Today on "Today" (an insult aimed at a minority religion)

An email I just received has informed me that Kathy Lee Gifford, on the Today show this morning, referred to those "nasty, bad pagans," in just those words. As I am married to one, and friends with several others, I find this type of thing incredibly disgusting. I do not allow people to so insult my wife with impunity, be it here or on any other public forum.

I have written a letter to the Today show in protest and ask that DUers do the same. As I have stood up for atheists in the past when I have witnessed slanderous attacks on their character or right to believe or not believe as they wish, I would hope that DU pagans, atheists, and progressive Christians alike would join me in sending a barrage of protest e-mails to the Today show in response to this foul insult.

My letter, sent to today@nbc.com, is as follows:

It has been brought to my attention that one of your hosts, Kathy Lee Gifford, made a remark referring to those "nasty, bad, pagans" on today's (June 25th) show. I do realize that many of those who work in the business have long since abandoned any sense of journalistic integrity or sense of honor, but such an overt expression of contempt for decent American citizens who happen to belong to a minority religion is truly reprehensible.

Would she have been allowed to say "nasty, bad Jews" or "nasty, bad Muslims" "nasty, bad Buddhists, or "nasty, bad Mormons" without censure?

I think not.

Kathy Lee might consider the plank in her own eye before commenting on the mote in another's. At best this comment is simply ignorant. At worst it could well be considered blatant slander aimed at a wholly innocent group of people, good Americans, some of whom have even fought and died in their nation's service.

A public apology would be nice, but, given that the media people have refused to apologize for far worse things of late, I'm not going to be holding my breath.

considering I'd have to be held at gunpoint to watch that drivel in the first place, but when I get an email from someone I respect a great deal who has watched the video herself and THEN acted upon it, I will take her at her word. I tried to find the video on youtube, but couldn't.

I don't think it would be so easily dismissed if it were just about any other minority in this country, particularly on DU of all places. "Just kidding" or not.

KL Gifford and shares rumors. So, you're just sharing speculation. Got it. :eyes:

Aim it somewhere else.

And no, the person isn't a "good friend," so much as an author, editor, and a respected elder in the local community I happen to know personally. "Speculation" my ass. After reviewing the video, she stated that SHE was offended by what she saw and heard. That's good enough for me.

Or are you telling me that it's now our job to decide what should and what shouldn't offend a member of a minority community to which we do not ourselves belong? That's news to me. I'm sure our African-American and GLBT members will be quite excited to hear it as well, since it will save them hours of pointless speculation as well.

gossip as gospel from a friend. I thought you were better than that. Watch it and get back to me, because I still haven't, and I'm going to bed. Your outrage at me doesn't wash with me.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25367004#25368216

start at around 4:10. It's a quiz about weddings, the question says 'pagans', and Gifford adds "those nasty, bad pagans" in a rather silly voice.

I believe in spirituality, but I am not convinced that we humans have it all figured out, just yet.

Kathie Lee. She probably just needs attention.

But, it's a good idea to send letters telling NBC you don't like it. I'm going to, right now. Thanks, Mythsaje.

Being an agnostic is very natural to me. I am a somewhat spiritual person, but I do not have confidence that any mortal person can translate the spiritual truth to express the true meaning of spirituality.

My parents are just like me, somewhat spiritual, yet, more inclined to be open minded. When I hear the word pagan, I know that her slur against "pagans" includes me, and my sweet, elderly, parents, who do believe in god.

Let her know we are okay, by not being able to define God.

Kathie Lee's comments are offensive to me, and to everyone in my family.

The Catholics called nonbelievers "pagans". Nowadays, when one refers to Pagans, they are generally referring to those who practice nature based religions including Wicca.

not the nice ones, like us.

Don't hold your breath for that apology. We want to keep you around a bit longer.