Anti-Pride Bus Driver Fired

[chemgear]

http://www.calgarysun.com/2015/09/09...ured-pride-bus

From bravado to begging.

That’s how a $5,000 ticket will deflate even the brashest fanatic — and there are few who will argue Kyle McKee didn’t deserve a fine for blocking Calgary’s rainbow-coloured pride bus.

The notorious local neo-Nazi just hopes there are some people who sympathize with his one-man protest against “homosexual life choices,” because the 29-year-old ex-con is online begging for help paying the big ticket, issued by police last week.

“I took it upon myself to take a stand in front of the bus to prevent it from driving,” reads a statement on McKee’s Facebook page, echoing a matching post made on gofundme.com.

“This ended with the police sending 4 cars lights flashing to give me a ticket worth $5,000. This was about $4,750 more than I expected to get. So I am asking for donations to help pay this ticket earned by peaceful protest for our rights!”

[Buff]

I guess this is as good a thread as any to "come out"

I am white, male, and I am a Christian.

I applaud the guys intentions to stick up for his religions rights. Unfortunately I completely disagree with his approach. He did it wrong. If I am to believe all the comments in this thread, he was told that he wouldn't be forced to drive the bus, and that he also didn't complain to his employer before he went to the media. What he did was wrong and gives Christianity a bad name. He is just an attention grabber. We have people like that in my church too. I wish they would learn to be reasonable.

I still believe homosexuality is a sin. I do not hate any homosexuals because they aren't straight. I believe they are sinners. They are not sinners just because of their sexual orientation. I am a sinner. I lie. I am selfish. I put myself before others. EVERYBODY does that. Everybody is a sinner. In the eyes of God all sin is equal. Murder, stealing, homosexuality, all of it is equal. All I can do is to strive to be like Jesus and pray and ask for forgiveness.

Speaking about being like Jesus. He taught us to love everybody. Love the sinner, hate the sin. That is what I strive for. I go to church with a gay guy, I work with homesexuals, I play hockey with them. They are everywhere. I don't care about their sexual orientation. I don't care if you are gay anymore than I care about what your favorite color is or what your favorite hockey team is... actually I have a harder time accepting that I have friends who like the Oilers than I have friends who are gay.

I am not going to go out of my way to march in a gay pride parade. I would probably feel uncomfortable driving a bus promoting homosexuality. I would probably also feel uncomfortable driving a bus promoting equality, but at the root, I would feel uncomfortable of how fellow Christians that I know and value would say or do to me. That is not fair. It is fair for them to question my actions and how they pertain to my faith, it is not fair for them to attack me for trying to be supportive of everybody like Jesus was.

I am for people having equality. I should not have more rights than anybody because of their sexual orientation, or the color of their skin. We should all have equal rights and opportunities.

Can't I say to a friend "I like you, I disagree with your lifestyle, but I am not going to get in your way of living it." without being called a bigot?

Christians are taught to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. It has been a hard task to do for many Christians, but not all Christians. We are to love people in spite of their actions. This bus driver and the lady in the USA who refused to grant a marriage license are probably over stepping their boundaries and definitely going about things the wrong way.

We don't go to church every Sunday and curse the gay people or curse those who aren't Christian. We go to hear God's word. We praise God, we learn about Jesus' teachings. While we learn what is a sin and how to act, we are certainly not taught to hate people and to spread hate. We are taught to love and be fair. We are not perfect. We are taught to judge not lest ye be judged. We are not to judge a person by their actions or beliefs because we are not perfect. Jesus was perfect and we strive to be like him, but for many people, and the bus driver is a prime example, we lose sight of how we are to be represented and how we are to preach the word. We are to preach in love, not in hate. He is preaching in hate.

