Tea Party Leader Fired for Implying Homosexuals Should Hang
- Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:00pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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The president of the Big Sky Tea Party Association in Montana has been fired from his position and booted from the party after he posted comments on Facebook implying he condones the hanging of homosexuals.
The Helena Independent Record reported this morning that Tim Ravndal had been removed after the Big Sky Tea Party Association called an emergency meeting to address the situation.
In a Facebook post, dated July 23, Ravndal said 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.” After a reader responded, “I think fruits are decorative. Hang up where they can be seen and appreciated. Call Wyoming for display instructions,” an apparent reference to the brutal beating of Matthew Shepard in 1998, Ravndal replied, “Where can I get that Wyoming printed instruction manual?” Ravndal denies that he was referring to the Shepard case.
“We are extremely disappointed by Mr. Ravndal’s commentary,” wrote Jim Walker, chairman of the association’s board, in a statement. “The discussion in that Facebook conversation is entirely outside the position of the Big Sky Tea Party. Even though Mr. Ravndal was having a personal conversation and made no reference to our group, we felt strongly that swift and decisive action was required as we cannot accept that sort of behavior from within our membership, let alone from an officer of the corporation.
Ravndal’s original comments appeared in response to to a Billings Gazette article about an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit over rights for same-sex couples
“We continually make it known that we will not tolerate bigoted dialog, behavior or messages at our functions, our meetings or within our ranks,” Walker added. “If a person demonstrates bigotry relative to race, sex, ethnicity, etc. they are not welcome in our organization. The Tea Party movement is about standing up for individual freedom for everyone.”
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Comments (121)
Okiegal
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:14pmApplause for Big Sky TPer’s!! We absolutely CANNOT tolerate any hint of hatred, I am glad he was kicked out…that being said…and this has also been voiced, no doubt MSM will cover this like flies on s**t…they won’t be able to help themselves…
We have to stand on TRUTH HONESTY INTEGRITY…or fall flat on our faces as we try to bring about real Change and Hope for this Republic…
Onward Forward and Upward!!
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:11pmBe happy that they doing this. It means that we are winning. They are getting desperate and are going taking desperate measures. Yes, there may be problems, but I think that if everyone remains vigilant and keep aware of what is going on, then it will not do them any good. Think about it. First they have to get people to infiltrate the Tea Party Movement and now they are trying to get people to video Tea Party Members doing something wrong. Not only are the desperate, despicable, and just plain slimy, the are conceding the fact that they are loosing.
Report Post »EVANGELINE
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:02pmWas he a plant??
Report Post »ninecarpileup
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:11pmNo, he was a human being.
hehehe…
Report Post »GarbyBarengar
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:15pmDon’t even start to flirt with dangerous rhetoric like that. Not every wrong thing said can be blamed on someone else.
Report Post »dollfin
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:57pmlololol, cute “Ninecar”!!!! ROFL, ROFL………
Report Post »Damage6
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:00pmWell done big sky Teapparty! No ambiguity and no hesitation. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom of consequences for saying truly stupid stuff.
Report Post »TEAFORTWO
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:58pmOf course the LEFT media will never cover the remarks made here on this site…all of which demand tolerance no mater what!!!
Report Post »rugin
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:50pmExcellent self policing of the tea party. He may have the right to say whatever he pleases but not within the tea party movement
Report Post »ninecarpileup
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:47pmSometimes it really makes you wonder….These guys have to know that their every word and deed is being scoured over by those that oppose the tea party movement. However, this man should be ashamed of himself regardless. This kind of banter, especially in light of the death of an innocent person is both irresponsible and reprehensible.
Report Post »Becks2010
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:44pmI have to say I agree. There is no room for that kind of talk; I truly believe that even though you have the right to say it, it doesn’t mean what you say is right.
Report Post »The bible does say ” It‘s not what goes into a man’s mouth that makes him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.” Matt 15: 11
Alydia
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:39pmIs he Muslim?????
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:39pmwhat a stupid idiot he was. was he out to SINK the T.E.A. Party or what. this is exactly the kind of person who should NOT EVER be associated with the T.E.A. party — he certainly gives all the hatefilled lib democrat detractors an actual example to point to. dammit!
Report Post »MatMan
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:38pmTHANK YOU, Tea Party, for fighting BIGOTRY of all flavors and colors.
Report Post »patriotmcgee
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:38pmI would sure like to hear his side of the story. (I thought this was supposed to be good journalism). The charges seem rather trumped-up to me, unless I misunderstand what everyone is reacting to. He may not have understood the veiled reference. I wouldn‘t have figured it out right away if it weren’t for the article explaining what ‘Dennis’ was referring to.
Report Post »patriotmcgee
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:51pmOK, now I see:
Ravndal denies that he was referring to the Shepard case.
And in the referenced article he claims that that he wasn’t thinking of the Sheppard tragedy at all. Sounds like a political hatchet job to me. Make one slight mis-step and “Off with your head!!!” I’d still like to hear, maybe from people that know him, whether this is consistent with his usual demeanor.
