An issue has been percolating in Snohomish County that I remain ambivalent about, but which probably deserves further discussion.
County Councilman John Koster opposed taxpayer support to publicize an event by the Seattle Men's Chorus in Everett. The specific issue is the use of hotel taxes, whose receipts are used to support events deemed to have economic development benefit to the area. The article linked above cites other events in line for similar such support this year.
Koster specifically states:
'I believe there are a great many people who live in Snohomish County that would ill consider the promotion of the Seattle Men's Chorus (who on their own Web-site boast as being '... the largest gay men's chorus in the world') as a 'sophisticated cultural event' or a 'first-class cultural event...In fact, I think many would find this an offensive and poor use of taxpayer dollars.'
Koster's effort ultimately failed, but led to an unnecessarily accusatory column from Julie Muhlstein at the Everett Herald, as well as a number of letters to the editor on both sides of the issue.
Personally, I don't agree with Koster's objection, in part because the group had received such support the previous five years, albeit through an intermediary. Moreover, while the group bills itself as "the largest gay men's chorus in the world" it's not as if their events are even remotely related to sexuality (frankly, I don't see why the group needs to describe themselves as such given their relatively strong artistic reputation, but that's another debate).
That being said, I don't fault Koster for acting on his personal convictions and those of a notable part of his constituency. And certainly it doesn't warrant Muhlstein implying Koster is responsible for labeling Snohomish County "a hateful, narrow-minded place."
Whatever. Koster stated his opinion, acted on behalf of his constituents, and lost. That hardly makes him a bigot. Get over it.
On the other hand, here's a little known fact---Dennis Coleman, the leader of the Seattle Men's Chorous--played piano at my wedding back in the mid-80's. (long story--he did it as a favor to my husband. Coleman was a friend of a friend of a friend. He even did some arrangements for a christian group that my hubby used to sing in--the leaders of the group knew Dennis and gratefully employed his arranging talents for some of their songs) And he did a wonderful job, btw,playing piano at the wedding.
Frankly, Dennis Coleman possesses outstanding musical talent, which is a huge reason for the Men's Chorus successes.
Having said all that, the upshot is--John Koster is NOT some bigot for saying what he's said. After all, the group is what it is. But the mens' chorus really shouldn't be applauded and promoted because it is gay (and I believe that's a big reason why the left cheers it on, quite frankly). It should be applauded because its leader helps the group produce a darn good musical product. (gay or not)
Posted by: Michele on August 3, 2006 12:50 AMAnd no, just because there are those that don't care to praise and glorify sodomy doesn't make us hateful or narrow minded, thanks for noticing Eric.
This is the closest you have come to being objective since Stefan installed you as the resident lefty here, congratulations!
Posted by: Notable Part on August 3, 2006 01:03 AMAfter that realization, he must have looked at the web page and the rest is history.
Frankly, I am surprised and pleased that a politician reads his stuff and forms his opinions. Whatever you think on his position he is doing what he was hired to do.
Posted by: swatter on August 3, 2006 07:09 AMAnd to take it to a ridiculous level, just like the left often does... clearly they discriminate against heterosexual men. And straight/gay women. Who cares if they are a private organization -- they shouldn't discriminate!!
Posted by: SeaRep on August 3, 2006 07:55 AMA good point so far as it goes, but please consider that this is a valid question for a chamber of commerce or other industry association, not for government. If it's a profitable enterprise, trust an industry association to identify that fact and act on it far more efficiently and with a purer interest than a bunch of politicians, whose motives are invariably less direct.
Posted by: TB on August 3, 2006 07:59 AMAnd personally, I agree with you that it should be out of the politicos hands. Apparently, there is a "committee" that vets these requests.
Posted by: swatter on August 3, 2006 08:25 AMMinor quibble and I know you were just trying to be a bit facetious, but the Chorus does not require one to be gay. A friend sings in it and has told me they have a couple straights - for diversity you know! But they DO require one to be a man.....And to the other posters point about Mr. Coleman, he is indeed talented and one only has to see the Men's Chorus female counterparts to understand just how good he is......
Posted by: A Straight Guy on August 3, 2006 08:31 AMAnd Gossett is dead wrong!! Dead wrong!! If he votes against the "recommendation" it doesn't get funded. Period!! End of story!! What a cop-out!!!
Posted by: swatter on August 3, 2006 09:58 AMI think we all know what the Everett Harald is really saying,that John Koster is a HOMOPHOBE!!!
Forgetaboutit
Posted by: Joey bag of doughnuts on August 3, 2006 05:30 PMThat said, Koster is consistent, and correct.
The tax was not to be spent on this sort of thing.
And certainly not at the rate of $5.00 for every expected attendee.
