Taxpayer-Funded Amtrak Launches ‘Ride With Pride’ Campaign to Attract Gay Customers
- Posted on August 2, 2012 at 8:51am by
Billy Hallowell
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While instances of outrage — and support– continue to rage for the fast food restaurant chain Chick-fil-A, Amtrak is also capturing some attention for its ”Ride With Pride” initiative, a new campaign aimed at gay customers. While homosexual rights groups are already praising the targeted efforts, some conservatives will likely express disdain and concern, seeing as the company is tax-payer funded and clearly taking a stance on the issue.
A screen shot of Amtrak's "Ride With Pride" web site
To fully push the efforts, special ads that show same-sex couples riding the train system have been released by Amtrak, as has a gay-friendly web-site encouraging individuals to head to popular vacation destinations. So far, two ads have been released — one showcasing two mothers and the other featuring two fathers (each featuring a child).
The purpose of the ads is to promote the company’s half-price campaign for kids between the ages of two and 15, The Huffington Post reports (this deal is free for all children, not only those of same-sex couples).
In a section of Amtrak’s “Ride With Pride” web site, a “diversity” tab brings readers to an explanation of the special campaign — and of the company’s views on inclusiveness. In summation: Amtrak wants to create a discrimination-free environment.
Below, watch a fascinating CNN debate about the appropriateness of a government-owned company taking such pointed action on a controversial social issue:
“At Amtrak, diversity is not just a corporate buzzword, it’s a priority. It‘s vital and it’s a commitment we make to our customers, our suppliers, our employees, and the communities we serve,” the diversity statement reads, in part. “We understand that valuing diversity is not only a good thing to do, but a business necessity beyond compliance that plays a vital role in customer service delivery and ultimately the success of our operations.”
Naturally, because Amtrak is a publicly-funded company (in fact, it’s fully owned by the U.S. government), it’s likely that these ads — and the overarching campaign — will create some controversy.
Also, it should be noted that, at the top left of the site, a news feed featuring Huffington Post articles is featured, causing one to wonder why this was chosen as the most viable news choice on the government-owned site.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section, below.
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Comments (187)
barber2
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:36amThey value ” diversity ?“ I thoroughly expect the next ” minority” to be playing the Discrimination card to be polygamists , Sariah Law advocates, or felons. This endless minority business is turning us into a tribal culture . Obama’s slogan should be BACKWARD .
Report Post »Constructionist
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:12amTo further attract a certain demographic, on Fridays Amtrak will be driving the trains through tunnels over, and over, and over…
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:16amNice of the liberals to use this crap to promote child abuse, sick bastards.
Report Post »doomytram
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:38amNever underestimate the hypocrisy on the liberals on of the left. The Kowtowing of the Liberal Company are full of hypocrisy too. For example, Sandusky cost Penn St. University 100′s of millions of dollars in lost revenue in just fines from the Governing body (NCAA) Not to mention civil suits. However, what happens when Amtrak get’s caught, supporting with pride, the systematic abuse of a 17 year old child (Trayvon Martins age) minor? Remember leftist’s 13 is the same as 17 both are minors. Would the governing body of Amtrak, (Federal Gov’t)sweep under the rug Sandusky like abuses on the Pride Trains?
Also, the simple best example of the Leftist hypocrisy is as it relates to their tolerance, in the name of diversity, of the Muslim religion. A majority of the muslums in the US and around the world are ever so intolerent of Women and LBGT. They murder them, but we have to constantly Kowtow to them, if we are on the right.
Again, any and all leftist’s, I will never underestimate your intolerant, indignant, mis,dis, and ill informed ridiculousness. I know you want to say, but Bush. So I will do it for you….lefty…But Bush…
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:53amThe biggest injustice is judges letting 2 Q_ueers adopt a little 6 or 7 year old boy or let a single guy be a foster parent! A friend at church took in Foster Care kids and he and his wife got an 8 year old boy and the first night the boy crawled into bed with he and his wife. The little boy shocked my friend and his wife because he started to fondle my friend. The little boy who had been with a guy and his buddie had molested him and the boy thought it was normal to monkey around with a guy. My friends who had a boy and 2 girls in late teens felt sorry for the little boy and adopted him. He is a normal young family guy with a beautiful wife and a cute little gile of their own. As a teenager he played basketball with my sons and is still very good friends with them.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:57amTHAT’s racist!!! Now they are excluding blacks!
