John Rich, who is sort of famous for being the other half of country duo Big & Rich, recently spouted off on talk radio about his views on gay unions. His words have erupted quite the firestorm in Nashville and at his label, Warner Bros Records.
I think if you legalize that, you’ve got to legalize some other things that are pretty unsavory. You can call me a radical, but how can you tell an aunt that she can’t marry her nephew if they are really in love and sharing the bills? How can you tell them they can’t get married, but something else that’s unnatural can happen?
Earlier this year when Alyson and I went to the Buck Jones Benefit Concert at The Cannery in Nashville, I was less than impressed with the stage manners of Mr. Rich. Jewel performed a couple of songs with him and he acted like an overprotective boyfriend. She looked obviously perplexed as he demanded that the audience stay completely silent during her solo performances. When one intoxicated fan beside us asked Jewel to smile for his camera, Rich snapped and started hurtling curse words, before threatening to physically attack the fan and have him thrown out by security.
Needless to say, his views on this particular issue are far from surprising. He did later issue an apology, which reads like so many other publicist-issued apologies that we’ve heard from other celebrities.
My earlier comments on same-sex marriage don’t reflect my full views on the broader issues regarding tolerance and the treatment of gays and lesbians in our society. I apologize for that and wish to state clearly my views. I oppose same-sex marriage because my father and minister brought me up to believe that marriage is an institution for the union of a man and a woman. However, I also believe that intolerance, bigotry and hatred are wrong. People should be judged based on their merits, not on their sexual orientation. We are all children of God and should be valued and respected.
Matthew Grant, a gay Nashville native who describes himself as a fan of Big & Rich, issued the following statement which was printed in the Tennessean newspaper:
I am a 24-year-old man who loves America, beer, his church and country music. I have worked around major country artists and get to be on the inside looking out at times. I just happen to be gay (not by choice, I scream to you).
Today, I am saddened to hear statements from John Rich of country group Big & Rich (and a great songwriter to add) in regard to gay marriage; though I am all for free speech, as I use it myself.
There are a thousand young boys and girls who are fans of his, sitting in a room feeling so bad about themselves because they have feelings for the same sex that they do not understand or want. They get called a slur on the school bus and now, one of their favorite singers just said that they are “unnatural.”
I would love to share with Mr. Rich the statistics of GLBT young people who kill themselves due to feeling “unnatural” and that there is no hope for them — and of people who murder, “taught” to hate because of a statement that someone they knew or looked up to fed to them.
If you know of Big & Rich, their whole schtick is “Love Everybody.” All we want is understanding and human rights.
As Mr. Rich counts his newfound money, he understands the power of his uneducated words as they leave his mouth and reach the ears and hearts of people who once looked up to him.
Sources: The Tennessean, Down With Tyranny, The Huffington Post
Special thanks to Alyson for bringing this to my attention.
It’s funny (not in a haha way) that he says, “You can call me a radical…” and then he recants his statement via his publicist. Money talks.
I don’t think I will ever understand why people get so upset over something that has nothing to do with them. If I marry my girlfriend, or you marry your boyfriend, how does that affect John Rich? How does my marriage destroy his life? How does my marriage affect the millions that he is making? It doesn’t.
I honestly wouldn’t care if an aunt and a nephew want to marry each other. If they are happy, good for them. The same goes for the ridiculous argument that “if we let gays marry, what’s to stop someone from marrying a *insert animal here*” If someone wants to spend their life with a goat… go right ahead! It’s not my cup of tea, but they aren’t hurting me any.
It’s like Chris Rock says in one of his stand up routines. It’s no use hating anybody because whoever you hate is going to end up in your family. My father was never too fond of “the gays.” Now that he knows his daughter is one, he doesn’t care so much anymore.
I’m kinda surprised you hadn’t heard about it before I did. I saw something about it on the cover of a magazine yesterday at the checkout counter.
The guy is a complete horse’s behind. I read somewhere that he has aspirations to run for president in the future, which scares me.
@ storbakken: Ain’t that the truth? He needs to own his words.
@ Stephanie: I see what you mean, but I would definitely limit marriage to the same species and to those who are mature enough to make an informed decision.
@ Alyson: Your email was the first time I’d ran across it anywhere. I’m surprised it didn’t get more news coverage online. And God forbid that he ever runs for prez.
I hadn’t heard about this either, and I’m really disgusted with John Rich. Why didn’t it get more coverage? Is it because it’s a gay issue? Racist comments made by Don Imus, Michael Richards, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Kanye West (his “mutts” remark), Mel Gibson, Halle Berry, etc. always make the news.
I have to say I’m guilty of making stupid judgements myself, however, because when I read your post about John Rich my first reaction was “what a redneck jerk.” So maybe I’m just as bad because redneck-edness is so foreign to me that I’ve formed an uneducated opionion in my head. It’s so alien to my personal orbit, I don’t even know if “redneck” is considered an insult or slur.
