YOUR COMMENTS

Wow!.... This is off the wall even by conservative standards.

I am a moderate and have always been suprised by by the hate rehetoric on botth extremes.

This is about the worst I have seen from either side though.
- LJ, Waltham, MA

Bob, Hooksett, Supply your proof that the Tea Party march is not a grass roots organization...everywhere I've been and talked with people, they are just ordinary people, many of whom have never been invovled in the political process until now, and have simply had enough of the current state (and fed) government ignoring our constitutional rights.

I was at the Portsmouth Obama Town Hall meeting this summer and witnessed personally the bus loads of SEIU workers brought in from out-of-state and the manipulation organized in the "random" audience questioner especially from Mass. Pot calling kettle black? Double Standard? Human Rights Campaign (really "gay" RC, but the name is even purposely meant to deceive people) massive out-of-state contributions to swing NH to the dems and pass gay marriage? Apply the same hypocrit definition to the dems as you do to the repubs...but then it's not about fairness is it? And Fox News covers any news while the liberal major media manipulate people with their news; their news has to be ok'd by the WH.

Where's Buckley's apologies and accountability?
- judy, bradford

David in Merrimack...could you be any MORE clueless?!? Comparing a bigoted, intolerant tirade to the term "tea baggers"...are you serious?

Tea baggers is a better term than I would use to decribe these dolts that assembled behind the reformed drug-addict, alcoholic, womanizer-turned-Mormon, Glen Beck! I refer to them as morons because that's exactly what they are!

For the record, this "taxpayer march" was not a grass-roots movement--it was organized by FreedomWorks (AKA Koch industries) which is funded by major corporations (big surprise there). Anybody stupid enough to engage in that pathetic campaign deserves to be labeled. There's a reson only FAUX News covered this non-event.
- Bob, Hooksett

The funniest part of the interview? "Trust me. I don't even know why I did it," Lambert said. "You look back and you say, 'Why did I do that?' And now you understand why people like Imus can be so dumb. But it's beyond dumb." Here is my guess why you did it. You were certain that the people listening to you would find it amusing, and you wanted to be one of the gang. Truth serum time.
- Steve B, Derry

While Doug's words were not right and should not have been said, Doug's contributions to the community will be greatly missed by me and many others in the Lakes Region and NH Region. It is unfortunate that he made such an error while live streaming to only 4 people (one his mother, the other his wife, one unknown, and one who broke the story to the Daily Kos.) that could be made into such a viral news story. His work for the pocket of the taxpayer as well as against the corruption and waste in government made a difference for the better. Politics in NH will not be the same without this distinct voice in the exchange.
- CollegeKid., Boston,MA

No need to apologize Mr. Lambert. Thank you for clearly and openly showing the world the face of the new Republican party. Very enlightening.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me

LOL Yes Tom anyone who does something controversial is a representative of the Republican Party. That would mean your fellow liberal Democrat posters here on the UL must be representatives the Democrat party right?

What did Jesse Jackson call New York again? Ah yes it was Hymie Town in reference to the Jewish population. So remind us all what punishment Mr. Jackson received for his insulting comment?

Honestly I found the remark towards Mr. Lambert in poor taste as I’m sure many a conservative did. Saying that we really need to start teaching the sticks and stones rhyme again in this country rather than creating special laws that try to stifle free speech, even when in poor taste. It’s never going to happen.
- Deb, Derry

Good point Tom. He's only trying to weasel out of it now because he didn't expect his cohorts on the right to not back him. CYA time for the republicans.

Funniest part of this is that the commenters think that saying "the dems do it too" makes it OK. Consistently, clueless.
- CJ, Hooksett

"That's right. I said it and I meant it."