Report Post »They need to include “If you’re black, ride Amtrack”
/sarcasm off
txdave22
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:14amDAVID VITTER FOR VEEP, FREE THE WHOREMONGERS, THEY NEED LOVE TOO
We’ve heard no CARDINALS, ARCHBISHOPS, PASTORS AND LEADERS OF THE MORMON CHURCH CONDEMN————-WHOREMONGERING AND BREAKING OF THE LAW AND THE COMMANDMENTS???————————–Bill O’Reilly: ‘I Don’t Think Vitter Should Be There. Absolutely Not’
Report Post »————-By Judd Legum on Jun 17, 2011 at 11:10 am
Yesterday, Anthony Weiner resigned a few days after admitting he sent lewd messages to women he made over the internet. ———————————-Weiner’s announcement came after pressure from Leader Nancy Pelosi, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, and President Obama. Nevertheless, top Republicans criticized Democrats for “protecting” Weiner.
————————–1,432 days ago, Sen. David Vitter admitted to being a regular customer of a prostitution service. ——————–(An activity that is, incidentally, illegal).—————– Days after his admission he was welcomed back with open arms by the Republican party.
——————Thus far, the Republican leadership has not been pressed to explain the blatant hypocrisy of their divergent reactions to the two scandals. ———————-Last night, Fox News host Bill O’Reilly weighed in. His message was simple:———————————– “I don’t think Vitter should be there. Absolutely not.”
doomytram
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:15amTurkey13 thanks for sharing that story. And unfortunately, is probably not that uncommon, but on an Amtrak pride train PC would hold the burden of proof. Amtrak encourages family’s to take a nice long train trip. They, Amtrak, would like those above mentioned family unit’s to hush, hush, shush, shhhh, don’t tell us about these private matters. Don‘t tell us and we won’t stop you.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:21amOther than government subsidizing, how much money does the gay community have anyway? Are companies really able to support the loss of business from the folks who support companies like Chick-Fil-A? Well, more importantly, it‘s the folks who support God’s word.
Report Post »Kalish
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:28amThe picture in the ads show two gay men, with a child, because everyone knows that two gays can produce a child, right ?
Report Post »doomytram
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:30amTXDAVE, Vitter should have stepped down. The hypocrisy is on the left and 1,432 days prior to Wiener gate the world was $1,432 days less politically correct. I would have liked Wiener to have stayed on board, so he could further decimate the Democrats and Obalmer’s base. So your post, in fact, further supports my point. PC is from Obama,Axelrod, Soros, DWS. but they don’t talk about the gaping holes of logical breakdown in their theories. But Bush.. and Citizens United did what?
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:50amVery special class of people the only class that had their own deadly disease till the gov made them share it with the rest of us!
Report Post »KissMyAmericanFlag
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:50amThat’s it! Rip the funding now! Another example of both waste/ fraud/ abuse and taxation without representation. Throw the bums out in Nov, some 96 days closer;-)
Report Post »Marine 1
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:58amI guess this means that Chick-Fil-A won’t be opening their operations on Amtrak trains. Great!
One more reason not to ride Amtrak. Let the gays fund Amtrak and we won’t have to deal with that money-losing operation any longer. What, one train with a bunch of gays on it. I think I saw that Amtrak train on War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise when it went zooming by in front of everyone. Now I understand what they mean when they say “Flaming Gay.”
You can bet that my family won’t be taking Amtrak anywhere for any reason.
Hey, I’ve got to run to Chick-Fil-A for lunch.
Semper Fidelis
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 12:18pmMy husband and I used to ride the Amtrak when it was as convenient as driving.
One of the reasons we quit riding Amtrak, was because people would tuck little children away for the night in their seats and take off for the quieter viewing car and leave the kids for others to reprimand.
Report Post »One time the kids under 10 kept kicking the backs of our seats and wouldn’t quit until we called the porter. Just what they need, free passage for the little troublemakers to discourage us from riding the train anymore.
johnjamison
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 1:17pmA very heavily tax payer subsidized industry like AMTRAC has no business using subsidized tax dollars to promote homoosexuality. If they have capital to waste promoting an ideology THEN THEY DON’T NEED MY MONEY SUPPORTING THEIR BUSINESS.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 1:34pmFirst and foremost Amtrak is subsidized, not funded. And it is subsidized because there is a strategic aspect to having a railway system that can carry products, equipment and people (troops if necessary). Its part of the infrastructure components that needs to be funded and won’t be if we leave it up to private enterprises that are fixated on short term profits. Second, one could similarly argue that Exxon’s $5 billion tax credit is taxpayer funding. “Truth with an Agenda”
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 2:15pmeasy way to get gays on is offering a discount for TSA employees.
