So I am wondering today and have been for a while. What is our country coming too? It is very scary knowing I have two children entering adulthood. What will their future hold? Jobs or any type of securtiy for them? Both are military bound which scares me. I am very thankful and proud that they both want to serve our nation. Navy and Army is their branches inwhich they will serve us. Will my children see the terror of war? Will they have to "terrorize" other human beings for our government? My hope is that they will not.
I look at my life and rethink all the values and morals I was taught and those forced down my throat. I do not think people having to go to a food pantry is okay. People sleeping on the streets is not okay. I see this everyday. And I see more and more people having to use the food bank and many more on the streets. This has got to change.
People are people and why we can't see that really confuses me. I don't live inside the box. I like the outside better. I don't play by the rules...unless I have too! I want a better nation. I want a place where all is accepted. I want the violence to stop. I want our government to take their damn blinders off and see what is happening here. HERE in America...HERE in Kentucky....EVERYWHERE.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Ten things that are important to me right now.
Listed are ten things that I feel are important right now. They are not listed in order of importance.
I did ask my children. Their response was rather short.
She said we need a better child care system. If single parents and working parents had affordable and safe child care, many could get off the welfare system. If a parent is paying so much in childcare and they do not have a good paying job it is hard to provide food and shelter as well.
- Health care
- Social security
- Economy/finance
- Jobs
- Green Space
- Sense of community
- Education
- Military
- Government reform
- Human rights/equality
I did ask my children. Their response was rather short.
- Family
- Gay rights
- War
She said we need a better child care system. If single parents and working parents had affordable and safe child care, many could get off the welfare system. If a parent is paying so much in childcare and they do not have a good paying job it is hard to provide food and shelter as well.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Extra Credit-Someplace Like America
Someplace Like America Tale From The New Great Depression is a chilling and haunting look at America. No matter what city or part of the county you may be in, you will find desperation and loss of hope. How is it that our past is the same as our future? Why haven’t we done anything to change it? Actually, why hasn’t the government put more money in us? We are a nation of starving people. Our government chooses to send food to other countries. Don’t we matter anymore?
For thirty years, the author, Dale Maharide and photographer, Michael S. Williamson took a deep step inside the real people of America. There is no sugar coating the words and the pictures. It is real. The steel factory in Youngstown shutting down and hundreds of hard working people lost their jobs. No longer can they pay their mortgage, heat their home or feed their children. Good people lose their homes due to foreclosures….where do they go? Where was our government when these people needed the most help?
The banks made millions from the foreclosures and the people lost more than money. We lost our pride.
People have moved into tents for shelter. Tents. For a nation that is to help the poor and the suffering, I must say the nation sucks at helping. Children being raised in these tent cities. No yard to play in. No food to eat, unless it is a good day. Its really sad that the government does not construct more respectable housing for the poor. Just because one has lost their job, their home and their money it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to live in a home.
Sad, that people have to work two or three jobs just to keep their heads above water. Low wages attribute to this, as we all know. Jobs are so few. The jobs that usually are available are the minimum wages. How can a family survive on $7.25 an hour? We can’t. We are drowning so fast it may be to late to rescue us.
Reading Someplace…, really hit me hard. I find it so disturbing that so many Americans are without a home and food. So many can’t find work. Layoffs all around. Broken towns and broken people. We have to take a step forward together. Without each other this battle on the home front can not be won. We are resilient and we are strong. Nothing really can hold us down for too long. We overcome and we adapt to what is given to us.
Many cities across the countries have started community farms. How wonderful! A cheaper and healthier way for us to eat. It is great that communities that have been in ruins from empty homes to empty factories are trying to make a healthier and prettier community. The power of the people can change the rules and the powers. We have to unite as a community. We have to protect each other and ourselves.
What will the future hold for us if we don’t change? The depressions before us showed us. But now I fear the worse will happen. Many more Americans will be jobless, homeless, penniless. I worry for my children and their children. I hope that my future will be better. I hope getting a degree to teach the young will keep me secure. But, I don’t know. None of us do.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Extra Credit-My interpertation of this cartoon
When we were shown this in class and asked what we saw, I immediately saw the reference to the Wizard of Oz and the days of the "Big Boss".