It is funny because we are to treat everybody like equals, and historically that has not been the case, but we feel like our backs get put up against the wall when put to task by fellow Christians, or even non Christians. Most people we go on the defense and panic, to an extent, if they were taken to task for many things. Go to the Fire and & Ice Forum and start to tell people that the Oilers are actually a good team, and should be cheered for just as equally as the Flames are. What kind of a response will you get? Would you expect that the Flames fans would immediately agree and change their ways? For some people they need time to think about how they personally believe, and see how change around them is perceived by others, by society as a whole until they finally start to come around. It won't happen overnight. Change takes time to be accepted. Why must my fellow Christians adapt instantly?

I'm not sure what else I can say. Perhaps I am not helping. Perhaps I am just setting myself up for ridicule on CP. I don't know. Thoughts on what I just said?

[La Flames Fan]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Winston didn't believe in ghosts but he still did his job

When somebody asks if you like gay people YOU SAY YES!

[Johnny199r]

Originally Posted by Buff

I guess this is as good a thread as any to "come out"

I am white, male, and I am a Christian.

I applaud the guys intentions to stick up for his religions rights. Unfortunately I completely disagree with his approach. He did it wrong. If I am to believe all the comments in this thread, he was told that he wouldn't be forced to drive the bus, and that he also didn't complain to his employer before he went to the media. What he did was wrong and gives Christianity a bad name. He is just an attention grabber. We have people like that in my church too. I wish they would learn to be reasonable.

I still believe homosexuality is a sin. I do not hate any homosexuals because they aren't straight. I believe they are sinners. They are not sinners just because of their sexual orientation. I am a sinner. I lie. I am selfish. I put myself before others. EVERYBODY does that. Everybody is a sinner. In the eyes of God all sin is equal. Murder, stealing, homosexuality, all of it is equal. All I can do is to strive to be like Jesus and pray and ask for forgiveness.

Speaking about being like Jesus. He taught us to love everybody. Love the sinner, hate the sin. That is what I strive for. I go to church with a gay guy, I work with homesexuals, I play hockey with them. They are everywhere. I don't care about their sexual orientation. I don't care if you are gay anymore than I care about what your favorite color is or what your favorite hockey team is... actually I have a harder time accepting that I have friends who like the Oilers than I have friends who are gay.

I am not going to go out of my way to march in a gay pride parade. I would probably feel uncomfortable driving a bus promoting homosexuality. I would probably also feel uncomfortable driving a bus promoting equality, but at the root, I would feel uncomfortable of how fellow Christians that I know and value would say or do to me. That is not fair. It is fair for them to question my actions and how they pertain to my faith, it is not fair for them to attack me for trying to be supportive of everybody like Jesus was.

I am for people having equality. I should not have more rights than anybody because of their sexual orientation, or the color of their skin. We should all have equal rights and opportunities.

Can't I say to a friend "I like you, I disagree with your lifestyle, but I am not going to get in your way of living it." without being called a bigot?

Christians are taught to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. It has been a hard task to do for many Christians, but not all Christians. We are to love people in spite of their actions. This bus driver and the lady in the USA who refused to grant a marriage license are probably over stepping their boundaries and definitely going about things the wrong way.

We don't go to church every Sunday and curse the gay people or curse those who aren't Christian. We go to hear God's word. We praise God, we learn about Jesus' teachings. While we learn what is a sin and how to act, we are certainly not taught to hate people and to spread hate. We are taught to love and be fair. We are not perfect. We are taught to judge not lest ye be judged. We are not to judge a person by their actions or beliefs because we are not perfect. Jesus was perfect and we strive to be like him, but for many people, and the bus driver is a prime example, we lose sight of how we are to be represented and how we are to preach the word. We are to preach in love, not in hate. He is preaching in hate.

It is funny because we are to treat everybody like equals, and historically that has not been the case, but we feel like our backs get put up against the wall when put to task by fellow Christians, or even non Christians. Most people we go on the defense and panic, to an extent, if they were taken to task for many things. Go to the Fire and & Ice Forum and start to tell people that the Oilers are actually a good team, and should be cheered for just as equally as the Flames are. What kind of a response will you get? Would you expect that the Flames fans would immediately agree and change their ways? For some people they need time to think about how they personally believe, and see how change around them is perceived by others, by society as a whole until they finally start to come around. It won't happen overnight. Change takes time to be accepted. Why must my fellow Christians adapt instantly?