If the tea party is reacting to his original comment, though, as being “bigoted”, then they are being bigoted themselves. They are being bigoted towards those who see merit in preserving marriage as a foundation of society.
Report Post »CitizenJob
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:36pmDon’t drink and Bacefook
Report Post »laurairish
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:30pmArggghhh!! I’m sure the Soros boys will have a field day with this one on their new web site.
Report Post »plunderpower
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:46pmThey are all over in the Koran Burning forum posting. They are having the time of their lives Christain Bashing. The hate being diguised as a comparative offering is little more than hate speech. I’m sick of it. They‘ll all slide over to this one in awhile and spew more hate I’m sure.
Report Post »TennesseeVeteran
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:48pmI’ll bet the NAACP will also jump on this while ignoring the part about being fired. The comment may not have been racist but it will suffice for the NAACP agenda to tarnish and disrespect the Tea Party Movement and members.
Report Post »Brandoneous
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:27pmIf you’re going to represent the party, you are responsible for representing the party well. Glad he’s kicked out. There is no room in MY America for this kind of hatred, no matter what you believe.
Report Post »klstj
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:26pmI agree…bye bye! I have a little issue with “ranks”, “corporation”, “board”…I’ve been to tea party rallies, meetings, etc. I guess someone needs to set a time, day, and invite some speakers…find a place, etc. I just say, be careful not to become something that is no better than big govt., special interest, etc. Why would one person be in a position to become a poster child for opposition? We don’t need any extra reasons for people to criticize…good for you guys to get him out…bad for you guys to give him a platform in the first place.
Report Post »Tanarus
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:25pmRickfromillinois
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:05pm
What a disgusting thing to say. Good for the Big Sky Tea Party Association for kicking him out. I wonder how many news agencies will just say the Tea Party and will not mention that he has been kicked out.
———————————————
You can count on CNN & MSNBC.
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Report Post »baldwin4freedom
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:25pmThe Big Sky Tea Party did the right thing.
The Constitution gives us the freedom of expression. Where I do not agree with homosexuals it does not give me a right to wish them any harm through my freedoms.
If we are going to straighten this Country out We must focus on what is truly important to all of us as individuals. The things that are only important to small groups is one of the reasons why we are where we are at now.
Report Post »joiseycop
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:18pmM-79 wrote :Probably not the most PC thing to say, but he still has the right to say it.
C’Mon M-79… that statement is neither appropriate or in tune to what the Tea Party represents. I’m sure the MSM will have a field day with this… kudos to the group for booting him!
Report Post »knome
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:17pmAnd the tea party has a right to fire him for it. If I said any group of people should be hung I’d lose my job, too. And I’m not a public figure
Report Post »Debrabate
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:13pmGood…. I am glad he is out.
Report Post »WVRob
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:28pmExactly! Good, I‘m glad he’s out!
Report Post »tepartyblogdotinfo
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:09pmRight on! this is exactly what the TeaParty should do.
Report Post »We will not be silenced.
We are committed to peaceful resolution of all our endeavors.
We shun anyone who condones violent action.
We shun anyone who condones bigotry.
We have a fundamental understanding of the constitution.
We will restore our nation to a republic of free people.
We will remain beyond the influence of political parties, lobbyist and capital incentive.
We will be lead and represented by our values not a central figure within the Tea party community.
missmarie
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:20pmYou betcha! It’s all about the principles, folks.
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:24pmwell put
Report Post »Sheepdog911
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:40pmWell said .Info ! We may not be a “Party”, but we do have the right to Not let you misrepresent us. The progs do enough of that as it is. If you want to be a Leader in this movement, Lead by example. Leaders MUST be held to a higher standard. It’s one thing for the progs to go nuts over our standards, it’s another thing entirely when you throw yourself under the bus. Good-bye Tim, we won’t miss you.
Report Post »joebrooks
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:41pmThose are perfect.
Report Post »GarbyBarengar
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:11pmWe have a fundamental understanding of the constitution.
We will restore our nation to a republic of free people.
We will remain beyond the influence of political parties, lobbyist and capital incentive.
We will be lead and represented by our values not a central figure within the Tea party community.
All the others are plausible, but these need working on stat!
Report Post »chattycathy
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:14pmHe doesn’t represent the Tea Party movement and they were right to immediately remove him.
Report Post »debim57
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:07pmI absolutely agree with the Tea Party’s decision to boot this guy. There is no place for that kind of talk anywhere!
Report Post »Mike Ivey 2010
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 4:20pmI totally agree Thanks for your post
Report Post »d55may
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 7:56pmAll the guy did was ask for the information for a manual? I don’t get it!
Report Post »M-79
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:06pmProbably not the most PC thing to say, but he still has the right to say it.
USAMama
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:37pmYes he has the right to say it, yes the Tea Party has the right (and responsability) to fire him. At such a crucial time as this, they can not afford this kind of behavior. The media and opposition are seething at the mouth to paint the Tea Party as a racist, hateful, bigoted group and stupid behavior like this only feeds that. I am glad to see the Tea Party nipping it in the bud.
