I can't help it -- I thought I would be repulsed or furious

I told myself not to even tune in, but I did.

And now I'm sitting here typing this post and crying. Never before have I witnessed such abject, public humiliation as I did at 1:45 this afternoon as a roomful of my fellow citizens, including the President of the United States, clapped, smiled, and smirked, wallowing in their self-righteous hatred and bigotry. Never before have I been made to feel like such scum in my own country. Made to feel as if myself and my beautiful, beloved partner of 15 years are hated by God and my own country.

I'm sorry, I can't type anymore. I want the hell out of this hateful, fascist state.

:grouphug:

Fuck those evil bastards. We'll show them who's welcome.

I hope more will join in that act of respect for our friends.

...represent the majority of American citizens, quite the reverse actually. Try to remember that.

And the younger you look, the bigger the majority is.

This, as I often like to point out, is a problem that's solved one funeral at a time. Homophobia is dying out; unlike what Cheney said about the insurgency, it really is in its last throes.

It's just that these throes are especially mean, nasty and hurtful.

I'm sorry the president makes you feel that way.
:hug:

from every time I've watched Shrub sign a law restricting abortion with a room full of smiling white guys around him. :hug: I'm so sorry for what happened to you today.

Though Bush himself has publicly embraced the amendment, he never seemed to care enough to press the matter. One of his old friends told NEWSWEEK that same-sex marriage barely registers on the president's moral radar. "I think it was purely political. I don't think he gives a s--t about it. He never talks about this stuff," said the friend, who requested anonymity to discuss his private conversations with Bush.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13121953/site/newsweek/page/2/

Gore said what he felt most after meeting Dubya was his lack of curiousity. He doesn't ask questions. He just doesn't care. Madeline Albright said the same on The Daily Show.
I think his range is very limited. He likes to ride his bike. He likes to spend time on the ranch.
And that's about it.
Gore said Bush is intelligent -- just lacking in intellectual curiousity.
I think the man is self-absorbed.
And I agree completely with you. He doesn't care about this issue. Not emotionally.
It's just what Rove wants him to do.

The highlight of his years as the pResident is catching a fish.

He's an empty suit.

Please remember that Chief Justice Roger Taney said that Dred Scott was not a human in the famous decision prior to the Civil War. The 13th Amendment and that War proved him wrong.

This law will not pass. Even those on right know that this is simply pandering to haters.

This is all just a big distraction from how much of a horrible fucking failure this moron has been as president. The GOP is in trouble and they know it.

We know the amendment won't pass, but somewhere out there a drunken bigot will take Bush's statements and the proposal of the amendment as a "Go" sign to commit further outrages. This is not the act of a leader. It is evil.

Is there no depth to the hatred and bigotry? I guess I started crying because this is all getting so hard to take. On June 1st my partner and I lost our joint health benefits because the state of Virginia -- yes, Mark Warner's Virginia -- passed gay-hating laws so severe that such benefits were outlawed even when companies wanted to offer them voluntarily! So here I am with MS, no health insurance, with me and millions of other gays being humiliated and persecuted at every turn, with state after state passing laws to deny us even the most basic human rights and dignity. This doesn't begin and end with "gay marriage" -- they don't want us to have ANY RIGHTS AT ALL. They just want to hate and make it a popular, flag-waving, Bible-thumping movement. What the hell country is this? Germany of the 1930's? Should I sew a pink triangle on my clothes and be done with it?

I'm still shaking as I write this. People keep saying that we should keep our chins up while we sit back and watch our most basic rights ripped away one by one. While gay people are still being murdered just for being gay. While lives and families are destroyed.

Well where the hell are the leaders of this so-called Democratic Party? Courting our votes on the one hand while booking another appearance on the 700 Club with the other? Where the hell are they? I'm waiting. Or is this going to be greeted with yet another round of silence from the party?

I probably shouldn't be posting right now. After watching the spectacle of Bush and his roomful of pastors smile and smirk through his hate-fest I can't even focus on what I should be doing. Those of you who didn't actually SEE it didn't get the full flavor of what went on and what was said. Bush actually looked as if he was going to break out laughing at any moment, at the same time I was breaking out in tears.

I don't watch him if I can help it. He is an obscenity. I am really sorry about the loss of your health insurance, that is criminal.
:hug:

As a straight lib, I have been mulling over whether or not I should write a LTTE defending gay rights. Your post has convinced me I should at least try to see what I can compose. Would it be all right with you if I use some of what you have said here in my letter? I can PM a copy to you for your approval before I submit it if you like.

This country is being consumed with hatred, and I really feel some of us who can should try to inject a little reason back into the debate.

And please, use what you like. I was (still am) quite upset when I posted this so if you wish to clean up/edit anything be my guest.

"straights" who care about you. :grouphug:
I'll PM you a copy of letter once I finish it.