I'm not sure what else I can say. Perhaps I am not helping. Perhaps I am just setting myself up for ridicule on CP. I don't know. Thoughts on what I just said?

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”


― Mahatma Gandhi

[Roast Beef]

Originally Posted by Buff

I guess this is as good a thread as any to "come out"

I am white, male, and I am a Christian.

That's rich. Really, It is. Way to identify as the majority. Nice way to mock individuals in situations where that statement could be as bad as a death sentence for actually coming out. I will give you props for not including "straight" in there though. This is the problem I have, love the sinner not the sin is a massive pile of BS. You actually believe that people who are homosexual are going to be tortured for all eternity because of how they were born. Not because of things like murder or rape, but because of something that was determined in the womb. I don't care what platitudes you say, or how "accepting" you claim to be, the idea that homosexuality is a "sin" is so hateful and wrong that I actually feel sorry for you.

[Red Potato Standing By]

So did he refuse to drive other busses that had advertisements that were againsts Christian beliefs?

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Roast Beef

That's rich. Really, It is. Way to identify as the majority. Nice way to mock individuals in situations where that statement could be as bad as a death sentence for actually coming out. I will give you props for not including "straight" in there though. This is the problem I have, love the sinner not the sin is a massive pile of BS. You actually believe that people who are homosexual are going to be tortured for all eternity because of how they were born. Not because of things like murder or rape, but because of something that was determined in the womb. I don't care what platitudes you say, or how "accepting" you claim to be, the idea that homosexuality is a "sin" is so hateful and wrong that I actually feel sorry for you.

I come out as Christian because it is very uncool to be one these days. The tables are turning. I have been feeling like it is safer to hide who I am so I can avoid ridicule. I decided to stand out for my beliefs.

I do not believe anybody will go to hell because of their sexual orientation. I do not believe that anybody will go to hell for any transgressions they have committed while on earth. It is quite possible for somebody who is gay to go to heaven just as much as it is for somebody who committed murder. It is possible. I believe the only way to heaven is to believe in my Lord, Jesus Christ, and that he died on the cross for my sins.

[ikaris]

Deserved to get fired. Enough said.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by Buff

I still believe homosexuality is a sin. I do not hate any homosexuals because they aren't straight. I believe they are sinners. They are not sinners just because of their sexual orientation. I am a sinner. I lie. I am selfish. I put myself before others. EVERYBODY does that. Everybody is a sinner. In the eyes of God all sin is equal. Murder, stealing, homosexuality, all of it is equal. All I can do is to strive to be like Jesus and pray and ask for forgiveness.

How does a person actually type something like this and NOT have immense cognitive dissonance, like a voice basically yelling in your head "THAT'S IDIOTIC AND YOU KNOW IT"? Killing someone is as bad as petty theft, which is as bad as loving someone who happens to be the same gender? I will repeat, murder is regarded as being as bad as loving someone. And you worship this psychopath?

Originally Posted by Buff

Can't I say to a friend "I like you, I disagree with your lifestyle, but I am not going to get in your way of living it." without being called a bigot?

Are you married? How would you feel if your friends all said they didn't approve of your wife? Let's say your gay friend gets married. You hold this view and express it to them... you're telling them you don't approve of their choice of spouse, of someone they love dearly. You don't approve of their love.

Tell me, how do you expect someone to take this? Who would want to retain their friendship with you over something so selfish and ridiculous? We're not talking about someone mainlining heroin on their weekends off, there's no 'harm' taking place here that you're hoping to mitigate with your disapproval. I'm heterosexual, but whether it's a hetero or homosexual relationship, I feel this point cannot be stressed enough: Your approval of the relationships of consenting adults is neither requested nor necessary.