Report Post »middleclassprophet
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:06pmand he has a right to be fired, too.
Report Post »Midwest Belle
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:17pmIt’s on the same level as building that mosque – yes there’s a right to do (or say) it but IS IT WISE? The answer is NO, not wise.
Report Post »NancyJean
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 7:46pmSure he has the right, but as others have said, it doesn’t make it right. And the Tea Party organization had/has the right to establish a standard.
Report Post »They did the right thing.
BTW, first time I’vel seen a swarm of trolls on this site.
Spookytruck
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 7:54pmThis reply is to Danglebags above. Are you really as much of an imbecile as you try to come off as. I was at the Glenn Beck rally and there were no KKK there. Just good, God fearing, American hometown people. I have also been to Florida Gator, Penn State and Alabama football games. I know what one hundred thousand people crowds look like. This was ten times that easy. So the Liberal networks can put the number at what ever they want. All of us who were there know that we know, that we know. Abe Lincoln said “You can fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” Gee. I wonder why nobody in there right mind is watching ABC, NBC, CBS and MSNBC. People with brains are watching FOX because they know they are reliable.
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:05pmWhat a disgusting thing to say. Good for the Big Sky Tea Party Association for kicking him out. I wonder how many news agencies will just say the Tea Party and will not mention that he has been kicked out.
Report Post »Tanarus
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:24pmRickfromillinois
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 1:05pm
What a disgusting thing to say. Good for the Big Sky Tea Party Association for kicking him out. I wonder how many news agencies will just say the Tea Party and will not mention that he has been kicked out.
———————————————————–
You can count on CNN & MSNBC
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timeisnow
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:10pmWhat I like the most about these Tea Party’s is when they find out that a member is Crazy and is out of line, they can Just Fire them on the spot… Not political nonsense or hesitation, “YOUR FIRED” and they are gone!
Report Post »Skandelon27
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:52pmThis shows the difference between the Tea Party and the Democrats. Democrats don’t weed out their crazies….they promote them to higher positions of influence.
Report Post »bulldog48
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 2:57pmI GUESS FREE SPEECH IS ONLY FOR LEFT WING NUTS. WHO DECIDED THAT QUEER IS NORMAL? SEEM LIKE AND OXYMORON!
analyzer
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 4:19pmMy guess most will if they want to be recognized as legitiment and serious. Let us not forget, one bad statement from one individual does not make all the good folks of the Tea Party wrong. The removal of this person will only make the Tea Party stronger and respected by more.
Report Post »reformedradical
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:31pmThe media loves to jump on the Tea Party Movement for supposed bigotry, and when the accusations are truthful, it’s even more damaging to those of us who support the movement. I applaud Big Sky for their decision to remove him.
Report Post »danglingbags
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 6:48pmWOW…A HATE FILLED PERSON IS IN THE TEA PARTY?
….ONE DOWN 77,999 TO GO.
(CBS ESTIMATE OF GB RESTORE HONOR SHEETLESS KLAN RALLY WAS 78,000)
WHAT WILL BE THE NEXT STORY? THE SUN RISES IN THE EAST? THE SKY IS BLUE? GLENN BECK IS A CHARLTON? YOU DIE AND PAY TAXES? FIRE IS HOT AND ICE IS COLD?
REMEMBER, GOD IS GOOD BUT GOLD IS GREATER SO BUY LOTS OF GOLD.
ME
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 7:08pmShould have hung him, that would make the left happy. Why anyone would bend over and take it from the left is beyond me, they hang an effigy of bush for Halloween and celebrate it, they wish death on presidents and VP’s with no repercussions be a terrorist for the left (William Charles “Bill” Ayers) and get a great job and access to the president not to even going to bring up the Clinton’s ect… I understand we want to live to a higher standards but one slip-up on our side and your hung out to dry period that is only letting them dictate to us who we can keep around with one accusation they are gone not even a conviction in all most all cases. There is living to a higher standards and just being used because of it, not sure on this case yet have not seen the all facts but in most we just roll over to some idiot with an accusation.
Report Post »ProgressivesAreEvil
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 9:45pmOh look EmptyBags posted something! Everybody look! Hurry, pay attention and comment on it‘s post seriously or it’s may get depressed!
Report Post »MelivinginMichigan
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 12:22pmdanglingbags
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 6:48pm
WOW…A HATE FILLED PERSON IS IN THE TEA PARTY?
….ONE DOWN 77,999 TO GO.
(CBS ESTIMATE OF GB RESTORE HONOR SHEETLESS KLAN RALLY WAS 78,000)
WHAT WILL BE THE NEXT STORY? THE SUN RISES IN THE EAST? THE SKY IS BLUE? GLENN BECK IS A CHARLTON? YOU DIE AND PAY TAXES? FIRE IS HOT AND ICE IS COLD?
REMEMBER, GOD IS GOOD BUT GOLD IS GREATER SO BUY LOTS OF GOLD.
This is what happens when you let kool-aid teenage liberals have reign over the computer. What is a Charlton? Does that mean like Charlton Heston?
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