You missed Rachel's overall point as well as the fact that she expressed her views for herself and her partner . . . not a prescription for all LGBT folks.
Perhaps that is because you are hyper-focused on marriage as a magic state that you think will convey far more than it possibly can. Relationships are far more dependent on individual commitment and behavior than on legal or social affirmation. Yes, equal legal status will give material benefits and rights ... something that could also be assured through civil unions ... followed by "marriages" in LGBT affirming churches ... thereby keeping the "state" out the "church" and what has become the religious institution of marriage. Even if that end is achieved, the emotional quality of the union will still depend solely on the partners. What Maddow correctly points out is that making gay marriage "standardized" will eliminate the flexibility and adaptability that LGBT relationships have developed and that, for many, have avoided the pitfalls of rigid marriage as defined in traditional society. As one who managed to sustain a 21-year relationship (that survived ricer and poorer, health and sickness until my partner died) without a legally or socially sanctioned affirmation, I appreciate the right to "make our own rules".
Maddow is absolutely correct that LGBT equality erodes the unique character of the LGBT community. Assimilation into mainstream society homogenizes cultures. For proof, you have plenty of evidence surrounding religious, national and racial groups that attained equality and have become part of the melting pot.
As a gay man of 62 who has been out since shortly after Stonewall, I can tell you that the LGBT community of today is far less appealing than it was when we felt more oppressed. People today are more self-centered, materialistic and superficial. The sense of belonging is gone except within narrow cliques that shun non-members. Commitment to overall social justice and equality to all has been replaced with a predominant view that holds "LGBT rights are the most important thing LGBT folks need to fight for." While I value the progress toward equality for which I have fought, I regret and am saddened by the LGBT community's movement to a lesser state of human awareness and compassion.
I do not pretend to have all the answers. I listen to and consider other views. Not everyone has to agree with Rachel Maddow. However, trashing her views as sour grapes or "BS" is shortsighted and misses the opportunity for valuable thought and discussion.
Be well!
Mark
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 2:05 PM, Terry Purdue <smooth_op_85@yahoo.com> wrote:
I call BS on Maddow. We've had our relationships recognized apart from marriage and so has heterosexuals...she's just saying she doesn't believe in marriage because she doesn't want to marry. Fie!
From: Jake <jakewest_tn@yahoo.com>
To: Peckers_Pics@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, October 6, 2011 6:13 PM
Subject: [Peckers_Pics] Male/Gay Health-Discussion-PICS Model Wars-Oct 7, 2011-Boycott Georgia-Trump-TARGET-FOX NEWS-Salvation Army
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Roberta Seldon on October 6, 2011 - Third Age
An HIV-positive Chicago Public Schools elementary teacher filed a discrimination lawsuit against the district Wednesday, claiming the school's principal routinely punished him for tardiness despite special accommodations granted by CPS, the Chicago Tribune reports.
In papers filed in U.S. District Court, Jumeck Smith accused the principal at Von Humboldt Elementary on Chicago's Northwest Side of failing to adhere to the district's accommodations, which allow Smith to report to work five minutes later than his co-workers. According to Smith, his condition limited his movement so that he was frequently reporting to work after the 8 a.m. start time for teachers.
"It's a long building and he has to walk a bit of a distance. And I'm not an expert on HIV issues, but I think it takes him a long time to do something that you or I could do very simply," Smith's attorney, Christopher Cooper, told the Tribune.
Cooper also told the Tribune that Smith, who taught fifth and eighth grades at Von Humboldt, was approached by the principal at the beginning of the school year and informed that his tardiness from the previous school year resulted in 15 citations that were being reported to CPS headquarters. Smith was removed from his eighth-grade classroom, Cooper added.
Since federal privacy laws restrict employers from divulging whether an employee is HIV-positive, it's unclear who at the school knew of Smith's condition, Cooper continued. But according to the lawsuit, the principal knew and harassed Smith over several weeks -- to the point that his work environment became hostile.
Smith, who is African American, also claims the principal discriminated against him because of his race. The student population at Von Humboldt is predominantly Latino.
Smith is seeking damages of at least $325,000.
"He realizes that when he filed this case that this may be the end of his teaching career," Cooper told the Tribune. "He's not going into this blindly."
Smith is currently on paid leave.
Von Humboldt's principal, a defendant in the case, could not be reached Wednesday by the Tribune. CPS officials did not respond to questions either.Take Action:
- Boycott Target, Best Buy, Gold's Gym - for donating money towards anti-gay political candidates/organizations.Update: (12/26/2010): Target is continuing to donate to anti-gay groups/causes/politicians. Update 03/08/11 - Lady Gaga Ends Target Partnership, Reportedly Over Target's Poor LGBT Stance. Update 3/25/2010 - Target displays their hypocrisy and Sues California Gay Rights Group for Lobbying Outside Stores. Target is attempting to block the LGBT right of free speech! STOP SHOPPING AT TARGET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Update 4/8/2011: Target lost its case to stop the LGBT from canvassing in front of their stores. A huge PR Disaster for TARGET! Perhaps Target should go out of business as they betrayed their investers and customer base. Target contributed massive funds to a politician who would like to exterminate gays. Now, Target can not stop us from Boycotting them, nor picketing, nor talking to customers near their stores; although, Target allows a anti-gay company such as the Salvation Army to stand outside their door and speak with customers and raise money. Isn't this a double standard?
