"NASTY BAD PAGANS?" Protesting hate speech on NBC
Target:
NBC, the TODAY Show, Kathy Lee Gifford & sponsor Samsung
Sponsored by:
On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, during a live broadcast of a wedding reception on the TODAY Show, Kathy Lee Gifford gratuitously referred to Pagans as "nasty, bad Pagans." Ms. Gifford's hate speech has done harm to American Pagans' ability to live in peace with our neighbors of other faiths. By allowing her hate speech to be broadcast, her direct employer the TODAY Show, and their network, NBC, participate in that hate speech.
This is a petition calling for, at the very least, an on-air apology. A TODAY Show program devoted to dispelling misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism would go a long ways toward undoing the damage.
Signers of this petition are also putting the sponsor of that TODAY Show segment, Samsung, on notice that we are conducting a BOYCOTT against them until such time as we receive justice.
On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, during a live broadcast of a wedding reception on the TODAY Show, Kathy Lee Gifford gratuitously referred to Pagans as "nasty, bad Pagans." Ms. Gifford's hate speech has done harm to American Pagans' ability to live in peace with our neighbors of other faiths. By allowing her hate speech to be broadcast, her direct employer the TODAY Show, and their network, NBC, participate in that hate speech.
This is a petition calling for, at the very least, an on-air apology. A TODAY Show program devoted to dispelling misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism would go a long ways toward undoing the damage.
Signers of this petition are also putting the sponsor of that TODAY Show segment, Samsung, on notice that we are conducting a BOYCOTT against them until such time as we receive justice.
On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, during a live broadcast of a wedding reception on the TODAY Show, Kathy Lee Gifford gratuitously referred to Pagans as "nasty, bad Pagans." This is, by every definition, hate speech.
Many Americans think Ms. Gifford is charming. These same viewers are likeliest to believe what they hear on television and/or from the mouths of celebrities. Ms. Gifford's hate speech has done harm to American Pagans' ability to live in peace with our neighbors of other faiths. By allowing her hate speech to be broadcast, her direct employer the TODAY Show, and their network, NBC, participate in that hate speech.
We the undersigned call upon Kathy Lee Gifford, the TODAY Show and NBC to rectify the damage they have done to the Pagan faith community. At the very least, an on-air apology is required. A TODAY Show program devoted to dispelling misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism would go a long ways toward undoing the damage.
Furthermore, we the undersigned are conducting a BOYCOTT against the sponsor of that TODAY Show segment, Samsung, until such time as we receive justice.
Many Americans think Ms. Gifford is charming. These same viewers are likeliest to believe what they hear on television and/or from the mouths of celebrities. Ms. Gifford's hate speech has done harm to American Pagans' ability to live in peace with our neighbors of other faiths. By allowing her hate speech to be broadcast, her direct employer the TODAY Show, and their network, NBC, participate in that hate speech.
We the undersigned call upon Kathy Lee Gifford, the TODAY Show and NBC to rectify the damage they have done to the Pagan faith community. At the very least, an on-air apology is required. A TODAY Show program devoted to dispelling misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism would go a long ways toward undoing the damage.
Furthermore, we the undersigned are conducting a BOYCOTT against the sponsor of that TODAY Show segment, Samsung, until such time as we receive justice.
|
Already a Care2 member? log in |
We signed the ""NASTY BAD PAGANS?" Protesting hate speech on NBC" petition!
# 5,515:
1:48 pm PDT, Sep 3,
Name not displayed, United Kingdom
# 5,514:
12:52 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Name not displayed, Ohio
Miss Gifford's comments were hateful and showed that she is judging a religion she obviously knows nothing about. She needs to educate herself before slandering pagans and making herself look incredibly stupid on live tv.
Miss Gifford's comments were hateful and showed that she is judging a religion she obviously knows nothing about. She needs to educate herself before slandering pagans and making herself look incredibly stupid on live tv.