This is exactly when you should be posting.

It is Bu**sh** who should not be speaking. He is not even a sincere hatemonger, only an opportunistic one.

I can't seem to calm down. I am completely pissed. I want him humiliated. I want him disgraced. He doesn't deserve to carry the title of the leader of my country.

so-called straights, who do not agree with the self-righteous haters. I cry for the loss of America, but I know many kind, loving, and beautiful gay and lesbian people. I will always stand with you against these bigots.

the few who are self-righteous haters are the ones with all the power

You're welcome in my America.

Fuck what the morons think. Their hate-filled amendment has no chance in hell of passing.

Bush is an idiot, he does not understand and could not comprehend even if he wanted to. He is a shallow man. There is no depth to his soul. No love in his heart. Inside there is only hatred.

And face it, George is likely a gay man himself, conflicted by what he feels because he's always had to suppress it.

There are many of us who do not agree with Bush, and many of us who know the words he speaks are lies.

Please do not feel bad, you are not the one with the problem. This will backfire on the GOP, because evil, hateful things always backfire. Be patient and you will see.

Your God and your country love you and your partner very much. America has always been about diversity, and that will never change, it is a core value that defines our country. Be strong! I'll be sending good thoughts your way.

are obviously a loving, caring person. Be angry, but don't give him the power to make you feel bad. He's certainly not worth it.

:hug:

Bush lies. Bush lies so consistently that we know that the opposite of what he says is the truth.

Don't let that freak of nature make you feel bad; there is no REAL reason.

Congratulations on a 15-year relationship, btw! That's a beautiful thing.

DU but you have to remember - they ARE the minority. Don't let that negative energy engulf you this way - not good for you, not for your partner, and certainly not good for your community.

:hug:

If you were closer, I would bring you chocolate...

about them being the minority. Hate amendments to state constitutions have been passing with votes of 60-65%. If they are the minority, then the rest of the majority had better wake up and act.

are doing but you may find this interesting on another thread here tonight...
Chuck Colson fears otherwise...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1368937

"...Now, what all of this means is that the Supreme Court, following its own precedents, will declare any law restricting the right of homosexuals to marry unconstitutional. The die is cast. An appeal is already coming up from a Nebraska case in which a judge threw out a statute banning gay “marriage” as unconstitutional. Within two years this will be at the Supreme Court, and the axe will fall."

designed to push conservative legislators into passing the FM(Discrimination)A based on very poor legal analysis that matches their current sound bite about activist judges.

The real legal threat (to their little marriage bubble) is not that the Supreme Court would directly strike down any statute banning same gender marriages - but that each state, under Loving v. Virginia, would be forced to grant legal recognition to same gender marriages entered into out of state. (There is a similar constitutional basis for granting legal recognition to Canadian or other out of country marriages.) Once there are legally recognized marriages within a state, regardless of where they were entered into, an in state ban on creating such marriages becomes meaningless - the couple just crosses the state or country border, gets married, and returns home. Such a decision would not require an "activist judge" by any stretch of the imagination. For decades constitutional law has required each state to grant legal recognition to marriages entered into in another state (or country). It would take an "activist judge" to make an exception to that constitutional principle, not the other way around. That reality doesn't fit into their philosophy, so they are building straw scenarios that fit their mindset, with the result that a lot of reasonable people recognize as just plain silly.

What I was responding to was your assertion that the majority of people are not like the hateful bigots promoting the FM(Discrimination)A - unfortunately there are marriage discrimination amendments in 19 states now, most of them passed by something close to a 2/3 of the popular vote. I don't believe a single attempt to pass such an amendment has failed. If the majority are not hateful bigots then they need to get their little rear ends in gear and go to the polls - otherwise I am left with the unhappy conclusion that a majority of people in this country are like the hateful bigots.

Edited to add: I guess it's 20 states now - 80+ percent voted in favor of hateful discrimination in Alabama. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2326210

will bookmark for future reference... I am fortunate to live in Illinois - a blue state - that allows civil marriages for right now.

I am optimistic still, despite what it may look like in some states, that the American people are at heart just, fair, and kind and will not stand for any law that discriminates to be passed. The online polls reflect this optimism but I have been proven wrong in the past and I could very well be wrong now. But for me to go forward and think about this, I need that optimism and faith in my fellow country people to act on this in a positive way. Otherwise, I could just give up, be overwhelmed by the enormity of evil and hate and become part of the problem by not acting, by not talking about it, by not voting if it comes to that... Just how my mind works with my body. I need that hope and faith in people to act.

Peace.

all it takes for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing. We need to figure out how to move the silent good people to act.

either don't pay attention to what's happening and trust that those elected to office will "take care of things" or they feel fearful and alone and subsequently lack the heart to take a stand on something they would do so if they felt supported by the perceived 'majority'.

