Lately, I've been involved in some contentious comment threads on the subject of GLBT rights.
My point is, and always has been, that GLTBs have a RIGHT to equal rights. First, and foremost, do you get that? GLTBs have a RIGHT to equal rights!
Now I'd like to talk about how that can and CANNOT be achieved. There is a group here on DKos that acts as if they have a corner on the market for correctness. That is the same group that pretends there is a dictionary of "offensive" words used to demean them. It is the same group that feels they have some right to actually define what those "offensive" words are.
I object to that.
I suspect there are many on DKos who agree GLBTs should have "equal" rights. But, the problem is, those rights do not extend to "acceptance".
I'm a child of the 40's and 50's. I agree GLBTs (already, per the Constitution) have equal rights and the problem is simply getting courts to concur.
But, I DO NOT agree that I am required to adhere to GLBT definitions of what is and is not an insult. Sorry, GLBTers, I live in the majority world. YOU, OTOH, are the ones who need my support. You want that support? ... try not insulting me.
I am tired of being called a homophobe by heterophobes.
I am tired of being accused of demeaning language by those who demean me.
I am tired of trying to accept values that are somewhat foreign to me (an old fart), while simultaneously under attack by the same people that want my support.
I am tired of being accused of hypocritical values by those who use smear, slur, and generally nasty tactics.
I have defended myself in federal court for five weeks. I'm not a woos. Additionally, it makes me imminently qualified to comment on being in the minority. "I am a victim" types have a value. But, they don't necessarily define the solution. I managed to handle that, but I'm having trouble handling the assault of this GLBT group who thinks the entire world is busy about THEIR business.
Sorry, GLBTers, you and your cause can kiss my ass until you understand what's important ... Oh? ... You ask, What's important? ... gee, thought you'd never ask.
What's important is obvious. You want political support? Surprise! You need friends who are willing to support your cause. Duh. (Now, ain't that a revelation).
How are you going to get those friends??? oooohh, weeelll, maybe we shouldn't be bashing the people that agree with us! Duuuhhhh!
But ... ya know ... I don' no' nuffin ... pay attention dummies.