At the beginning of the novel, Dorothy is swept from her farm to Oz by a cyclone, which was frequently compared to the free silver movement in the mid to late 1800's. The yellow brick road represents the gold. Dorthy had too reach Emerald City on the yellow brick road. Emerald City is Oz's political center, like Washington, DC.,and the Wizard is President of the United States. Dorthy was going to make her voice heard to this governing power without a face. She was going to be heard.
When the United States depended so much on gold to back them financially the gold standard was everything then.
The Big Boss men, such as Boss Man Tweed, helped the inner city people but at a price. The government sure wasn't helping. But to receive his help, these people had to vote for him and for his policies. If you didn't go along with the plan, you sure had hell to pay for. The boss had his minions or his lions as depicted in the cartoon below.
This cartoon shows a strong-willed boss with all the control attacking the little man protesting on his golden Wall Street. He is showing his power over the people. A lot of people saw a dog the boss was holding, I saw a lion, and that lion being the Big Boss' minion. A lion is much more menacing and violent.
At the beginning of the novel, Dorothy is swept from her farm to Oz by a cyclone, which was frequently compared to the free silver movement in the mid to late 1800's. The yellow brick road represents the gold. Dorthy had too reach Emerald City on the yellow brick road. Emerald City is Oz's political center, like Washington, DC.,and the Wizard is President of the United States. Dorthy was going to make her voice heard to this governing power without a face. She was going to be heard.
When the United States depended so much on gold to back them financially the gold standard was everything then.
The Big Boss men, such as Boss Man Tweed, helped the inner city people but at a price. The government sure wasn't helping. But to receive his help, these people had to vote for him and for his policies. If you didn't go along with the plan, you sure had hell to pay for. The boss had his minions or his lions as depicted in the cartoon below.
This cartoon shows a strong-willed boss with all the control attacking the little man protesting on his golden Wall Street. He is showing his power over the people. A lot of people saw a dog the boss was holding, I saw a lion, and that lion being the Big Boss' minion. A lion is much more menacing and violent.
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| Add caption |
Financial Gang
The G20
The Official Financial Gang
The world has 196 countries. The G20 selects only 19 countries and the European Union. That leaves 176 countries left standing without their voice being heard; leaving them silenced. The G20 with all the big dollars talk over those little countries whose voices can’t be heard over the sound of greed.
I was quite amazed when I went to the website of the G20, together we will share some of their achievements. How proud they are of themselves. What a joke.
“To tackle the financial and economic crisis that spread across the globe in 2008, the G20 members were called upon to further strengthen international cooperation”. Okay, are you serious? If that gang did their job correctly, I think the 2008 crisis wouldn’t be the 2009, 2010, 2011 crisis. I do not see any sort of strengthening going on internationally or locally.
“The G20, with its balanced membership of developed and developing countries helped the world deal effectively with the financial and economic crisis”. Balanced membership? How is that possible when the G20 left out 176 countries and billion of voices not being heard? Every country that is a member is developed. They are financially stabled and have a stable trade system. How can the WORLD deal effectively when 176 are left out? What are they smoking anyway?
“Reducing abuse of the financial system, dealing with financial crises”. I love this one. The financial system is so abused it needs to be turned over to the people. We need to stand up and create a bank for the people by the people. I like how our government will bail out these banks by millions of dollars and in turn these high end bankers make so many millions. But, the abuse still goes on and the people are the ones getting hit on the ass.
“First, the scope of financial regulation has been largely broadened, and prudential regulation and supervision have been strengthened”. Bullshit.
The public is not informed of anything inside of these top secret meetings until the end. Then we are blessed to know the outcome of more lies. I think it is a bunch of bullshit that the people are denied knowing what these countries are discussing when it is involving OUR money as well. We should be privy to this knowledge. They can keep it closed door, but it should be aired. We have a right to be informed; we are intelligent people.