That pretty much negates any apology on the lambert's part. Once a meathead always a meathead.
- Tom, Manchester

A Double Standard indeed...Greg Moore hit the nail on the head in that this is about scoring political points, not advancing the diversity of dialog. I've not received an apology fro being called "Fat" or "four-eyed" or "big-ears" what a thin-skinned world we live in.
- Rick Olson, Manchester

There is lots of irony to this story-- the fact that Doug hung himself out to dry through the use of the exact cutting edge format he had crafted over the past few years, and instead of reporting the news and offering insight like a pundit, instead he became the news and has been pundified as a result. If only he'd called him a maggot. One misguided vitriolic tirade does not define this man, or change the fact that he is a great father, wonderful husband and the leader he has been for his immediate community. If you knew him personally you'd be completely miffed about how this happened, granted the words were hurtful and not needed, but without seeing the manner of context i can envision it wasn't nearly as heartless as its been portrayed. Doug hasn't tried to explain it away and Skip was in the moment and realized instantly that Doug's window of carelessness was a dubious one. He wasn't involved in gross, malicious and sinister hate speech as some would want us to believe, he was being a sophmoric entertainer that ensnared himself in an inextricable scenario. A sobering moment for a guy that is as mature, competent and up front as they come. Doug-- i am sure you are being hard on yourself over this, and you shouldn't be. your a believer and seek salvation, your forgiveness has been real and apology contrite. We shouldn't lose sight of the big picture and all the 'real' issues that exist on many levels from the county to the globe. Your error doesn't diminish your value as a person, your success as a businessman and your belief in the greatest nation on earth. Your words inflicted pain in an unintended way, but you didn't cause anybody a mortal wound, cause anyone to lose their job, effect a generation, inflict bodily injury. People have done a lot worse and others in much higher places have fallen much further. People find joy in seeing other peoples demise. You fell below a higher standard for that idiotic moment, but is doesn't for an instant cheapen the body of your work and time spent on valuable things. Its your teachable moment-- unfortunately the President didn't invite you to the white house for a beer. The opposition has an arrow in their quiver to use against the republican party, but that arrow can't penetrate a twisted idealogy, fanaticism about all things improper, irrevelent and inconsequential intentions. Take a reprieve and refocus your purpose. Go out and make some lemonade! You are far too intelligent to go away and hide under a rock with anonymity.
- mt, boston, ma

At least Conservatives apologize for their statements, Democrats never apologize! Oh unless it's Mr O's Overseas American Apology Tour!
- Mae, Plaistow

OMG, Bob Jean, Northwood...you obviously haven't watched all the videos Buckley stars in; when Buckley deserves respect (it's earned in case you didn't know) from people of any kind of moral standard, perhaps he'll get it. If a hetero republican politician had done the same videos, he would have been run out of town on a rail!

And, Kelly of Bristol; when the local gov't is wrong (I believe they have won some lawsuits against the town), what's wrong with suing them? Not to mention, making somebody uncomfortable might just be their problem not Doug's. Some people are uncomfortable with anybody who just doesn't go along with business as usual but tries to right wrongs. It's our constitutional right.
- judy, bradford

Lambert and his band of merry men have been nothing but a thorn in the side of the Lakes Region community for years... way to go guys! You just punched us in the stomach again. It isn't enough that you have been suing every branch of local government for the past two years, that you have discouraged your fellow citizens from getting involved in local politics, and generally made everyone uncomfortable... now you have to go and make a bonehead statement like this!?!?!?! Can't you just go back to Rhode Island?
- Kelly, Bristol

Double standard. Why aren't you all also condemning all the liberal nuts who refer to Tea Party Protesters as Tea Baggers. Double standard in the worst way.
- David, Merrimack

The predictability of these types of situations are unerring in the political realm. An individual (in this case, Doug Lambert) will make an unacceptable comment that outrages the public's sensabilities (using a slur about sexual orientation) and create a sympathetic victim (Ray Buckley).

The media and political leaders will justifiably dump scorn on the offender (Lambert), who will apologize for the offense. Then, the victim (Buckley) and his/her allies (Baxley, Hodes) will engage in overreach and attempt to score cheap political points in order to garner a short-term gain ("a larger problem with the GOP"). This will cause predictable polarization that will make the victim look like a opportunist.

In the end, the offender (Lambert) will have injured his own reputation, while the larger lesson is lost on the public, because taking advantage of politics appears to be more important to some than trying to advance society. It's a sad shame.
- Greg Moore, Manchester

How shocking......a conservative being nasty! I think he needs to re-read his bible!
- Ed, Manchester

Bob Jean,Northwood and others who are calling for Republican leadership to denounce this.

Where is your outcry when Democrats go around calling people gay slurs?What about the leadership (pelosi)of this country,you know,the Speaker of the House,calling people nazis.Ah yes,nothing but crickets when it comes to Democrat mud throwing.But let a conservative utter ANY controversial remark and it's front page news for the foreseeable future.

