Random Thoughts This January 20th 2011

The repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was signed into law by Barak Obama, but the policy still remains in effect until everyone is sure the heterosexual soldiers will be OK with it. No one asked the Gay soldiers if they were OK with being discriminated against all these years, so we are still in the back of the bus.

It boggles my mind that there are people in responsible positions of power that think it is OK to ask a Gay soldier to risk his or her life in the defense and service of this country , and also think it is OK to force them to lie about who they are for the privilege. It points to a fundamental problem with the soul of America and the lack of courage among its leadership. We are sadly past the days of producing Abraham Lincolns and Martin Luther Kings.

Sarah Palin said today, oh who cares, never mind.

The Obama administration was back in court defending DOMA again. They say keeping the Defense of Marriage Act in place allows states to experiment with equal marriage in their states. When did the lives of Gay men and women become science projects?

I watched a behind the scenes program about the Oprah Winfrey show. During the taping of the show Oprah was thought to say something offensive to a Gay guest. She didn’t feel it was offensive but allowed herself to be overruled by her staff and the comment was edited out. I’ve never been a big fan of Oprah, but I have to admire a leader who can accept criticism and change direction.

I’ve been thinking a great deal this week how little effort it takes to just accept others as they are and wish them well. Acceptance doesn’t always mean their “thing” is my “thing” it just means I understand and value them as part of society’s fabric and support their right to be. Kind of simple isn’t it?

MT