# 5,513:
12:26 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Carole Sawyer, Michigan
# 5,512:
12:08 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Name not displayed, Georgia
If we are to always be politically correct towards races and religions, then how is it allowed that someone says "Nasty bad pagans" as a joke and gets away with it. If a white person went up to a black person and said "nasty, bad n----". That person would be in the wrong, but Kathy Lee can say "nasty bad pagans" and there is not even a censorship. Either we should censor everything or nothing at all. We cannot be constantly stuck inbetween. Make the choice.
If we are to always be politically correct towards races and religions, then how is it allowed that someone says "Nasty bad pagans" as a joke and gets away with it. If a white person went up to a black person and said "nasty, bad n----". That person would be in the wrong, but Kathy Lee can say "nasty bad pagans" and there is not even a censorship. Either we should censor everything or nothing at all. We cannot be constantly stuck inbetween. Make the choice.
# 5,511:
9:54 am PDT, Sep 2,
Name not displayed, Michigan
An apology is a start. Replacing Ms. Gifford with someone less bigoted would reinforce the sincerity of the apology.
An apology is a start. Replacing Ms. Gifford with someone less bigoted would reinforce the sincerity of the apology.
# 5,510:
8:54 am PDT, Sep 2,
Gwendolyn Heftye, Michigan
# 5,509:
8:51 am PDT, Sep 2,
John Kuta, Michigan
# 5,508:
3:38 am PDT, Sep 2,
Angela Day, Canada
The Today Show is poorly represented by Mrs. Gifford's insensitive and uneducated remarks. Perhaps a more socially aware segment host would better serve NBC's flagship morning show.
The Today Show is poorly represented by Mrs. Gifford's insensitive and uneducated remarks. Perhaps a more socially aware segment host would better serve NBC's flagship morning show.
# 5,507:
7:40 pm PDT, Sep 1,
Magan S, Indiana
That is so mean! How can you say something like that? If you insult someone's religion or even calling it nasty, at the same time, you're doing it to yourself! I don't see the clarity in that. Especially on national television. America is free to Religion. Pagans don't go around saying bad things about Christians, they don't say "Nasty, bad Christians" If some hadn't noticed, there are some Christians and some Pagans that are bad. But you can't group all of them in the bad sense. It just isn't right at all!
That is so mean! How can you say something like that? If you insult someone's religion or even calling it nasty, at the same time, you're doing it to yourself! I don't see the clarity in that. Especially on national television. America is free to Religion. Pagans don't go around saying bad things about Christians, they don't say "Nasty, bad Christians" If some hadn't noticed, there are some Christians and some Pagans that are bad. But you can't group all of them in the bad sense. It just isn't right at all!
# 5,506:
11:33 pm PDT, Aug 30,
Athena Wayne, Arizona
How dare she say something like this! She has no clue what she is talking about... ignorance is NOT bliss people!
How dare she say something like this! She has no clue what she is talking about... ignorance is NOT bliss people!
# 5,505:
6:59 pm PDT, Aug 30,
Name not displayed, Indiana
For a once respected member of the press you displayed a significant amount of bigotry and ignorance with your unfounded, negative, and dangerous statement. Many Pagans of many different professions from labor to law enforcement and health care may find their jobs at risk, perhaps even their lives in the current climate of distrust generated by the absolutely irresponsible statements in your broadcast of June 25, 2008. At the very least you need to do the homework you failed abysmally to do before making such an actionable statement and you do need to make an apology if you ever expect to regain any journalistic respect. You can be removed from the airways for such hate speach. In Service & In Health, Healer 1
For a once respected member of the press you displayed a significant amount of bigotry and ignorance with your unfounded, negative, and dangerous statement. Many Pagans of many different professions from labor to law enforcement and health care may find their jobs at risk, perhaps even their lives in the current climate of distrust generated by the absolutely irresponsible statements in your broadcast of June 25, 2008. At the very least you need to do the homework you failed abysmally to do before making such an actionable statement and you do need to make an apology if you ever expect to regain any journalistic respect. You can be removed from the airways for such hate speach. In Service & In Health, Healer 1
# 5,504:
5:41 am PDT, Aug 30,
Sharon Daugherty, Ohio
One of this things I believe in as a Pagan is not insulting other people's beliefs. So disappointed to find out that I'm bad because of this.
