My friends, The posts on gay bashing and tolerence of gays as struck a deep chord in me, for myriad reasons. At first I thought I wouldn't reply, but I just can't let it go. If you will allow me to ramble just a little... We are all outraged about the violence, in this instance against gays. Time and again we read sad news about the violence committed against all humans, depending upon the politics of various regions of the world. Person to person, we agree, I think, that crimes of hate and greed and poverty are unforgiveable. Ultimately we have to decide, as individuals, how many wrongs make a right or when to take up the banner and fight. I don't march for gay rights. I don't march for black rights. I don't march for children's rights. Do I believe each these people and others have rights to be defended and expanded? You bet I do. I am a little person who doesn't like to yell. I have, however, noticed that actions do speak louder than any political agenda. I think I am much like many other folks out there: I work hard in my world to foster positive attitudes in those I meet and interact with. Especially with the children whose education I am entrusted with. Colin, you wrote: >I think most people DO have a problem with it, even those who say they > >don't. Why? becasue we still do not have equal status with > >heterosexuals. No partnership rights, no protection in law against > >discrimination in work, no gay bashing laws >akin to the race hate laws. If all our supporters truly do not have a >problem >with us, why are we still not treated equally? Why have they not demanded >equal >treatent for us under the law? I understand your angry frustration. Hell, women's rights have supposedly been a fact in this country for 20 years yet women are consistently underpaid for the same jobs men do. I have to outsmart and outperform men (gay or straight) on a daily basis just to get proper equipment for my classroom, adequet funds for what's needed. I confess, I don't know if gays do have legal rights in this country, other than those that conform to discrimination. Either way, enforcement of the law is a shaky thing. But how do you stop the favoritism? Maybe most of us are bewildered by the choices we would have to make; often it comes down to keeping your job. So we choose more subversive methods of defending the rights of our friends and ourselves [Of course, that's what the supremists et al do as well]. Do I like this situation? Heck, no! I would not like to have to choose between defending the rights of my friends or keeping my livelyhood. I can't even honestly answer what I would do if I had to choose. I would like to say that of course I would do the right thing and join them in their crusade. It's troubling no matter how you think of it. Colin, you also wrote: >Could it be that when it comes down to it, they >think other things are more important than our human rights? I don't. But I also believe that yours, gentle friend, aren't the only rights who are being ignored. And: >In other words I >think most talk the talk but few walk the walk. Maybe some of us just walk a quieter walk. Yours in peace, faith, and discussion, Diane _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
