My two hours as a guest on Rick Vanderslice’s e-radio program was a hoot. The co-host was Queerliberaction’s Blake Wilkinson, and we got into a bit.
The first half of the show, we talked in part about Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives, and we were all in agreement: Censoring the movie, especially without seeing it, is over-reaction. But free speech issues took a turn in the second half. That’s when Blake advocated prior restraint laws that would prevent certain forms of what he called “hate speech” — not hate crimes, but speech itself. As a lawyer and an adjunct professor who has lectured on first amendment issues at SMU, this worries me. How is calling someone a “tranny” not hate speech but calling someone a “fag” (as in “God Hates Fags”) is? To be clear, I do see the distinction; I just don’t know how you legislate it before the fact. And I explained my position.
“I guess everyone at the Voice hates me now,” Blake said on the air. “Of course not — I don’t hate you,” I responded, and I don’t. All good.
Then we went off the air. That’s when Blake began muttering about how he tired of the “damned condescending attitude of everyone at the Voice,” or words to that effect. He stormed out without saying goodbye. (The callers and the engineer all voiced their concern about limiting speech, too.)
Personally, I don’t think it’s condescending to disagree with a political activist, who uses the term “queer” in his group, that it’s a slippery slope to worry about banning speech. There’s a lot of speech I’d prefer not to hear, but we have to endure it in this society. Blake was drawing many distinctions about how far the ban would go — for instance, whether a gay person could use anti-gay hate speech (he can, he said, if he’s “part of the community”), and whether any hate speech is directed at an historically oppressed class (which he defined as gays, blacks and women, among others, but not gypsies or the Irish in the U.S., at least; the military is fair game as well). Frankly, I am concerned that calling a woman “a bitch” could land me in lockup, especially if she is one. And honestly, I don’t want someone who calls me a “dirty homo” to go to prison … otherwise, I’d never be able to interview Lisa Lampanelli.
Anyway, it was a fun debate, sorry if you missed it. I’d tell you to listen the next time I’m on, but guessing my invitation to be a regular guest is revoked now.
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PS — I don’t know anyone here who hates Blake, though they are ALL condescending.
Yes, it was a lively debate on my program today. I’m proud to have Blake co-host with me every Wednesday and am glad whenever Arnold Wayne Jones comes the show. FYI my new program info: The Rick Vanderslice Show (formerly The Rick and R.J. Show) on http://www.RationalBroadcasting.com , streaming live M-F, Noon-2 PM, and archived on the site. You can also see archived video of all my shows on UStream which can be accessed on the radio station site. I invite everyone to watch and hear our lively debate from todays show and if you enjoy and appreciate what I’m trying to accomplish with my show please become a fan on Facebook under The Rick Vanderslice Show. During our daily live stream you can follow us on Twitter using the hash tag: rickradio.
To Arnold’s comment just above, let me remind everyone who will listen that I’ve never met anyone more dedicated to the fight for the equal rights of the entire GLBT community than Blake Wilkinson. His passion has inspired me in countless ways over the past eventful year. Because of the huge amount of condescending blow back from The Dallas Voice, Stonewall Democrats, and others, I’ve seen the personal and physical toll it’s had on him. Being a political activist is not easy. Rarely do activists get mainstream support or understanding. You don’t create and lead an organization like Queer LiberAction to be popular or loved. One shouldn’t expect much acceptance from the establishment of the day. The best you’ll probably ever get is a plaque of appreciation and/or a position of honor in a parade many years after your risk-taking activism and leadership. Hello Larry Kramer. And so it goes.
And Arnold, never worry, you are always welcome on my show. So is Robert, Tammye, John or David Taffet. David and I were co-creators of one of the first progressive Internet talk radio stations in America in the early 2000’s called RadioLeft.com. I’ve yelled at David in disagreement in the past but I still love him. Just like any family we sometimes yell at each other but we always should remember that we are family.
I hope all of you will experience my new radio show which also has regular co-hosting visits from R.J.Jackson, Jack E. Jett, Kevin Sutton, Roy Calhoun, Dan Berlin and Elaine Liner.
It is so funny that a prissy little thing like Blake has such a big mouth. That is the pot (or the sickly looking Highland Park egocentric) calling the kettle black. Does he not know that Queer (in)action is gone? He speaks for no one. I wish he would buy that ticket to Europe. BLAKE NOW ONE LISTENS! To the Voice, as a long time reader, I recall several editions in which Blake and his posse were highlighted. Fair reporting? YES. Blake, they do not hate you, your community does.
Is it available via podcast, Arnold?
Why so sensitive Arnold? I don’t actually think you guys at the voice pay me that much mind to HATE me. It was a figure of speech made in jest and I even spelled that out for you and told you not to take it so personally.
It’s not condescending at all to disagree but to say something such as “well I hope Blake doesn’t write the legislation” is belittling at best.
You asked Arnold on how one might legislate this. Sections 318, 319, and 320 of the Canadian Penal Code could provide some ideas.
Despite my dislike of hockey, I’m going to have to side with the Canadians on this one while you and Fred Phelps tout liberties of the individual over the well-being of the group.
re: JW, you can see it here…
https://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6022637
What? Did I just read someone comparing people like me to Fred Phelps just because I believe that a person has a right to think and say what they please?