One of this things I believe in as a Pagan is not insulting other people's beliefs. So disappointed to find out that I'm bad because of this.
# 5,503:
1:43 am PDT, Aug 30,
Robin Zurn, California
# 5,502:
9:55 pm PDT, Aug 29,
Katherine Montgomery, Kansas
# 5,501:
11:21 pm PDT, Aug 28,
Ashley Thompson, Washington
Though she may have thought it was harmless, it makes it harder for pagans like us to get recognized as something other than a joke from history. We are here, we exist, and deserve to be treated with the respect that other religions gain.
Though she may have thought it was harmless, it makes it harder for pagans like us to get recognized as something other than a joke from history. We are here, we exist, and deserve to be treated with the respect that other religions gain.
# 5,500:
4:32 pm PDT, Aug 28,
Elizabeth Bradley, Tennessee
# 5,499:
4:17 pm PDT, Aug 28,
Jennifer Roznicki, Canada
Freedom of religion and freedom from religious persecution a noble american law? Or something Christians hide behind to foster fear and hate?
Freedom of religion and freedom from religious persecution a noble american law? Or something Christians hide behind to foster fear and hate?
# 5,498:
8:23 pm PDT, Aug 25,
Carol Weir, Canada
I would advise Ms.Gifford to take the time to 'properly inform herself' about the topics she chooses to speak about, or in this case 'against', before she maligns such topic of which she obviously knows 'nothing about'.
I would advise Ms.Gifford to take the time to 'properly inform herself' about the topics she chooses to speak about, or in this case 'against', before she maligns such topic of which she obviously knows 'nothing about'.
# 5,497:
9:15 am PDT, Aug 25,
Marcie Regenthal, North Carolina
Ms. Gifford & NBC only publicized their ignorance of paganism and the broad subcategories of this religion. The word "pagan" originally meant "country dweller." There is absolutely nothing "dirty or nasty" about the word itself. Because WE follow a different path from the "norm" is no cause for slander! NBC would not have dared to air such obvious slander against any other religion for fear of retribution--what a cowardly display in an attempt to UP your ratings!
Ms. Gifford & NBC only publicized their ignorance of paganism and the broad subcategories of this religion. The word "pagan" originally meant "country dweller." There is absolutely nothing "dirty or nasty" about the word itself. Because WE follow a different path from the "norm" is no cause for slander! NBC would not have dared to air such obvious slander against any other religion for fear of retribution--what a cowardly display in an attempt to UP your ratings!
# 5,496:
4:54 am PDT, Aug 25,
Kristine Sahlyeh, Maryland
She shouldn't cast stones on who is "nasty, bad". I remember very well her sweat shops.
She shouldn't cast stones on who is "nasty, bad". I remember very well her sweat shops.
# 5,495:
12:21 pm PDT, Aug 24,
Name not displayed, Florida
The comment shows just how ignorant some of these celebrities are which is a terribly thing when there are people out there that look up to them and idolize them and hang on their every word as fact and truth. Kathy Lee Gifford please with all your money go out and buy a filter for you mouth until you have learned about the world that you live in which could be a beautiful place if we could all try to get along and not spread hatred on beliefs that are different or unknown fully to us.
The comment shows just how ignorant some of these celebrities are which is a terribly thing when there are people out there that look up to them and idolize them and hang on their every word as fact and truth. Kathy Lee Gifford please with all your money go out and buy a filter for you mouth until you have learned about the world that you live in which could be a beautiful place if we could all try to get along and not spread hatred on beliefs that are different or unknown fully to us.
