North Carolina Pastors are going to start to preach against Marriage Equality. See, N.C. is going to vote on a Constitutional Ammendment. Pastors statewide are using the bible and pulpit to proclaim what their God says. Now that is not my argument with them. They have that right. My argument with them is that they try every hand in the book to get us all to do Gods will. That they constantly go to Scripture for the law. "What does God say?" "What does Jesus say?" "What does the Bible say?" If they had it their way, there would be nothing done in this country unless it fit Gods book of laws. Sounds Theocratic to me. And last I checked, this was not a Theocracy.
Now, when it comes to Theocracy, there is a religion that does base everything on God and Gods Law. The religion of Islam. Many Christians condem them for their belief in Sharia Law. To define Sharia Law it is Muslim or Islamic Law, both civil and criminal justice as well as regulating individual conduct, both moral and personal. The custom -based body of law based on the Quran and Religion of Islam.
Let me take liberty and rephrase that. Christian law both civil and criminal, as well as regulating individual conduct, both moral and personal. The custom-based body of law based on the Bible and Holy Scriptures.
Now here's where I get stoned. WHAT THE HELL IS THE DIFFERENCE?!? Many Christians think they are the elite. They are the only righteous ones. Yet, when it comes to the laws of this land and the vote of the lawmakers, they want to throw the Bible in their faces. They used it against the slaves. They used it against the Jews. They used it against civil rights marchers. They use it to base their wars. It's been used and abused for so long. They even use it against themselves. To try and say their way of belief is better.
But to use it to try and change the laws of the land? That, my dear friend, is close to Sharia Law. I hear so many Christians condem Sharia. And I agree. It can not work.
That is whay there are so many sects of Islam. Sunni, Shiite, etc. They all have their way of interpreting it. Now, if we start using the Bible to make OUR laws, whos belief should it be?
Baptist? Penticostal? Presbyterian? Lutheren? Catholic? Maybe Mormon? Jehovahs Wittness? Christian Science? Calvin? Wesley? I know!!!!! PURITAN! that would cure it all. Afterall, they stoned you, beat you, imprisoned you for not following their ways.
So we really need to look inwards at ourselves and see just what God is saying to us on the law. It is a personal belief? or is it Christsharianity we need? Or is it to trust the law -makers we voted in.
Just asking.
Showing posts with label Gay marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gay marriage. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Remembering Family This September 11th.
We, in the gay community, often times use the term "family" to describe one another. On this, the 10th. anniversary of the tragic terror attack to befall the United States, many names of family members will be read in ceremonies across the country. Let me tell you of a few of my "family" members. Just to keep their memories alive. To honor them. To uplift and keep in our hearts their spouses.
First and foremost, Father Mychal Judge. Father Mychal was the Catholic Chaplin of the NYFD. He was killed while ministering to a fallen firefighter. His helmet was given o the Pope. He was also the Grand Marshal {in spirit} of the 2002 Chicago St. Patricks Day Parade.
Mark Bingham {31}, a passenger on Flight 93. One of the passengers who tried to take back the aircraft. Mark was a member of the Gay Rugby League. On a taped cell phone message to his mother, Mark knew what was happening. He told his mother what was planned. September 16th. is officially Mark Bingham Day in San Francisco. The Gay Rugby League has started the Bingham Cup championships in his honor.
Carol Flynik {40}, American Flight 11. Survived by her partner of 13 years, Nancy Walsh.
David Charlebois, Co-Pilot of American Flight 77 which crashed into the Pentagon. Survived by his partner of nearly 13 years, Tom Hay.
Graham Berkeley {37}, killed on United Flight 175.
Pamela Boyce {43}, worked on the 92 floor of One World Trade Center. Survived by partner, Catherine Anello.
Ronald Gamboa {33} and partner Dan Brandhorst on United Flight 175. Also on board, their 3 year old adopted son, David.
James Joe Ferguson {39}, Director of Photograhy Education for the National Geographic Society on American Flight 77.
