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Small Town Boy's Opinion So What Do I Think? |
I have essentially
become a one issue voter (more about that at the political page) and I have been
much more vocal publicly in terms of LGBTQ equality. I have written a
number of letters to the editor over the course of the past few years. The
most recent ones dated December 19, 2006 and February 10, 2006 are provided below. Other letters I have written
are linked underneath. I hope you enjoy the letters!
Letter to the Editor, The Daily
Star, Oneonta, NY
December 19, 2006
The recent congressional election was a historic day for the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered or Questioning) community, as well as for diversity, freedom of thought and religious expression. Americans from all walks of life resoundingly said "no" to the religious right, its bigotry, prejudice and holier-than-thou "we know what’s best for you" philosophy.
The extreme social conservative agenda was dealt a significant, I hope fatal, blow on Nov. 7. Gone are some of the most vitriolic anti-gay legislators, such as Rick Santorum, Jim Talent, Anne Northrup and the many other narrow-minded, tunnel-vision legislators who were hell bent on dealing hurtful, irreparable harm on this nation’s LGBTQ community. I say "good riddance" to them all.
We must be on guard and remain diligent in our efforts to ensure that America is not once again hijacked by the extreme right wing and its divisive agenda. We can only hope that November 2008 brings an administration that respects the human dignity of all citizens and one that will work toward equal protection for all under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
I am somewhat hopeful that the major political parties have learned a lesson from Nov. 7. That lesson is to not allow the extremists to drive the car of each respective national party. It is clear by the Republican Party’s resounding "thumping" on Nov. 7 that Americans were not happy with the driver of the car and the direction it was being driven.
Yes, Nov. 7 was a turning point. America began to turn its back on discrimination, prejudice and divisive wedge-issue legislation. Instead it voted for inclusiveness, more open government and a greater respect for those constitutional freedoms that we hold dear to our hearts.
February 10, 2006
I am writing this letter after having seen a phenomenal movie. Brokeback Mountain will be a classic and it’s screaming Oscar. I would encourage all to go see it! It is an awesomely powerful, yet sad love story.
It is also a movie with a message. It reinforces the belief that no one regardless of their sexual preference should have to hide their love for one another like these two men did in this movie. It so epitomizes what I have seen in real life way too many times; men and women living lives of quiet desperation and a lie because of who they are and feeling they cannot be their true selves because of bogus religious dogma and outdated 19th century thinking!
Brokeback Mountain impacted me in a way that I did not expect it to. It has strengthened my resolve to continue the fight for equality and to unwaveringly fight for it hard and strong. The consequences of fighting for that equality and for the ability to be able to be who we really are outweighs any political, social or other consequences that may arise from fighting for what is right!
Go see the movie. Encourage your friends to go see it too. However, those who really need to see it probably won’t go because of their blind faith and narrow minded tunnel vision. Hopefully some of these folks will go and they will be enlightened and realize that the religious propaganda and the holier than thou preaching they spew is doing more harm than good to folks who just want to be themselves and know in their heart that they are following the path that the Supreme Being laid out for them and that there is nothing wrong with them at all.
Past Editorials