Blake, I don’t know you but you seem like an intelligent person. Which is why I’m confused at to why you would even consider advocating such a philosophy. I mean, who is the person to decide what speech is harmful? The community, the majority? I don’t think any of us would much enjoy the rules that the people around here would come up with.
And where does it stop? One minute you’re banning calling someone a faggot the next you’re preventing people from protesting religion or political ideologies or government.
Free speech isn’t perfect and it isn’t always fun but that’s because life is neither as well. Best thing you can do is stay strong, keep advocating, and ignore the BS.
I totally don’t understand why we are even talking about this. Queer Liberaction is totally dead. Its hard to have a organization when no one respects the leader. Its clear that its time for someone else to step up the plate. A direct action organization that maybe has some people skills seems like a good idea. I guess will have to wait and see what happens. Any takers?
Girlfriend you need to stop pissing people off. I get your angry and shit, but aint helping nobody. Look my babiy’s daddy always says ” bitch your attitude is messed you need some loving.” Then he usually makes my bedrock. Ha. Anyways, darling i think you should chill out and embrace the love of your LGBT brothers and sisters. Keep it real dawg!
SHOCK….Blake behaves like a child and Rick comes in to defend him. QL is no longer newsworthy so DV let it (him) go and please move on. We are tired of the Blake’s drama and his snarpy attitude.
To all the instant teabaggers brimming over with righteous pronouncements on and advice for Blake Wilkinson regarding his appearance yesterday on my radio show, I have a couple of comments. First, how many of you have gone to the UStream archive of The Rick Vanderslice Show (formerly The Rick and RJ Radio Show) for April 7,2010 at http://www.RationalBroadcasting.com and listened to the program before offering your confident judgments? And to those who confidently claim Queer LiberAction’s lack of success in protesting and activism in both reaction to the Rainbow Lounge Raid and our larger national fight for GLBT full and equal rights and protections, please make your case with specific examples. Oh, and if any of you are up to it, let’s hear your better ideas and plans for finally winning those rights and protections so that we can finally catch up with the growing list of other nations who, through their effective activism, have passed us by, some long ago? And, while I’m at it, if Blake and QL are so harmful to our cause, why did the Dallas gay community choose to honor the activism of Larry Kramer in last years Gay Pride Parade and Rally? Do any of you crows perched up on the telephone pole lines know who Kramer is? Are any of you aware of the similar tactics he employed with ACT-UP! or what they were fighting for or the effect of their activism? As long as we are an oppressed minority without our full and equal rights for EVERYONE in our GLBT population, what better suggestions do you offer?
Blake often quotes the famous declaration from the great African-American patriot from the Civil War period, Fredrick Douglas: “Power concedes nothing without demand. It never has and it never will.” Which of you cackling crows will explain to me why he is wrong? Anyone who knows my work on radio knows I’m a serious person who deals in rational thinking and facts. Which ones of you are willing and able to engage my questions and comments like informed adults rather than resorting to bird droppings from above? My guess is none. Prove me wrong.
To Rick, What has Blake ever really done, except put himself on TV and in the DV? I am sick and tired of him. I do not care that he quotes Douglas. If I quote him, does that make me an advocate? I have been to several of HIS events. What I observed is others doing all of the work and him talking to the press. What has Blake himself done for our cause? NOTHING! Why do you always come to his defense Rick? Where is QL? Where is the leadership? Like his looks, QL fizzled! I have tried several times to get involved in QL when it was the “in” group. I found him to be arrogant and uninterested in talking with me and I never heard from him, despite giving him my number and asking him to call me. I wanted to get involved. It has been my experience that he cares only about himself and his exposure. I found in my dealings with him that Blake is completely in this for the wrong reasons. Blake, I ask you here—Why are you involved in the movement? Why did QL burn out? What happened to all of your supporters? My guess is that he cannot answer these. You did not respond to my earlier post. You used poor humor to avoid this issue in your post. I am calling on you Blake to respond. I do not want to hear from your fierce protector, Rick.
As you all can see, Torrie is all hat and no cattle. No ideas. No plans. No vision. Only personal issues with Blake and his media profile. It’s all so silly.
Rick, That cannot be farther from the truth. We need a leader who is willing to represent the entire community. I wanted to get involved, he never called me back. It speaks volumes that so many people have the same issues with blake. I have several ideas, and want to work. I do not have a leader to with that would be interested. Blake, in MY experience has no interest in working with others. I was interested in focusing on religion and homophobia and he completely shut me down to talk to the news. He could have easily called me back. I gave him my card that had my cell phone and email and even wrote on the card PLEASE call! Is it my fault that I am not doing more? And if he said lets meet now (which based on his behavior he will not) I will not. Blake does not represent the community. I am not saying he is not bright. I know you think he is the next Harvey Milk, based on the way you come to his rescue. Lets remember, Hitler was bright. There was another guy that I spoke to and told him my issue months ago, and he explained that blake is a big picture guy, and is not focused on the individuals, but that he was, and would get me involved. I do not remember his name or I would call/email him. I resent your sweeping assessment of me Rick. To me, you have no interest in the community! Your crusade is for Blake. Seems to me and my wife that you need to either enter into a relationship with him OR recognize that you are not his father and let him live his life. Understand that you career has changed and that you do not have the impact you used to. TO Blake, since QL is gone, where should people go who want to get involved in direct action?