Amendment of life

Last year I wrote here that we need to stop telling the untrue story about Thanksgiving and finally admit to the horrible deeds of our ancestors. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I like the idea of gathering with family and friends. I enjoy the traditional food. I like the whole idea of giving thanks. I can easily separate all of that from those "first Thanksgiving" stories, because I don't think that is why we gather today. I always think it is important to mend our errors though.

Yes, I didn't do those horrible things, and neither did you, but it was done on our land and in the name of this country. We need to admit it. We also need to move forward and vow to never do anything like that. Let's also look at the good things we have done and the good that have happened in our lives. Our ancestors committed horrors, but they certainly did some positive things as well. We might personally have never done anything that can be described as horrible, but we can still apologize on their behalf. Then, we need to move on.

"Thanksgiving Day has baggage to be sure - in fact, with the atrocities committed, baggage is an understatement. I'm not suggesting we should ignore it either. Perhaps we need to re-invent the day. My suggestion though is that we continue to give thanks; that we continue to gather together. Let us do so honestly though, making reparations for our past, and looking ahead with thankful hearts for all the good that we can be." Those were my words here last year, and I still believe this.

Boxing with Chieh Huang

Just over three years ago, an incredible company was launched in the garage of Chieh Huang. I LOVE their products and I LOVE their service, but this isn't a shopping blog, and most of you know that I never talk about commercial operations. I do want to tell you about Mr Huang though because it seems he is some sort of saint.

As CEO of this company, called Boxed, you might expect him to be sitting in some stuffy office, issuing orders to all his underlings. Nope. Not this guy. Although I have never spoken to him, I've been reading a lot, and it seems his employees adore him. Is that because he pitches in and works alongside everyone? Is it because last year he announced a College Tuition fund for his employees' kids? Is it because he said they would pay for the weddings of their employees, up to $20,000? Is it because he has provided an endless supply of Boxed snacks? People who work at Boxed say Huang has a heart of gold. By the way, Boxed was named to the 2016 Best Places to Work in New York City.

Last month Boxed employees volunteered at Riverside Park on New York City's Upper West Side. The donate time to many great causes, in fact just this week Boxed workers put together 50 boxes filled with toiletry items for parents of pediatric cancer patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The company, and individual employees, are generous with donations of money too.

I could go on and on, because this is an organization that really believes in giving back, and there are numerous examples. I'm happy to be a customer, and I'm even happier that people like this still exist in our world! You can find out more at their website, https://www.boxed.com/ (and although, I don't endorse businesses on this blog, you can also place orders via that site with no delivery charge on the first order). Chieh Huang and Boxed - definitely making this a better world!

The passing of a journalist's journalist

Through my many years in broadcast journalism, I never met Gwen Ifill, but I'm sure glad she came our way. Hearing news of her passing yesterday after a months long bout with cancer, brought me to tears, and more tears have flowed at various points since then, as I hear tribute after tribute.

Gwen Ifill, who co-anchored the PBS News Hour, was referred to as "a journalist’s journalist," and every single thing I have heard about her has been positive. Last night, everyone was reporting her death and her own program devoted much of it's time to memories of her.

 

One of her contemporaries said that her office almost looked like a museum because of all the trophies and awards. Earlier this year she added to the many, receiving the John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism from Columbia University. Oh and she's received more than twenty honorary doctorates.

I was touched by her strong faith too. She was a minister's daughter, and that frequently means you run away from the church, but she was very involved. Her pastor said yesterday that she was present each week for worship

I remember the Gwen Ifill years at NBC, because during part of that time, I worked for an NBC affiliate. Her former colleague Pete Williams was brought to tears yesterday several times when he tried to report on her life. Former NewsHour reporter Charlayne Hunter-Gault began sobbing as well. Fighting back his own tears, CNN's Don Lemon closed his thoughts to Gwen Ifill with: "I won't say goodbye, because goodbyes are so hard. But I will say, so long and thank you."

There are countless stories that I could retell here, but the biggest thing is that she made a difference. She was a trailblazer for African Americans and for women and she was a mentor to many. She was fair and honest and she was always real. Gwen Ifill will be missed.

It's my life

He is one of the nicest guys in the world. You already know him as an excellent singer, a gifted songwriter, a superb produced, and a fine actor, but Jon Bon Jovi makes a difference in this world by doing much more than entertain us. He get's involved. You may already know about his political activism from some recent news stories, but his chartable involvement is even greater.

Jon Bon Jovi has done things for Covenant House, the Special Olympics, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Project HOME, and the American Red Cross, to name just a few. He was appointed by President Barack Obama to the White House Council for Community Solutions. He's also raised awareness with Habitat for Humanity for the past eleven years. Bon Jovi has done work too for STOMP Out Bullying, Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, Save The Music Foundation, Musicians on Call, and more. It seems like I hear about some good thing he has done, just about every day.

Oh and then there is the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which he founded. This is a really exciting operation that helps a lot of people. I'll let you find out details for yourself from their website at http://www.jonbonjovisoulfoundation.org/ - be sure to read about JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, NJ too. It's a remarkable concept that feeds and teaches and much more. Click HERE to get a lot more information about the kitchen.

 

After listening to him sing It's My Life one day, I made it my unofficial theme song.  The song inspires me, but much more, Jon Bon Jovi inspires me.  I've never met this man, and I didn't even interview him for this (my information all comes from numerous public sources), but this is someone who makes a difference.  Our blog is all about giving back, and this guy could easily be our poster boy.  I never have seen such a giver.  Support his efforts.  Consider donating to the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation or volunteering your time. 

what Veterans Day asks all of us to think about

Just moments ago at Arlington National Cemetery, President Barack Obama laid a wreath and made a statement, saying in part "Today, on Veterans Day, we honor those who honored our country with its highest form of service: You who once wore the uniform of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. We owe you our thanks. We owe you our respect. And we owe you our freedom."

The President went on to say "On Veterans Day, we acknowledge, humbly, that we can never serve our veterans in quite the same that they served us. But we can try. We can practice kindness. We can pay it forward. We can volunteer. We can serve. We can respect one another. We can always get each other’s backs.