# 5,494:
5:21 pm PDT, Aug 23,
Name not displayed, Wyoming
# 5,493:
8:35 am PDT, Aug 23,
Dana Baldassarre, New Jersey
# 5,492:
9:11 am PDT, Aug 22,
Valerie Vegoren, Colorado
# 5,491:
9:27 pm PDT, Aug 21,
Jennifer Streeter, Arizona
# 5,490:
8:40 pm PDT, Aug 20,
Susan Brittain, Nebraska
# 5,489:
2:16 pm PDT, Aug 20,
Sarah Mcduffee, Missouri
# 5,488:
9:43 am PDT, Aug 20,
Jessica Proctor, Canada
I feel that even by the way she stated her comment that "maybe" she was tring to be funny. However, I don't think that the african american gentleman she was talking to would have been as polite if she had made a comment about his gender or race!! How does she know that he's not pagan?? There really are many of us still in the broom closet, you never know for sure!
I feel that even by the way she stated her comment that "maybe" she was tring to be funny. However, I don't think that the african american gentleman she was talking to would have been as polite if she had made a comment about his gender or race!! How does she know that he's not pagan?? There really are many of us still in the broom closet, you never know for sure!
# 5,487:
1:25 am PDT, Aug 20,
James Crandell, Utah
I can not believe someone is so ignorant about a peaceful religon would speak so poorly about it. Kathy how about you buy some class with all your money. Shame on you
I can not believe someone is so ignorant about a peaceful religon would speak so poorly about it. Kathy how about you buy some class with all your money. Shame on you
# 5,486:
11:56 pm PDT, Aug 19,
Adrienne Uitermarkt, California
What Kathy Lee Gifford was stating on air of her personal views about people of other religions than her own was a vivd form of a Hate Crime & also obviously directed against her personal stance against the Federal law of Freedom of Religion and Discrimmination of a Person/s thereof. That's not a misdemeanor by statute. I'd also like to point out that those of the Native American traditional religions, which technically are based on Shamanism, fall into the Pagan category as well. Her attempts at being an "Equal Opportunity Offender" with regards to outdated concepts of conservative oppressive & derrogatory behavior, Did Not go Unnoticed and I Don't think it should go Unpunished or Unreprimanded either. I agree that she should Apologize & both the show and tv network should do a program series about dispelling all the negative misconceptions regarding Paganism(Shamanism included).
What Kathy Lee Gifford was stating on air of her personal views about people of other religions than her own was a vivd form of a Hate Crime & also obviously directed against her personal stance against the Federal law of Freedom of Religion and Discrimmination of a Person/s thereof. That's not a misdemeanor by statute. I'd also like to point out that those of the Native American traditional religions, which technically are based on Shamanism, fall into the Pagan category as well. Her attempts at being an "Equal Opportunity Offender" with regards to outdated concepts of conservative oppressive & derrogatory behavior, Did Not go Unnoticed and I Don't think it should go Unpunished or Unreprimanded either. I agree that she should Apologize & both the show and tv network should do a program series about dispelling all the negative misconceptions regarding Paganism(Shamanism included).
# 5,485:
6:34 pm PDT, Aug 19,
Sherry Taylor, Oregon
As a pagan, I take exception to the type of character assasination. I am a 52 year old, pay my taxes, live my life by a high moral standard, and do my best to live harmoniously with humans and with nature. How is this nasty or bad? By allowing this type of hate speech, your network feeds into the stereotype that all pagans are bad, evil people. All religions have those that are fanatics, be it Christian, Islam, or Wicca. By lumping all adherents with those fringe elements serves no one, and ultimately harms a good deal of very good people. I implore you to require an apology for these hateful comments.
As a pagan, I take exception to the type of character assasination. I am a 52 year old, pay my taxes, live my life by a high moral standard, and do my best to live harmoniously with humans and with nature. How is this nasty or bad? By allowing this type of hate speech, your network feeds into the stereotype that all pagans are bad, evil people. All religions have those that are fanatics, be it Christian, Islam, or Wicca. By lumping all adherents with those fringe elements serves no one, and ultimately harms a good deal of very good people. I implore you to require an apology for these hateful comments.