When the G20 has their meeting in a different area around the world, security is raised ten-fold. So, the people are informed months in advanced. They can stand up and take their voice to the street and be heard. Peaceful occupation is the only way to make a good protest work in the streets. Don’t bring the violence to the scene. It is sad when the men and women in blue who serve and protect us use violence against those being nonaggressive. That sort of behavior needs to stop. There is no need for an officer to spray pepper spray on people. We have the right to speak and we will be heard.
The G20 is just disturbing. Why all the secrets? Why not include all countries? What are they so afraid of?
ME....YOU....WE
http://www.g20.org/about_what_is_g20.aspx
Monday, October 17, 2011
Occupy Wall Street
Came across this video and wanted to share it with everyone. I think the song is a wonderful match to this piece.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
I wanted to share this email from my aunt.
WE ARE RIGHT!!!!!
by Jim Wallis 10-13-2011 10:18 am
You have awakened the sleeping giant, too long dormant, but ever present, deep in the American democratic spirit. You have given voice and space to the unspoken feelings of countless others about something that has gone terribly wrong in our society. And you have sparked a flame from the embers of both frustration and hope that have been building, steadily, in the hearts of so many of us for quite some time.
Throughout history, often it has been left to the youth of a society to do that, and you boldly have stepped into the role of the emerging generation, which sometimes means saying and doing what others only think. You have articulated, loudly and clearly, the internal monologue of a nation.
Some of you have told me that you expected only to foment a short-lived protest and that you were as surprised by this “movement” as anyone else. Try to listen and learn from those whose feelings and participation you are evoking by encouraging more reflection than certainty.
While there are some among us who may misunderstand your motives and message, know that you are an inspiration to many more.
One of you told me in New York City last week, “This is not a protest, but a think tank.” Another of your compatriots wanted me to understand that you are trying to build something in Liberty Square that you aspire to create for our global village — a more cooperative society.
Most telling to me was the answer to the first question I asked of the first person I talked to at the Wall Street demonstrations. I inquired of one of the non-leaders who helped lead the first days of Occupation what most drew him to get involved in the demonstration and he replied, “I want to have children someday, and this is becoming a world not good for children.”
My 13- and 8-year-old boys came to mind when I heard his answer, and I felt thankful. It is precisely those deepest, most authentic feelings and motivations that should preoccupy you, rather than how best to form and communicate superficial political rhetoric.
You are raising very basic questions about an economy that has become increasingly unfair, unstable, unsustainable, and unhappy for a growing number of people. Those same questions are being asked by many others at the bottom, the middle, and even some at the top of the economic pecking order.
There are ethics to be named here, and the transition from the pseudo-ethic of endless growth to the moral ethics of sustainability is a conversation occurring even now in our nation’s business schools (if, perhaps, secreted inside the official curriculum).
Keep pressing those values questions because they will move people more than a set of demands or policy suggestions. Those can and must come later.
And try not to demonize those you view as opponents, as good people can get trapped in bad systems and we’ve seen a lot of that. Still, you are right for saying that we all must be held accountable — both systems and the individuals within them. It is imperative that we hear that message right now.
The new safe spaces you have created to ask fundamental questions, now in hundreds of locations around the country and the world, are helping to carve out fresh societal space to examine ourselves — who we are, what we value most, and where we want to go from here.
Instead of simply attacking the establishment “economists,” you can become the citizen economists, like the young economics major I met at the Wall Street occupation who discussed with me new approaches for society’s investment and innovation. We desperately need new vision like hers to come up with alternative ways of performing essential functions.
Keep asking what a just economy should look like and whom it should be for. They are noble questions. But you’d do well to avoid Utopian dreaming about things that will never happen. Look instead at how we could do things differently, more responsibly, more equitably, and yes, more democratically.
Don’t be afraid to get practical and specific about how we can and must do things better than we have in recent years. One of our best moral economists, Amartya Sen, says that “being against the market is like being against conversation. It’s a form of exchange.” You have begun such a conversation about what markets could and should be. Keep talking.