"That is what Veterans Day asks all of us to think about. The person you pass as you walk down the street might not be wearing our nation’s uniform today. But consider for a moment that a year or a decade or a generation ago, he or she might have been one of our fellow citizens who was willing to lay down their life for strangers like us. And we can show how much we love our country by loving our neighbors as ourselves."

 

No matter where you are on the political spectrum, Barack Obama right now is our Commander-In-Chief and his words ring so true.  I hope that we all will learn from them.

Another blog

On Wednesday, I began a new blog. Oh this one continues. There is still so much to say every day! This, as you know is NOT about me, but it is about all of us, and it's about making a difference in this world of ours. I hope you will continue reading here and share your thoughts in the comments section below too. I also hope you will check out the new one, Of Being Kind.


The world can always use more kindness I think. Don't you agree? Well this new blog will be brief daily thoughts about kindness. Some days I might list suggestions of things we can do for each other, and some says I may quote someone else's thoughts. Start you day with a quick look to see what I might have said. Click HERE to check it out right now.

 

I've written here about random acts of kindness on a number of occasions.  Some of what I have said here might be repeated.  We can never talk about kindness too much.  I hope this new blog will inspire folks to be more kind to other people, and I hope readers will join in and leave comments,  I'm sure you all have some great suggestions!

 

When I first began writing this eight years ago, I wrote every day, but for the past few years, I have gone to just Monday through Friday.  With that extra time, it just seemed like things were perfect for me to begin this new one, which will be seven days a week.  Oh and by the way, both blogs are for everyone, so do feel free to share them with your friends!

How do we live up to their example?

The deadliest day in US history - fifteen years ago. Four passenger airplanes, bound for California, were hijacked by 19 terrorists, with two of them crashed into the Word Trade Center in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the fourth crashed into the ground in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania, when the passengers onboard overtook the hijackers. Nearly 3,000 perished with another 6,000 injured.

Each year at all three sites, there have been memorials. Permanent structures have also been erected at those locations, and others, as perpetual memories of that horrible day, fifteen years ago. We have used film, television, music, art, and literature to tell and retell the story of that day: September 11, 2001. Indeed simply saying September 11, immediately brings up thoughts of that hate-filled atrocity.
 

Yesterday at The Pentagon, President Barack Obama told the crowd "Fifteen years may seem like a long time, but for the families who lost a piece of their heart that day, I imagine it can seem like just yesterday." Later in his speech he said "The question before us, as always, is: How do we preserve the legacy of those we lost? How do we live up to their example? And how do we keep their spirit alive in our own hearts?"

Some good questions Mr President. How many of us really remember though? Do you actually recall the moment you first heard about the planes crashing into the World Trade Center? Do you remember how you spent that day and the ones that followed? Do you recall fear or a sense of uneasiness? Of the first responders, do we think of them and all they did that day? Right now, fifteen years later, I would like to not only reflect on what happened, but what it brought about, and I'd like to answer the President's questions. I think particularly of the passengers who fought back and caused the fourth plane to come down in a field. "How do we live up to their example?"

What sayeth you?

So many speeches during this political campaign season. How many are saying things of substance though? Will you be able to quote anyone in a year's time, or even in a month?

A great President long ago spoke these words: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." Who will forget these words of Abraham Lincoln?

From John F Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." He also said "A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on."

From the wonderful Maya Angelou, who always inspired me: "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." What an incredible woman she was! One of my favorite quotes from her is "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

The great inventor Thomas A. Edison said "If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves." Sounds good to me! Let's listen to him and to the many voices that have encouraged us, and let's astound ourselves!

A man must stand up

Have you ever thought about the posture one takes during the National Anthem at public events?  A quick look at the crowds, and you will see some still wearing their hats or not placing their hand over their heart, or even sometimes not standing. Nobody usually is critical of these folks. When a celebrity or a star player doesn't stand, it's a different matter, and everybody is talking. In the past few days the talk has been about Colin Kaepernick. Folks have been critical in the past of his playing on the field and of his numerous tattoos, but this is different. Kaepernick has refused to stand for the Star Spangled Banner, and yesterday said he will continue to remain seated.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," said Kaepernick. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Most of what I am hearing about his action claims he is disrespectful. Do you agree? Is there a time when you should stand up (no pun intended) for your principles? I know a politician who would not say the last line of the Pledge to the Flag, because she said there was no "liberty and justice for all." Many said she showed no respect for her country, but was that really the case? When should you risk your reputation? When should you go against what most others do, in order to bring about change for the overall better?  ALWAYS.  A person should always stand up for what is right.  A person should always try to make positive change!

In his autobiography, baseball great Jackie Robinson told of when he did the same thing Colin Kaepernick is now doing. "There I was, the black grandson of a slave, the son of a black sharecropper, part of a historic occasion, a symbolic hero to my people. The air was sparkling. The sunlight was warm. The band struck up the national anthem. The flag billowed in the wind. It should have been a glorious moment for me as the stirring words of the national anthem poured from the stands. Perhaps, it was, but then again, perhaps, the anthem could be called the theme song for a drama called The Noble Experiment. Today, as I look back on that opening game of my first world series, I must tell you that it was Mr. Rickey’s drama and that I was only a principal actor. As I write this twenty years later, I cannot stand and sing the anthem. I cannot salute the flag; I know that I am a black man in a white world. In 1972, in 1947, at my birth in 1919, I know that I never had it made."

I happen to agree that we should not be looking the other way - that we should take a stand. I agree with Jackie Robinson and with Colin Kaepernick. In fact, I think we need to do a lot more than just refusing to stand for the National Anthem, but at least that is a start!

Good cops

So many stories this year about police officers abusing their power, breaking the law, and killing people during stops. One might begin to think that the police are all bad, but that isn't the case. As horrible as the bad stories are, we need to also look at the good, and the vast majority of actions by police are positive things that make a difference for the better.

