We're Here, We're Queer, You Need Us, Back Off - Part 2

Reflecting on comments regarding yesterday's post:


Yes the rich bastard certainly has the right to mouth off, but it is precisely his wealth and power that presents a danger to us - especially when his money and thus his ability to reach the ignorant masses with lies, half-truths and innuendo can do irreparable harm. Some people let others do their thinking for them and believe and rally around everything that is said if it is wrapped in the bible, god and the flag. And big rich boys know it.

News clips did show crowds lining up to eat Chicken and perhaps demonstrated more support for the anti-gay sentiment than may actually exist. However, even a false but dramatic indication of anti-gay sentiment can convince more people to hop on the hate bandwagon.

Maybe my life hasn't changed since the guy mouthed off, but something has definitely transpired in the country and I'm not sure it is a safer, more tolerant country because of it. So yes, it may be a big deal if it gives more people "permission" to act on their bigotry and homophobia.

At the bottom of yesterday's post is a link to a letter by 170 law professors refuting the right wing, religionists' talking points about religious freedom and the provision of contraception to women under the Affordable Care Act. Their reasoning, while specific to that issue, is relevant to LGBT issues, including the right to marry, because so much of the vitriol and hate stems from misguided fundamentalist religious doctrine that has no place in fashioning laws that effect the entire populace. 

Call me cynical, but I think writing letters to congresspersons is a joke. Even though I do so on occasion, I truly don't think anyone is listening - unless, of course your letter is accompanied by a $100,000 or more campaign contribution.

So, my point is this: demonstrations of hate and bigotry deserve a response appropriate to the degree of ignorance demonstrated. I think it is time for another civil rights demonstration - but I'm not sure another March on Washington will have much impact. It has to touch the lives of ordinary citizens. My example of a Day Without Homos was a bit of a fantasy - cute, but I had hoped it made a point.