Fortunately, today, the amendment got shot down. However, I strongly feel that it is my duty to continue to fight for everyone's rights as guaranteed by the Constitution... we all need to remain vigilant no matter who gets in office - Dems can be corrupt too -

Peace.

In my former home state the republican senator had enough sense to at least abstain from the vote, and the hare brained Democrat voted FOR it. I'll have to get my parents to do some educatin' (although it isn't likely to go far).

to an equally high standard of expectation. There have been and I assume still are somewhere Republicans who have entered public service with the right intentions - to serve the people in as ethical a way as they know how.

Sorry about the nutjob Dem you have to put with... again, being in Illinois, I can count on both of my Senators to vote my way most of the time... but the balance comes in that my congressman is Denny Hastert. (Sigh)

Remember this is OUR State and we are not hateful fascists. We need to have a thorough house cleaning and purge our place of this disease and it will take all of us. You are a vital part of our effort, they are the scum not you & not your love.

Be yourself and be proud! We stand with and embrace you. Peace.

Look at the calibre of person they're talking to. Then look at yourself and the people who matter to you.
No contest, hon!

For DU'ers near Toronto who care about the Harpercrites whipping up our own rabid nutcases:

CELEBRATE THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF EQUAL MARRIAGE!

Saturday, June 10 marks the third anniversary of the Ontario Court of Appeal’s ruling on equal marriage, which ordered that marriage licences be issued to same-sex couples in Canada’s largest province and paved the way for marriage equality from coast to coast to coast.

We’ll be alerting the media to this important anniversary, and providing them with contact info for married and engaged couples across the country. Please contact us (http://www.equal-marriage.ca/index.php) if you want to be one of them. Help us send the message that after 3 years, this issue is settled!!

If you’re in the Toronto area, you’re invited to come celebrate with us as at this important media event:

When: Friday, June 9 at noon
Where: Toronto City Hall, main floor rotunda

Come eat wedding cake and toast Canada’s reputation as an international human rights leader. Please join us! All are welcome.

BROKEBACK MOUNTIES

In a historic first for Canada, the RCMP will celebrate the first-ever same-sex wedding on June 30 when Const. Jason Tree and Const. David Connors get married. The two young officers, based in Nova Scotia, began dating eight years ago when both were students at the University of New Brunswick. They’re planning to wed in their scarlet dress uniforms, and many of their colleagues will be on hand to witness the occasion.

“This is a first for us,” said Sgt. Frank Skidmore, the RCMP’s spokesperson in Nova Scotia. “Certainly, the RCMP welcomes a workforce that is representative of Canadian society, and that is the case here.”

Unfortunately, not everyone is openly applauding the ceremony. Shortly after the wedding was announced, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a gag order to his Conservative caucus, forbidding them from commenting on the nuptuals. Click here (http://www.equal-marriage.ca/resource.php?id=504) to see the full story.


BAND RELEASES EQUAL MARRIAGE SONG

Here’s one for your wedding song list: a Canadian band called The Habit has written and recorded a pop song about the fight for marriage equality. It’s called Fighter and the band describes it as “a cri-de-coeur for the government to respect people’s right to love and commit to whoever they want.” You can listen to it (and download it) at www.thehabit.ca.

“In a historic first for Canada, the RCMP will celebrate the first-ever same-sex wedding on June 30 when Const. Jason Tree and Const. David Connors get married. The two young officers, based in Nova Scotia, began dating eight years ago when both were students at the University of New Brunswick. They’re planning to wed in their scarlet dress uniforms, and many of their colleagues will be on hand to witness the occasion.

"This is a first for us,” said Sgt. Frank Skidmore, the RCMP’s spokesperson in Nova Scotia. “Certainly, the RCMP welcomes a workforce that is representative of Canadian society, and that is the case here.”

with a little help from us.

Still it's not a good feeling to wake up and discover that 33% of the U.S. believes we are the most important thing that's wrong with the world; that we're the "enemy within".

These are the same people who were delighted at Kristalnacht; they exist in every culture in the world. All we can do is demand fairness - and we're not alone. We have friends, brothers, sisters, family and many other real Americans who are pulling together with us.

Don't give up - don't lose hope. We write our own script, and this play needs all the writers it can get.

-sui

anti-woman legislation. It's just a newer issue, and it's going to take awhile. Not that that's any real consolation.

But I do truly believe that the tide is turning (slowly) and one day sooner than later gay rights will be a 'given'. The ones who hate gays are truly a minority.

I'm sorry you feel so badly.

In fact, they- the Real Evildoers ( the trick is turning their crappy rhetoric on themselves)
are turning more and more people away from them.

You are not scum, far, far from it!! Don't let the bastards make you feel that way.
Remember- he didn't win the election- He Stole It!!

