Valerie Jarrett apologizes for "lifestyle choice" remark

[WilliamPitt]

(snip)

I e-mailed Jarrett last night and asked her a simple question, "Do you think being gay is a 'lifestyle choice'?" Here is her response in its entirety.

In a recent interview I was asked about the recent tragedies about gay youth who have committed suicide, and I misspoke when I referred to someone's sexual identity as a "lifestyle choice." I meant no disrespect to the LGBT community, and I apologize to any who have taken offense at my poor choice of words. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not a choice, and anyone who knows me and my work over the years knows that I am a firm believer and supporter in the rights of LGBT Americans. Most of all, I hope this does not distract from the issue I was asked about -- the desperate, tragic decision by some young people who feel that their only recourse is to take their own lives because they are being bullied or harassed because they are gay, or because others believe they are gay. We must instill in young people respect for one another, and we must set an example of mutual regard and civility to create an environment that is safe for every person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2010/10/valerie_jarrett_is_no_tony_per.html

===

FYI, the article goes on to stand up for her.

[DURHAM D]

1. The comments are killers -

taking Capehart to task for his bs.

[WilliamPitt]

2. Ouch

I didn't see those. Thanks.

Merciless.

[HughBeaumont]

3. "I apologize to any who have taken offense at my poor choice of words."

= "Yeah, not really. It's just that I keep forgetting there's this little thing called the internet which doesn't allow me to say stupid shit and get away with it."

[AspenRose]

4. Well, I hope she has a thick skin.

She'll catch hell for apologizing; she would catch hell if she didn't.

She shouldn't have said it in the first place, though, as it's factually and morally wrong.

[Gormy Cuss]

6. An apology directed only at those who were offended is not a sincere apology.

It's nice that she's now stating flat out that being gay isn't a choice but it's hardly a sign of a long held belief for a public speaker to use that phrase. Maybe it was a dog whistle as some have suggested.

[6000eliot]

5. This is a stupid non-controversy. She's on our side. She misspoke.

Give it a rest.

[Tarheel_Dem]

8. +1

:thumbsup:

[Binka]

9. Nobody On "Our" Side Misspeaks Like This

Her dog whistle use of "life-style choice" was what she THINKS/BELIEVES. She is paid highly to carefully judge her words, that is her fucking job. She said what she means. Being gay is a "life-style choice " according to Valerie.

Unless she was flat out drunk at a picnic the whole misspoke meme is BS as far as I am concerned. People say dumb shit at family gatherings I understand that. High ranking WH appointees do not just blab shit out of their ass, as they are PAID to SPEAK without the fucking MISS.

A life-style choice is what color car you drive or how you decorate your home or how you want your hair cut.

Give it a rest? Really?

[6000eliot]

12. All I'm saying is I'm gay and I could care less.

Fight the real enemy.

[xchrom]

7. wow -- those comments are on fire. nt

[Number23]

10. Thanks for posting this.

"Most of all, I hope this does not distract from the issue I was asked about -- the desperate, tragic decision by some young people who feel that their only recourse is to take their own lives because they are being bullied or harassed because they are gay, or because others believe they are gay."

WAY too late for that, Valerie.

[Name removed]

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