# 5,484:
11:08 am PDT, Aug 19,
Beverly Raymond, Kentucky
Frankly speaking, I was not impressed with her blanket apology. I thought her comments on her live show, were in bad taste. Referring to pagans as dirty, nasty and bad. I have not watched the Today, or any other program on NBC since and I will continue to boycot this station and program, until a she gives a heartfelt sincere apology to all pagans. Tahnk you for your time. Sincerly, Beverly A. Raymond
Frankly speaking, I was not impressed with her blanket apology. I thought her comments on her live show, were in bad taste. Referring to pagans as dirty, nasty and bad. I have not watched the Today, or any other program on NBC since and I will continue to boycot this station and program, until a she gives a heartfelt sincere apology to all pagans. Tahnk you for your time. Sincerly, Beverly A. Raymond
# 5,483:
6:42 am PDT, Aug 19,
Joyce Bowie, West Virginia
# 5,482:
11:54 pm PDT, Aug 18,
Ann Hupe, Alaska
Freedom of Religion doesn't translate to Freedom to celebrate only my religion. You shame the basics our founding fathers fought and died for. Apologize Amish style -- that is more than just saying you're sorry. It's the heart-felt request for personal forgiveness and the actions to do whatever it takes to make it right.
Freedom of Religion doesn't translate to Freedom to celebrate only my religion. You shame the basics our founding fathers fought and died for. Apologize Amish style -- that is more than just saying you're sorry. It's the heart-felt request for personal forgiveness and the actions to do whatever it takes to make it right.
# 5,481:
11:10 pm PDT, Aug 18,
DA S, Kentucky
That's funny I always thought of her that way also! Now I know it's true!
That's funny I always thought of her that way also! Now I know it's true!
# 5,480:
8:26 pm PDT, Aug 18,
Jennifer Resh-Clark, Pennsylvania
It would greatly be appreciated for the Today Show, and NBC to have Miss Gifford take pagans from all walks of lives and have them on her show. This way we could properly explain the diversity in paganism, and all aspects of our lives as compared to Christianity, Judiaism, Buddhism, etc.
It would greatly be appreciated for the Today Show, and NBC to have Miss Gifford take pagans from all walks of lives and have them on her show. This way we could properly explain the diversity in paganism, and all aspects of our lives as compared to Christianity, Judiaism, Buddhism, etc.
# 5,478:
8:12 pm PDT, Aug 18,
Name not displayed, Texas
I think it's a disgrace that people allow a woman like Kathy Lee to use her position on National Television to get away with hate speech, and that people allow it because it's not directed at one of the 4 major religions. People have such pre-concieved notions about Pagans that we just look the other way at hate speech against them! It's disgusting. And her apology was insulting. I certainly would like to see a program on the TODAY Show devoted to dispelling the myths about Pagans. Kathy Lee might actually learn something!
I think it's a disgrace that people allow a woman like Kathy Lee to use her position on National Television to get away with hate speech, and that people allow it because it's not directed at one of the 4 major religions. People have such pre-concieved notions about Pagans that we just look the other way at hate speech against them! It's disgusting. And her apology was insulting. I certainly would like to see a program on the TODAY Show devoted to dispelling the myths about Pagans. Kathy Lee might actually learn something!
# 5,477:
7:07 pm PDT, Aug 18,
Serina Hazlett, Texas
Pagans are and never were bad or nasty. Stop confusing us with who ever it is you think we are. Religios intollerance is a big enough problem and we don't need 'stars' making it worse.
Pagans are and never were bad or nasty. Stop confusing us with who ever it is you think we are. Religios intollerance is a big enough problem and we don't need 'stars' making it worse.
# 5,476:
6:40 pm PDT, Aug 18,
Terry McClintock, North Carolina
Um...I just want to say it's ignorant people like you that make people think we are evil. I'm going to say this as nice as I can, you really REALLY need to get your facts straight before saying false hurtful things about us pagans!
Um...I just want to say it's ignorant people like you that make people think we are evil. I'm going to say this as nice as I can, you really REALLY need to get your facts straight before saying false hurtful things about us pagans!