This week, two Kansas City, MO police officers, discovered a little boy standing on a street corner waiting for his bus to school. He's been waiting a long time though, in fact he had missed his bus. They got him in their car and then found out he hadn't eaten breakfast, either, so they took him to McDonald's. Then they got him safely to his school, got him a hall pass, and walked him to classroom. I'm thinking that this little boy will long remember his help from the police this week!

I actually hear stories like this one in Kansas City all the time. It's a shame that more of them are not made public. Please feel free to share some of your knowledge of good cops, in the comments section below.

Nature's Wrath

With huge flooding devastating Louisiana (which has been called by the Red Cross, the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Hurricane Sandy four years ago), the world turned yesterday to numerous other examples of nature's wrath. Early in the morning, a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake rocked central Italy, killing at least 247 people and causing massive destruction, and uncountable injuries. Later yesterday, central Burma was hit by a powerful 6.8-magnitude causing more destruction and loss of life. Closer to home it was storms that would cause damage. Multiple tornadoes struck the area of Kokomo and Howard County, Indiana Wednesday piling cars on top of each other as if they were toys, as well as damaging homes and leveling buildings.  Although there are reported injuries from yesterday's twisters in Indiana, no deaths have been reported.

With so much natural disaster going on around the world, it is hard to zoom in on just one. Any destruction is life-changing. When it involves personal injury or loss of life, this is even more life-changing. In times of emergency, we hear tales of heroes spring up everywhere you look, and that is indeed a heart-warming thing. Sadly there are also those who take advantage of situations like this - the price gougers and swindlers and those who loot damaged homes and businesses. Fortunately the bad guys are not the majority. Fortunately there are a lot more givers. At times when a major event happens, donations are welcome and the best place is always a known charity - the Red Cross for example. Also, sometimes volunteers are helpful. The best thing is to follow instructions that you find through local media.

We never know what tomorrow may bring. We do know though that together, we can always do better than all by ourselves. Whether we know folks in Louisiana or central Italy, or in and of the many places where natural disaster hits, or whether we don't know anyone there at all, is not important. The important thing is to remember that these are human beings - just like us. In times of trouble, would we want others to reach out and help us? Of course! Let's do the same thing for others in need. We might not all have a lot of money, but we can pray for the victims, or help collect blankets (when appropriate), or spread the word, or donate blood, or any number of things that might make a difference. When nature's wrath attacks, we should all come together and give, each in our own way - and make a difference!

Love, not hate

Rarely does anyone post a comment here, although they are certainly welcome. I will post opposing viewpoints, are long as they are stated with respect and do not contain speech that would be offensive to most people. Yesterday someone tried to post an objection to what I had written in the morning. The vile and hateful comments were totally inappropriate to a blog where I try to focus on love and making a positive difference. I deleted the comment.

The point of my post here yesterday was that Michael Brown should not have been shot (numerous times) and killed in Ferguson, Missouri two years ago. I was trying to point out that this is still happening all over our country, and that we don't seem to be learning a thing. I urged readers to "Take a moment today to remember Michael, and commit yourself to making sure this kind of thing stops." I also asked "Two years later, are things any better?" Sadly, the answer seems to be no.

We need love, not hate. That's what it comes down to. So many lives cut short simply because of hate. It doesn't make sense to me. How can you hate a person because of their race? (Or because of their age, sexual orientation, gender, religion, or ethnicity)? I don't get it. I really don't. And for everyone who wants to change Black Lives Matter to All Lives Matter, you still don't get it. Of course all lives matter! Nobody is saying that isn't true, but ALL lives are not under attack.

I'm going to ask once more, and please take this seriously, because it is important. Our future depends on it. Focus on all those who were shot and killed because of their race. Remember them. If there is any hate in your heart, let love come to take its place, and then - let's do something. Seriously folks! We need to show love, but we also need to stand up against hate. I am talking largely to white America.  It is past time that we threw away our stupid white privilege and our contempt for anyone who is not just like us.  We need love, not hate! 

Two years later

It was on this date, two years ago that Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. Protests and civil unrest erupted as a result. This was not the first shooting of an unarmed Black person by police, and sadly it was not the last.

It was said that Michael Brown had committed a crime just minutes before he was stopped and shot. That however is not at issue. It is our courts that decide punishment, when it is appropriate, not our police officers. He had no prior criminal history, but again, that is not relevant. Michael's life was taken out on the street, and that can never be given back.  Michael never had a chance to appear before a jury.  Take a moment today to remember Michael, and commit yourself to making sure this kind of thing stops.

The shooting has received a lot of attention, as it should. Brown had no gun, so why was he shot? Also, why so many shots? (In three autopsies performed on his body, all noted he had been shot at least six times, including twice in the head). This is what we should be looking at. This an the numerous other incidents of unarmed people being shot in cold blood by police.

Was Michael Brown targeted solely because of his race? Two years later, are things any better?   Did we learn anything from this incident in Ferguson? What do YOU think?

Honoring Randy

The Rainbow Honor Walk in San Francisco's Castro district, honors deceased LGBT luminaries, and includes this tribute to Randy Shilts, who would have turned 65 today. Randy, whom I have written about several times before, was one of the very first people I met when I moved to San Francisco. He touched many lives, and I am convinced that he really made a difference in this world.

When I first met Randy, he worked at KQED, San Francisco's public television station. In those days, that station produced a nightly news program and a national magazine (I think it was Time), wrote that Randy Shilts was the first openly gay television reporter. Having never been in the closet, I challenged that title. All of my tv and radio co-workers had known I was gay. It was never an issue. Anyway, when I mentioned that to Randy at our first meeting, we both chuckled and expressed hope that such designations would someday disappear. He wanted to be known as a good reporter, not simply the gay one. Belva Davis, who had anchored those KQED newscasts, devotes a lot of space to Randy in her book Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman's Life in Journalism.

After his television work, Randy was hired by The San Francisco Chronicle, but became better known outside the Bay Area as an author. Three books (and a fourth planned one) showed that Randy could tackle difficult subjects. Those books are The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk; And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic (which was made into a tv movie); and Conduct Unbecoming: Gays and Lesbians in the U.S. Military.