So we have a two-faced thief up there spouting off anything he can to try to get in
bed with the RR.

Consider the source- repeat it as a mantra.

I would be very hurt by this BS, too, if it was aimed directly at me.

Just please, don't let the bastards win- you deserve so much better!

:hug:

whomever you love. :hug:

My best friend is a gay man. I love him deeply and would give my life to help him if ever need be.

Please don't let what hateful people say hurt you.

As my Mom has always said - "Consider the source."

Many more support you than not in this country. :grouphug:

Neither chamber, though, is likely to pass the amendment by the two-thirds majority required to send it to the states — three quarters of which would then have to approve it. Many Republicans support the measure because they say traditional marriage strengthens society; others don’t but concede the reality of election-year politics.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13142607/

If this is the topic du jour, IRAQ isn't. INCOMPETENCE isn't. ROBBING the next generation, LOOTING the treasury, isn't. It's all about getting the minority of rabid wolves howling, to drown out discourse on issues that MATTER.

Get mad, speak out, stand on principle, certainly. But don't let this cheap tactic get to you. It cannot and will not stand.

I love you for who you are. After 30 years of being hated for WHO I LOVE, I am used to it - I still fight ignorance every chance I get - and there are a lot of chances even in Massachusetts. Know in you heart - like I do - that this stupid evil man does not speak for the majority of Americans. And know also that the rest of the world sees him for the stupid evil man he is.
Peace from a queer who loves you :yourock:

I can't stomach it - ever, anymore. One look at that.....thing....makes me ill. He is not representative of God, and he does NOT represent your country. I can't understand how anyone would think he did.

I believe in God, many don't, and that's ok. I DON'T believe in whatever God that asshole believes in - if I did, I'd be walking around with hate in me all the time. He's giving God a bad name, and he's ruined our fucking country - WHY put yourself through the trauma of watching him?

For the longest time neither myself nor my partner could bear to watch Bush whenever he appeared on TV. We would even turn the channel at the sound of his voice. But for some reason I thought this was an actual press conference with a Q&A afterwards but as it turned out he was speaking to a selected group of RW fundie leaders. I really feel sick to my stomach. Watching him suppress outright giggling as he delivered his hateful spew was just too much, too much.

And there's more of people like me than those evil ones in power. I'm a straight gal and this makes me sick too. We evolve past hatred. It just takes too damn long. :hug: :hug: :hug:

These are the same group of people that "clapped, smiled, and smirked" as New Orleans drowned, American troops are sacrificed for oil, thousands of Iraqi citizens are being murdered, planes were being flown into our buildings and as our rights are being taken away from us one by one.

This small group of people are slowing being exposed for the true terrorism they are bringing about to our country. The majority of people are good and would rather see people love each other than to hate each other. I believe we are going to be heading in the direction of love over hate again and these bigoted, hateful and evil people will crawl back into the sewers from where they came.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

They're liars. There's nothing wrong with you and your partner. The times, they are a-changing, and these assholes can spew their hatred into the wind. There's nothing they can do to stop progress.

And I **am** the majority.

What you saw was the desperate act of desperate people who hate desperately. They are a tiny majority.

I didn't watch his public hatefest because I knew I'd have the exact same reaction - sheer, utter rage - fury - and ultimately, helplessness. Today should have been unacceptable in a truly 'decent' society. Yet it happened.

WE are the scapegoats they always turn to for their cheap political tricks. No matter that this man Bush is a cold-blooded killer, a common drunk, a brainless puppet and an incompetent loafer. When the chips are down WE are the dog he kicks over and over - he and his fellow 'men of god' who make personal fortunes by frightening the poor and the wretched with the gay boogeyman.

I've worked hard all of my life, paid my taxes, obeyed the law, contributed to the common good of my community yet I'm shit on every single fucking day by the Republicans and their faux religious cohorts. It hurt most, however, when the shitty blows came from my own party - DOMA, don't-ask-don't-tell. We're convenient outcasts for all politicians. And we need to fucking ORGANIZE in a way that the white-gloved society ball types at HRC and NGLTF can only dream of. Our lives are now at stake.

I'm just so tired of playing it nice, working the system, protesting with all civility (a civility not returned in this nation), going through all the regular channels like the HRC and NGLTF and yes, the Democratic Party -- while watching my basic human rights go down the toilet one by one. Be patient, people say. Be patient while our kids are ripped out of our homes, our health benefits are denied, our friends are beaten in the streets and our basic human dignity is put up for a vote. How much more can we be expected to take?

our basic human dignity is put up for a vote

That sentence sums up just how mortifying this entire issue is - and why we need to finally say ENOUGH.

Nothing seems to be working.

Look at how the hispanic community came together and said NO when they were about to be made fellow scapegoats. Their sheer numbers and willingness to put it on the line made them stop in their tracks.