Even in forums where business and political leaders meet, they too are asking those questions and using terms like “a moral economy” as a way to interrogate our present and failed practices. I’ve been in such a gathering this week — just days apart from visiting yours — where the participants slept on featherbedding in five-star hotels rather than in pup tents on the sidewalk. And yet, surprisingly, they were asking many of the same questions you are.
Keep driving both the moral and practical questions about the economics of our local and global households, for that is what the discipline was supposed to be about in the first place.
I know you believe that the leadership on Wall Street, and Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues have all failed you. Indeed, they have failed us all. But while you feel betrayed by both our business and political leaders, don’t give up on leadership per se.
We need innovative leadership now more than ever. And you are providing some of it.
Think of stewards rather than masters of the universe as the model for leadership.
And remember, nonviolence is not just a critical tactic but a necessary commitment to moral and civil discourse that can awaken the best in all of us. There is much to be angry about, but channeling that energy into creative, non-violent action is the only way to prevent dangerous cynicism and nihilism that also can be a human response to the injustice and marginalization many people now feel.
The anarchism of anger has never produced the change that the discipline and constructive program of non-violent movements has done again and again.
I remember what it feels like to see your movement as a lead story on the evening news every night, and the adrenaline rush that being able to muster 10,000 people in two hours’ time to march in protest against injustice and inhumanity can bring. I was in your shoes 40 years ago as a student leading demonstrations against the Vietnam War, racism, and nuclear proliferation.
I would advise you to cultivate humility more than overconfidence or self indulgence. This really is not about you. It’s about the marginalized masses, the signs of the times, and the profound yearning for lasting change. Take that larger narrative more seriously than you take yourselves.
Finally, do not let go of your hope. Popular movements are the only force that truly brings about change in society. The established order is never as secure and impervious to change as those who preside over it believe it to be.
Remember that re-action is never as powerful as re-construction. And whatever you may think of organized religion, please keep in mind that change requires spiritual as well as political resources, and that invariably any new economy will be accompanied by a new (or very old) spirituality.
So I will say, may God bless you and keep you.
May God be gracious to you and give you -– and all of us — peace.
Jim Wallis is the author of Rediscovering Values: A Guide for Economic and Moral Recovery, and CEO of Sojourners. He blogs at www.godspolitics.com. Follow Jim on Twitter @JimWallis.
WE ARE RIGHT!!!!!
by Jim Wallis 10-13-2011 10:18 am
You have awakened the sleeping giant, too long dormant, but ever present, deep in the American democratic spirit. You have given voice and space to the unspoken feelings of countless others about something that has gone terribly wrong in our society. And you have sparked a flame from the embers of both frustration and hope that have been building, steadily, in the hearts of so many of us for quite some time.
Throughout history, often it has been left to the youth of a society to do that, and you boldly have stepped into the role of the emerging generation, which sometimes means saying and doing what others only think. You have articulated, loudly and clearly, the internal monologue of a nation.
Some of you have told me that you expected only to foment a short-lived protest and that you were as surprised by this “movement” as anyone else. Try to listen and learn from those whose feelings and participation you are evoking by encouraging more reflection than certainty.
While there are some among us who may misunderstand your motives and message, know that you are an inspiration to many more.
One of you told me in New York City last week, “This is not a protest, but a think tank.” Another of your compatriots wanted me to understand that you are trying to build something in Liberty Square that you aspire to create for our global village — a more cooperative society.
Most telling to me was the answer to the first question I asked of the first person I talked to at the Wall Street demonstrations. I inquired of one of the non-leaders who helped lead the first days of Occupation what most drew him to get involved in the demonstration and he replied, “I want to have children someday, and this is becoming a world not good for children.”
My 13- and 8-year-old boys came to mind when I heard his answer, and I felt thankful. It is precisely those deepest, most authentic feelings and motivations that should preoccupy you, rather than how best to form and communicate superficial political rhetoric.