I don't want to give the wrong impression.  Randy Shilts and I never became close friends.  We would see each other occasionally and say hi, but I was always aware of his contributions.  His death, especially at a very young age, brought be great sadness.  These days, when I go back to visit San Francisco, I always visit The Castro, and stop at the plaque honoring Randy. By the way, 24 additional plaques will be added later this year honoring other lgbt heroes from our past.

A few more things about cancer

A few more things about cancer this morning.  First of all, it isn't just one disease. During the past week, I have been talking here about cancers in general terms, and more specifically, what to do about it. Just like there is more than one kind of cancer, there is more and one kind of reaction. When I said that cancer sucks, and I am going to do something about it, I didn't mean that I would do away with it.  (How wonderful if that was an option). There are things we can all do that lesson our risks though, and we should give those serious attention. I've also pointed out here how we can render assistance to others, and aid in research and education.

Cancer can occur anywhere in the body, with some cancers more frequent than others. Breast cancer is more frequent in women for example (although it can occur in men). Prostate cancer of course only occurs in men. both men and women see lung cancer and colorectal cancer in high numbers. These blog posts are not meant at all to scare anyone, but cancer can occur at any time, and it is good to be prepared. Your own doctor is always your best source of information on your health. Check out the various links I have posted here as well.

Coming up, I will be back in San Francisco for two important events, and I welcome your support as always, especially at the Light the Night Walk in November. Click HERE to donate to that. Also, consider participating in a similar event near you.

Please feel free to share these posts about cancer, and as I have said earlier, your comments are most welcome too.  Let us hear from you! 

Saint Jude

On Tuesday I wrote here that Cancer sucks. You may have followed the other words I put down in this space about cancer. Yesterday I mentioned some organizations that are part of the fight against these ugly diseases. Spending a week focused on cancers, brings to mind more information than I could possible share in this small space, but there is much more to say and more to do. Today I want to mention Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Located in Memphis, Tennessee Saint Jude is a nonprofit pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children's catastrophic diseases. It was founded back in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas.

Cancer is horrible when it strikes anyone, but imagine a small child having to fight for their life. At Saint Jude the focus is not only on pediatric cancer, but on other childhood diseases as well. There has been a marvelous success rate there too. The survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which is the most common type of cancer in kids, has increased from 4 percent in 1962 to 94 percent today. Watching the fundraising messages on television, you see children full of hope and energy. Cancer has to be a scary thing for a young child, and giving them hope is a huge step in treatment.

I have mentioned a number of organizations here this week, and there are many more that we can look at, but I do hope you will look further at Saint Jude. Their website is at https://www.stjude.org/ and have much information, including ways you can get involved.

Have you got personal stories of children battling cancer? Has cancer touched your family of friends of yours? Please feel welcome to contribute by commenting below.

organized in fighting cancer

The fight against cancer should not be a solo performance, and thankfully there are many resources. Years ago, I briefly worked for the American Cancer Society (and continued for some time to volunteer with them) and I was amazed at all of the resources they offer. There are many other cancer organizations too, some which deal with a specific cancer and some that support a certain geographic area. Want to do something about cancer?  Here's another place to begin.

The website for The American Cancer Society is excellent - http://www.cancer.org/ - and there you can also find out about volunteering, if that is something at interests you, and you can also make donations. There are many ways to donate too, such as giving your air miles or hotel points, or even making IRA donations, or giving your car. Their website also has live chat and information on every type of cancer. I love all of the suggestions they have on how you can get involved too, such as giving a cancer patient a ride to chemotherapy, sending out emails to friends and family about their cancer screening guidelines, or putting together a team for cancer-related fundraiser.

The American Cancer Society is one of many great places to get involved in the cause. In the San Francisco area, I am a big fan of Friends of Faith, which I mentioned earlier this week. Visit their site at http://www.faithfancher.org/ and find many more resources. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (which deals with blood cancers) has offices across the country and has many ways to get involved, including their annual Light the Night Walks. You can find them online at https://www.lls.org/

These are but a few of the many cancer-fighting resources and organizations. Do feel free to mention others and perhaps some of your own experiences, in the comments section below.

The diagnosis

Just a little over four years ago, a friend of mine was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer, with his doctor saying it would be a good idea start getting his affairs in order. The doctor said his chances were fifty-fifty. I can't even imagine how I would feel if I were the patient. I hope I would have the strength to endure.

It was not long after that that my sister took our mom to the hospital. Mom had been having trouble breathing. She had been living with leukemia for a number of years, but would soon discover another cancer was inside her. There was a two inch mass on her lung. I was right next to her bed when she was given the diagnosis and the grim news that there was nothing that could be done. I felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach. It had to have been much worse for Mom. Eleven days later, she passed away.

Last April, one of my favorite people in the world, found out he had liver cancer. Confident and faithful, he convinced me and so many others, that he was going to fight vigorously and that he was going to win. In telling friends last April, he said "Many, many thanks for your unrelenting support--we will make it through this, and we finally reach that point you will all be a much treasured, very beloved part of that victory." If wish he had been correct. Five months later, my friend quietly went home to his maker.

 

I don't know how I would react to a cancer diagnosis.  I do know I have seen enough!  This week I have been writing about that here (and I will have some more to say tomorrow), because it is important.  We can do something.  I do hope you will join me.  I invite you to share your thoughts below as well.

The Process

The whole process of choosing our leaders, isn't always something I agree with. I always prefer taking the high road, and so mudslinging and name calling is counter to who I am. The Presidential race has already been pretty divisive, and I don't really expect for things to improve. The party conventions begin today. This week it's the Republicans and next week the Democrats.

Turn it all off and wait for November? While that might be tempting, you might not be as well informed that way. It is better to vote with knowledge. Who is the best candidate? While I don't ever say how to vote, I will over and over urge you to be part of the process. Get involved. Listen to what the candidates are saying. Do you agree with them? Perhaps you should look at someone else. Who cares about people - about ALL people. Who has education or experience that will help them? Don't just check out those running for major office. Make sure you concern yourself with the local contests as well. If you see a candidate you really like, maybe you will want to volunteer for their campaign.