We did that with ACT-UP back in the 1980's. It certainly worked better than attending an HRC gala dinner - which is all HRC seems to do...give dinners. NGLTF seems to exist only to collect salaries for their staff. None of them want to rock the boat.

In our history, exactly three times we've stood up and refused to take their shit, and all three times we've won (to some extent): Stonewall, ACT-UP, and the White Night riots where we said NO to crazed right-wing nutjobs murdering a gay man and getting off scott-free. I would reserve a riot for extreme cases, but I certainly wouldn't rule it out, ever.

In any event, in my opinion it's time to take to the streets in huge numbers. Enough is enough.

Hang in there friend...most people don't hate you at all and believe in their heart of hearts that you deserve equal rights and protection under the law. It will happen, I promise. :)

And so are all the other haters out there.

They hate because they cannot love.

They cannot love because they HATE THEMSELVES most of all.

They are jealous that people can love and be loved when all they can do is hate.

The hate will destroy them eventually. Not soon enough, but eventually.

Thank you for sharing you words


...and welcome to DU :hi:

thanks for the welcome.

I didn't watch this time. I just couldn't. But I got very involved during the 04 election. My partner and I were part of the 3 point action in Az. where a bus load of couples (including us) set out all day driving from 1 court house to the next all across the Metro Phoenix area and surrounding cities trying to get a marriage license. Anyhow, I cried so much during that time. Bush and others on the television talking about freedom and equality and "the people have spoken"
and all the while I am paying taxes yearly, daily. And just raising our kids. And to see and hear all the hate and to have people talk about the fate of my life and my rights from a position of total disregard.....as if we're not real. It hurts, and it angers me. It makes me want to call my republican inlaws and tell them to fuck off forever. It makes me want to hurt someone. It's no longer JUST about the 1000+ rights I am not afforded.....it's about dignity.

Who would Jesus hate? With so much human need for understanding, for compassion, for respect and decency in this country and around the world, why is it all some people can do is offer hate? And worse, why are the loudest voices those who profess to following the teachings of Jesus?

You're right, titoresque -- this is, plain and simple, about basic human dignity. Apparently we're not even afforded that privilege. I'm so demoralized that I'd emigrate tomorrow is that were possible. I've been fighting this good fight for decades now and I am so tired. At the rate things are going, I will never live to see the day we are considered full citizens of this nation, one that supposedly prides itself on tolerance, individual freedoms and inclusion. Look what we've become.

and not in the good way.

Trying to influence their polls numbers by pushing hate. I weep with you today. :(

What a rotten bunch they must be; tramping on others rights while in effect committing murder in
Iraq. There's no way Jesus would approve of what they are doing. Mind you, I'm a 73 year old
woman, but I feel that I'm more in touch with others' feelings than this despicable president is. Politics are dirty and unfair, and this bunch is the worst of the worst. :mad: :mad: :freak: Here's to you Georgie: :hangover:

I seriously doubt if there's one among that hate-mongering who has not had a same-sex laison;
and if they haven't they'd love to have one.

They show their true colors
Hatred for their fellow man.
It won't lead to a good outcome
it never does.

I wish they would go back in the hole they crawled out from. I think we need a wooden stake. No mercy.

her high school Gay Straight Alliance, and they spoke to middle schoolers and high school peers about the lunacy of the anti-gay agenda. They get it, they have gay teachers, gay friends and family, and she'll be voting! These puffy-faced old white men can take a flying leap!

But what do we do with these idiots? Just where do they stand?

Link: http://online.logcabin.org/news_views/reading-room-back-up/log-cabin-criticizes.html

I mean... what's it gonna take, for them to AT LEAST, leave the Republican Party.

:shrug:

Hope the question isn't inappropriate in this thread.

Peace...

And, we will fight for you and everyone else.

This swell of backlash is happening because of the progress that has been made so far regarding same sex relationship acceptance.

They are screaming so loud because of the swell of acceptance that has been given.

10 or 15 years ago you would never have seen a show like "Queer as Folk" on cable.

I know that probably a stupid example... but my point is there has been progress made toward acceptance of the normalcy of same sex relationships.. little by little by little... it's taking a long time and it's like one step forward two steps backward kinda thing.

Gay people are being used for political fodder... please don't take it personally it's happened to EVERYONE except 'strait' white men in this country. Of course it's wrong - very wrong but scapegoats are the only way to get people to vote against their best interests.

Don't let anyone, especially the monkey in the whitehouse bring you down. How beautiful and wonderful to have had a loving partner for 15 years... is there really anything better in life than sharing it with someone you love? You win - really the ultimate prize. A life with love. Knowing inside that you are right and the reasons - the very selfish $$$ and bigoted reasons for the chimp's hateful message today. Is it possible to be that selfish and ever be happy? I think not... love is all that really has ever made me happy.