But yay to Matthew Grant.
@ Wendy: You made a good point about the racist remarks getting more press than the gay ones. I thought much the same thing after the Don Imus hoopla. I bet nothing would have happened if his remarks had been anti-gay.
I just found this surfing… I am a Christian. It’s my right to believe my Bible the way it was written. If the bible says Homosexuality is a sin, then I believe it is.
Now, with that being said, I love everyone, and I don’t judge gays and lesbians. You have the same rights to the exact opposite viewpoint because it’s a free country.
I don’t believe John Rich is being a jerk. He’s following his beliefs. In our religion, it would be a sin to marry the same sex. We CAN’T unwrite the bible, and re-write it to our liking.
What I would like to see in the Gay and Lesbian community is a little more balance towards those who have different beliefs. At least if you want Christians to learn to accept you as you are, you need to lead by example, and if you want them to not push their agenda, … well, you know what to do. In a matter of years, the Christians will be the minority,.. the ones without a voice… looking to just live thier lives as the choose without taking a beating from everyone else who disagrees.
Maybe John Rich should have kept his opinions to himself?
I don’t care if gays marry… it won’t change how God views the issue. But John Rich has the right to disagree. That doesn’t make him a jerk.
The botton line for me and this issue is: I love my neighbor as myself. I don’t have to agree with my neighbor on every issue to love them with the love of Christ. Most of my gay friends (yes!) I find are hungry for acceptance… and love. I can do this because it isn’t my place to judge them or try to convert them. But when you push me to give up my beliefs to accomadate yours, it’s hypocritical.
@ Kelly: I still say John is a jerk. He’s a jerk in person (I’ve seen him live) and he’s a jerk when he makes these kind of comments. Religious viewpoints aside, he chose to compare loving homosexual relationships to incest.
Respectfully, I am in the business. I find John Rich to be driven and a brilliant promoter, from what I see. I compare him to the likes of Mutt Lang.
The Gay Community, unless previously familiar with Biblical Standards, would not understand the comparison, and yes, could take offense.
What you may not understand is; For a Christian, it’s the same difference. Homosexuality is just as an abomination as incest. That doesn’t make John a jerk.
To another religion, eating a cow is a abomination. To another, an uncovered woman is an abomination. Do you see my point? (and Johns?) He is speaking from where his devotion is.
I don’t support the Gay agenda. I support my own. Isn’t that what we are all supposed to do? And if I don’t agree with someone elses agenda, based on my own convictions, my own religious doctrine, that shouldn’t make me a jerk.
I’m sorry this got under your skin. Be like Jesus, and just forgive John. We all make mistakes… Did John make a mistake by comparing 2 Biblical abominations??? Not if you can understand what our principles are.
And truly, if I am wrong, (and I could be) I would ask that you forgive me too. :-) I wish you joy, and peace… and peace of mind that I don’t hate anyone, gay or otherwise.
I don’t think John Rich does either. He’s just taking ownership for his own convictions.
In Christ,
kelly
@ Kelly:
I am very familiar with Christianity and scripture. I was raised in a strict Pentecostal home, attended a Southern Baptist school through graduation, and go to a Christian church today. I know that many Christians view homosexuality as an abomination, but I feel that they are misinterpreting scripture to fit a preconceived notion – much like Christians used to twist the Bible to promote slavery. I think that, given time, people will come to realize that loving and committed homosexual relationships are not sinful.
I also feel that it is wrong to compare homosexuality to incest, bestiality, child molestation, or polygamy, but we’ve heard those comparisons made time and time again – usually from those in the Christian community. John Rich’s original statement was obviously out of line or the Nashville establishment wouldn’t have been up in arms about it, and he wouldn’t have issued a clarification.
I respect that you work in the business and probably know Mr. Rich much better than I do or will ever have the opportunity to, however, as I stated before, I saw him in concert last year in Nashville at a charity event and I was completely repulsed by his demeanor and the way he interacted with the audience. He cursed at a fan of Jewel’s (who was also performing) and threatened to have him thrown out for asking her to smile for a picture. I was standing right next to the fan and thought it was completely ridiculous for any entertainer to have such disregard for those who enable them to live such an excessive lifestyle.
Hearing his offensive remarks about homosexuality only confirmed what I already felt. I could be wrong, but I’ve seen nothing that convinces me otherwise.
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts. They are much appreciated! :)
Not a problem… I am sorry you had to witness John Riches humanity in concert. People can get full of themselves…and I am not suggesting he’s above rowdy behavior. But it is a show…*wink*
I do not know John personally… no. Just like his work ethic and ingenuity.