You are raising very basic questions about an economy that has become increasingly unfair, unstable, unsustainable, and unhappy for a growing number of people. Those same questions are being asked by many others at the bottom, the middle, and even some at the top of the economic pecking order.
There are ethics to be named here, and the transition from the pseudo-ethic of endless growth to the moral ethics of sustainability is a conversation occurring even now in our nation’s business schools (if, perhaps, secreted inside the official curriculum).
Keep pressing those values questions because they will move people more than a set of demands or policy suggestions. Those can and must come later.
And try not to demonize those you view as opponents, as good people can get trapped in bad systems and we’ve seen a lot of that. Still, you are right for saying that we all must be held accountable — both systems and the individuals within them. It is imperative that we hear that message right now.
The new safe spaces you have created to ask fundamental questions, now in hundreds of locations around the country and the world, are helping to carve out fresh societal space to examine ourselves — who we are, what we value most, and where we want to go from here.
Instead of simply attacking the establishment “economists,” you can become the citizen economists, like the young economics major I met at the Wall Street occupation who discussed with me new approaches for society’s investment and innovation. We desperately need new vision like hers to come up with alternative ways of performing essential functions.
Keep asking what a just economy should look like and whom it should be for. They are noble questions. But you’d do well to avoid Utopian dreaming about things that will never happen. Look instead at how we could do things differently, more responsibly, more equitably, and yes, more democratically.
Don’t be afraid to get practical and specific about how we can and must do things better than we have in recent years. One of our best moral economists, Amartya Sen, says that “being against the market is like being against conversation. It’s a form of exchange.” You have begun such a conversation about what markets could and should be. Keep talking.
Even in forums where business and political leaders meet, they too are asking those questions and using terms like “a moral economy” as a way to interrogate our present and failed practices. I’ve been in such a gathering this week — just days apart from visiting yours — where the participants slept on featherbedding in five-star hotels rather than in pup tents on the sidewalk. And yet, surprisingly, they were asking many of the same questions you are.
Keep driving both the moral and practical questions about the economics of our local and global households, for that is what the discipline was supposed to be about in the first place.
I know you believe that the leadership on Wall Street, and Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues have all failed you. Indeed, they have failed us all. But while you feel betrayed by both our business and political leaders, don’t give up on leadership per se.
We need innovative leadership now more than ever. And you are providing some of it.
Think of stewards rather than masters of the universe as the model for leadership.
And remember, nonviolence is not just a critical tactic but a necessary commitment to moral and civil discourse that can awaken the best in all of us. There is much to be angry about, but channeling that energy into creative, non-violent action is the only way to prevent dangerous cynicism and nihilism that also can be a human response to the injustice and marginalization many people now feel.
The anarchism of anger has never produced the change that the discipline and constructive program of non-violent movements has done again and again.
I remember what it feels like to see your movement as a lead story on the evening news every night, and the adrenaline rush that being able to muster 10,000 people in two hours’ time to march in protest against injustice and inhumanity can bring. I was in your shoes 40 years ago as a student leading demonstrations against the Vietnam War, racism, and nuclear proliferation.
I would advise you to cultivate humility more than overconfidence or self indulgence. This really is not about you. It’s about the marginalized masses, the signs of the times, and the profound yearning for lasting change. Take that larger narrative more seriously than you take yourselves.
Finally, do not let go of your hope. Popular movements are the only force that truly brings about change in society. The established order is never as secure and impervious to change as those who preside over it believe it to be.
Remember that re-action is never as powerful as re-construction. And whatever you may think of organized religion, please keep in mind that change requires spiritual as well as political resources, and that invariably any new economy will be accompanied by a new (or very old) spirituality.
So I will say, may God bless you and keep you.
May God be gracious to you and give you -– and all of us — peace.
Jim Wallis is the author of Rediscovering Values: A Guide for Economic and Moral Recovery, and CEO of Sojourners. He blogs at www.godspolitics.com. Follow Jim on Twitter @JimWallis.