You people have freaks like Markos Moulitsas running around saying much worse than Mr.Lambert has uttered and he is a distinguished guest at many Democrat rallies/protests.And yet you want Republican leadership to denounce this man.

For those that don't know Mr.Moulitsas(sp?),do a little research on him and his blog Daily Kos,then get back to us about your outrage at Mr.Lambert.
- Tim Oliver, Allenstown

Mr. Lambert was wrong, and he sincerely apologized for a moment of stupidity. He actually apologized and owned up to it, he didn't say "My words could have been calibrated differently" or "If I offended anyone...". He owned it...much more than I can say for any liberal politician in NH over the last several years. Hodes and the rest of that ilk wouldn't know integrity if it kicked them in the face.
- Aaron, Amherst, NH

Ray Buckley is a distinguished and courageous NH political leader who stands up for what he believes in. He deserves all our respect, and, even when I am in strongest disagreement with him over some issue or another, he has my personal admiration.

Republicans are wise to condemn this type of disgusting behavior. They should do so loudly, clearly, quickly, and from the very top down.
- Bob Jean, Northwood, NH 03261

People still listen to AM radio?
I thought we switched to FM a long time ago to avoid all the 'static'.
- Bob, Concord

So a Muslim terrorist guns down American soldiers on American soil while yelling "God is great" in Arabic and the fact that he is a Muslim is completely ignored, yet one person makes a couple nasty gay remarks and it's ”a larger problem with the GOP”

These peoples hypocrisy literally knows no end.
- Craig D, Manchester

There is so much to dislike about Ray Buckley I didn't even notice his sexual orientation!
- Annie, Hnniker

Lori from Franklin you beat me to it. You got it right.
- Joe Conway, Charlestown, NH

Let him continue to learn a hard lesson from this and then he can decide what kind of man he wants to be going forward.

We're all Americans and whether or not we agree with someone, we have an obligation to treat each other with respect.
- Bob V, Manchester

The only thing worse than free speech is the chilling environment of silence that preceded it. The Constitution protects free speech in Article 22, NH Bill of Rights. http://www.nh.gov/constitution/billofrights.html

Sentiment begets speech begets policy. Forced silence is thought control. Free men think for themselves.

Neither Ayotte, Lamontagne, Guinta, nor Bradley is fit to send any man to war, nor tax him if they would choose to silence a man's speech. Ed Brown is still in prison. Take the Loeb Award and burn it.
- Steve, Manch

Why is it that liberals can say anything they want to about anyone they care to and the comment seldom makes it into the news. But let one conservative make any off color comment and it hits the headlines immediately.
- Brian, Farmington

Now that Doug has apologized for his comments, it's time for Ray Buckley to apologize for his.

"We've all lost things." -- To a Gold Star mother after a debate last year. The "thing" he was referring to was the woman's son.

"Hitler should have bombed it." -- To a videographer after he was asked how his trip to the Hague went.

Calling Tea Partiers "thugs" and using the term "teabaggers" on numerous occassions.

And don't forget the videos going around online of Buckley's Greatest Hits.

I've already accepted Doug's apology. I want to see Buckley apologize for his comments.
- Lori Ingham, Franklin, NH

This is the position of all too many "conservatives" in NH. The equivalent of Mark Fuhrman saying the N word. Lambert was a loudmouth idiot before the comments, and still is regardless of his apology. If Ray accepts his mea culpa, then the issue simply fades away. However a moron without a soapbox is still a moron.
- Tim, Enfield

I am wondering if all those Democrats so clearly (and righfully) offended will apply the same degree of scrutiny to their own ranks.

Will Paul Hodes now call for "hate speech" laws to protect tea party protesters from being called "Nazis" by Nancy Pelosi or "racists" by Barbra Boxer?

Will Mo Baxley insist that mainstream media personalities refer to the protesters as "tea partiers" and not "tea baggers" and avoid the derogatory gay bathroom humor?

Will Democrats finally call on Obama to apologize for his "god, guns and xenophobia" comments; "just words" that painted whole swaths of Americans as paranoid and redneck merely because they did not agree with his intellectually limited and immature worldview?

I somehow doubt it.

Lambert was out of line, acted immaturely, has apologized and is suffering financial loss for his idiocy.