Who gives a shit what the chimp or especially the Evanglicals think?

More steps forward will be taken - and the screaming from the neanderthals will probably get louder... but you can't stop progress and this too shall pass.

Don't be sad.... ok - every single part of the Bush Doctrine is all bullshit and you know it.

I am disappointed, angry, and bordering on bitter. You deserve so much better. I am glad you found someone but so sad that VA, that place allegedly for lovers, did what they did. Ironically I may have gotten some good news today. I got a call for a job interview in a school district where it is vastly more likely I can be open. Hard to celebrate tonight though.

You are not scum. :( My best friend is gay, and he is friends with many people who *THINK* they support this. They are just buying the party line, and not thinking of who it is that it's screwing. :( At least that is what I believe. I know my best friend is loved by many people ~ I just think this rampant legalized discrimination somehow get's their flipping dumb ass bullshit machismo blood flowing. Like it's gonna make a flipping difference in their flipping lame ass lives.

GOD IT PISSES ME OFF. I cannot believe people are so flipping stupid. :(

Hugs and support from me.

**edited to add - and make sense of my mini rant -- They probably think it's meant for OTHER gays, not their friends who are gay... If that makes any BS sense -- And this is NOT justification, I won't speak to anyone who supports this crap**

they're scum and you know it. Just spewing more bullshit.

Noone with half a brain buys this shit - and there;s still a few of us left! ;)

My love to you and your partner. :hug:

I was raised to feel the bigotry that made your tears flow this afternoon and I want to say I'm sorry. It took me a long time to rid myself of my fundamentalist upbringing and I'd be lying if I said the job was finished. All I can say is I'm finding my way and I don't hate you or your partner. I think you should enjoy the same rights as every other citizen, including marriage and I will vote that way.

As for those I've left behind, I feel a strange mixture of love, hatred and pity. They are my family and erstwhile friends. So much has happened to change who I was into who I am. I had to suffer in order to question the pat answers I was taught as gospel truth. I had to suffer horribly. Some folks don't have to suffer as much as I did before extricating themselves from that disgusting mindset, but it is a hard trap to escape. I had to gnaw off my own foot, figuratively. A part of me got left behind. That's for sure. I'll never be the same again. I was lied to and abused and twisted into something my nature hated.

I'm reading The Scarlet Letter again for the first time in years and finding a lot of parallels between Hester Prynne and myself. I'm a pariah in my town. You might as well stamp a big, red "A" for atheist on my forehead. Unlike Hester, I'm blaming the people who taught me this crap for the pain I feel. Their puritanical ideals are to blame for my suffering and yours. One of my counselors is telling me to "blame the game not the players" but to me this sounds too much like "love the sinner, hate the sin." Yet I was a player. I didn't know it, but I was lost. Maybe we shouldn't hate these poor folks too much for not being brave enough to gnaw off their own foot. It's easier to deny the trap's very existence.

Yet I still feel they bear some blame...so shame on them. Shame on me for the part I played, however unwittingly. I was helping to damn this country and perhaps our whole planet and I didn't even know.

Thank you for your honesty, your strength and your compassion. May you will always find the same in return.

Was it Hermann Hesse?
On second thought, maybe it was strong joys for the strong,and weak joys for the weak...

Anyway, I don't blame you at all for wanting to leave.
I am so sorry.
It's not YOU that there's something wrong with; it's THEM.

Still, it is depressing and horrifying to see the depths of ignorance and hurtfulness.

Hugs. There's more that care than you know.

Count me among the millions and millions of heteros who support your rights. The old, fat, ignorant white men are hatemongers. They will lose in the end, because love ultimately prevails. Keep the faith, my friend.

You and yours are loved and cared for by many people who are far more human and humane than BushCo and those of his ilk could ever hope to be.

They are evil hypocrites. Do not ever waste your time watching or listening to them again.

:grouphug: :loveya: :hi:

God loves the sinner, hates the sinner, and if they think they are without sin, they have never read the part of the bible where we are to let God do the judging and love everyone. It is THEM they suck. Not you. :hug: Don't let them get to you. Don't let them make you cry. You are above them. You have something they don't. Humanity, Love, and an open mind. Embrace those things and live your life, and never ever let them make you cry again.

God views every sin, except for the 7 deadly, the same. Their greed is more deadly. I'm not saying homosexuality is a sin, but if it were, their lies, their greed and their hate is far more deadly and hated by God than you loving someone who also happens to have the same genitalia that you do. Their ridiculous ideas of God makes me barf. God is please that people love. God would never look down on you for loving someone. As for Homosexuality as a sin, I say BS. I say it was something added to the bible when King James redid the book and included God knows what. I don't buy a word of it.
Duckie

To everyone who has expressed their support/outrage/dismay/revulsion at today's latest display of hate and evil. I was just feeling totally demoralized and overwhelmed. I've been battling in this war for so long (several decades now) that I'm just tired, bone tired emotionally and spiritually. I look at this regime of liars, killers, bigots and hypocrites and wonder how the hell as a country we ever got to this place and whether we'll ever be able to crawl back out of this hole before the jackboots arrive at our doors.