Report Post »smokeysmoke
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 3:08pma failing govt funded venture turning to pushing a social agenda… who da thunk it
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 4:23pmJRook
Report Post »So what is your point. Everyone knows it is subsidized that is our point. We are paying to the tune of $84 million lost last year for food alone. That does not include operating costs. Hell if we didn’t have to pay for those loses mybe we could up your welfare check. Na just kidding
And that does not include freight. Amtrak does not have freight. Last year we paid $922 million for capital cost and $523 million for operating cost, we foot the bill for at least 20% of every ride.
So we do not need to spend money to avail a special group of people for any reason. That is the point!!!!!!!!!
yougottabekidding
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 5:25pmJRook
Report Post »Another little piece of info you need is Amtrak does not own any of the infrastructure, they run track owned by private companies. The federal gov holds the stock, the President (sorry dictator) appoints the board. Funding means giving money
Secret Squirrel
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 5:25pm.
Jeez, it‘s a freakin’ train!
It’s not pro or anti gay.
Why would you target gays? or anyone else?
What, the next ad campaign would be,
“Come hump our cars.”
Ever see the sign on boxcars, “Do not Hump”,
Report Post »that means something totally different.
Meyvn
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 8:10pmI think the slogan “FROWARD” fits him best.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/FROWARD?s=t
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:35amYou are not getting it, LEFT: GOD HATES homosexuality and forbids HIS KIDS from going there. HE knows what it does to the soul.
The argument is not homosexuality vs. non-homosexuality. It is all about satan vs. GOD.
We’ve read THE BOOK and know the ending. Be good for those involved in the left to read THE BOOK while there is still time.
BTW: “tolerance” is mentioned only four times in the BIBLE and each time GOD IS ASKING, “Why do you tolerate….?”
“Tolerance” is of satan, period.
Report Post »hi
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:39amGood one!
Report Post »Also tolorance means “put up with people you hate.”Whereas Jesus commands us to love our enemy.
RamonPreston
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:41amWell said.
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:53am@HI Didn’t Jesus also say “Go and sin no more?”
Report Post »hi
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:32amDiversity means “hate straight whities.”
Report Post »ReggieLove
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:38amyep…you exactly right…..hop on the **** express!!!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 2:05pmCut off funding …. problem solved.
Report Post »Chromo200
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:32am. A few more Tea Party senators and congressmen, and AMtrack will be a private company.
Report Post »RickyHolloway
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:32amVotes VS Principles. Americans will vote on principles come November 2012. We are sick of politics and we will stand on the principles upon which the founders established the greatest country in history. Lets take the USA back conservatives.
Report Post »red_white_blue2
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:55amWe Shall, We Shall Overcome-indeed! Amtraks move is pure pandering. The left, and gays will fall for it. It’s sad really. Children need a father figure, and a mother figure. There is definitely a problem with using tax payer dollars to not just provide a service, but to promote a political agenda within that service. They saw this as a crisis they didnt want to loose an opportunity on. Hence “ride with pride”.
Report Post »JQuentinEvermann
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:30amI’m done paying my taxes. Not another ******* dime, Uncle Sam! Went to HR this morning and am withholding as much as is allowed, and they can pick the rest of it from my corpse in April. This government sponsored attack on Christians is absolutely NO DIFFERENT than what the NAZIs did before the U.S. entered WWII. As a Jew, this may seem a bit much for some of my brethren to take, but it didn’t start out with violence and camps, it started by singling out particular groups and turning a nation against them.
I WILL NOT SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT’S WAR ON CHRISTIANS…and neither should you. Go to HR today and withhold as much as you can! War on Christians isn’t what I pay my taxes to fund.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:49amAs a christian, I thank you for the solidarity. When the persecution comes, count me a Jew as well.
Report Post »Verceofreason
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:14amThere is no war on christians.
Report Post »Only their refusal to grant other religions the same civil rights.
barber2
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:26amVERCE: Explain please. What other religions are Christians refusing to grant their ” civil rights ?”
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:45amYou can throw your prayer rug on the floor in any school and pray to Allah but you can’t pray to the Christian God. Things are backwards.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:52amWhat civil right would that be genius? I didn‘t know we christians had the power to limit anyone’s rights. Our God has been kicked out of the government so you godless heathens should be happy. There’s no pleasing you people.
Report Post »heatherfeather
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 6:10pmYou aren’t alone here. I know several people who have done the same thing and if Obama is re-elected, they will not file.
It is going to come to a head real soon. Either that, or the government will pretend it is not a problem and keep printing more funny money, since there seems to be no consequence for that.