The other really important thing is to VOTE. Seriously. So many folks stay home. This is a sacred right and each of us can make a difference. Primaries count, as does the general election. In most places you can vote from home if you request a ballot early enough, so don't use getting out as an excuse.

Whether you favor the Democrats or the Republicans or the Green Party or any other group, be a part of the process. Your vote makes a difference!

Different kinds of involvement

Here in the city where I lived most of my life and where I learned so much about being involved. Tomorrow and Sunday I will take part in two different charitable events, and I'm also watching how this city has been responding to all the hate in the world.

Sadly, San Francisco is not exempt. There have been numerous racially motivated hate crimes here recently and crimes against members of the lgbt community as well. People here don't generally sit back and take what comes though. They get involved!

Now I won't for one moment say that one method is better than another. There are many ways of reaching a better world. Some things work better for some folks than others do. The important thing is to contribute. Remember the old saying: If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

I was talking to people here last night about the Sunday last month when the Orlando shooting occurred. Even though it was on the other side of the country, it really hit home here. Guns seem to be involved in most or all of these killings and the former mayor of this city is leading the fight to put an end to that. It is interesting also for me to see people gathering here for a Black Lives Matter rally and notice that the majority of the crowd is not Black! Not because the African American population here does not care, but because there are not that many of them in the total population here in San Francisco, and because there are so many other caring and loving people who want to get involved.

Talk to the tourists when you ride through the fog on a cable car. Something that small can make a difference. Phone calls, letters, and emails to elected officials help bring change. Speaking up whenever we see wrong is really an important way to contribute. So many different things we can do - perhaps we can get involved in it all!

Ready To Fly

Right now I am at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, just getting ready to board a flight to San Francisco for a weekend of raising money and awareness. I don't have time to say much now, but keep the Orlando victims on your heart. Think also of lgbt people who have been victims of violence and all African Americans who have been murdered. Think long and hard about guns too. Just what is the solution?

During this trip, I will be taking part in the 30th AIDS Walk San Francisco, a 10k fundraising walk to fight the epidemic. This will be my 22nd time walking, and I am really excited to be walking with a special team I formed. I know this blog is supposedly NOT about me, but please allow me this exception. The cause is an important one, and I would be honored to have your support. Please click HERE to go directly to my secure fundraising page at the AIDS Walk site. Donations can be anonymous too, if you prefer.

I'm also honored to be taking part in a community fundraiser for another organization on Saturday. I love it when people gather together to help others, and I know this is going to be a wonderful event too!

Along the way, I will still be writing here, even though I will be away from my usual writing window. Right now though, I'm ready to fly!

Off to a good start

July should be getting off to a good start today, at least for the folks in California. Jerry Brown, that state's Governor, is expected to sign several bills into law that deal with gun safety. One would require an ID and a background check to purchase ammunition and would create a new state database of ammunition owners and also ban possession of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 bullets. Another bill would restrict the loaning of guns to close family members, without background checks. Again, this is only in California where that horrible shooting last year in San Bernardino killed 14 people.

It should be noted too that Gavin Newsom, California's Lt Governor, has been campaigning for quite a while for comprehensive gun safety reform in his state. He has placed Prop 63 on the November ballot to let the people vote on it.

Erasing the hate? Well I would like to see more progress on that as we begin the month in which we celebrate our independence. All those who want to treat the lgbt community as second class citizens, would do well to check out a line from a 240 year old document that most Americans hold dear:  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Note the key words of ALL and EQUAL. Let's therefore put away the hate. Let's put away the guns. Let's live together in peace and harmony. If we can get everyone on board with this, we'll indeed be off to a good start!

Positive news

Gun violence is out of control. Anti-lgbt feelings are high with hate crimes all too common. During this LGBT Pride month, it might be easy to throw your hands up in the air, and say "Is it ever going to be good?"

I just heard that ChristianMingle has opened its doors to gay singles! Seriously. Of course it took a lawsuit and a judge-approved settlement to make it happen, but still this is good news. Christian rocker Trey Pearson has come out to his fans as gay. Oh and the other day, Pope Francis said that gays deserve an apology from the Church. Of course many mainstream Christian denominations already welcome our lgbt sisters and brothers, but as you know, much of the hate speech has been wrapped in religion. I can only look on these few developments as positive change.

There has been a lot more talk in the past few weeks about guns too and the lgbt community seems to be credited with leading a charge. That too is positive. I don't know where this will end up, but if we are heading away from hate and away from violence, that certainly is a good thing.

 

There was tons of positive news from many different Pride celebrations this month too.  The Orlando victims were memorialized as were other victims of hate.  Those vigils and moments of silence didn't just come from lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.  There have been more and more heterosexual allies standing and making themselves be heard. 

 

We need to keep this up though.  The media has already drifted away from the Orlando massacre and the issue of gun safety, just as I predicted.  Don't let them.  Call your local radio and tv stations.  Write letters to the editor.  Let your voice be heard.  Hate must end and gun violence must end as well.  Together we can make it happen.

Remember and Act

Whatever you think about gay people (I might not be able to change your mind in just a few short blog entries), and whatever you think about guns (the same thing is true about me changing your mind), I ask that you do two things: work together with others to make sure this doesn't keep happening, and also remember those who were murdered in Orlando.

They were in a gay club, which to some people is a horrible sin, but they were human beings. They were brothers and sisters and mothers and sons. They were people with jobs and with productive lives. We know a lot about a few of them and very little about others, but NONE of them deserved this. Nobody deserves to be shot to death. NOBODY.