But enough with the crocodile tears.

This kind of moronic behavior, on both sides, is why most parents would rather their kids sell used cars than get into politics.
- Bill, Concord

No need to apologize Mr. Lambert. Thank you for clearly and openly showing the world the face of the new Republican party. Very enlightening.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

Ugh.

These kinds of comments are one of the reasons why a lot of gay voters tilt toward the Democratic party sometimes instead of the Republican party. At least with the Democrats you find a lot less gay bashing.

Mr. Lambert really needs to get over whatever issues he has with gay people. Ray Buckley may very well be a skank in some respects for all I know but it is completely unhelpful for Mr. Lambert to focus his ire on Buckley's sexual orientation.

Focus on the issues, please, Mr. Lambert. And get over your homophobia. There are PLENTY of things to go after Ray Buckley for without getting personal and bringing up his sexuality.
- Bob Smith, Milford

This is ridiculous.Democrats have been running around this state calling thier own constituents "Teabaggers"for the last 6 months,along with numerous "news readers" repeating the slur.

Now because a conservative says something that supposedly offends gay people he has to give up everything he has worked for in the last several years.

The hypocrisy is sickening.So Union Leader,when are you going to confront all these bigots running around NH spouting gay slurs at thier constituents?Yes,I'm sure you will get right on it.

As for those who took the time to call out Mr.Lambert for his comments,where were you when the Dems(and thier MSM buddies) were calling thousands of thier constituents "teabaggers"?

For those that don't know what it means,look it up.I would suggest the UL print the definition for you but I won't hold my breath.Also,why no link or web address so we can see the video that is mentioned in the story?I'm sure it is safe to view,right?
- Tim Oliver, Allenstown

What next whites offended at being called crackers by the black community? Somehow that did not make it into the hate crime legislation.

Let's keep creating special laws for special people and see where it gets us in the end. We can all look forward to walking around afraid to say anything.
- Deb, Derry

Democratic Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes, said Lamontagne and Ayotte should "support laws that could prevent this type of hate speech from turning into violence against targeted groups of Americans.

Typical liberal response: demand that we pass a law outlawing any speech that liberals do not agree with. As a grateful, recovering lawyer, Hodes should know better than this.

Lambert's comments were idiotic, obviously, but shutting down the First Amendment for the rest of us is not the cure.
- Larry Gillis, Cape Coral FL

In this little dust-up, we have an example of why politicians are deservedly held in contempt. A minor-league commentator speaks ill, but truthfully, of a local politician, who happens to be a member of a traditionally disciminated-against group--and the rest of them fall all over themselves to leap into the spotlight either to distance themselves from any association with, or to furiously condemn, the speaker. The wounded politico asks us to join him in seeing one little person's expression of bile as emblematic of the essence of an entire political philosophy. His supporters cry to heaven for swift and uncompromising justice. His opponents puff themselves up in righteous indignation, banishing their former comrade to oblivion or worse. The prize, however, for the most inane thought garbed in noble speech must go to Representative Hodes. He states that his likely Congressional opponents "support laws that could prevent this type of hate speech from turning into violence against targeted groups of Americans." How does he know that they do not support such laws, assuming that such laws are on the books or can be even drafted in the first place? For that matter, what does that even mean? How does speech turn into violence? Speech can incite violence, of course, but the laws already exist to handle that problem without application to any protected class. Does Mr. Hodes lack the integrity or the ability to express his actual meaning, which could be anything from "My opponents condone speech that incites violence" to "My opponents oppose laws that would criminalize speech against members of certain groups." These holier-than-thou histrionics from both Republicans and Democrats every time someone publicly says something stupid are so tiring. One wonders whether these folks vying to lead us have any sense of perspective at all. Or has protection from hurt feelings become the major political issue of our time?
- Christopher Kelleher, Hooksett

These comments were WRONG and there was no place for them. However, I would like to point out the man knows the correct way to apologize. "What I said was inappropriate and hurtful. I apologize to Mr. Buckley for it."

He didn't use the PC version of: "I apologize if anyone was offended by my comments..."

