Michigan Asst. AG vs. U of M student govt prez

[zsdersw]

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_...assment_Its_Nothing_Personal_Anderson_Cooper/

Michigan assistant attorney general Andrew Shirvell (pictured, left) continued his campaign against the gay president of the University of Michigan’s student government in an appearance on Anderson Cooper 360, calling Chris Armstrong (pictured ,right) a “radical homosexual activist,” but saying it’s “nothing personal.”

“I'm a Christian citizen exercising my First Amendment rights," Shirvell told CNN's Anderson Cooper. "I have no problem with the fact that Chris is a homosexual. I have a problem with the fact that he's advancing a radical homosexual agenda."

In April, using the moniker “Concerned Michigan Alumnus,” Shirvell started the blog Chris Armstrong Watch, describing Armstrong as a “Nazi-like” recruiter for “the cult that is homosexuality.”

Shirvell told Cooper it’s “nothing personal.”

“What do you mean it’s nothing personal?” Cooper responded. “You’re outside his house, you’re shouting him down at public events ... you’re attacking his parents, his friends’ parents — you can’t say it’s not personal.”

As student government president, Armstrong has campaigned to stop tuition hikes, expand gender-neutral housing for transgender students, and mitigate underage drinking by keeping dining halls open later.

Michigan attorney general Mike Cox released the following statement to 360: “Mr. Shirvell's personal opinions are his and his alone and do not reflect the views of the Michigan Department of Attorney General. But his immaturity and lack of judgment outside the office are clear.”

Yes, he's certainly exercising his 1st Amendment rights. If he gets fired I can only hope he's not going to cry foul. Can't have it both ways.

Me exercising my 1st Amendment rights: "What an idiot!"

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Repost

 

[DesiPower]

No its not first amendment, how in the world can it be 1st amendment? Gay's equal rights under the law + separation of church & state <> 1st amendment. He should be fired IMHO. University is a partially (majority) govt funded univ hence "a public" place/organization, so a govt official has no business, even in personal capacity to openly deny someone a position solely based on that person's sexual orientation.

 

[her209]

Haha... nice picture bro.

 

[Thump553]

Excellent statement by the state Attorney General. If it wasn't so politically correct to bash gays these days that AAG's career would be over. As it is, he is clearly manuvering for some political office down the road. I'm sure he was gunning for something like a national TV appearance from the start.

BTW, by "politically correct" I mean a move clearly designed to pander to the current dominant political trends-ie, he's jumping on the moral outrage bandwagon that is part and parcel of the tea party.

 

[NesuD]

Wow! What agenda. It looks as if he is going after him over an alleged agenda and persecution of christian students that hasn't even happened yet. All I can say is I have never been a fan of some of the outrageous tactics that many gay activists use to get attention but this guy could give them lessons. Cox needs to kick him to the curb. He is embarrassing the office of AG and is walking a fine line with the law. I think it is time for an email to my AG to let him know what I think of this guys behaviour.

 

[PokerGuy]

Fail assistant DA is fail. Even if he's right about the student govt prez (who looks to be a douche as well), he should have used better judgment.

 

[NesuD]

Fail assistant DA is fail. Even if he's right about the student govt prez (who looks to be a douche as well), he should have used better judgment.

While I may agree with some of the things he is taking issue with (still not sure what he is upset about specifically) The way he has chosen to express his views are way over the line. He is demonstrating an extreme lack of integrity and in my opinion is an embarrassment to the office. Someone who holds a position of AAG has no business attempting to interfere with a The student government of a university unless a law has been broken. The fact that he is an alumnus has no meaning. He is a representative of the AG's office in every public thing he does whether he likes it or not. Cox needs to muzzle him or fire him. I prefer fire since has already demonstrated his lack of good judgement. His attempts at assassinating the character of this man seem to be very close to illegal to me but I am no lawyer. If it isn't it should be however.

 

[PokerGuy]

Someone who holds a position of AAG has no business attempting to interfere with a The student government of a university unless a law has been broken.

You think he loses his rights, the same rights as any other citizen, to act as a private citizen because of his office? No way. As long as no laws are broken, he has the same rights as anyone else. His actions are embarrassing to his employer, so they could take action based on that. It's no different than anyone else working for any employer.

 

[sandorski]

OMG! Teh Gays want to lower Tuition Costs!! When will this madness end? When??

 

[Kirby]

lower tuition and longer hours for the cafeteria? shit, i'd vote for him even if he fucked lawn furniture.