I am curious though… how do you understand the scripture to mean anything different? I am genuinely interested… and also do not judge you. I appreciate your kindness, and thoughtfulness. Most people at such extreme ends of a spectrum would not be able to have such an edifying conversation.
Blessings,
kelly
@ Kelly: Well, it’s been a long process for me to come from the point of believing that I was doomed to hell over something that I couldn’t help, to believing that it’s quite possible that I was created this way and that God loves me just the way I am.
I’ve done alot of reading and some of those resources are available on this website, including the link “The Bible and Homosexuality”. You can find it under the links on the right-hand side of this page. It actually dissects each individual verse and gives a much different interpretation than most people are used to. However, taken in the context of the day and the social environment at the time the verses were written, it is quite possible that the verses that have so often been quoted against homosexuality are being misinterpreted. After all, if we all read and understood the Bible in the same way, then there would only be one Christian religion.
It is also quite possible that I’ve allowed myself to be deceived by fanciful interpretations and explanations, given the fact that I am gay and would like to be assured that it is not a sin. All I know is that I’m tired of beating myself up about it. I am what I am and I know that gay people are just as valuable and loving and deserving of God’s grace and love as anyone else.
There’s one important quote that I read in a great resource book called “What The Bible Really Says About Homosexuality”.
I agree. I would also recommend the documentary entitled “For The Bible Tells Me So”, which deals with the interpretation of the Bible verses typically related to homosexuality and their effect on families.
I also want to thank you for being willing to “talk” about the issue. It means alot when someone sincerely asks for an explanation of an opinion that is the opposite of their own.
Brian,
Thank you so much. Your a treasure. I also appreciate your own open-mindedness. If it’s any help, I am divorced and remarried and Mennonite. Most think I am going to hell in a handbasket too. I know; *surprise!* lol..
Here’s my e-mail address if you ever just want to talk:
I’m at work right now, but will be back next week to research this. In the meantime… Just always pray that God will reveal to you HIS truth in a way that you can accept and show you how to live your life. You may be just fine.. you may not. (I may be just fine… then maybe again..???)
The Mennonites want me and my husband to separate, but not divorce…living in 2 separate homes. It seems the sexual relations are the sin, not the remarraige. Long story… not all Mennonites believe this, but it’s been a hard road.
Have a great weekend, and I will be checking back.
Blessings,
kelly
Sorry;;; Here ya go
@ Kelly: You are in a similar situation to that of my mother. She and my father divorced several years ago. He remarried soon after, but she believes that if she does, she is committing adultery and will be sent to hell. It’s hard to see her struggle with it, because she desperately wants to share her life with someone, but feels like she can’t.
I know of a couple (both are now deceased) who were in their second marriage when they joined a local Holiness church. They decided to separate as husband and wife, but still lived in the same house. I don’t think they had sexual relations after making that decision, but that must have been an incredibly difficult situation to be in.
P.S. I think WordPress (the software that runs this site) is preventing your email address from displaying, but I have access to it through the administrator’s section.
Ahhh!!! That’s the problem with the e-mail issue. Good deal.
Well, honestly, the Bible is pretty clear about the divorce and remarraige issue… We aren’t supposed to, BUT, there are many situations that I believe are an exception:
Abuse/Abandonment, adultery, underaged marraige, and things of that nature. Additionally; I wasn’t serving God, nor aware of this statute when I remarried. It was after we were married, and commited ourselves to Christ that I learned about it.
So what happened to the whole salvation experience and God washing away ALL your sins??? God meeting you where you are??? You can’t undo your sins… that’s ridiculous.
Anyhow, if your Mother can site the adultery clause in Matt,,,she could remarry by most churches standards. Or if she was abused of neglected.
Just for grins…I live to ponder the Samaritan Woman At the Well with 5 husbands… *wink* Jesus sure had an opportunity to set a presidence then… wonder why he didn’t??
Holiness… been there, done that too. My Grandparents were Holiness, and their church did a lot of good, but also a lot of damage… when people start taking it upon themselves to decide HOW a woman wears her hair, clothing etc… without biblical back up…it seems cult-ish to me. Ya know??
Ok.. done ranting. I hope you have a wondeful weekend Brian!!!
Kelly
I hope this come through;
My blog:-)
Blessings,
K.
Brian,
Hope your weekend went well…. Mine was horrible. I had to have my dog of 16 years put down. UGH. It’s horrible.
But, the reason I am writing you is; Did you see John Rich and Jewel were presenting on the ACM’s??? I IMMEDIATELY thought of you and what you told me…lol..
Kelly
@ Kelly: How sad! At least you can take some comfort in the fact that you provided a loving home for such a long time.
I did not know that Rich and Jewel were presenting. Are they presenting an award together or separately? He acted really interested in her while they were performing together in Nashville, even joking around about her being his girlfriend.