Originally Posted by Buff

This bus driver and the lady in the USA who refused to grant a marriage license are probably over stepping their boundaries and definitely going about things the wrong way.

There's no probably about it. The bus driver violated his employee code of conduct by engaging the media and inappropriately representing Calgary Transit and the City of Calgary. The clerk in the US is welcome to her beliefs, but is not allowed to impose her religion on others (by way of refusing to perform her duties), or defy a court order.

Originally Posted by Buff

It is funny because we are to treat everybody like equals, and historically that has not been the case, but we feel like our backs get put up against the wall when put to task by fellow Christians, or even non Christians. Most people we go on the defense and panic, to an extent, if they were taken to task for many things. [...] For some people they need time to think about how they personally believe, and see how change around them is perceived by others, by society as a whole until they finally start to come around. It won't happen overnight. Change takes time to be accepted. Why must my fellow Christians adapt instantly?

Historically, Christianity has been the one doing the imposing upon others, so I really haven't any sympathy for you here.

[ikaris]

Originally Posted by Buff

I am white, male, and I am a Christian.

I feel so sorry for you. It must be really hard being persecuted.

You unlucky person.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Buff

I come out as Christian because it is very uncool to be one these days. The tables are turning. I have been feeling like it is safer to hide who I am so I can avoid ridicule. I decided to stand out for my beliefs.



I do not believe anybody will go to hell because of their sexual orientation. I do not believe that anybody will go to hell for any transgressions they have committed while on earth. It is quite possible for somebody who is gay to go to heaven just as much as it is for somebody who committed murder. It is possible. I believe the only way to heaven is to believe in my Lord, Jesus Christ, and that he died on the cross for my sins.

I think what might be considered distasteful is comparing gays and murderers there.

[Buff]

I was stupid for posting. My intent was not to preach but how could I have not expected anything else to happen. Of course I am going to be attacked for my beliefs and of course I'm going to defend statements that I feel need to be addressed. I'm not trying to turn this into a thread on Christianity. Sorry for posting.

I also apologize for using the term "coming out". Again, that was completely stupid. I should have been smarter than that. You see my explanation but that his not good enough. I'll just drop this and leave.

[Johnny199r]

Originally Posted by ikaris

I feel so sorry for you. It must be really hard being persecuted.

You unlucky person.

Many Christians feels discriminated against these days, now that they are the minority. I don't know how much sympathy they had for atheist or non Christian people a few short decades ago who always had to put up with Christianity being rubbed in their faces at every turn. Many conveniently block that part out.

[Roast Beef]

Originally Posted by Wormius

I think what might be considered distasteful is comparing gays and murderers there.

Hmm...maybe, just maybe. Having feelings, sexual attraction, and loving someone of the same gender is not even remotely the same as murder. To even equate the two is so asinine that I can't even wrap.my head around it..

[Roast Beef]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

Many Christians feels discriminated against these days, now that they are the minority. I don't know how much sympathy they had for atheist or non Christian people a few short decades ago who always had to put up with Christianity being rubbed in their faces at every turn. Many conveniently block that part out.

They're not in the minority, they just have their panties in a bunch that they are no longer always getting their way.

[Kidder]

Originally Posted by Buff

I guess this is as good a thread as any to "come out"

I am white, male, and I am a Christian.

....

Can't I say to a friend "I like you, I disagree with your lifestyle, but I am not going to get in your way of living it." without being called a bigot?

...

I'm not sure what else I can say. Perhaps I am not helping. Perhaps I am just setting myself up for ridicule on CP. I don't know. Thoughts on what I just said?

I applaud you sharing your take on the matter, as it propels conversation forward and helps create more understanding. You will undoubtedly take heat for it. I have no desire to call you a bigot or label people as such, especially when they're honest and forthright with their opinions and how they've been formed.

I left in the part in the middle I found the most contentious.

I am also white, male, and Christian (or at least was).

Difference being that when you started developing an attraction to the opposite sex, I was experiencing attraction to my same gender.