Report Post »Listen_then_think
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:28amMaybe we should have a boycott the ad agency month. Gays are disgusting. Jesus did not say: justify your sins and keep on sining. Jesus said go thy way and SIN NO MORE. Nothing about rationalization or denial or justification. Only lazy in relationships, afraid of rejection, promiscuous people are homosexual.
Report Post »conservativeamericanmom
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:27amI hope this gets on the radar of Congress, as the Acorn scandal did. Amtrak has been a losing proposition for the American people for years and should be taken down if it continues to cater to a minute segment of the tax-paying populous. This is outrageous!
Report Post »BloodSweatandTears
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:51amSeems like the axiom is -when the money is low so go the morals…Still not a reason to take such a stand. The separation of church and state, would suggest the state should stay out of the proselytizing business of any kind.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:26amI thought the gays were already complaining about getting rail roaded…… There’s no pleasing them.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:25amRide with Pride promo?? Maybe they meant “porno”.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:14amIf everyone pays the same, how is it a deal? Fine print says gay or not, your kid rides free.
Report Post »I guess all they have to do is mention the word “gay” and it makes the abnormals feel special?
CWPrequired
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:26amWhen’s the ride with Jesus day? Think they would get away with that?
Report Post »ricckky
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:25amPlease stop it with all this gay crap–live and let live—who gives a sh——-t if your gay or straight!!!!!!–One would think the way the media goes on and on about gays that they represent 90% of our population—Start reporting the news that normal people care about—-THIS COUNTRY IS DROWNING IN DEPT AND CORRUPTION–
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:51amGod does.
Report Post »BloodSweatandTears
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 12:14pm@RICCKY—-THIS COUNTRY IS DROWNING IN DEPT AND CORRUPTION–….
True, but different compartment. At least they are not trying to force us to put a happy face on it………
Report Post »With debt we can go through the proper steps to rein it in. With a moral issue once it’s put into “law,” it becomes a festering controversy that would never be solved. Sort of like the middle east.
ginger100
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:23amReduce breeding pairs now slaves! You will comply or face the wrath of my IRS. I’m the preezy and I approve this message.
Report Post »blanco5
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:22amLet’s have “muslim” day on the same day as gay day and see how well THAT goes!
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:29amNow there’s a quandry; do I want a sodomite next to me on a train, or a muslim…..
I’ll have to get back to you on that.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:31amYeah, but gotta have the “gays” making out then too…..
Report Post »krispy01
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:21amThe web page ad says, ‘Couples enjoyed the comfortable seats.’ Ewwwwwwww ! I pity the cleaning crew !
Report Post »dadsrootbeer
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:18amWonder if Amtrak is a large progressive party political donor as well.
Report Post »ncts12
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:17amtaxpayer funded,real nice way to single out one group.shameful.
Report Post »jblaze
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:14amThis is just too sick for words! I am NOT tolerant of sin. I will not comply with those whom break God’s laws! No matter what sick people do to justify sin, God has the last word on the matter!
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 12:00pmAnd the last word is “Into the fire.”
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:10amI don’t get all this nonsense and I sure am getting tired of it. Can we have an Abusers Pride day. I doubt enough Abusers are riding the tracks and that would help sales I’m sure. Or Felons Pride day. Lots more groups to promote. Don’t worry about families being comfortable.
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:09amGreat picture little boy sitting on a smiling guys lap while he touches
Report Post »and smiles lovingly at his second little boy. While second boy
Stares at little boys crotch.
poorrichard09
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:07amWhere did these **** couples get the kids??
Report Post »Some hetero had to be involved somewhere. Homosexual “families” are a fraud.
Verceofreason
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 10:18amI am sure all adopted children in this country really appreciate your statement.
Report Post »saved4ever
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 11:57amMy daughter is adopted. Homosexual families are a fraud because they defy God’s plan for marriage: a man and a woman bonded in holy matrimony for life. Verce’s comments notwithstanding, my daughter supports the Biblical definition of marriage.
Report Post »pwatkins
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:05amDivide and conquer is the game of the left…not surpised.
Report Post »Silversmith
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:04amNothing ticks me off more than paying for a company’s survival only to have it use that survival to pander to special interests. They owe us an even hand in marketing or a refund.
Silversmith
Report Post »GeorgeWashingtonslept here
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:03amOh puhleeze too!
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 9:02amHere we go again the Hussain administration pandering to a
Report Post »minority sending untold amounts of money to buy votes!
I do not see anyone advertising train service for Pa Dutch.
They pay the subsidies so people do not have to pay the real cost
for train travel. They are a minority class and they should be told
important it is for them to have this privilage
NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 8:55amOh puhleeze.
Report Post »