Hiram Monserrate attracted statewide attention in New York as one of the Democrats who defended “traditional marriage” and “family values” in recently voting down a bill that would have made same-sex marriage legal the state. His concept of family values was questioned after he was sentenced for assaulting his girlfriend Karla Giraldo. Monserrate slashed Giraldo’s face and dragged her through the lobby of his Queens apartment building. Good old family values from the Paleolithic Period.
Monserrate, an ex-Marine, was reportedly upset after he found another man’s business card in her purse. The glass broke against her face, cutting her near her left eye down to her skull and left a lasting scar.
He was originally charged with two felony counts and two misdemeanor counts of assault but acquitted him on the two felony assault charges. The evidence included a security video camera that showed Monserrate dragging Ms. Giraldo through the lobby of his apartment building and medical statements showing extensive bruises on her body.
He convicted on a single count of misdemeanor assault, which could carry a maximum of one year behind bars. But, as a first time offender, Queens Supreme Court Justice William Erlbaum gave Monserrate three years’ probation, 250 hours of community service and counseling
For the full story, click here.
Buddha:
You would be guilty if you had known about it and did nothing. I think most of us were unaware that torture was occurring until after the fact.
A persons sexual orientation is not the issue but his willingness to look the other way when a child came to him asking for help. He told the child to make sure he was using protection. What would you have done if the child was a female and a daughter of a friend?
I know some adult males that are seriously messed up because they had sex with a priest when they were 10-15. There is a reason why sex with a child is taboo. It is in the best interest of the child to not have sex with adults.
Wrong is wrong. I am sure any decent gay person would have had words with the man and at the very least counseled the child to avoid adults in the future.
If those are troll thoughts then I am a troll and proud of it.
This action is perfectly in keeping with “family values” as pointed out by rcampbell. Men are to control women, by force if necessary. Adults are to control children, by force if necessary.
This sentence was far too light. Had he done the same action in the NY Senate to another NY Senator we would have seen a far different punishment. The only thing that will stop an abuser is authorities with greater power, taking his actions for what they are, an extremely violent assault on another human being, and giving him some jail time. Our society does not take violence that occurs between people who know each other seriously enough. It also shows what class and social status does for someone in the “criminal justice” system. Why should it matter how much wealth and power he has? Why is his behavior only worth a slap on the wrist? Probably the only reason this case went anywhere is the video tape.
So yes, I would expect all kinds of violence from the “family values” crew. It’s based on hierarchy, control and unquestioned authority/obedience. That’s only going to bring this kind of behavior to the forefront and make it normal and acceptable.
Byron
I wanted to add to BIL’s complete excoriation of your ridiculous statements, but didn’t need to because he said it all.
AY:
MARINE – My Ass Rides In Navy Equipment
Byron,
It’s called “not convicted of a crime”.
And the inaction argument is facile at best. Because you can argue that by inaction, every American citizen is guilty of torture committed by the Bush Administration (and left unpunished by our collective inaction). I didn’t order that. In fact, had they suggested it to me, I’d have had them all arrested for treason.
Bottom line here Byron is you’re aiding a homophobic bigot and a confessed troll.
That’s not something to be proud of. Unless you are just trying to earn your troll status back? Which I doubt.
I don’t think it is inappropriate to be against adults having sex with children. Either hetero or homo.
Kevin Jennings condoned an adult having sex with a 15 year old child by his inaction. That is unacceptable, the sex of the child is immaterial as is the sex of the adult.
Then again, bdarube, you DO think hypocrisy is a superpower as evidenced by who you carry water for, Neocon Puppet.
I want to know why you are such a homophobic and bigoted jackass? Afraid some big jock isn’t going to ask you to dance? When someone hates homosexuals to the degree you do bdatroll it is usually a sign of projection and repressed desires.
Hatred, bigotry and intolerance. Your calling cards.
Family values indeed, bdabigot.
What I want to know is who values promoting Fisting to 14 year olds.
Who values asking 14 year olds whether or not swallowing or spitting is rude.
Who values showing children drawings of men having anal sex and then telling them this is how you become a man.
The one person that comes to the top of my mind is Kevin Jennings the “School Safety Czar”
You know why he likes all the 13 and 14 year olds? They know all the 10 and 11 year olds. Gives new meaning to community organizing.
Prehistoric Family Values indeed.
Yeah. Ex-Marine is appropriate. So might “Ex-Man”. Not to be confused with the superheroes. This guy is anything but super. Unless you count hypocrisy as a superpower.
Professor,
Please do not forget the surviving folks. Men and Women that supported us during WWII today. Which methinks is another entrapment engagement. Nonetheless they did serve before you and I and most on here were born.
If we have any folks here that are in the military. Thank you.
MARINE.
MUSCLES ARE REQUIRED INTELLIGENCE NOT EXPECTED. MARINE
“Monserrate, an ex-Marine,”
Typically referred to as former Marine, I think ex-Marine in this case is appropriate. He gave up that right.
At least he didn’t do it in a men’s bathroom stall.
AY:
“But it is usually the sick that are in charge or is that slick?”
my wife and I have a theory that in any large organization the one with the problems always seem to rise to the top. They are the ones that push their agenda(s) and everyone just kind of goes along to get along for fear of disturbing the “beast”.
flipkid
Wikipedia has a far more detailed definition, but the highlights show “family values” as political code-speak for the religious right that substitutes for “Christian values” and traditional marital arrangements such as man-work-woman-stay-home. It indicates a posture that opposes not only gay marriage, but homosexuality in general, abortion, feminism, cohabitation and other issues.
Wikipedia also mentions that liberals use the term as well, but to include health care, family planning, affordable child care and maternity leave as being more reflective of modern family values.
Flipkid,
Of course they could. But its more about getting reelected than what is right.
ah humm, does my hair look pretty enough for the cameras? Am I preening too much. I just wish I did not get so much attention. Is my hair out of place?
“Family Values, him, I am not sure. Each definition would be what is normal for a family.”
Exactly. Which is why NO candidate should ever run on a “family values” campaign. MY ‘family values’ would most assuredly be different from YOUR ‘family values.’
Can’t politicians just run a campaign and serve a term without being so damn judgemental of others??
flipkik,
Family Values, him, I am not sure. Each definition would be what is normal for a family. Its like the definition of porn on 8mm film. Its hard to spot and some things are just distracting.
Family Vales? Thats a different story, from one Burka to another. I am sure, generation to generation “vale” has different meanings. Like dale a stream runs through it. Or to leave farewell. Something along those line.
This man is unfit to serve. I hope that he has some conscience about him. If the story is correct he need more than just counseling. He is an angry man. But it is usually the sick that are in charge or is that slick?
Yep, hypocracy knows no political party. I’d sure like to have someone who promotes “family vales” explain to me someday exactly what that term means.