Ask him to author a bill to remove the special protections that are already the law; ie religion, race, creed, color, gender, disability, etc, etc and see how he replies.
What a grand idea.
I just spoke to one of his secretaries and re-expressed my concerns that he support this bill, suggesting that his reasoning for non-support were ill-founded (using your example). I wonder how the "canned" follow-up letter will read.
US Bill Text: hXXp://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-2981
US Bill Status: hXXp://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2981
When I contacted my Congressman to express my concern that he support this Bill, here is his sad "canned" reply on letterhead:
…
Thank you for contacting me to express your views regarding H.R. 2981, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009. It was good to hear from you.
As you know, H.R. 2981 was introduced by Rep. Barney Frank on June 19, 2009. This bill would prohibit employers from taking into consideration sexual orientation or gender identity in their hiring practices.
Like you, I believe that no group should be discriminated against in the workplace. However, I do not believe any group should be given special rights in the employment process, either. Under this legislation, sexual orientation and gender identity would be given special consideration.
Unfortunately, rather than reduce discrimination, this bill will result in increased litigation and decreased religious freedom. H.R. 2981 will invite frivolous lawsuits based on "perceived" sexual orientation at the expense of the freedom of employers' and employees' moral convictions.
I believe that we must return to the fundamental beliefs upon with this nation was founded: hard work, self-reliance, and equal opportunity. Only by eliminating barriers of special preferences, which prevent job growth and prosperity, can the employment prospects of all Americans, including homosexuals, improve.
Thanks for sharing your views with me. Please don't hesitate to contact me in the future on any issue that concerns you or your family.
...
From Human Rights Campaign (HRC) email
Just days ago, a Boston third-grader's admission to a Catholic school was rescinded – solely because his parents are lesbians.
But here's the worst part – this is no isolated incident. Just a few months ago, a Catholic elementary school in Colorado expelled two preschoolers (that's right, preschoolers) for the same reason.
And these are just some of the cases we know about.
Has the Church hierarchy apologized? No. Have they come out and said it was wrong to target the children of LGBT families? No. Have they said that they won't discriminate against LGBT families in the future? Not one bit.
Now, we understand that our constitution protects the right of religious institutions to make decisions that may be inconsistent with state nondiscrimination laws. But that doesn't make it right. The Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you – should apply to us all.
To read more about the May incident in Boston MA:
hXXp://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/catholic-school-pulls-admission-for-lesbian-couples-son/19475838
hXXp://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/05/14/archdiocese_to_help_banned_student/
To read more about the March incident in Boulder CO:
hXXp://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?catid=339&storyid=133945
hXXp://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/children-denied-catholic-schooling-lesbian-couple-speaks-out
Hi DeliriousOne,
Your share here in "coming out" is very powerful and poignant. I am assuming that you are still fairly young (likely early 20's). I am 50, yet your share resounded with me in a lot of my earlier turmoil and confusion. I am so very glad you put this out there for input – you are very brave.
I can only share my personal experience, strength and hope. I cannot exactly put myself in your shoes and tell you anything about how you should feel or act.
I "came out" to myself at around age 12. I was "sure" I was gay, yet I felt this was wrong. Only a couple years ago, did I realize that I (likely everyone) develops a "core belief system" in their single-digit-ages that results in a life-long situation of interpreting everything I heard from others as an adult. Amongst several "core beliefs" that I have identified for myself, they include: homosexuality is wrong and sex is dirty and should be secret. These "core beliefs" may or may not be accurate (in those two particular instances are inaccurate for me) and need to be dealt with head-on as an adult for my personal growth. Once these young beliefs were etched into my brain, all external messages are FILTERED through that system. That which I hear that agrees with that system is reinforced (even if wrong); that which I hear that disagrees with that system is deflected (even if it is correct and nurturing towards my CURRENT self-fulling goals).
Having had some early-in-age experiences -- even if great -- remains subsequently filtered through this system. Whether good or bad, this is a fact in my life (brain). It remains something with which I struggle.
The FACT that both you and I recognize WE are gay -- and I personally don't think that that can be changed -- is an important internal recognition. Over years, I have come to learn that my past understanding of WHY I think the things that I do about myself do NOT have to be understood from my past. I have the power to change my current attitude based upon the PRESENT.
I remain conflicted about a lot of this. Today I can certainly admit that I am off-the-scale gay. I may or may not like that; however, I feel strongly that I cannot change that. I am working towards internal harmony with this so that I can ultimately be PROUD and more comfortable in my skin. That may take time, but I am willing to work out these personal internal conflicts to become a more healthy man in my spirit and service to my community.
My friend, your age/background/whereabouts/situation is not important to us here at GT.ru in your reaching out. Your self-esteem IS very important. I am so very glad you opened your heart to us. I hope you remain open to us and others in your trusted circle to gain comfort. Please keep in touch and keep us posted.
Regards,
Tim
Ricky said writing his memoir and thinking about his two twin sons led him to go public.
Ricky Martin is about to release an autobiography that details his allegedly hidden gay life.
Throughout my life I find it hard to express feelings – and, moreover, even identifying them in myself.
Perhaps I am wrong; however, I have always felt that I have more trouble with this than the typical person.
The beauty of this wheel is that the basic six feelings are at the core. And then it branches off in two layers that are directly related.
This really has often helped me when I'm ambivalent with a mosh pit going on in my head.
Off Topic Rave
I found this years ago, originally created by Dr. Gloria Wilcox of Florida.
Right-click and choose "Save Image as …" or something equivalent to download this image for printing.
Our way around the "no pets allowed" clause in our lease – with our landlord's permission.
This recipe has been handed down in our family.
Red Beet Eggs
The juice must cover the eggs, but I suggest making these at least 18 at a time. You may add a little water to the juice if necessary.
| 4-6 | eggs | hard boiled and peeled |
| 1 | sm. onion | sliced |
| 1 | can | red beets - any size - save liquid |
| 1/2 | cup | vinegar |
| 1/4 | cup | sugar |
| 1/4 | teaspoon | cloves - whole |
| 1/4 | teaspoon | cinnamon |
| 1/4 | teaspoon | salt |
Place the first three ingredients (reserving liquid from beets) in storage container that has lid.
Mix all other ingredients, including beet juice, in saucepan and simmer about 8 minutes. Pour liquid over the eggs/onions/beets and refrigerate at least a full day. Serving three or four days later is even better.
[Sliced beets may be used instead of whole small beets. If large whole beets, slice or quarter them.]
Since this recipe 'pickles' the eggs, they last a long time refrigerated.
These are usually served with both the beets and onions – but none of the liquid or cloves.
I don't 'know' if this is a PA Dutch tradition; however, these are common in grocery delis and restaurant salad bars around here.
![danilo_-_14_136[1].jpg](/uploads/_imported_attachments/migrated/31200_danilo_-_14_136%5B1%5D.jpg)