To any fence-sitters out there who may think gay rights is a non-issue, I can only leave you with this well-worn quote:

(The quote appears in the Congressional Record 14 October 1968, page 31636)

"When Hitler attacked the Jews I was not a Jew, therefore I was not concerned. And when Hitler attacked the Catholics, I was not a Catholic, and therefore, I was not concerned. And when Hitler attacked the unions and industrialists, I was not a member of the unions and I was not concerned. Then, Hitler attacked me and the Protestant church -- and there was nobody left to be concerned."

Martin Niemoeller (1892-1984), a Pastor in the Confessing Church arrested by the Gestapo in 1937

My wife and I have been together for 9 years now. We have raised our daughter together since she was 4 and our son since he was 10 months. They are 14 and 10 now. We have made family memories that no one can take away or make more valid with a license. They will never take my spirit!
We are pretty open in public including school and work but often times while at the movies or shopping, I feel a little hesitant to hold my wifes hand or to kiss her.......NOT ANY MORE! I will be loving my wife and expressing my love for her EVERYWHERE now! Today I refuse to spend one more moment with one foot in the closet.....ANYWHERE.
And I refuse to live in fear any longer, my life will be too short even if I grow old and grey, it will be too short to live this way.

A big hug for you and your partner! Love and Peace.
:hug:

feel this way. you are beautiful.

who are unwelcome in this country. We want and need you here.

I've been married for 21 years and all this time I didn't know that my marriage was under attack! Thank goodness that the Defense of Marriage amendment to the Constitution has arrived just in the nick of time. Won't my wife and kids be pleased. Seriously, If my marriage is threatened because Fred and Tony down the street want to be married (and they have been living together almost as long as my wife and I have been married) is a constitutional amendment going to save it?

I wish I could believe that this is the final sad end to this administration. As much as I want to think that as more people come to see gays as "that guy I work with that I really like" or the "those nice girls down the street" or more importantly "my (fill in the blank with son, daughter, brother, sister, friend, etc...)" that this nastiness would just fade away, I'm just not seeing it. There seems to be no shortage of hate these days. So much of it I see coming from what I otherwise would have gaged to have been decent people. So much of it based on religious beliefs. (The same people who can't understand how anyone could fly an airplane into a building in the name of God)

I'll tell you Handpuppet, I don't think you should concern yourself with these people other than to figure out how to keep them from legitimizing their hatred. Anyone who can't see their neighbors as human beings because of their sexuality is lost. Those who cynically capitalize on their hatred for political gain are beyond lost. Concern yourself with the people that you know who do accept you for who you are and take some comfort in knowing that there are plenty of decent people who don't care to hate people they don't know based upon artificial reasoning. I really do think that the world is changed one person at a time. I always say right foot, left foot, keep moving. It may not seem like your getting anywhere but before you know it, you turn around and find out that you have traveled a great distance.

... it's the haters who are in power and there doesn't seem to be the national will to stop them. That's what I fear most.

There's no way the amendment will pass, if it's any consolation. It needs 2/3 majority in both houses and ratification of 38 states. If we can't get ERA passed (my first political heartbreak and I was only 16 at the time) there's NO WAY those bozos will be able to push through this bullshit.

Even the MSM is reporting that it's grandstanding for the right and a hope to galvanize a puny-minded voter base. Pshaw... it's all smoke and mirrors... sound and fury signifying nothing. If anything, it will mobilize people on the left even more, if comments here are any indication.

Hang in there, handpuppet. This too shall pass.

would you really WANT to be liked and admired by such scum?

I learned a long time ago that I don't need to sweat what people I find to be hateful, obnoxious, ignorant and disgusting think of me.

Sometimes we aren't only known by the company we keep but by the enemies we have.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1359123

Please, don't let the bastards win. :pals:

be flattered. I wouldn't want to praised by anything they could like.

because it was a 'Terri Schiavo' moment. Americans saw what he was doing....he was trying to sell hatred to us...and I don't believe anyone worthwhile was buying.

I'm glad he gave this speech...now everyone knows what a stupid asshole he truly is. NO DOUBTS!

what exactly just happened?
you will always have friends to back you up, don't get depressed, get busy

eye-rack-ees, and welfare queens, and illegal immigrants (and quite a few legal ones too), and women - don't forget women 'cause they are gunning for us next -- and they hate trees and birds and clean water and bambi. they also hate any God who isn't theirs, and they are not going to last much longer.