# 5,475:
6:26 pm PDT, Aug 18,
Stacy Wilson, South Carolina
I strongly suggest you educate youself Ms. Gifford. How rude and ignorant you are! If you knew anything you would know us pagans are not like that at all! We love just like anyone else. We are not evil. Harm none that is our only rule! I to want a SINCERE apollogy not that petty one you gave on the show....that was just was rude as your 1st statement!
I strongly suggest you educate youself Ms. Gifford. How rude and ignorant you are! If you knew anything you would know us pagans are not like that at all! We love just like anyone else. We are not evil. Harm none that is our only rule! I to want a SINCERE apollogy not that petty one you gave on the show....that was just was rude as your 1st statement!
# 5,474:
5:40 am PDT, Aug 18,
Heather Bertine, North Carolina
Oh come on, Ms. Gifford. Surely you wouldn't have said that about Jews, Buddists, Hindus or any other religious group regardless of your own religious affiliations. Please be fair and apologize for your thoughtlessness.
Oh come on, Ms. Gifford. Surely you wouldn't have said that about Jews, Buddists, Hindus or any other religious group regardless of your own religious affiliations. Please be fair and apologize for your thoughtlessness.
# 5,473:
12:11 am PDT, Aug 18,
Elizabeth Wagner, Michigan
# 5,472:
8:43 pm PDT, Aug 17,
Jovanne Dory, Nebraska
# 5,471:
3:32 am PDT, Aug 17,
Jasmine Gould, United Kingdom
This is exactly the kind of misinformed ignorance that contributes to spiritual and religious intolerance. KLG must apologise for her utterance and The TODAY Show must take responsibility and make sure this sort of bigotry does not happen again.
This is exactly the kind of misinformed ignorance that contributes to spiritual and religious intolerance. KLG must apologise for her utterance and The TODAY Show must take responsibility and make sure this sort of bigotry does not happen again.
# 5,470:
12:17 am PDT, Aug 17,
Becky Burns, Virginia
I'm appalled at that senseless and hateful comment that had no right being spoken. There was no reason for it, it was pure hate. If she had said anything related to someone Jewish or African American, she would have been fired. Why shouldn't Pagans be treated with as much respect as anyone else?
I'm appalled at that senseless and hateful comment that had no right being spoken. There was no reason for it, it was pure hate. If she had said anything related to someone Jewish or African American, she would have been fired. Why shouldn't Pagans be treated with as much respect as anyone else?
# 5,469:
3:10 pm PDT, Aug 16,
Delicia Carter, California
As a previous fan of Kathy Lee Gifford, I'm truly surprised and saddened by her thoughtless, ignorant comments about Pagans. I hope she takes some time to educate herself on Pagan Americans. How would she feel if the same were said on national t.v. about Christians? I will pray for her and expect an apology from Mrs. Gifford.
As a previous fan of Kathy Lee Gifford, I'm truly surprised and saddened by her thoughtless, ignorant comments about Pagans. I hope she takes some time to educate herself on Pagan Americans. How would she feel if the same were said on national t.v. about Christians? I will pray for her and expect an apology from Mrs. Gifford.
# 5,468:
1:50 pm PDT, Aug 16,
Corinne Hill, North Carolina
Really quite a disappointing remark from Mrs. Gifford. An apology is due to the pagan community. I feel sure she would feel the same if a remark was said on national television about "nasty dirty ..." christians, moslems, hindus, etc.. Shame on you Kathy Lee.
Really quite a disappointing remark from Mrs. Gifford. An apology is due to the pagan community. I feel sure she would feel the same if a remark was said on national television about "nasty dirty ..." christians, moslems, hindus, etc.. Shame on you Kathy Lee.
# 5,467:
12:47 pm PDT, Aug 16,
Steven Willow, Pennsylvania
if not for hate what would the american people do.
if not for hate what would the american people do.
# 5,466:
11:56 am PDT, Aug 16,
Danny Fandrey, Ohio
how would the jewish community respond if she said the "nasty bad Jews"
how would the jewish community respond if she said the "nasty bad Jews"
# 5,465:
11:46 am PDT, Aug 16,
Name not displayed, South Carolina
This woman supports child labor in impoverished countries and she calls US bad and nasty? Wow.