While you were out chatting and flirting and dating with girls of interest, I was in my room sobbing and praying to God to change me.

While you were getting atta boys, and pats on the back from friends and family as you pursued girls/girlfriends/a wife, I was hearing the sermons and opinions you listened to, and distancing/cloaking myself from those close to me in my life.

Sure, we're all born inherently sinful. Do you feel bad when you lie? Then how am I supposed to feel when I want to experience human love and intimacy? How would you feel if you were taught the feelings you feel toward your wife/girlfriend were blasphemy? An abomination? Wrong?

It messed up my childhood and you can bet those effects continue to linger.

What I do cherish is the whole experience taught me never to judge others because I have no clue what they may be going through or what life experiences formed them into who they are. It's not because the Bible says thou shall not judge. I still live my life by a lot of Christian ideals but it's because they make sense, as they are about compassion and caring and servitude. Not because I'll be eternally punished if I don't follow. According to your beliefs I'm already there.

Anyway, back to the source of contention:

Define a friend how you will, but when you disagree with something about them that is inherent and at their core, you're not a true friend.

These gay "friends" are extending the same courtesy to you, electing to overlook an aspect of you - your ignorant view of their "lifestyle"- that they find disagreeable and let you live your own way. I have many that would consider me their gay friend. They'd be mistaken. Not that I would ever be unfriendly with them. They're good people at heart. Kind of like us sinful homosexuals I guess.

I didn't choose who I was attracted to. If I accepted what I was inundated with growing up the guilt and self-hate would have overwhelmed and killed me. It still might. I'm fighting to overcome the damage and trying to live a happy life. Thank you to those who have listened, respected and altered their voices over the last decade. It's helped me and many others I'm sure. God bless.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

Many Christians feels discriminated against these days, now that they are the minority. I don't know how much sympathy they had for atheist or non Christian people a few short decades ago who always had to put up with Christianity being rubbed in their faces at every turn. Many conveniently block that part out.

Depends how you look at it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religi..._United_States

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Canada

70% of the population of the US identifies as being part of one of the "Christian" denominations. In Canada, it isn't far off at 67.3%.

The difference is that a larger portion of these demographics is starting to realize that certain tenets of their faith are simply untenable and as a result are having to adapt to society becoming more progressive and secular in nature. The smaller fringe who think that homosexuality is an abomination (but conveniently ignore the passages about shellfish because Endless Shrimp at Red Lobster, amirite?!) are incredibly loud about it, so it's hard to tell where the divide actually sits.

[Roast Beef]

Originally Posted by Buff

I was stupid for posting. My intent was not to preach but how could I have not expected anything else to happen. Of course I am going to be attacked for my beliefs and of course I'm going to defend statements that I feel need to be addressed. I'm not trying to turn this into a thread on Christianity. Sorry for posting.

I also apologize for using the term "coming out". Again, that was completely stupid. I should have been smarter than that. You see my explanation but that his not good enough. I'll just drop this and leave.

It's not an attack. Its a vehement disagreement. You have to understand, this whole come to Jesus or else is an attack in and of itself. Eternal torture is a massive threat to put on someone, especially someone who is gay, and can't do anything about it. You believe you are spreading love and truth, I respect you for that. Your posts so far in this thread don't speak to an overtly hateful person. Its the underlying philosophy so to speak that I have issue with.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Guy's a dumbass. Listen to his interviews. Transit driver was probably the pinnacle occupation for his intellectual capabilities. Pastor Artur Pawlowski of Street Church (actually de-certified as a tax-free church and more considered a hate group) infamy is the puppet-master here.

Good on Calgary Transit for waiting on their totally justifiable decision until after Pride to deflect the Pawlowski Hate Horde from causing a scene.

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by Roast Beef

They're not in the minority, they just have their panties in a bunch that they are no longer always getting their way.

It's not even a matter of getting their way. It's that they cannot run roughshod over people they don't like else without consequence or impunity these days.

Privilege.