- End DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). Prevents Federal employees and Gays in the Military from gaining equal benefits. Prevents Gay Partners from gaining equal benefits.
- Pass a LGBT friendly ENDA (Employee Non-Discrimination Act). ENDA would prevent employment discrimination of LGBT workforce.
- Boycott Salvation Army as they will not hire Gays! "DO NOT DONATE TO THEM."
- BOYCOTT "Chick-fil-a" for donating money to anti-gay groups.
- BOYCOTT KOCH INDUSTRIES PRODUCTS- to include their products: Angel Soft toilet paper / Brawny paper towels / Dixie plates, bowls, napkins & cups / Mardi Gras napkins and towels / Quilted Northern toilet paper / Soft 'n Gentle toilet paper / Sparkle napkins / Vanity fair napkins / Zee napkins / Georgia-Pacific paper products & envelopes / All Georgia-Pacific lumber & building products (INVISTA Products) / Lycra / Stainmaster Carpet. The billionaire - Koch brothers are ultra republican - tea bag founders/supporters that do not support causes of the LGBT community.
- Boycott WALMART - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force criticized Wal-Mart for denying employee benefits to same-s-x partners and for failing to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. By comparison, the group said two other chain stores with a strong presence in New York, Costco and Walgreens, did much better.
- "Tune Out Trump", Boycott all Trump Hotel, casinos, holdings, The Apprentice and NBC Network! At CPAC, Trump said he is considering a run for president as a Republican. In a interview with the Des Moines Register, Trump added that he opposes all forms of legal recognition for gay couples, not just marriage. "They should not be able to marry," he said. So why does NBC keep the Apprentice when Donald Trump has stated he may run for president? After making racist remarks about Obama and recv'g public backlash, Trump decided not to run for president after NBC renewed his awful TV Show. How can NBC re-new the clown's show after he pulled such hateful shenanigans?
- Boycott Georgia for Execution of Troy Davis @ 11:08 EST, Sep 21, 2011:
Former US President and Former GA Gov. Jimmy Carter felt that TROY DAVIS should not be executed and deserved a re-trial. The Former Director of the FBI felt that TROY DAVIS Was Not Guilty! Do not drive through Goergia as it is dangerous. Do not fly via Atlanta. For your safety -Do not travel to GA. TELL YOUR COMPANY NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CONVENTION IN GA! "Georgia Executes Innocent People!"And Now, Our War of the Fittest!This group is called "Peckers Pics." The English - slang definition of "pecker" is to pluck at the truth. Therefore, we peck at items such as Gay Men's Health, Male Fitness, Gay (LGBT) Politics & Issues. In this section you may peck at each photo in order to decide the winner of the "war of the fittest!" Whereas, you should select the "Male Model" that may inspire you to exercise and "get fit!" Warning: This may stoke you!Your participation in discussion of health / news articles - appearing in this message is greatly appreciated.ERYCK LAFRAMBOISEVSBART GRZYBOWSKIYou Decide!San Francisco Pride; June 26, 2011Stoked?Johannesburg Pride, South Africa; Oct 1, 2011MSNBC's Rachel Maddow: Marriage Threatens Gay CultureBy On Top Magazine Staff - October 06, 2011
MSBNC host Rachel Maddow says winning the right to marry would threaten gay culture.
The openly lesbian host of The Rachel Maddow Show made her comments in a cover story with entertainment glossy The Hollywood Reporter.
"I feel that gay people not being able to get married for generations, forever, meant that we came up with alternative ways of recognizing relationships," Maddow said. "And I worry that if everybody has access to the same institutions that we lose the creativity of subcultures having to make it on their own. And I like gay culture."
The 38-year-old Maddow met her girlfriend of over ten years, artist Susan Mikula, in Massachusetts, the first state to legalize gay marriage, while finishing her dissertation at Oxford University. The women divide their time between homes in Manhattan and western Massachusetts.
"We know a lot of people who have gotten married," she added, " but I don't think we feel any urgency about it."
Maddow, who appears as herself in George Clooney's upcoming political drama The Ides of March, also said she was a "Hollywood sucker" who would "do anything for George Clooney."Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges."....JakeImportant Notice: Our ObamaBiden2008Group works hand - in - hand with Peckers PICS (Both groups were co-created to work with each-other). To prevent duplication of articles and questions, all members of this group are expected to join ObamaBiden2008. It is unfair for members that belong to both groups to hear members of just Peckers PICS (only) to make statements when the ObamaBiden2008has covered such topics in detail. Therefore, members need to join ObamaBiden2008immediately. This shall clear up communications and confusion. The LGBT cause is too important and beyond 1 person's need to just look at pictures. Therefore, please join ObamaBiden2008now. No you don't have to read every article! But, it covers the LGBT community and includes updates on Health insurance; LGBT boycott list; Westboro Church; and the end of DADT, etc...Also, updates with the multi - state gov't's war against unions and people with disabilities. The group is created for you! There are gay teen suicides going on. There are Hate crimes against gay people. There are gays who are fired over their sexual identity. There are gay people who died for our cause! You always reserve the right to remove yourself from all my groups if you do not appreciate this request. I have done everything I can and now it is time for you to step up! My Groups are for Yahoo members who sincerely care about LGBT rights and Gay Mens Health! Please Join Now!
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