Jeffrey Collman, flight attendent on American Flight 11. Survived by partner of 11 years, Keith Brackowski.
John Keohane, was standing on the streets with partner of 17 years, Mark Lyons. Was talking on cell phone with his mother when he thought another plane had hit the tower. Tragically, it was Tower One collapsing. although Mark Lyons survived his injuries, he was to die of suicide on March 1st. 2002.
Wesley Mercer {70}, Security Personnel for Morgan Stanley. Rushed to the 44th. floor to supervise evacuations.Went back up to make sure all were evacuted. {Please note this was all done without the use of elevators}. Survived by partner of 26 years, Bill Randolph.
Sela Hein {51}, worked in he Pentagon for the U.S.Army's Management and Budget office. Survived by partner of 18 years, Peggy Neff.
Luke Dudek {50}, Food and Beverage controller for Windows on the World, a resturant at top of tower. This was his first day back to work after a week's vacation. He spent it renovating his partner of 20 years, George Cuellars, floral shop.
It was said by Edgar Rodriquez of the NYPD "As the days went by, we learned that some of the missing rescue personnel were gay, and that many of their lovers, some of whom are cops and firefighters, were grieving in silence for fear of outing them. Their were also gay cops and firefighters that lost family members that were rescue personnel. We learned too quickly and in too cruel a way that the closet is a terrible place to grieve".
Well said sir, well said.
First and foremost, Father Mychal Judge. Father Mychal was the Catholic Chaplin of the NYFD. He was killed while ministering to a fallen firefighter. His helmet was given o the Pope. He was also the Grand Marshal {in spirit} of the 2002 Chicago St. Patricks Day Parade.
Mark Bingham {31}, a passenger on Flight 93. One of the passengers who tried to take back the aircraft. Mark was a member of the Gay Rugby League. On a taped cell phone message to his mother, Mark knew what was happening. He told his mother what was planned. September 16th. is officially Mark Bingham Day in San Francisco. The Gay Rugby League has started the Bingham Cup championships in his honor.
Carol Flynik {40}, American Flight 11. Survived by her partner of 13 years, Nancy Walsh.
David Charlebois, Co-Pilot of American Flight 77 which crashed into the Pentagon. Survived by his partner of nearly 13 years, Tom Hay.
Graham Berkeley {37}, killed on United Flight 175.
Pamela Boyce {43}, worked on the 92 floor of One World Trade Center. Survived by partner, Catherine Anello.
Ronald Gamboa {33} and partner Dan Brandhorst on United Flight 175. Also on board, their 3 year old adopted son, David.
James Joe Ferguson {39}, Director of Photograhy Education for the National Geographic Society on American Flight 77.
Jeffrey Collman, flight attendent on American Flight 11. Survived by partner of 11 years, Keith Brackowski.
John Keohane, was standing on the streets with partner of 17 years, Mark Lyons. Was talking on cell phone with his mother when he thought another plane had hit the tower. Tragically, it was Tower One collapsing. although Mark Lyons survived his injuries, he was to die of suicide on March 1st. 2002.
Wesley Mercer {70}, Security Personnel for Morgan Stanley. Rushed to the 44th. floor to supervise evacuations.Went back up to make sure all were evacuted. {Please note this was all done without the use of elevators}. Survived by partner of 26 years, Bill Randolph.
Sela Hein {51}, worked in he Pentagon for the U.S.Army's Management and Budget office. Survived by partner of 18 years, Peggy Neff.
Luke Dudek {50}, Food and Beverage controller for Windows on the World, a resturant at top of tower. This was his first day back to work after a week's vacation. He spent it renovating his partner of 20 years, George Cuellars, floral shop.
It was said by Edgar Rodriquez of the NYPD "As the days went by, we learned that some of the missing rescue personnel were gay, and that many of their lovers, some of whom are cops and firefighters, were grieving in silence for fear of outing them. Their were also gay cops and firefighters that lost family members that were rescue personnel. We learned too quickly and in too cruel a way that the closet is a terrible place to grieve".
