If you’ve ever tuned into to MSNBC weekdays between 11 a.m. and noon ET, you are likely to have seen at least one segment focused on a LGBT issue moderated by host Thomas Roberts. But sometimes, Roberts and company might be trying a little too hard to push these issues to the forefront.
On his Wednesday broadcast, Roberts reported that technology juggernauts Apple and Microsoft were “marrying up” and taking on same-sex marriage opponent the National Organization for Marriage.
“In the meantime, get this,” Roberts said. “Tech rivals Apple and Microsoft are marrying up and asking the National Organization for Marriage its supporters to boycott their companies. This follows the release of secret documents last week showing part of the organization’s strategy to quote ‘drive a wedge’ between blacks and gays on the issue of marriage equality.”
Only one problem: They’re not “marrying up,” at least for now.
The report was apparently based on a “satirical post” published on the Daily Kos on Monday by Scott Wooledge. The post was later republished by The Huffington Post’s comedy section and was presented as satire.
Talk about a rough week!
13 Comments
Wow. Poor Roberts. All I can do is shake my head.
It does rather beg the question of why NOM is not pushing a boycott of Microsoft and Apple (both of which strongly support marriage equality), similar to the campaign that gathered almost 26,000 signatures pledging to boycott Starbucks. Why isn't NOM asking people to boycott those two giant software companies?
I finally get it. MSNBC is a satirical "news" outlet, like the Onion. They never intended for anyone to take them seriously. I guess the joke's on us.
Because we are indeed dealing with certain levels and a certain kind of insanity.
Paul Cook-Giles: Microsoft and Apple have not confirmed (in contrast to Star-bucks) they have a corporate stand on a political issue. They might donate to lobbyists, but do not have not made it an official, public corporate policy. Star-bucks Board of Directors didn't decide the public policy. It was a particular senior staff who believe making the corporate policy will increase their profits. Maybe for a while, but they leave themselves open to competitors that can profit from this error, while the don't have to express it as a corporate policy.
This phrase in the post does not make any sense: 'Tech rivals Apple and Microsoft are marrying up and asking the National Organization for Marriage its supporters to boycott their companies.' Apple and Microsoft want to be boycotted? I don't think so
Or, is that another April Fool's Day joke? I don't think lying is funny, nor having a day which celebrates lying. I think lying is the beginning of problems, because trust is broken. And civilization cannot run well without mutual trust.
I'm sure NOM would trade its rough for Roberts' "rough" week in a heartbeat.
Sorry, Little man, but you're wrong; Microsoft (and five other major Washington employers (http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2012/jan12/01-19CorpStatement.mspx) have confirmed their support, for civil marriage equality.
The 26,000 signatures collected by NOM in its boycott of Starbucks pales in comparison to the 640,000 signatures collected by the group who are supporting Starbucks position. NOM would be wise to avoid boycotting Apple and Microsoft.
cggage: Why would NOM start being wise now?
@ Paul Cook Gile,
No business is too big to fail, if Microsoft want to stick their neck out there for SSM, we will boycott them too. I have been for the past 10 years. I have never bought anything from Microsoft. Their software either came with my hardware, or I got it for free. We have plenty of time to boycott Microsoft and others. In fact people are doing it now unofficially! As for Apple, I don't own one so they a non issue with me. But we hope Starbucks will begin the domino effect; with one down the rest will follow.
I would like to say, good job NOM our petition is now @ 28,000 plus. I was hoping for 50,000 this week, maybe next week. People don't for get to get the word out-DUMP STARBUCKS. May I suggest we focus hard on this petition, it is highly likely that SSM support by other companies will dissolve. Lets use the leftest play book.
NOM let set another goal for the petition drive 500,000 by June 2012???
Also, don't believe those Starbucks support numbers the opposition keeps posting here. Remember this, Prop 8! Just keep getting the word out and the STK's petition will continue to grow...
He will burn in hell for his sins (first being gay, then lying), so will everyone who works at MSNBC
Proofread these articles peoples - makes us look more stupider