So please, remember Stanley Almodovar III, Amanda Alvear, Oscar A Aracena-Montero, Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, Antonio Davon Brown, Darryl Roman Burt II, Angel L. Candelario-Padro, Juan Chevez-Martinez, Luis Daniel Conde, Cory James Connell, Tevin Eugene Crosby, Deonka Deidra Drayton, Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, Leroy Valentin Fernandez, Mercedez Marisol Flores, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Paul Terrell Henry, Frank Hernandez, Miguel Angel Honorato, Javier Jorge-Reyes, Jason Benjamin Josaphat, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, Christopher Andrew Leinonen, Alejandro Barrios Martinez, Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, Kimberly Morris, Akyra Monet Murray, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, Joel Rayon Paniagua, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, Enrique L. Rios, Jr., Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, Edward Sotomayor Jr., Shane Evan Tomlinson, Martin Benitez Torres, Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, Luis S. Vielma, Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, Jerald Arthur Wright.

Remember and act. It is important to keep in our minds the 49 people who had their lives cut short by hate, and it is also important that we get together to stop the hate and stop the violence. All lives matter, whether you believe that or not. No person should have to live in fear and no person should be executed in cold blood.

Shout From The Roof Tops

Yes, I am still talking about gun safety and anti-lgbt violence. Yes, I still am writing here about love instead of hate. If I could, I would shout it from the rooftops! I don't understand meanness and I don't understand harming others. It makes no sense. I'd really like to hear some of you chime in too. Please feel free to add comments below.

Gun violence is terrible, regardless of who is being attacked. Please know that it is just as disgusting for an unarmed African American teenage boy to be gunned down by a police officer, as it is for a transgender woman to be shot to death by a transphobic man. All murder is wrong. All hate is wrong. You won't hear me saying otherwise. The reason I have been focusing on guns and the lgbt community, is that there seems to be an increase, and many people, including political leaders and clergy, are saying that violence against lgbt people is not only and good thing, but a necessary thing. They are WRONG.

Let me be quite clear about something else. We need to stop when we hear any hate speech and to examine what is being said. No matter what you hear, protecting the rights of transgender women and men, even those rights as basic as going to the bathroom, does NOT put others at risk. Allowing all adults to choose what other adults they wish to marry, does not effect the lives of others. If your narrow mind can not welcome all people, then stay home! As for everyone else, let's go out there and spread the love! Let us show how great this world is. Let us share only good and kind things and truly turn our backs on hate.

It may seem simple to you, but it really isn't. The difficulty is in that there are so many haters already. Don't let them ruin the world though. Join me and shout it from the rooftops! Love is the answer.

WeAreOrlando

Marching up Market Street in San Francisco yesterday was a wonderful group that honored those killed in Orlando. This contingent happens to also be a marvelous example of people working together, and I am told that there are already plans to duplicate this group in other cities for their upcoming Pride parades.

It seems a man named Richard Palmer Sizemore decided to create 49 signs with the faces of those killed in the Orlando massacre, at his own expense, and he was hoping to find 49 San Franciscans to carry them in the Pride Parade there. Marsha Levine, the coordinator of the annual event had been working on a large banner and a plan for a moment of silence. They were actually going to stop the entire parade in its tracks, and pause for a moment. Well Marsha's ideas and Richard's signs came together to form a memorial contingent.

I wasn't there, but saw video of it, and it was very moving. With onlookers lining Market Street and with the We Are Orlando contingent leading the marchers, lined up right behind the infamous Dykes on Bikes and other two-wheeled contingents, the Parade came to a complete stop at 7th Street, and for about 30 seconds, stood in complete silence. With a shout of "We Are Orlando" to end the moment, met with respectful clapping, the Parade started up once again.

 

Guns have killed, and they continue to even after that horrible Sunday morning in Orlando, Florida.  Gay men and women continue to be attacked too, simply for being who they are.  Yesterday though, there was nothing but respect in downtown San Francisco.  If only we could spread that everywhere!

A more secure Pride

On Grove Street in San Francisco yesterday, people entering the LGBT Pride Celebration area, had to pass through metal detectors, also be wand inspected, and have anything they might be carrying visually inspected. There is also a much more visible police presence. It's a shame that our world has come to this! The idea of course is the safety and security of everyone, and I am told that today is going to be even more secure. Pride celebrations in several cities today will have new elements of security. The attack on the lgbt community is all too fresh in our memory.

Barbara Poma, the owner of Orlando's Pulse nightclub, where the massacre occurred, will be leading the New York City parade atop a Stonewall Inn float. I'm hearing reports that onlookers have already started lining up along Fifth Avenue there, to get the best vantage point for the annual lgbt celebration parade. I'm certain the same thing is true in San Francisco. Last year it was an extra happy event, with the US Supreme Court having just ruled favorably on same-sex marriage. This year, just two weeks after the murder of 49 people at a gay club, the mood is expected to be quite different.

At all of the Pride events this weekend in any city, I expect there will be stepped up security. (I've already seen pictures on television this morning of police in New York City carrying long guns). I expect that some of the speakers will talk about hate and the need to put an end to it, and some will talk about gun violence and the need for that to end too. Heightened security along with heightened concerns, but a celebration nonetheless.

Remember, the future is up to ALL of us. We can all make the world more safe and secure. We can work to end the hate. We can bring back the joyful celebrations that we all enjoy. Let's do it!

Remember Their Names

During what is LGBT Pride Weekend in many cities, let us celebrate the freedoms that exist for some, but keep on working for the freedoms of all and let us remember the victims of gun violence, and firmly resolve to do something about it. Let us also remember our sisters and brothers who have been taken from us, simply because of who they are.

We know that 49 people were brutally killed in a gay club earlier this month, but this was not the beginning of violence against the lgbt community. Sadly these hate crimes go back through history.  Please be safe at the various celebrations today and tomorrow.  (I know that San Francisco Pride will have increased police presence all weekend, and metal detector have been added to all the entrances of the Celebration site).

These are some of the others who were murdered because of their gender identity or sexual orientation: Howard Efland, beaten to death by Los Angeles Police; Upstairs Lounge (32 victims), New Orleans gay bar torched by arsonist; Robert Hillsborough, stabbed to death in San Francisco by a man shouting "faggot;” Harvey Milk, murdered by political rival Dan White at San Francisco City Hall; Terry Knudsen, beaten to death by three men in Loring Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Steven Charles, beaten to death in New York City; Charlie Howard, drowned in Bangor, Maine for being "flamboyantly gay;" Rebecca Wight, shot along the Appalachian Trail; James Zappalorti, a gay Vietnam veteran, was stabbed to death; Julio Rivera, beaten with a hammer and stabbed with a knife because he was gay; Brandon Teena, a trans man, raped and later killed; and Matthew Shepard, tortured, beaten, tied to a fence, and abandoned in Laramie, Wyoming.