Another thing he did that my friend, Alyson, and I found really irritating, was right before Jewel sang one of her hits. He made the audience get completely quiet and told us that Jewel was a poet and we weren’t supposed to make noise while she was singing. She had a strange look on her face while he said it, almost like she didn’t agree. I figure the whole point of being on stage is to bask in the enthusiasm of the fans, but he robbed her of that opportunity.
She was beyond beautiful, though. I even loved her “snaggle” tooth. :D
Brian, thank you for your comment on my blog… Muttley was such a near-human…she was fearless. I even had my *ex* thrown in jail just to rescue her from his evil-doggy-hating clutches, and flee to Nashville. LOL…
My neighbors have come by…all crying… I guess that *I* knew she was extra-special… but I am just now realizing how many peoples lives she touched.
I have had dogs before and I still have 2 other dogs. No offence to any of them, but they aren’t like Muttley. She could interact. She could sing.. and she played with the neighborhood kids like she was one of them. She even played hide and seek.
Last night I was locking up the gates on my property and Star, (the female lab that was closest to Muttley) begged to be let out in the front yard. I thought about it and let out, and she ran to Muttleys grave…she layed down on it for just a second… then got up and came back inside the fence on her own. I guess I underestimate the understanding of Gods creatures.
About John & Jewel; Yes they were presenting together.
You know what I think? I think you are somewhat right. The more I think about it, and the more you tell me, I realized I am biased because I like his work ethic and talent. But personally, he is probably full of himself, and lacks tact.
But I am glad that through our conflicting opinions and mere chance that I have gotten to know YOU a bit!
So, jerk, or no jerk, a blessing came out of this. lol.
Also, I tried to respond to you blog-to-blog and it says I am not approved to write to you. I would be honored to be a blog-buddy.
Blessings,
Kel
I disagree with you guys completely. There are a lot of people in society who do not approve of same sex marriage. And I am one of them! Call it a civil union or whatever you want but it is not a marriage. Marriage is a union made by a man and a woman to be the basis of a family. There is a reason it takes a man and a woman to make a child, it levels things out. It is nature, biology, evolution, God, whatever you want to call it, but that is how things were made to be and it is pretty darn obvious.
I have seen so many gay females who go through their little fake wedding ceremonies over and over with female after female. Ones with a “wife” in each of several different prisons. You can’t make this crap up! There is no respect for the union of marriage and if what I have seen of the lesbian community and the way they toss around the word wife is any indication, I don’t want to see them be able to use it in a legal meaning.
Oh, I guess I should mention half of these women with “wives” have a husband who either doesn’t know or who they left a long time ago and didn’t bother to divorce. Try working at a womans prison someday and see all the straight women that turn gay for the stay, each time they come to stay, it might change your mind a little as well.
@ Disagree: I disagree with you completely, as well. There is no logic in calling two identical institutions by separate names, just because the participants in one happen to be gay. You really can’t use the religious defense anymore, since many modern day marriage are anything but ordained by God. You also can’t defend marriage as being between a man and a woman because of reproduction; many straight couples can’t have children, but they can get married any way.
Using “homosexuality” in prisons as a reason to oppose gay marriage is also flawed, since many of the people who have same-sex relationships in prison aren’t doing it for love. They are doing it for protection, companionship, or sexual release. Their complicated social order should never be used as a reason to discriminate against loving, law-abiding gay couples.
Using your line of reasoning, perhaps we should ban straight marriage because of those who commit adultery or have open and polygamous marriages. :P
To all you people that have seen John “live” and say he is a jerk, have you ever actually talked to him? Or spent time with him one on one, face to face? No probably not. I have on the other hand and he is one of the most respectful people I have ever met in my life. He apologized for what he said and explained himself clearly. What else do you want? Not everybody is going to agree on everything, and I am sure you are all very aware of that. Think about this, if some random person just came out and said what John said, it would be NO big deal. Just another persons opinion on what they believe. But John because he is a celebrity, is a jerk? So that means he can’t express himself just like the rest of his. He is human too, we aren’t all perfect. Nobody is. John apologized and if you can’t accept that, then whatever live with it. But don’t go around calling him a jerk when you know NOTHING about him. Big deal you saw him live, that means nothing.
I know half of you aren’t going to agree with me and maybe half of you will but you know what just think about it. Maybe I changed someone’s mind, or maybe not. My point is, John is an amazing guy, don’t judge him just by what you read on the media, half the time it’s blown out of proportion anyways.
@ unknown: Perhaps you are right about John. I’ve never talked to him personally, nor would I want to. My perception of him is that he is rude and obnoxious. Most performers would be on their best behavior in a public situation, since much of their success depends upon the likability factor. I just can’t imagine why a performer would think that acting like a bad ass at a charity event would be good for his image.
And, just for the record, anyone who makes similar comments to John’s on homosexuality is a jerk in my book – celebrity or not.