Well said sir, well said.
Monday, August 8, 2011
NOM's Marriage Pledge...possible? I don't think so.
Romney, Bachman, Pawlenty have all put their name to a piece of paper that I say has less use than toilet paper. It states that if elected President, they pledge to do 3 things
*Federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
*Defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court.
*Commission an investigation into the harassment of traditional marriage supporters.
The one that has me laughing is the Constitutional Amendment. Authority to amend the Constitution comes from Article V of the Constitution. I do not think these people have done their homework. If they did, they would know the President has NOTHING to do with this process. I honestly think they believe none of us red-neck, bible toting, backwoods Americans know this. Well yee-haw! Allow me to introduce you to the process.
Article V of the Constitution states:
*Congress shall propose an amendment to the Constitution.
*It shall take a 2/3's vote in the House and Senate.
*The Archivist of the United States then shall notify the State Governors.
*The Governors shall notify their State Legislators.
*It then becomes law after being ratified by three-fourths of the States.
In today's culture of 2011, that would mean that 38 of the 50 States need to ratify and 13 to kill the deal. As of right now? 9 States allow Same Sex Marriage. Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont. California is on its way.
Although the President is not required to sign it into law, they may do so as pure ceremony. i.e.: President Johnson with the 24th and 25th amendments and President Nixon along with 3 young scholars with the 26th amendment.
I shutter with fear on the last one. The Commission to Investigate. That just sounds too Nazi-istic S.S. for me. Shades of the 1950's Senator McCarthy's Red Scare. To those too young, that's the Rooting out of Communism that destroyed half of Hollywood. Homo sexuals were included.
The one thing this paper fails to mention is the divorce rate destroying traditional marriage. The divorce rate among traditional marriage is between 41-50%. States that recognise Same Sex Marriage, the rate is 41.2%, States that do not recognise Same Sex Marriage, the rate is 50.3%. Massachusetts, which has recognised since 2004, the rate of divorce has actually gone down20.7%.
So sign on my friends. As your friends all get divorced and leave their traditional marriages, what are YOU doing to save them? As they are becoming "One Parent" households, what are YOU doing to help them? NOM leaders say it should be up to the people. Well, which is it? Up to the people or a Congressional Constitutional Amendment? You say one thing, yet, do another. Shades of the 2000 election. FLIP-FLOP. You should be focusing more on whats causing this rise in Traditional Divorce Rate. Focusing more on the Economy. Focusing more on the two war fronts. Instead? your focusing on one small minute part of American Culture. But I guess that's your back-door way of tossing in your Fundamentalists Religious views. So, if you want to use the Constitution against law abiding Americans, use it all. Remember, there is a separation of Church and State in the Constitution.
I want you to know that we're watching. Sum of us aint that stoopid. We's know when yer lyin' ta us. Later Gaters!
5
*Federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
*Defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court.
*Commission an investigation into the harassment of traditional marriage supporters.
The one that has me laughing is the Constitutional Amendment. Authority to amend the Constitution comes from Article V of the Constitution. I do not think these people have done their homework. If they did, they would know the President has NOTHING to do with this process. I honestly think they believe none of us red-neck, bible toting, backwoods Americans know this. Well yee-haw! Allow me to introduce you to the process.
Article V of the Constitution states:
*Congress shall propose an amendment to the Constitution.
*It shall take a 2/3's vote in the House and Senate.
*The Archivist of the United States then shall notify the State Governors.
*The Governors shall notify their State Legislators.
*It then becomes law after being ratified by three-fourths of the States.
In today's culture of 2011, that would mean that 38 of the 50 States need to ratify and 13 to kill the deal. As of right now? 9 States allow Same Sex Marriage. Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont. California is on its way.
Although the President is not required to sign it into law, they may do so as pure ceremony. i.e.: President Johnson with the 24th and 25th amendments and President Nixon along with 3 young scholars with the 26th amendment.