Other vicitms include Billy Jack Gaither, brutally beaten to death in Rockford, Alabama; Gwen Araujo, murdered by at least three men when they discovered she was trans; Sakia Gunn, murdered by stabbing in Newark, New Jersey; Richie Phillips, killed because he was gay in Elizabethtown, Kentucky; Glenn Kopitske, shot and stabbed in the back in Winnebago County, Wisconsin; Emonie Spaulding, shot to death in Washington, DC; Jason Gage, bludgeoned to death in Waterloo, Iowa; Ryan Keith Skipper, stabbed to death in Wahneta, Florida; and Ruby Ordeñana, strangled to death in San Francisco, CA. The list also includes Roberto Duncanson, stabbed to death in Brooklyn, NY; Ebony Whitaker, shot and killed in Memphis, TN; Sanesha Stewart, stabbed to death in The Bronx, New York; Lawrence King, shot twice by a classmate in Oxnard, California; Nahkia Williams, shot to death in Louisville, Kentucky; Lateisha Green, shot and killed in Syracuse, NY; August Provost, shot to death Camp Pendleton; Mariah Malina Qualls, murdered in San Francisco; and Toni Alston, shot in Charlotte, North Carolina.

There are more - a LOT more. Their murders were in small towns and in big cities and in all parts of this country. They were killed because of hate. They were killed in many cases because people in positions of trust had convinced them that lgbt people are not worthy of living.  Look up additional names (they are pretty easy to find).  Think of these people.  Remember - they were PEOPLE.  All people should be able to live without fear.  Let us move forward to a world with no hate and let is make certain that there are no more deaths like these.

Raising awareness

Ever since the shooting at a gay club in Orlando, I have been writing here about the anti-lgbt feelings that still exist in so many places and the ease with which people can access guns, and all of the killings that have happened as a result. I'm trying to keep some focus and to raise awareness. Yesterday the US House of Representatives did the ultimate act of raising awareness.

They were trying to do more of course, but the votes just weren't there. (It looks like a lot of people still need to be convinced). In Washington yesterday morning, House Democrats staged a sit-in on the House floor. Yup, a good old fashioned sit-it! Attempting to pass two gun-control measures, the Democrats were frustrated and angered by Republican's lack of action on the legislation, and so they got very visible. When was the last time you saw Congresspeople sitting on the House floor? Minority leader Nancy Pelosi was even wearing a rainbow wristband.

No, this isn't the end of it. We still need to actually do something about the guns, and about the hate. This though did get some attention, and that can be a good thing. It's interesting to me too that all of this is coming during LGBT Pride month. This week ahead is when many cities hold celebrations and parades. Seeing less anti-lgbt hate and seeing an end to all gun violence, would make for a great celebration!

Never forget and never repeat

Those of you who have been following the stories of the men and women murdered last Sunday morning at Pulse in Orlando, may have already heard about the 33 year old talented man, Shane Evan Tomlinson, pictured here. (Photo is from his facebook page). By all accounts, he was hugely talented. He had sung in his church choir and he, for a number of years, was the lead singer for the cover band Frequency, which performed at weddings and various clubs, and which had earlier in the evening done a show at Blue Martini nightclub in Orlando.

I mention Shane here this morning though not only because he was one of the 49 people shot to death inside that gay club, but because of a concern of his mother this week. CNN's Don Lemon interviewed Corliss and Steve Tomlinson, Shane's parents, and Lemon asked if they were concerned that a church might refuse to do a funeral service. Earlier in the week, I wrote here some of the vile comments that have come from ordained clergy. Yesterday, I mention that in the past, there have been churches that have refused to do services for gay people and that some parents have even refused to claim their bodies. Mrs Tomlinson said to Lemon that she did have concern about a church. (Since that interview, she has announced that she and her husband are taking Shane back to his home state, North Carolina).

When someone dies, however the circumstances, there is much sorrow for the friends and family. They shouldn't have additional worries like whether or not a church will bury their loved one.

Shane was one of the 49. He was loved by his family and friends. The same seems to be true for all of the victims. Lives cut short by hate. We still don't have all the details, and perhaps never will, but one thing is certain: I man walk into an Orlando club frequented mostly by gay men, and he opened fire causing death and injury.

It is my intention to see that this is NEVER forgotten and that this is never repeated in our history. To do that though, we need to end the hate. Politicians and pastors and folks in the coffee shops need to stop inciting others to kill and to otherwise harm people who may be different than they are. Shane Tomlinson was not just a fine performer, he was a human being, and he deserved the dignity and respect that ALL humans deserve. Let's make it so.

Two

Writing this blog every morning, I have always tried to remain fairly neutral. I want to tell the stories of people who are making our world a better place, and offer suggestions on how we all can do that. I frequently ask for you the reader to make suggestions too. Numerous times when mass murders happened, I have commented on the loss or life and often when I see violence and discrimination directed toward any specific group of people, I have commented. I made a decision a week ago to keep harping on this too until I see some sort of progress.

Let me be clear, because I am talking about two things. The massacre in Orlando was another example of gun violence, but it was also another example of hatred toward the lgbt community. BOTH need to stop. Gun safety is an important issue and it needs to be seriously address, but so is anti-lgbt discrimination and hate. Two. Two very necessary things to do something about. Are you with me?

Think of some positive ways we can make the world safer. Think of some realistic goals we can have. Please. This is important. Lives are at stake. We simply cannot allow anymore hate crimes to happen. We simply cannot turn our back on part of humanity. If you agree with me, begin by directing people here to this blog for updates and share you views openly and completely with family and friends. Let the world know that you are not a supporter of hate and that you want to see and end to gun violence.