Bush* and his GOP are the ones crying, as even their base recognizes it for the warmed-over fraud it is. If you point your browser to any bookmarks on the Right, you'll soon see the * pResiduncy assailed, and some good and smug reads you will find there.

:bounce:

Feel free to post excerpts from your favorite Right Wing sites.

But like some of the other sentiments above, I do believe their hatred will be their undoing.

and enforce their silly rules upon Him if they could.
Don't forget, they are lost. You are not.

"America should be gay-free!"

And it was posted by a 14-year old

The Hitler Youth is alive and well in this country :scared:

I'd be delighted if you and your partner could get married and move in next door to us. Hell, we'd even bring you some brownies. ;)

That's a tempting offer. :9

Thanks!

Boomer (theHandpuppet's partner)

:hi: :hug: This post means a lot to me. You will never hear the end of our support here at DU. We have your back.

There are so many of us out here sticking up for you. I make sure everyone I talk to knows that I am furious about the anti-gay legislation and how stupid and bigoted it is. In fact, I cannot find a soul who actually supports it and this includes people I know from all walks of life. The gay-haters are loud but definitely in the minority. Remember, this amendment is going down in flames and the polls show that more and more Americans are accepting of gay marriage. Hang in there. We luv ya.

@}-------}----

"they" are NOT 'us'-
We, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors, fellow travelers in this journey.... are NOT easily put in a box, or summed up by the media, any 'group' label- or god forbid- by the shit that masquerades, is force fed, and sold to the world as "who WE are".

It is so hard not to let the 'voices' of 'others' factor into our view of ourselves, and of our self worth- YOU, and your beloved partner, don't NEED to be 'legitimized' by bush, or dobson, or jack shit- you have value, worth, and rights regardless of what the 'religious wrong' claim- and as long as i have life, and the power to voice my beliefs, i will continue to fight for the FREEDOM of all people to be free from bigotry, exclusion, and condemnation, based on anything except for their own, individual actions and behaviour. Our individual choices which impact others in a negative, harmful, or destructive way, are the only thing that should ever be used to restrict freedom. Your sexual orientation is NOT something that is anyones business but yours- and is NO THREAT to anyone-
You are not scum- and believe me when i say this.... God, does not need humans to speak for 'him/her-self' You are a child of God, and are loved- don't let anyone steal that knowledge, and the knowledge that lives deep within you, that says you ARE worthy- and lovable, and GOOD-

And after reading your post, and so many of the others here i'm gonna go change my Starry Night avatar- in solidarity and support-

As Simba's father said so poignantly "REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE"-

peace,
blu

You are very kind. Thank you so much for sharing with me.

I think, though, that I was so upset at the time that I worded my post in such a way that may have misled people about what I was feeling watching that spectacle of hate.

*I* don't feel like scum for who I am (I am PROUD of who I am and of the wonderful relationship I have with my partner); it was the public trashing of who we are as human beings that made me so upset. I felt as if we were being painted as scum, lower than low, perverts not worthy of even the most basic human diginity or rights. And to have that hate paraded in such a public way by the leader (so-called) of this country while (so-called) men and women of God clapped in agreement was just HORRIBLE. I just looked at those faces, including the one smirking from the podium, and thought, "Who the hell are those people telling me that we are only worthy of their contempt?" At that moment I didn't even feel like an American because it was quite clear that my government didn't want ME. I'm sure if the bigots, the neocons and fundies thought they could ship us off to another country we'd be out of here by morning.

So yes, I feel like an alien in my own country, but in no way do I personally feel like scum for what some warmongering liar and hypocrite thinks about gay folks. But I am heartbroken at this America so held captive by intolerence, ignorance, and fear. A nation that seems to have an obsessive need for scapegoats and perceived threats, both at home at abroad.

to know that YOU know you are loved- and every bit as 'worthy' as anyone.
But I'm sorry that the words and attitudes of bush, and those lost souls who have either fallen prey to his delusional mind-set, or activly chosen for whatever reason to follow the path of hate, were given the opportunity to wound you, and others with their poison.

I pity them- And I honor you, for standing up, even when it hurts, and speaking your truth- in the face of hatred and fear. Was it Hemmingway who said, "the world breaks everybody- but eventually we are strong in the broken places"? something like that- Those places people use to wound us, and attack us, become our solid ground-

It still blows my mind, that my grandmother was only given the RIGHT to 'vote' after the birth of her fifth child, my father..... it wasn't all that long ago... we have so far to go- and even when the path seems dim- (and it's been pretty dim for several years) in the end, good will prevail- or else the world will be left to those who would kill anyone and anything to get what they want- and then what will they blame their unhappiness on???

peace, and comfort to you-
blu