I shutter with fear on the last one. The Commission to Investigate. That just sounds too Nazi-istic S.S. for me. Shades of the 1950's Senator McCarthy's Red Scare. To those too young, that's the Rooting out of Communism that destroyed half of Hollywood. Homo sexuals were included.
The one thing this paper fails to mention is the divorce rate destroying traditional marriage. The divorce rate among traditional marriage is between 41-50%. States that recognise Same Sex Marriage, the rate is 41.2%, States that do not recognise Same Sex Marriage, the rate is 50.3%. Massachusetts, which has recognised since 2004, the rate of divorce has actually gone down20.7%.
So sign on my friends. As your friends all get divorced and leave their traditional marriages, what are YOU doing to save them? As they are becoming "One Parent" households, what are YOU doing to help them? NOM leaders say it should be up to the people. Well, which is it? Up to the people or a Congressional Constitutional Amendment? You say one thing, yet, do another. Shades of the 2000 election. FLIP-FLOP. You should be focusing more on whats causing this rise in Traditional Divorce Rate. Focusing more on the Economy. Focusing more on the two war fronts. Instead? your focusing on one small minute part of American Culture. But I guess that's your back-door way of tossing in your Fundamentalists Religious views. So, if you want to use the Constitution against law abiding Americans, use it all. Remember, there is a separation of Church and State in the Constitution.
I want you to know that we're watching. Sum of us aint that stoopid. We's know when yer lyin' ta us. Later Gaters!
5
Friday, July 29, 2011
And to the Republic..........not DEMOCRACY!
If you've ever said the Pledge of Allegiance then you've said.."And to the Republic for which it stands..." Rather interesting that word republic, don't you think? Oh trust me. I do have a rant and rave. I will get to it soon, I promise. But first,let me give the definitions of the two words republic and democracy.
Republic: A Government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them.
Democracy: Government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.
A Republic State is one in which the people elect representatives to perform the job of governing. One in which we trust our leaders to do the jobs for us.
A Democratic State is one in which All eligible people have equal say in decisions that affect their lives. ie: development and passage of legislation into law.
Now here's where I really get started..
THE UNITED STATES IS A REPUBLIC NOT A DEMOCRACY!
Article IV of the Constitution "guarantee's to every State in the Union a Republican form of Government"
Recently, here in California, our Governor signed legislation that requires LGBT history to enter our history books in the near future. There has been an outcry of Fundamentalist. They are going to start a petition drive to have it on the ballot to stop this legislation. Do they not trust their government to do its job? Do they not trust the Republic? It just seems to me that there has been a lot of temper tantrums lately.
And what with the Marriage of New York? NO NO NO! Mustn't do that. We don't like it. WAHHHH! Dear God in Heaven....wait until it happens Federally. We've elected people to do a job and we have the nerve to say we can do it better? If you can do it better, than get off your butts and run for the job yourself. Show me your stuff. Convince me to elect you.In the mean time....live by the Pledge that you so hardily defend....
"And to the REPUBLIC for which it stands. One Nation,... indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"
Oh dear me..did I just say the words liberty, justice, for all, in the same sentence? I feel another blog coming on. See ya later kids.
Republic: A Government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them.
Democracy: Government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.
A Republic State is one in which the people elect representatives to perform the job of governing. One in which we trust our leaders to do the jobs for us.
A Democratic State is one in which All eligible people have equal say in decisions that affect their lives. ie: development and passage of legislation into law.
Now here's where I really get started..
THE UNITED STATES IS A REPUBLIC NOT A DEMOCRACY!
Article IV of the Constitution "guarantee's to every State in the Union a Republican form of Government"
Recently, here in California, our Governor signed legislation that requires LGBT history to enter our history books in the near future. There has been an outcry of Fundamentalist. They are going to start a petition drive to have it on the ballot to stop this legislation. Do they not trust their government to do its job? Do they not trust the Republic? It just seems to me that there has been a lot of temper tantrums lately.
