After saying that Mormons were "Un-American", because they practice "codified discrimination" at the premiere of Big Love, the HBO show about fundamentalist polygamist's that's produced by him, Tom Hanks is now apologizing for being mean to the Church. Which we totally knew was going to happen eventually. I mean, who else is going to watch Angels & Demons?
At the very least, his apology comes via publicist, showing just how important he considers the issue. The London Telegraph reports that Hanks 'said':
"I believe Proposition 8 is counter to the promise of our Constitution; it is codified discrimination," he said in a statement through his publicist.
"But everyone has a right to vote their conscience – nothing could be more American." He conceded his earlier remark "creates more division when the time calls for respectful disagreement".
He added: "No one should use 'un-American' lightly or in haste. I did. I should not have."
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So then Hanks is saying it is American for the Mormon church to practice discrimination of gay in the same way they did against blacks until 1978? He can't have it both ways.
@Cam: Get over it. People in the U.S. have the right to vote however they want, even if they vote in the conscience of morals and standards you don't agree with. You can't force everyone to agree with you. Feel free to move a different country if you like it that way.
Well I'm not sorry he said it. I'm ok with him being the bigger man, though. On the other hand, maybe I even agree with him: discrimination is, sadly, all too American, as we now see and realize must fight. The problem with Mormons isn't that they're un-American, it's that they're sadistic and hateful.
I always believe celebrity apologies,
issued through a publicist- check,
to People magazine- check
within 3-4 months of a major project coming out- check
Yep, sounds sincere to me
(please note sarcasm)
His original statement and his apology are not mutually exclusive. It is American to vote ones conscience. What is un-American is when that conscience seeks to undermine and eliminate constitutional protections for a particular minority. What is un-American is when that conscience seeks to establish a Tyranny of the Majority over your fellow Americans.
"The problem with Mormons isn't that they're un-American, it's that they're sadistic and hateful."
That simply is not true. BB, do you even know any mormons? There are many mormons that are for gay marriage. I happen to be a mormon, and my family is very divided on the issue. The church leadership does not require that we adopt their stance on the issues. They ask that we think through the issues ourselves and decide for ourselves.
BB, I would love for you to come and spend a day with me and my wife and son. We will be loving and accepting. Please don't accuse me of being hateful and sadistic before you even know me.
Jonathan
Salt Lake City, UT
I love all my brothers and sisters of every walk of life. That is what we believe as Mormons. But, we will not be forced into approving of anyones lifestyle, that directly contradicts what we hold to be sacred. Its a bully tactic of the cowardly and ignorant to dismiss sacred beliefs as mere "hatred" or "old fashion". We disapprove, but we never hate. You are our brothers and sisters and we love you. Whether you believe us or not.