The comment pulpit

George Takei, who as a young actor played Sulu on the Star Trek television series nearly 50 years ago, is now a gay activist. He is so angry about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ criticism of same-sex marriage that he called Thomas a “clown in blackface.”

Takei received criticism for making a racist remark, and last week he posted an apology of sorts on Facebook, saying, “My choice of words was regrettable, not because I do not believe Justice Thomas is deeply wrong, but because they were ad hominem and uncivil, and for that I am sorry.”

Not surprisingly, most commenters patted Takei on the back both for his anti-Thomas sentiment and his semi-apology. A few lambasted him. But some commenters took advantage of Takei’s platform to point out gently Takei’s error and underscore what Thomas wrote in his dissent in Obergefell v. Hodges.

Dave McMillen, for instance, wrote, “I appreciate for your apology. I encourage you to read Justice Thomas’ dissent in full to understand his thinking. In a nutshell human dignity is given by God, not by governments or man, therefore it is innate and cannot be taken away no matter the circumstances.”

Fran Moyer Smith wrote that Thomas “spoke to the notion that human dignity is bestowed on us by something greater than government. That’s a powerful truth and as someone who was interned during WW2 you above most living today should understand his words.” Ray Montecalvo similarly described Thomas’s belief that “Dignity is inherent in a human being. It cannot be granted by government or removed by government. “

Jeffrey Scott Moss also noted that “a government can’t take away a person’s dignity through policy because one’s dignity is inherent within the individual.”

Takei may not have read Thomas’ dissent. Most commenters probably did not either. But many read these polite, short, and to-the-point comments. Perhaps God will use these humble comments to show someone the fundamental truth that dignity flows from God, not government.