Is this a great group? Sure. Is it a credit they are playing podunk Snoco? Sure it is.
Does the Herald wanna point out that he is a homophobe? Well, maybe, but I doubt it.
The issue is that this is not appropriate use of these funds. Dave is my guy too, and he thinks the sheeples stoopid, if we are to believe that if the Arts Council says the sky is purple, that we should believe, and can do nothing about it.
The Geezer
Posted by: The Geezer on August 3, 2006 09:59 PMI grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon. A conservative small town where gays and lesbians were so far below the radar that I feared I was the only "different" person around. I know that many in our Seattle audiences share the same story and are filled with gratitude and joy every time they see the singers of Seattle Men's Chorus or Seattle Women's Chorus proudly take the stage.
That miracle will occur over and over again in July as 160 singers from the men's and women's choruses embark on a historic six-city tour of Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming, singing in Pocatello (July 2), Jackson Hole (Captain Smartypants and Sensible Shoes, July 3), Billings (July 5), Bozeman (men, July 6), Helena (women, July 6) and Salt Lake City (July 8).
How many young Dennis Colemans (or people like you) will be sitting in theatre seats in the Northern Rockies, hearing openly gay and lesbian choruses for the first time? Discovering that they are not alone? How many older GLBT citizens who have lived courageous lives in small communities will feel honored for their struggle? How many social justice activists will feel connections to the wider effort and be re-fueled to continue their work as we approach the 2006 mid-term elections?
You will feel the same stirrings of pride when the Seattle Men's Chorus takes the stage on June 23 and 24 - Pride weekend - at McCaw Hall with Our Mighty Men, a concert featuring American folk music. Folk has a rich history of being the musical voice of political and social change. And whether you lived through the '50s and '60s or are just entering adulthood, you'll relate to Bob Dylan's The Times They Are a-Changin' and Blowin' in the Wind, The Byrd's Turn, Turn Turn, and Pete Seeger's Where Have All the Flowers Gone? We'll also sing great American folk songs from the Civil War, the Shakers and the Peace Movement.
You'll see 200 cowboys onstage in a loving tribute to the American West, including Norman Luboff's classic cowboy song arrangements and music from the film Brokeback Mountain. Of course, we'll sprinkle the evening with a bit of irreverent humor, including Arnaldo Inocente's hilarious take on Patsy Cline's I've Got Your Picture.
This is a concert for the choral music lover and for those who love folk music. It's also the kick-off to the This Land is Our Land tour. Please join us and show your support of your choruses as they leave to take your message to the Northern Rockies.
----end----
That the vote was 4 to 1 to publicly fund this concert is a reason we need more John Kosters, not fewer.
But from a "whole conservative" point of view it is much worse. The promotion of homosexuality or the promotion of just the acceptance of homosexuality is, in fact, in direct assault on the public and the proper role of government. Homosexuality is the perversion of the natural role of sex in human behavior. Young people who are tempted by it, are almost universally the product of dysfunctional parental relationships (through no fault of their own) and face the same kind of personal challenge as they would if they were tempted by addictive drugs or born into a family that lived by larceny or fraud. It is a highly addictive lifestyle.
Nevertheless, gay temptation incurs the forceful condemnation of one's own conscience. In order to overcome one's own deep sense that it is wrong and proceed with the activity it is usually necessary to reject those moral perceptions as external, that is, as if they were the projections of a "condemning" society. The prospective "gay" is, typically, already socially rejected or feels so, and sometimes the victim of unjustified social cruelty. So he tells himself that the "guilt" feelings are not his own, but society's. But doing that, believing the lie he tells himself and yielding to the urge is a terrible mistake.
Because:
1. As already mentioned, the activity is addictive.
2. Statistically, homosexuality is more dangerous to one's health than cigarette smoking... more akin to narcotic drug use. Life expectancy takes a nosedive. Sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis, etc., etc., and homosexuals are radically more susceptible to alcoholism and a host of other problems.
3. Homosexuality displaces ordinary sexual desire and function. And while it is not irreversible, it is difficult to go back. Like alcoholism. The loss of natural family is tragic.
For all the above reasons, anyone who promotes the lifestyle or worse yet, who encourages young people to accept the tendency in themselves is doing incalculable damage to innocent victims. Further, anyone who takes part in homosexual activities is damaging their partner. It is the same, morally, as a suicide pact: just being consensual is not adequate justification.
For government to fund the kind of obvious lifestyle justification engaged in by the Seattle Men's Chorus is just the same as if they were promoting heroin use, perhaps worse.
"Personally, I don't agree with Koster's objection..." - Eric Earling
Yet Eric wants us to think he is conservative.