And what with the Marriage of New York? NO NO NO! Mustn't do that. We don't like it. WAHHHH! Dear God in Heaven....wait until it happens Federally. We've elected people to do a job and we have the nerve to say we can do it better? If you can do it better, than get off your butts and run for the job yourself. Show me your stuff. Convince me to elect you.In the mean time....live by the Pledge that you so hardily defend....
"And to the REPUBLIC for which it stands. One Nation,... indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"
Oh dear me..did I just say the words liberty, justice, for all, in the same sentence? I feel another blog coming on. See ya later kids.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
President proclaims LGBT Pride month
Well, so our President has proclaimed June 2011 as LGBT Pride month. Yes, I do belive we have had many strides since he has taken office. What with the repeal of DADT, no discrimination in the Federal workplace or Federal housing and all. But, Pride? To be proud?
Since taking office, state after state has taken or passed constitution bans on our rights. Take the right to marry for instance: Arkansa, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, and yes even the most liberal of all...OREGON, have all passed constitutional ammendments against gay marriage. Louisianas ban has been proclaimed unconstitutional by a Federal court.
Lawsuits persuing to gain these rights have been filed in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and yes the most liberal of all...Oregon. Courts in favor of marriage are Massachusetts, Vermont, Alaska, and Hawaii. The latter two being overridden by their own state constitutions.
Now to the right of adoption: Florida and Utah have both passed laws that state Gender Specific. ie: no same sex couples. North Carolina says that no unmarried shall adopt. We know what that means. Hooray for the states that do not care. California, Connecticut, Illinois (Which just adopted civil unions), Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington D.C. and yes that liberal of state...Oregon.
Since the repeal of DADT (Thats Dont ask Dont tell for those who dont like initials) the military still hasn't implemented it. It has, to the time of this post, been 163 days since President Obama signed it. Lawyers still aren't sure if "I'm a Homosexual" will still be admitted into service. If passed Dischargees will be readmitted. I was under the impression that our President was Commander in Chief? Hmmm, disobeying an order are we? The Navy institutes marriage on bases where states allow it, then strips that away one week later. Confused? I know I am.***see below
Now to the biggest one of all. At least to me. BULLYING. In his proclamation, the President mentions great strides. Great strides? Sir, the rate of teen suicides is on the rise. When will it end? More and more kids are being bullied on a dailey basis. Bullies are getting away with it. More and more teachers and principles are turning a blind eye. We send our kids to school to be taught not taunted. It ends when laws are passed to make it illegal. Illegal to bully, illegal to ignore. Bullies and their accomplices ( teachers, principles, any adult that ignores it) need to be held accountable for any teen or child committing suicide from being bullied.
Pride? To be proud? Yes I'm proud of my passed LGBT communities for standing up for their rights. Harry Hay and the Mattichine Society in the 1950's. Stonewall Drag queens in the 1960's. Harvey Milk in the 1970's. But as of late? It's time to take up a battle cry and reclaim the rights and fight for new rights that we are garaunteed as Americans.
As our Forefathers said, " All men are created equal. And they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness".
***Footnote.....As of July 22, 2011 President Obama and the Military leaders of the United States have formalized the repeal of DONT ASK DONT TELL.
Since taking office, state after state has taken or passed constitution bans on our rights. Take the right to marry for instance: Arkansa, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, and yes even the most liberal of all...OREGON, have all passed constitutional ammendments against gay marriage. Louisianas ban has been proclaimed unconstitutional by a Federal court.
Lawsuits persuing to gain these rights have been filed in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and yes the most liberal of all...Oregon. Courts in favor of marriage are Massachusetts, Vermont, Alaska, and Hawaii. The latter two being overridden by their own state constitutions.
Now to the right of adoption: Florida and Utah have both passed laws that state Gender Specific. ie: no same sex couples. North Carolina says that no unmarried shall adopt. We know what that means. Hooray for the states that do not care. California, Connecticut, Illinois (Which just adopted civil unions), Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington D.C. and yes that liberal of state...Oregon.
