WE DO

Yesterday, history was made, and it continues today. This morning's San Francisco Chronicle had a two word banner headline: WE DO. Below it was a picture (not this one, but similar) from inside San Francisco City Hall. We do can refer to the agreement that to people make, each to the other, at a wedding, but it can also refer to acceptance. We do finally accept you as a complete and equal part of society. Well, at least that's how I would like to look at it.

So now that same-sex couples can wed in North American and in much of Europe and in some other parts of the world, let's stop saying marriage equality and let's stop saying gay marriage. Let's just call it marriage.

How wonderful that such a landmark decision came on the weekend that LGBT Pride Celebrations take place in so many cities. Talk about perfect timing! That will make the events today and tomorrow that much more special. These Pride events are held toward the end of June annually throughout the world to mark the Stonewall riots which happened in New York City on June 28th of 1969. Equality has marched forward ever since with the biggest victory coming yesterday. The military ban is gone. In many states there is housing and job protection. Things have gotten better. Before we do much more celebrating though we need to work on equality for all.

Our transgender sisters and brothers are still facing a huge amount of hate and discrimination. A White House event this week drew attention to that and a courageous transgender woman who spoke up and interrupted the President, should be applauded and joined in her struggle, instead of scolded for breaking the rules of a social engagement.  It's NOT about me.  It's about all of us.  Her struggle is my struggle.

We make history every time we stand up for justice and fairness and equality. We make history every time we do good and every time we speak the truth and every time we say we want a better world. We do want to change the world! We do!

He said what?

Some folks say that any word should be allowed to be said. Isn't that partly what Freedom of Speech is all about? Does a vulgar vocabulary have a place in polite society, or should some words simply never be spoken? What about using just letters? Is WTF alright or saying "the F word," or even "the N word" when we all know what words are being referred to?

Pejorative words about individuals is not the same thing as cursing or talking graphically about sex acts, but both are types of language that have been discussed a lot lately. Are decency and respect linked to the way we talk to each other and about each other?

President Barack Obama uttered the N word in making a point yesterday, during an interview. The President was talking about racism and some outlets that carried the conversation bleeped the word, while others broadcast it exactly as Mr Obama said it. There has been a lot of discussion since.  Let's carry it a little farther - was the President wrong in using the word?  Is there ever a case when that word can be uttered?  Should folks be allowed to say anything they like?

What do YOU think?  I'd really like to hear from you.  Please leave your comments below, but please be respectful as you do so.  Thanks!

Noah's Run for Rare

Right now the state of Arizona is being crossed by a man who has come all the way across the country to bring awareness to rare diseases. That might sound a bit odd, but Noah Coughlan is really making a difference, by bringing awareness and also raising money for the 30 million Americans and affected by rare diseases.

It began when he was touched by two different people who had Spielmeyer-Vogt-Sjögren-Batten disease, a very rare, fatal brain disease.  While Batten disease is what got him running, he is now bringing awareness to any rare disease.

I've never met this guy, and all that I know about him is from television reports and the internet.  I sure am impressed though.  This is one of those situations I talk about here every day, where someone sees a need, and does something about it. Noah is a true hero.  Spend a few minutes with his website at https://www.run4rare.org/ and you will be filled with so much information. You'll also be filled with hope. Run For Rare is a documentary chronicling Noah Coughlan's transcontinental run, and two prior runs, and you can also find out more about the film on his website too.

Soon, he'll be back in California, but his amazing work is far from over. You can help him by spreading the word and also by donating. As he says on his site: Every Life Matters. We don't hear about rare diseases and so work on treating them and curing them, doesn't come as quickly and as easily as the better known ailments. Thanks to Noah's Run for Rare, that is changing.