I am the 99% ~response~
Occupy Wall Street what a beautiful thing. Starting from a handful of people tired of corporate greed and lack of jobs. This solidarity protest has spread like wildfire. From the United States to Thailand. We the people are taking a stand and letting our voices be heard.
This protest has been a peaceful movement for the most part. I have seen many pictures of police officers all over our country using force and pepper spray for no reason. Police officers are paid to protect the citizens of the city, right? Yeah, I thought so too. Then why would this officer pictured below be using mace?
I don't see any violence being used by any of the people picture above, except by the man in blue. It is a total outrage. The police are taking advantage of their power at this point. Now, don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that there are many good men and women who serve their city with pride and honor. And for that I applaud them. But for the ones using excessive force, they need to be dealt with.
We have the right to voice our opinions and what we believe in. We have a say in this country, we live in a democracy. We are tired of being ran over and controlled. It is time for Corporate America and Wall Street to be cleaned up since they won't be locked up!
We won't tolerate the banks charging us to use their ATM's when we are the customer, we will close our accounts with them. We will take a stand against the banks getting richer while we become poorer. If we don't stand for what we believe in and do something about it, nothing will happen. Take charge of yourself and your financial matters.
Our government will bail out banks with millions upon millions of dollars, but the banks will still give out billions in bonuses. How is that even possible? Such greed. Tapeworms.
The banks will shut down companies here on our land and outsource them across seas. Our people lose money, their homes, their pride, their respect. The banks get more money. Greedy little bastards.
And then our government sends that country rations to feed and clothing for those people who have our jobs? Greedy, greedy bastards.
And just how many former banking tapeworms work in our governmental system now? Just too many.
This protest has been a peaceful movement for the most part. I have seen many pictures of police officers all over our country using force and pepper spray for no reason. Police officers are paid to protect the citizens of the city, right? Yeah, I thought so too. Then why would this officer pictured below be using mace?
A San Diego Police officer maces a demonstrator at the Civic Center Plaza Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 in San Diego.
I don't see any violence being used by any of the people picture above, except by the man in blue. It is a total outrage. The police are taking advantage of their power at this point. Now, don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that there are many good men and women who serve their city with pride and honor. And for that I applaud them. But for the ones using excessive force, they need to be dealt with.
We have the right to voice our opinions and what we believe in. We have a say in this country, we live in a democracy. We are tired of being ran over and controlled. It is time for Corporate America and Wall Street to be cleaned up since they won't be locked up!
We won't tolerate the banks charging us to use their ATM's when we are the customer, we will close our accounts with them. We will take a stand against the banks getting richer while we become poorer. If we don't stand for what we believe in and do something about it, nothing will happen. Take charge of yourself and your financial matters.
Our government will bail out banks with millions upon millions of dollars, but the banks will still give out billions in bonuses. How is that even possible? Such greed. Tapeworms.
The banks will shut down companies here on our land and outsource them across seas. Our people lose money, their homes, their pride, their respect. The banks get more money. Greedy little bastards.
And then our government sends that country rations to feed and clothing for those people who have our jobs? Greedy, greedy bastards.
And just how many former banking tapeworms work in our governmental system now? Just too many.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Acceptance of Homosexuality in America
In the 17th Century when English immigrants settled in the East, they brought with them their religious views and their views on homosexuality (Burns,13). Ministers would shout to their congregation that being a gay man can bring the fear of the “sin of Sodom” (Burns,13). This god-fearing way stayed with American people well into today’s time period. Homosexuals wanted to be accepted, but if you were gay in that time period, “coming out of the closet” was not an option. It has taken many years for the gay and lesbian community to be heard and have equality. As America grew with a mixture of people; views of homosexuality have slowly changed.
Clubs and organizations began to emerge as early as 1924. Society for Human Rights, founded by Henry Gerber in Chicago was one of the first such organizations (Marcus, 3). These clubs and organizations gave people a relatively safe place to congregate, meet other people and to put out the word that being gay is not a disease or a crime. Being homosexual doesn’t mean that person is so different that the next. But, with society still giving homosexuality a bad name and people’s religious views; children who are gay suffer.