I am curious though as to how Paul Hodes's suggestion of "support(ing) laws that could prevent this type of hate speech from turning into violence against targeted groups of Americans." would actually work?
- Jim D, Hillsboro

Too much dancing around this issue. From an early age, "tough guys" learn to use that word, typically in the company of other tough guys. It gets them some respect amongst the tough guys, and they all chuckle. He shouldn't have apologized. He knew what he was saying and why he was saying it. If anyone thinks he would be "sorry" and apologetic if he wasn't fired, you are nuts.
- Steve B, Derry

Gee, of course, Buckley "declined to comment" and tried to deflect from himself to "a larger problem with the GOP." Lambert's one guy who apparently let his anger and/or passion get the best of him; he's not the entire GOP. Buckley's got more skeletons in his closet (no pun intended) showing his completely outrageous and unacceptable human behavior that this brings back to the light so I'm sure he understands that the camera's are sometimes rolling and can come back to haunt you. Obviously Buckley doesn't want it to be about him.

While I certainly don't condone what Lambert said, when is Buckley going to be held accountable for his hate speech and inappropriate actions? Of course, the dems support Buckley, well, maybe until their own young male child becomes one of his targets via Utube...watch the Utube of Buckley (obviously already seen by innocent children) and then ask yourself: "what's wrong with this picture?" We're all supposed to be tolerant of Buckley's actions and words because he's gay and we live in a PC generation but gays don't have to be tolerant of the hetero Lambert? When are the people of NH going to wake up and see this hypocrisy for what it is?

We're not given our right to vote on gay marriage but instead have it forced on us and we're supposed to be happy and complacent about being manipulated? Get a grip people and vote the dems out of office and let's take back NH. 31 states who were given their right to vote went against gay marriage, so I'd say the people have spoken...unfortunately the dems just aren't listening nor do they care what the people they're supposed to be representing think.
- judy, bradford

In my opinion his comments were made under the influence of "Mob Mentality"or something akin to peer pressure.

It is not a secret that the Republican Party "disagrees" with "gay lifestyles."

And, being a club member, means not just talking about something in secret. You feel compelled to "act" on those beliefs.

Environment affects lives regardless, an old saying which means the environment you live in will affect you one way or another.

I think this explains why he does not understand his own actions. He was caught up in the moment.

I am not excusing his actions and words. He made the choice of being in a group who projects those negative thoughts.
- Nick A., Derry, NH

There's no excuse for Lambert's outburst, and he's paying the price for that. But everyone should go watch the YouTube video of Ray Buckley that me mentions because it's an eye-opener of just what kind of an individual Buckley is.
- Jay Collins, Laconia

While I don't condone what this guy said, or even know who he is I do find it a little hypocritical of the Manchester Dems. How can long time Manchester residents forget about the mailers that Ray Buckley sent us, yes, THOSE mailers. It is a shame that the UL had to waste ink, and online space to tell us about a wannabe radio host in the Lakes Region, and our very own potty mouth Manchester resident. Move on, more important things to focus on.
- Carl, Manchester, NH

What MR Lambert said was reproachable. He made the statement of his own free will and has suffered the consequences.

I am embarassed as a fellow Dartmouth alum that Mr Hodes thinks we need a law to deprive anyone of free speech. Instead of asking two Senate Hopefuls to support such a rediculous law, why doesn't Mr Hodes demonstrate some leadership of his own?

We have this little problem with our economy right now Mr Hodes and you voted to significantly increase spending and taxes. You ignored the fact that your district is full of small business owners. Perhaps you missed the economy being in shambles because you were hard at work thinking of real healthcare reform. If that is the case I haven't seen a single original thought come from you, spoken or in written form. Instead of working hard to represent the people of your district you took the easy way out and followed Nancy the purse pelosi's lead.

Mr Lamontagne and Ms Ayotte should not follow your ill logic, but rather figure out how best to represent the interests of this great state.
- Michael Layon, Derry

Lambert's comments were outrageous and unacceptable. They go beyond the pale and take political discourse down to a level that injures constructive debate. He has lost his radio show, newspaper column and, most importantly, his reputation.

That said, he has been nothing short of profuse in his apologies, and certainly seems sincere, with the benefit of hindsight. Accordingly, I believe it is time that the public, after reprimanding Lambert, now begins to show the type of tolerance that his comments hurt among the gays and lesbians of the state. It's time for us to be the bigger men and women, learn from this, and move on.
- Glen, Manchester, NH