This woman supports child labor in impoverished countries and she calls US bad and nasty? Wow.
# 5,464:
8:58 am PDT, Aug 16,
Ava Bock, North Carolina
Not only did she show her ignorance, by not realizing that Egyptians are pagan, but she insulted and offended a group of people who's faith and culture created many of the foundations that modern day discoveries and advancements are based off.
Not only did she show her ignorance, by not realizing that Egyptians are pagan, but she insulted and offended a group of people who's faith and culture created many of the foundations that modern day discoveries and advancements are based off.
# 5,463:
7:42 am PDT, Aug 16,
Thomas Callahan, Illinois
As a student of Philosophy,Theosophy,and ancient practices,I find such statements appalling and unjust!!..I demand an apology be given for kathy lee's comment.
As a student of Philosophy,Theosophy,and ancient practices,I find such statements appalling and unjust!!..I demand an apology be given for kathy lee's comment.
# 5,462:
7:06 pm PDT, Aug 15,
Sandra Reid, North Carolina
The vast majority of Pagans are peace loving souls who seek to do no harm to others, be it physical or verbal.
The vast majority of Pagans are peace loving souls who seek to do no harm to others, be it physical or verbal.
# 5,461:
11:25 am PDT, Aug 15,
Cat Cox-Carter, North Carolina
Sounds like Mrs. Gifford needs to to better informed about what it means to be a Pagan.
Sounds like Mrs. Gifford needs to to better informed about what it means to be a Pagan.
# 5,460:
11:00 am PDT, Aug 15,
Tony Dickens, North Carolina
Can't we all just get along? People say nasty things about that which they are ignorant of.
Can't we all just get along? People say nasty things about that which they are ignorant of.
# 5,459:
10:31 am PDT, Aug 15,
Charles Miller, North Carolina
Dont need more ignorant people.
Dont need more ignorant people.
# 5,458:
9:14 am PDT, Aug 15,
Stacey Davis, New York
People should not make comments or judge others regarding topics they have little or no knowledge of!
People should not make comments or judge others regarding topics they have little or no knowledge of!
# 5,457:
5:19 am PDT, Aug 15,
Melissa Fox, New York
# 5,456:
3:45 am PDT, Aug 15,
Name not displayed, United Kingdom
# 5,455:
8:31 pm PDT, Aug 14,
Karen Miller, North Carolina
I feel that Ms. Gifford's comment regarding my choice of religion being broadcast live to an extremely expansive viewing audience is an outrage. Our country was founded on the premise we have the right to choose our religion preferences and beliefs without being harassed, yet Ms. Gifford making such a comment clearly shows 1) she has total ignorance of Paganism/Wicca; 2) a very arrogant attitude toward something she has no clue of 3) she is completely judgmental without knowing the facts of what our religion even begins to represent. In her illustrious background as a "journalist" she would be better served to research FIRST and foremost any facts before making such an unjust and completely biased remark regarding her, obvious, personal opinion. As a "journalist", she clearly doesn't represent the foundation of actual truth from fiction in that we Pagans and Wicces are now being brought into the forefront of the media propaganda causing widespread hysteria in the sense of a modern-day Salem witchcraft trial. As a Pagan, I do not condone nor participate in the exclusion of friends or family who are not of my faith by making rather snide comments concerning their choice of religion. After all, our creed is most simple: harm none. Had Ms. Gifford given proper research and interviews with the Pagan community she would realize we firmly believe in such creed and that should a Pagan do otherwise would bring harm back upon the Pagan threefold. We are not what Hollywood depicts us as. We are simply an earth-based religion who follow our own paths with the Goddess and God. Ms. Gifford has placed the entire community in a position to be harassed, condemned, made fun of, and persecuted. History should not repeat itself. We are in a more modern era, or we should be as such but Ms. Gifford only stands to set us back hundreds of years. Furthermore, my husband and I had a very Pagan, very Wiccan, very Medieval wedding ceremony that was also very legal by a very official Wiccan/Pagan Priest and Priestess who are very ordained to officiate very offical ceremonies. I demand that an on-air apology and not more continuous of this sort of hate speech via Ms. Gifford and/or her employer, the Today Show. I can assure you that as of this moment me, nor my husband, my son and his wife and countless Pagans/Wiccans will boycott the Today Show and will continue to do so until a formal apology is made.