I'm not giving up. (You may know that I NEVER give up when it comes to anything, but again, we are talking about peoples' lives). Two important things. Let's stop the hate and let's stop the gun violence.

In cities in towns all over the world

Kingman, AZ played host to a memorial for the Orlando shooting victims last night with a wide variety of people in attendance and a stirring address by Father Leonard Walker, an openly gay local priest. The faces of the 49 people who were murdered, were projected on a screen, giving the mourners an opportunity to see the men and women who had been gunned down, simply because they were in a gay club. The large bell here was rung once for each person, as two people read the names that I listed here yesterday.

Last Sunday night, memorial vigils began.  Seeing pictures of a very large one in San Francisco (and seeing friends of mine participate), helped to ease the paing of the madness that had occurred at the start of the day.  Moring candlelight services have happened since.  In addition to last night's gathering here in Arizona, an estimated 50,000 people gathered in downtown Orlando for what was probably the largest remembrance anywhere.

I don't want to generalize about any location because good and bad can be found anywhere, but I was surprised to see folks come out in this small Arizona town. Another nearby community, Bullhead City, is also having a memorial this week. Actually they are happening in places you just might not expect, and all around the globe.

It is heartwarming to see people stand up against hate, and more of that is becoming visible, now over a week after the horrible massacre. Yes, there has been a lot of hate speech, but others are coming forward and saying they will not tolerate hate anymore. It was lovely to see news of a coffee shop in Europe that put a sign up saying "If the sight of two men holding hands disturbs you, we don't want your business." We need more and more people standing up for love. That, truly will make this a better world. In little towns and big cities, we all need to say "Enough! I am not going to be part of the hate."

The Names

One week ago, we were awakening to the horrible news from Orlando, that a man had walked into a gay club and begun shooting, killing 49 people and wounding another 53. Here on this blog,  I have been writing about this hate crime all week, and will continue to do so. We should never forget. (The media, by the way, keeps referring to 50 dead, but that last person was the shooter, whom I am not writing about by name). In addition to the 49, another 53 were injured and taken to local hospitals.

Funeral services began for these men and women a few days ago. Today, let's all take a moment to think of these lives that were cut short. These are their names:

Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old

Amanda Alvear, 25 years old

Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26 years old

Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33 years old

Antonio Davon Brown, 29 years old

Darryl Roman Burt II, 29 years old

Angel L. Candelario-Padro, 28 years old

Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25 years old

Luis Daniel Conde, 39 years old

Cory James Connell, 21 years old

Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25 years old

Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32 years old

Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31 years old

Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25 years old

Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26 years old

Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22 years old

Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22 years old

Paul Terrell Henry, 41 years old

Frank Hernandez, 27 years old

Miguel Angel Honorato, 30 years old

Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40 years old

Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19 years old

Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30 years old

Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25 years old

Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32 years old

Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21 years old

Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49 years old

Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25 years old

Kimberly Morris, 37 years old

Akyra Monet Murray, 18 years old

Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20 years old

Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25 years old

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 years old

Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32 years old

Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35 years old

Enrique L. Rios, Jr., 25 years old

Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, 27 years old

Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35 years old

Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24 years old

Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24 years old

Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 years old

Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33 years old

Martin Benitez Torres, 33 years old

Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24 years old

Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, 37 years old

Luis S. Vielma, 22 years old

Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50 years old

Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37 years old

Jerald Arthur Wright, 31 years old

May they all rest in peace.

I will not shut up

I've always wanted to contribute to the good of the world - to give back, and to make a difference. That is why I began this blog. I thought that by making simple suggestions and by reporting on the marvelous deeds of others, I just might inspire a few folks into action. Since comments are very seldom made here (although they are always welcome), I really have no idea if anyone is ever moved by these words. From the counter, I do know that many people visit this page, so I can only hope they are reading and sharing. From day to day, what I write here usually changes a bit by specific subject. This week it looks like I will be making an exception. I will not shut up about the horror in Orlando. Although this blog is not supposed to be about me, I must share with you that I am angry and sad and frustrated and so many other emotions. Expect me to keep on talking.

Any loss of life is bad. Let me make this perfectly clear. I would be saddened at a mass killing like what happened on Sunday, regardless of where it took place and who the victims were. At a time when lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are being verbally attacked every single day and when politicians and clergy are dismissing the lgbt community as folks who don't matter, this becomes even more sad. Human beings died on Sunday morning. They were targeted. We still don't know all the details of this incident, but we know that lgbt people have been individually targeted and targeted as a group on so many occasions before. I said this yesterday, and I will say it again, it's truly a sad day when the places in a community where individuals go to feel safe are made to be unsafe. It's not only sad, but I find it frustrating. Where can you go to be safe?

Imagine for a moment that people were attacking you because you had brown eyes or because you are left-handed. Attacks on the lgbt community are because of difference. How can you attack someone because of who they are? Oh and don't think for one moment that this was an isolated incident by a lone gunman in Florida. In the past 72 hours, I have heard so many people rejoicing in these murders. I have heard clergy in their churches, saying this was a good thing. How many of your friends have ignored this and said nothing, because to them, there was nothing wrong. It reminds me of Harvey Fierstein's speech from Torch Song Trilogy:

"They killed him on the street. 30 years old laying dead. Killed by kids with baseball bats! That's right Ma, killed by children. Children taught by people like you. Queers don't matter! Queers don't love! And those that do deserve what they get!"

Nobody deserves to be murdered. I woman resisting her rapist does not deserve to die. A Black man stopped by a police officer does not deserve to be shot. 49 people enjoying their weekend in a gay club do not deserve to be executed. We need to get rid of the "they deserve what they get" mentality because again, NOBODY deserves that. NOBODY!

Last night I learned that many in Orlando are afraid to leave their house. This is lgbt Pride Month and celebrations are happening at various times all over the country. Yesterday I learned of a gay woman who usually attends where she lives, faced with a dilemma. Now more than ever, she wants to be present at this year's event (later this month), but out of fear for her safety, he mother is begging her to stay home. Nobody deserves to live in fear either.

We really need to heal this world and spread some love around. I KNOW it is possible. Who's with me?