Since the repeal of DADT (Thats Dont ask Dont tell for those who dont like initials) the military still hasn't implemented it. It has, to the time of this post, been 163 days since President Obama signed it. Lawyers still aren't sure if "I'm a Homosexual" will still be admitted into service. If passed Dischargees will be readmitted. I was under the impression that our President was Commander in Chief? Hmmm, disobeying an order are we? The Navy institutes marriage on bases where states allow it, then strips that away one week later. Confused? I know I am.***see below
Now to the biggest one of all. At least to me. BULLYING. In his proclamation, the President mentions great strides. Great strides? Sir, the rate of teen suicides is on the rise. When will it end? More and more kids are being bullied on a dailey basis. Bullies are getting away with it. More and more teachers and principles are turning a blind eye. We send our kids to school to be taught not taunted. It ends when laws are passed to make it illegal. Illegal to bully, illegal to ignore. Bullies and their accomplices ( teachers, principles, any adult that ignores it) need to be held accountable for any teen or child committing suicide from being bullied.
Pride? To be proud? Yes I'm proud of my passed LGBT communities for standing up for their rights. Harry Hay and the Mattichine Society in the 1950's. Stonewall Drag queens in the 1960's. Harvey Milk in the 1970's. But as of late? It's time to take up a battle cry and reclaim the rights and fight for new rights that we are garaunteed as Americans.
As our Forefathers said, " All men are created equal. And they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness".
***Footnote.....As of July 22, 2011 President Obama and the Military leaders of the United States have formalized the repeal of DONT ASK DONT TELL.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Change we can belive in....Oh! your Gay? Sorry!
Change we can believe in. Yes we can. How many times have we heard or even repeated these phrases in the 2008 election rallies? Change is coming to America...just not for LGBTQ rights to marry. Change is coming to America...just not for the LGBTQ soldier. America, You have been SHORTCHANGED! OK OK! I understand that there is a failing economy. So the President went to work on that. I understand that we are at war on two fronts. So the President went to work on that. But to stay silent on issues when they arise? When they hit you square in the face? Another soldier is being ousted from service for her sexuality! The state of California just created second class American Citizens and a new minority in the United States. The minority in a minority. I'm talking about the married LGBTQ. They are now the minority of the LGBTQ of California. And the President remains silent. We have a saying in this community about the HIV crisis. I'm sure you've seen the posters. SILENCE=DEATH. By staying silent this week about the California Supreme Court ruling, was the President hoping the issue would die and just go away? Well, I'm afraid he has awakened a sleeping giant! This issue will not go away. This issue will hit you square in the face everyday. Now...Mr. President. Every time you open a magazine and see an LGBTQ model. Every time you watch television and see an LGBTQ character. Every time you listen to music and hear an LGBTQ singer. Every time you see a sports program and see an LGBTQ athlete. Every time you ride the streets of Washington D.C. and see LGBTQ citizens. I hope you are reminded of your silence. How, sir, can you explain to your two daughters that they live in a country where rights and freedoms are a fundamental part of the American make-up, and yet remain silent? How do you explain the idea of Black in America can finally achieve yet remain silent? How do you teach the 1960's civil rights movement to them yet remain silent? Sir, you've courted our vote. You've sat at our tables of fundraising. Was it all for naught? Was it all a big lie? Just to get what you wanted? I'm talking about the Oval Office here. Here we, as LGBTQ Americans, thought you'd be a different type of leader. A leader that would stand against prejudice. Finally a leader that would stand on the fundamental freedoms of the American Constitution. But, yet, still, ongoing, you remain silent!