I feel that Ms. Gifford's comment regarding my choice of religion being broadcast live to an extremely expansive viewing audience is an outrage. Our country was founded on the premise we have the right to choose our religion preferences and beliefs without being harassed, yet Ms. Gifford making such a comment clearly shows 1) she has total ignorance of Paganism/Wicca; 2) a very arrogant attitude toward something she has no clue of 3) she is completely judgmental without knowing the facts of what our religion even begins to represent. In her illustrious background as a "journalist" she would be better served to research FIRST and foremost any facts before making such an unjust and completely biased remark regarding her, obvious, personal opinion. As a "journalist", she clearly doesn't represent the foundation of actual truth from fiction in that we Pagans and Wicces are now being brought into the forefront of the media propaganda causing widespread hysteria in the sense of a modern-day Salem witchcraft trial. As a Pagan, I do not condone nor participate in the exclusion of friends or family who are not of my faith by making rather snide comments concerning their choice of religion. After all, our creed is most simple: harm none. Had Ms. Gifford given proper research and interviews with the Pagan community she would realize we firmly believe in such creed and that should a Pagan do otherwise would bring harm back upon the Pagan threefold. We are not what Hollywood depicts us as. We are simply an earth-based religion who follow our own paths with the Goddess and God. Ms. Gifford has placed the entire community in a position to be harassed, condemned, made fun of, and persecuted. History should not repeat itself. We are in a more modern era, or we should be as such but Ms. Gifford only stands to set us back hundreds of years. Furthermore, my husband and I had a very Pagan, very Wiccan, very Medieval wedding ceremony that was also very legal by a very official Wiccan/Pagan Priest and Priestess who are very ordained to officiate very offical ceremonies. I demand that an on-air apology and not more continuous of this sort of hate speech via Ms. Gifford and/or her employer, the Today Show. I can assure you that as of this moment me, nor my husband, my son and his wife and countless Pagans/Wiccans will boycott the Today Show and will continue to do so until a formal apology is made.
# 5,454:
7:54 pm PDT, Aug 14,
Edward Nichols, North Carolina
Can't believe that in a society that is so politically correct that we are afraid of offending terrorists you allow ignorance like this comment escape from someone on national TV. Does Ms. Gifford even know anything about Pagans? Would not seem so. Somebody educate her, please. Ed
Can't believe that in a society that is so politically correct that we are afraid of offending terrorists you allow ignorance like this comment escape from someone on national TV. Does Ms. Gifford even know anything about Pagans? Would not seem so. Somebody educate her, please. Ed
# 5,453:
6:20 pm PDT, Aug 14,
Tina Howlett, North Carolina
I have been a pagan for a while and have showed many people that we are not "nasty" but nature loving, you wouldn't talk about native Americans that way, and paganism is closely related.
I have been a pagan for a while and have showed many people that we are not "nasty" but nature loving, you wouldn't talk about native Americans that way, and paganism is closely related.
# 5,452:
5:48 am PDT, Aug 14,
Bobby Allen, North Carolina
# 5,451:
5:29 am PDT, Aug 14,
Toni Payne, New Jersey
People should not comment on things they have no knowledge about! Study, open a book first, and speak with knowledge before putting your foot in your mouth! Everyone has the freedom to worship as they chose or has Kathy Lee Gifford forgotten the foundation this country was founded on.
People should not comment on things they have no knowledge about! Study, open a book first, and speak with knowledge before putting your foot in your mouth! Everyone has the freedom to worship as they chose or has Kathy Lee Gifford forgotten the foundation this country was founded on.
