changing the world

Once again, the question of constitutionality is the issue...

For those far too young to remember, it's always about civil rights...

During the 1960s, the ugliness around civil rights for blacks in this country reached an all-time high. Civil rights workers coming into the southern states lost their lives... children were murdered and churches were bombed... marchers for racial equality were attacked by white mobs, drenched by fire hoses and attacked by dogs unleashed by those who did not believe anyone should have access to the same rights they enjoyed.

While we've come far, we've not come far enough because "civil rights" are not just about "racial equality."

In 1998, a young man named Matthew Shepard lost his life when he was attacked for being gay. A great many people were shocked and horrified by the brutality of the murder... but for those who face this descrimination, it was not so surprising because, in varying degrees, gays have faced hostility from any number of fronts... The Stonewall Riots in New York began a movement... only to be followed by Anita Bryant's "Save Our Children" campaign in California (in the late 1970s), the murder of Harvey Milk and most recently, Prop 8, which was funded in great part by the Roman Catholic Church and Mormons of Utah.

But the question: should gays and lesbians who desire to create a strong committed relationship with another like-minded individual, have the right to do so?

I believe, absolutely!

This debate is not about morality... we may agree to disagree on the topic of morality... rather, this discussion is about civil rights, not the words of the bible.

In September, these arguments will be presented to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals so, as they say "Stay tuned..."

Matthew Shepard photo: Gina van Hoof

warning: uncharted obscenity ahead

Recently, I read about a woman removed from a flight for wearing a t-shirt deemed offensive by the American Airlines pilot.

Seriously?

Ironically, the woman seated directly next to her had no issue with the shirt.

So, let's talk about this a bit... her offense? Wearing a t-shirt that read "If I wanted the government in my womb, I'd fuck a senator."

The obscene nature of the language apparently offended the pilot and we all know how sensitive pilots are...

Interestingly, a great many people I know personally, know and occasionally use this language and therefore, are not overly shocked by the usage.

Perhaps the pilot should have been more offended by some of the legislation coming from state assemblies across the country, aimed at women's health and women's bodies. Take the recent laws passed in Virginia, Texas... or any number of states where the rights of women to control bodily functions are now given to men because god knows, we certainly don't know how deal with our own "female issues."

Right?

Please, let's get real.

life is very short...

So it's important to step outside occasionally and blow off some steam... or just celebrate the moment... whatever it might be.

etheral quality in the park

Early morning, bird sanctuary...

seen in the park

While we talk about the wildlife in Griffith Park, we're usually not very privileged to see coyote wandering down the paved roads... at such a leisurely pace.

Two weeks ago, after our Sunday hike, we were deciding what to do next when I glanced over to my right and noticed a lone coyote crossing the street (to get to the other side). It was so casual... not a care in the world...

I quickly snapped a pic before it disappeared into the brush. How cool!

in honor of mothers everywhere...

My mother and I struggled for many years to find common ground.

This has never stopped me from loving her, and I trust she loved me in return. She died a few years ago, and I find there are moments when I wish I could once again express to her how much she molded me into the person I am today...

I look at my sisters and see in all of them, our mom... and so, to them and to all my friends and extended family members, I wish a very Happy Mother's Day.

May you all have a very positive effect on your children's lives!