If you ask a young child if they are gay or straight, you won’t get an accurate answer. Children know that they may not be the same in some aspects as their neighbor, but, being able to figure out why is another issue. According to the book Looking at Gay and Lesbian Life, there seems to be a process that a young child “comes out” of the closet. This child is usually between the ages of ten and fourteen years of age (Blumfeld, 90).
There are five crucial steps. Stage one: Pre-Coming-Out: This stage states that the child is not aware of the same sex attractions, due to the defenses built up. He or she does feel the difference from others but does not quite understand what it is. Stage two: Coming-Out: The person becomes to a conscious or semi-conscious state of having the same sex feelings towards another. This is a very confusing part on a young child. Many will only tell one or two close people that they trust. Many will reach out to those they know are gay or lesbian. Rejection is a major part of this coming out. Stage three: Exploration: The person at this point will interact with more gay and lesbians individual and experiment with their new found sexual identity. This mostly occurs in adolescence, but those people who were not able to come out earlier due to social stigmas undergo what is referred to as “developmental lag”. Stage four: First relationship: Following stage three, the person usually desires a relationship with another person who has the same sexual feelings. And finally Stage five: Integration: This is a very important part of being accepting of one’s self and being accepted by others in the community (Blumfeld, 90).
For some it takes years and sometimes a lifetime to accept who they are. Society has taught us that sexuality should be viewed only one way. It is time for America to step up and see that just because you love someone who is the same sex as you, that doesn’t interfere with your ability to learn, care, parent, serve our nation, or anything.
Homosexual Americans have struggled with obtaining equality. Homosexuals struggle with being able to marry who they wish out of love; serve our County with honor and be recognized for such service, and not be bullied.
America has granted many rights to individuals over the years. Civil Rights for African-American and equality for women. American’s viewed them as different as they do homosexuals. Where is the just in this? We are not a Communist country. We are the “land of the free”….or so we are told. Don’t homosexuals get the rights as every other American born citizen? Just as the African-American’s and women have struggled to obtain their rights, gays and lesbians are now on that fighting line.
According to CNSNews.com, the Obama administration states that some bullying may just violate the federal anti-discrimination law. Obama himself stated “No one should have to endure relentless harassment or tormenting. No one should ever feel so alone or desperate that they feel they have nowhere to turn. We each share a responsibility to protect our young people. And we also have an obligation to set an example of respect and kindness, regardless of our differences.”
Unfortunately, when children realize they are gay they are in the most impressible years of their life. Other kids can be mean and just ruthless. Since someone who is homosexual may act, dress or talk different than the rest of the kids; they are not in the norm and usually get picked on.
Granted, from twenty years ago to today, America has come a long way towards acceptance. When speaking to a friend of mine, (who is gay) he states that the kids in school were very mean and made fun of him. Scott never “came out” until a few years after high school. But, it took him moving to a new school for a fresh start to feel accepted by his peers. At his new school, people didn’t judge him on the way he talked or dressed, they judged him on his character, which all Americans need to learn.
In today’s society schools are different, the kids are even different. I have a daughter who is a lesbian; Jill-Marie came out to me when she was twelve. I will be honest; it took about six months for me to come to terms with this. At first, I thought it was just a phase. Then as the years passed, I knew it wasn’t a phase. When I look back in time, I see signs that she was/is gay. She would cry when she had a dress on. She would not play with dolls; it was her brothers G.I. Joe’s. Tonka Trucks to Barbie Dream House! I should have known when she told me, but as any mother would, I didn’t want to see it. I accept it. I accept Jill-Marie and her girlfriend. I have been given a great insight to this culture and way of life. There does seem to be a lot of drama. But, in general, Jill and her girlfriend are like any other relationship; gay or straight. When asking Jill how her peers felt about her being gay, she informed me she found “total acceptance”. I am very lucky that Jill has been accepted by her peers and has not had to face the ugliness of society.
