The president of Montana’s Big Sky Tea Party Association has been ousted after joking with a “friend” on Facebook about hanging gays and replicating the beating and murder University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard. Tim Ravndal has apologized for the exchange, but the group has removed him.
The exchange occurred on July 23 and was later removed. However, a screenshot was saved. In the exchange, Ravndal posts the statement that “Marriage is between a man and a woman period! By giving rights to those otherwise would be a violation of the Constitution and my own rights.” A Facebook user then adds “I think fruits are decorative. Hang up where they can be seen and appreciated. Call Wyoming for display instructions.” Ravndal responds by asking: “Where can I get that Wyoming printed instruction manual?”
The statement appears an obvious reference to the 1998 killing of Shepard who was beaten and tied to a fence post.
Facebook has become a fascinating vehicle to expose the worst motivations or views of individuals, including celebrities and politicians who are highly controlled in other venues.
Source: Google
Jonathan Turley
AY said: “I am pleased to know that I helped educate one today, My day is complete…sorta…I haven’t offended anyone yet. AY–You educate me every day in spite of my efforts to remain blissfully ignorant. I am a firm believer in the ancient adage, “You learn something new every day, if you aren’t careful”.
Swarthmore mom
1, September 8, 2010 at 10:50 am
Bloise http://www.openleft.com/diary/20075/congressional-volatility-opening-for-dems Things are looking up a little for the democrats today. About a month ago I was told the tea party was progressive by someone on this blog.
============================================================
This is very good news … hopefully, given enough time, the teabaggers will continue revealing their true nature via outlets such as Facebook thus convincing independents and intelligent republicans to ignore teabag candidates.
I suspect I know who characterized the teabaggers as progressive but maybe not … tell me who if it wasn’t the usual suspect.
AY,
Sort of the Luinga Franca eh?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/08/stewart-brewer-midterms_n_708723.html