Bert Chapman, a faculty member at Purdue University, has drawn a lot of resentment and protest since writing a blog last month. Mr. Chapman blogs at Conservative web page Townhall.com. His views are extremely conservative, and his blog posting of Oct. 17, 2009 is no different.
In the post, Mr. Chapman shows his opinion on homosexuality, citing his disagreement with the lifestyle based upon religious principle. Throughout the article, he brings in statistics on the costs of treating AIDS, the problems of tainted blood supplies, the forcing of medical personnel to treat STDs. All of these he seems to throw upon the back of the gay community. (http://bertchapman.blogtownhall.com/2009/10/27/an_economic_case_against_homosexuality.thtml)
The blog grabbed the attention of the gay contingent of students and faculty at Purdue. Now they are demanding his job be placed upon the fires of extreme left wingers. (http://www.purdueexponent.org/?module=article&story_id=18715) Purdue officials have not, as yet, ruled on the problem but the prevailing winds show not much will be done. (http://volokh.com/2009/11/16/purdue-resists-calls-for-firing-professor-for-anti-homosexuality-blog-post/)
Here is the problem with the desire for his termination. The First Amendment of the US Constitution.
Mr. Chapman shares the views of most of America when it comes to gay rights. Although, the tide seems to be slowly changing. He makes a few decent points in the expenditures of research, but he ties everything into the homosexual lifestyle. This in itself is in. The numbers may be true, but the funding for research can't be directly linked to an alternative lifestyle. The funding for research, involves all areas of AIDS, not just the misconceived notion that it is still a homosexual disease. That way of thinking has been discontinued by most researchers and the main stream of society.
But when does the speaking of one's views cross the line? The American people are allowed to vent their thoughts. Basically, if you don't like what you hear or read, ignore it. But the left wing at Purdue seem to feel like most progressives. Free speech is a good tool, unless it offends their views. They take the liberal name but deny the meaning of liberal. A true Liberal fights for the liberties of all. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liberal)
Mr. Chapman followed the rules of Purdue, by placing a disclaimer, that says the views of his article do not represent the views of the university. The article was on a site not associated with the university nor was it in violation of any policy of the university. This has pitted the right against the left again. In the balance hangs the most precious liberty allowed.
Comments
While I do not fully share Mr. Chapman's views on homosexuality, I completely respect his right to express his opinion. Those who disagree can simply ignore it. America must protect and defend freedom of speech for EVERYONE.
His paranoia and hatred leads him to some statistical (for starters) mistakes, but as long as he is competent enough for his job (and isn't charged with harming too many others ... The conservatives have already made this much more of a heterosexual disease than ever with their policies, and I doubt they are changing course soon), Id say he has the right to demean others, students included.
I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, constitutionally, but does this moron actually believe that any of his reccomendations would fulfill even his goals? As if cutting domestic partnerships is going to convince even one gay man to abandon his family and sleep with women, or trying to throw them in the close (often with fake heterosexual relationships as cover) is going to help anyone.
Heck, being condemning to even a gay child will increase his chance of getting AIDS 4-5 times, and he will probably be MUCH more likely to pass it to women (cover and/or attempted conversion). It isn't going to make him any more gay.
Gays are here, and they always have and always will. Promote monogamy within couples that actually work for them, instead of trying to shunn them or pretend they don't exist, and there will be less problems for everyone. And don't worry, their existance isn't going to make yourself or anyone else any gayer either.
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