You know, I grew up in the 1960's. I remember black/white water fountains. I remember being the only white child on the street and grown black folks crossing just to give me room. I remember my Father telling me stories about how Black Americans could fight and die for America yet had to use the back door. Had to be segregated into their own barracks. I was an 11 year old boy watching Martin Luther King and saying "that's what I aspire to become". Someone that doesn't tolerate hatred towards others. Someone that believes in others freedoms. I believe that I personally would have been a freedom fighter. Had I been old enough. You see, I believe in America. This was, is, and will ever be, the greatest Country in the world. That's because we have the greatest bond. We have the best piece of paper this side of the Magna Carta. It's known as The Constitution. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal and they are endowed with certain enalible rights. the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. and when any form of government shall endanger these rights, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish such government."
You know, I grew up in the 1960's. I remember black/white water fountains. I remember being the only white child on the street and grown black folks crossing just to give me room. I remember my Father telling me stories about how Black Americans could fight and die for America yet had to use the back door. Had to be segregated into their own barracks. I was an 11 year old boy watching Martin Luther King and saying "that's what I aspire to become". Someone that doesn't tolerate hatred towards others. Someone that believes in others freedoms. I believe that I personally would have been a freedom fighter. Had I been old enough. You see, I believe in America. This was, is, and will ever be, the greatest Country in the world. That's because we have the greatest bond. We have the best piece of paper this side of the Magna Carta. It's known as The Constitution. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal and they are endowed with certain enalible rights. the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. and when any form of government shall endanger these rights, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish such government."
Friday, May 22, 2009
Happy Birthday Harvey
Well, it's Harvey Milks Birthday! Can you imagine what Gay Culture would be like today if he was still around? Oh, He's here in mind and spirit. But with his tenacity? Things would be much more accepted as the norm. I even suspect he would have run for Governor of this great state. {California}. Maybe even won! I look back on Harvey's life and see the many years he tried to run for supervisor. Over and over. Doing it without bitter complaint of loss. Then when the win happens, he doesn't focus on gay community only. He focus's on his community. Where he lived. Gay and straight. Young and old. Now I see us today. We only want whats best for us. Better lifestyle. Better understanding in schools. Better health care. Better this and that! What about the straight couple? The one that has lived together for years and never married? The couple that can't go to the hospital and make decisions. The one who can't inherit that social security. Hmm..starting to sound familiar? I believe that Harvey would have fought for them just as hard. I believe Harvey would have said "equal rights under the law for all". Not just "Gay rights now!" See, marriage is just a piece of paper and a ceremony. {Now I know I'll step on toes here..sorry} And, yes, I understand why we need the term Marriage. As to not look like 2nd class citizens. But, I look at my 70 year old neighbors, who have never married and been together 30 years, and ask myself who fights for them? You see, I believe that Harvey would have fought for them.
Just as hard as he would have fought for us! Harvey made himself likable to the community. He accepted everyone. Now I aint saying that we do not accept everyone! I'm saying that if we fight for equal rights under the law for all, then lets include the "all". Maybe, just maybe, we could gain a little acceptance with a little love. If we want to win then we need to "Milk" the system. "Milk" it with kindness. "Milk" it with acceptance. "Milk" it with understanding. Harvey once said "It's not my victory, it's yours and yours. If a gay can win, it means there's hope that the system can work for all minorities, if we fight. We've given them hope". I want to add to that by saying "Its not our victory, it's theirs and theirs. If the gay community can win, that means there's hope that the system can and will work for all communities, if we support each other, We've given the hope".
Just as hard as he would have fought for us! Harvey made himself likable to the community. He accepted everyone. Now I aint saying that we do not accept everyone! I'm saying that if we fight for equal rights under the law for all, then lets include the "all". Maybe, just maybe, we could gain a little acceptance with a little love. If we want to win then we need to "Milk" the system. "Milk" it with kindness. "Milk" it with acceptance. "Milk" it with understanding. Harvey once said "It's not my victory, it's yours and yours. If a gay can win, it means there's hope that the system can work for all minorities, if we fight. We've given them hope". I want to add to that by saying "Its not our victory, it's theirs and theirs. If the gay community can win, that means there's hope that the system can and will work for all communities, if we support each other, We've given the hope".
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