Kids today still have drama and bullies. Being gay or lesbian is an issue to our children. Many children still have to hide who they are because they are afraid. However, many children today do not hide their sexuality in the school system anymore. It’s been quite accepted to see same sex couples in the high schools, even at the malls or movies. Even so, according to National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, "Anti-Gay/Lesbian Victimization," New York, 1984, Students who describe themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered are five times more likely to miss school because of feeling unsafe. 28% are forced to drop out. -- But, there are still many kids today that still feel the difference and they may take desperate measure to end it, such as suicide. Or worse yet, when Matthew Shepard was killed because of being gay. Shepard, an aspiring college student was tortured and murder. From this horrible tragedy, at least congress passed on October 22, 2009 the Matthew Shepard Act, this expanded on the 1969 United States federal hate crime law. The original law only protected hate crimes based on race, color, or religion. Due to this expanded Law, hate crimes extend to homosexuals. This is the first federal law to extend legal protection to transgender persons (www.matthewshepard.org).
But, there is so much more that homosexuals need equality with, such as, marriage, and military service. Marriage in this country has always been viewed as sacred; between one man and one woman. Our federal government does not recognize same sex marriage, but a few states do grant it. The first state to allow this law to pass was Massachusetts. Massachusetts deemed that the Defense of Marriage Act passed by President Clinton was deemed unconstitutional. Kentucky does not recognize same sex marriage according to our Constitution. Also, according to Lambda Legal, Kentucky does not even recognize same sex marriage and/or unions from other states or jurisdictions. But, really who are we to question another human being who they can love and marry? Does it really fracture the structure of our country if two men or two women marry? I don’t think so. I personally believe our country has a lot of changing to do. People are people and need to be viewed as that. Our government does not belong in the bedroom or the marriage of the citizen’s of America. And when that man or woman wakes up and puts on their military uniform, is the government going to discharge them today? Not today, but back in our grandparents day you might have faced that.
Our Military officially prohibited homosexuality since the 1940’s. Be that as it may; discharge and punishments varied by branch and activities of our country and commanders. When our country was at war, officials overlooked homosexuality. Yes, good people still were discharged, but the amounts were not as high as in time of peace. It is known that commanders and other personnel back in this period work beside their gay counterparts; knowing they were gay. They too could have faced a dishonorable discharge (Burns, 148).
It is hard to believe our government thought they had a say who could protect our wonderful country. In 1993, the former President Clinton, passed the bill “don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue”, (Burns, 149). The Department of Defense declared, “A person’s sexual orientation is considered a personal and private matter and is not a bar to service unless manifested by homosexual conduct.”, (Burns, 149). The only thing was, the Service Man or Woman could not tell or let on to anyone that he or she was gay. If the service personal was proven to be gay; they faced prosecution and dishonorable discharged.
The greatest feat was with President Obama in 2011. He repealed the policy of ’93 and allowed the service of gays in the Military. “"Our military will no longer be deprived of the talents and skills of patriotic Americans just because they happen to be gay or lesbian," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.” , (www.msnbc.com). Within this, the men and women serving our country would not have to be ashamed or hide who they are anymore. And they can still serve with pride.
Our country needs to be a country of total acceptance of all people. Let’s put all this negative bullshit aside. Why can’t we accept our neighbors Bill and Ross? Why don’t we do lunch with Katherine and Maria? It is not a disease, it is not a choice. It is love.
Kate Burns, The History of Issues: Gay Rights. Greenhaven Press, 2006
Eric Markus, Making Gay History. HapperCollins, 2002
Walter Williams and Yolanda Retter, Gay and Lesbian Rights in the United States. Greenwood Press, 2003
Warren J. Blumenfeld and Diane Raymond, Looking At Gay and Lesbian Life, Updated and Expanded Edition, Beacon Press 1988
Scott -personal interview
Jill Farley-personal interview
www.mathewsheppard.org
Military on msnbc.com
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