. If you cannot tolerate or accept a person based on those issues – - then keep it to yourself, please. We are not here to debate the merits of the sexual preferences, religion, etc, etc, etc of other members of this forum. If you are intolerant to homosexuals and want to state that – - then state it simply – - the other party should accept that as fact and not take it personally — or at least try not to.
We all have our quirks and eccentrecities that make up the person who we are within – - good or bad. Whether you agree or disagree with the PERSONAL choices another person makes is not the issue – - especially when it does not directly affect the life you are living where ever it is in the world that you are.”
End quote
And to add on more little thing here – - if the post has nothing to do with the original topic then it really doesn’t belong here. If a post is only to cause “shock & awe” by insulting, then again it has no place here.
Hope this has cleared things up
June 13, 2003 - 12:39 AM on June 13th, 2003
Hi Reilly- thank you so much for reposting this. It should clear things up.
June 13, 2003 - 12:40 AM on June 13th, 2003
PS: and if you are posting in a dual personality – - stick with one personality – - because it is not acceptable in this forum to claim that your alter ego made you do it – - in this forum we must accept personal responsibility for our posts.
June 13, 2003 - 12:42 AM on June 13th, 2003
I think it will clear things up too
June 13, 2003 - 12:55 AM on June 13th, 2003
common….????
So I swiped Roggy. BFD.
As far as my comment to Chose, it was HUMOR. You DID see the emoticon at the end, yah?
As in ‘most homophobes are homosexuals in deep denial’.
*rolls eyes*
June 13, 2003 - 12:57 AM on June 13th, 2003
Stick to the topic.
June 13, 2003 - 01:13 AM on June 13th, 2003
I agree with your starting post Reilly.
June 13, 2003 - 01:45 AM on June 13th, 2003
Reilly- I know this is off post but I owe evilmike an apology. I apologize for misunderstanding your post before I wrote my rant.
June 13, 2003 - 01:53 AM on June 13th, 2003
’sallright.
*goes back to torturing Teletubbies*