Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Disgust...

is getting the better of me. I'm so tired of people rationalizing their prejudice and discrimination!

I read an article yesterday in which a noted Baptist minister said that if there was a way to genetically modify a fetus to make sure that it was heterosexual that his church would support it enthusiastically. Not even considering that his statement means his acceptance that genetics and not choice are at play here, how would he feel if the word Catholic or (your choice) were substituted for "heterosexual"?

In medieval times people were told that only the clergy needed to be able to read because the populace wasn't smart enough to interpret scripture on their own.

In the 1700's Americans were told that only male landowners were capable of determining who the leadership of our nation should be. They were also told that slavery was a good thing, that it helped civilize savages and make them productive members of society, and that scripture supported those facts!

When railroads were beginning men said that if a woman traveled more than 15 miles per hour she would die because her heart couldn't handle the stress!

Scripture was used in the arguments against giving women the right to vote throughout the world; women should be subservient; men are the decision makers...

People look back on all of these now in dismay and disgust that their ancestors could actually believe all of these things. Yet after the "Chairman of the Joint Chiefs" voiced his views on morality the other day, I heard a "viewer comment" on CNN in which a woman said "I've been told me whole life that homosexuality was wrong, and a sin. It's nice to have someone stand up and say it..."! Does that mean that she's ready to give up her right to vote, to travel, or to read?

People use their upbringing and their religion to support their views of things rather than think about what they truly mean. There are others far more qualified than I to determine whether it's a need to feel superior, or a need for control and power, or just pure cruelty!

People speak of the "founding Fathers" and what they felt and wanted. They mean of course, the Pilgrims (who weren't the first). They say the country was founded as a Christian nation.

The country was founded by people who were not being allowed to worship in the manner they wanted to. How dare anyone try to say a mosque shouldn't be here, or a synagogue? How dare anyone say that I have to attend church, or that should I choose to worship Bast or Brigit or Buddha I am less than they are?

The America I thought I grew up in was one that saw discrimination for what it is, and was dedicated to eradicating it in all it's forms!

The America I thought I lived in was one where you were allowed to determine how you live and I was allowed to determine how I live! Beyond that we would come together for the greater good, be it building schools or roads or libraries, and to defend ourselves from those who wish to enforce their wills upon us! (That would include lobbyists and shareholders, btw!)

Pardon the rant, friends...I've spent months trying to look beyond "the fool on the hill" and the myriad of ills that his "crew" have released on us! I've spent months trying to remain positive in the face of all the negativity that surrounds us like the dark of a moonless night!


That someone can die for this country, yet not be allowed to love and marry the person he or she wants to; that they can die for this country and yet be prosecuted for making love to the consenting adult of their choice ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTS ME!!!!

alan

16 comments:

Jennifer said...

Bravo!

sttropezbutler said...

As usual, very well stated Alan!

Thanks...

STB

Connie in FL said...

Perfectly stated, Alan!

Sometimes I have a dream that I need to get away but can only move in slow motion. Since the last election, I have started to feel that way when I'm awake as well.

It totally amazes me that so many can't see what's right in front of them.

Dr. Deb said...

Oy vey!

Yiddish is such an expressive language. I thought I'd use it to describe my sentiments about the minister's statements.

What a great post you wrote, Alan.

mckait said...

This is a fantastic post. I agree with every word, and can think of nothing to add.


WELL DONE

dragonflyfilly said...

as do I. I totally agree with you, and for me it is getting harder and harder to tolerate ignorant people like.

dragonflyfilly said...

as do I. I totally agree with you, and for me it is getting harder and harder to tolerate ignorant people like.

Jon-Marc McDonald said...

Not only is he a minister, he is the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his quote was " If a biological basis is found, and if a prenatal test is then developed, and if a successful treatment to reverse the sexual orientation to heterosexual is ever developed, we would support its use as we should unapologetically support the use of any appropriate means to avoid sexual temptation and the inevitable effects of sin."

Then he wrote an article about how the "liberal media" distorted what he said, yadda, yadda, yadda.

Makes me want to puke.

Thanks for writing this Alan.

Jon-Marc

Kranki said...

Wow! I feel your rage. This drives me insane too. Very well ranted, Alan.

Mistress of Foreign Affairs said...

Hey Alan... well said. :o) *hugs* Maybe someday science will also be able to genetically alter fetuses so they don't turn out idiots like that baptist minister. ;o)

puhpaul said...

Well said Alan. I love you for being able to voice your viewpoint so clearly and eloquently.

paul

sjobs said...

HI Alan,

I loved the post. How can someone die for their country but not get all the benefits that a hetrosexual would get???

I hate this government and really thought that things would change quickly with the Dems in charge. The only thing is the Dems need to get some BALLS and fight those damn people in charge for the next 2 years.....

Miss you,

Mary

Taradharma said...

bravo, alan. this country (world) needs more rational, decent, compassionate people like yourself.

this really is "a world awhirl," isn't it?!

I share your digust...long may it wave! (A high school teacher of mine wrote in my year book, "May you learn to harness your social rage in order to work for social change.")

mckait said...

this is the most perfect assessment of our situation.. and where this country is headed.. that i have ever read.

thank you for your eloquence and wisdom

mckait said...

this is the most perfect assessment of our situation.. and where this country is headed.. that i have ever read.

thank you for your eloquence and wisdom

Barbara said...

Preach it brotha, preach on!

It is knowing that there are still Americans like you left in America that I don't, in shame, deny that I was born there.