You know, I’ve ranted and raved so much about the staggering intolerance that exists in our so-called ‘free’ society, and the religion-based justifications most of that intolerance is based on, that I’m pretty much talked out on the subject. The problem is, however, that most of the screaming angst inside my head – the screaming angst this blog was meant to help me with – is directly associated with the intolerance I see all around me, leaving me no choice but to deal with that angst in other, less direct, ways… 😳
Anyway… Other than ‘the war on women,’ the biggest news on the intolerance front these days has been about the rights of gays. And, by far, the biggest headlines from that part of the struggle these days has been about All-American defensive lineman Michael Sam’s decision to ‘come out of the closet’ ahead of the upcoming NFL draft in May.
Wow, I can scarcely begin to express the pride I felt at that young man’s courage! At the same time however, I couldn’t help but be filled with dread over the ‘trials and tribulations’ I imagined to be headed his way as well. It was like all those scenes from movies or on TV where ‘the little guy’ finally decided to stand up to the bully – you just know there’s a major ass-kicking coming the little guy’s way! Or perhaps a better scenario would be to imagine yourself as one of David’s friends, standing, aghast, on the sidelines as he insanely dared to challenge a seemingly indestructible Goliath.
But then, like ‘manna from heaven,’ my heart was miraculously lifted back up again when I saw “The Rewrite” segment from The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell last night – containing an enlightened response from just about the last place in America I’d expect such an an enlightened response to come from…
On the other hand, I now feel that sense of dread over the future prospects of poor Dale Hansen, who no doubt has a very angry mob of homophobic Texans, replete with pitchforks and torches, rapidly closing in on his castle! 😯
I want ice water.
More from the Tolerance… Not! volume
I Want Ice Water! 
Well said, but I to feel that he will be ripped apart by some people in the crowds.
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That’s my fear too Harry, but I guess only time will tell…
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I applaud Michael Sam’s courage and determination and hope desperately that the NFL is more mature than I fear it is. Bravo, too, to that wonderful sportscaster. Maybe there’s hope for Texas after all.
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I applaud both Michael Sam and Dale Hansen too PT, not to mention the brilliant way in which Lawrence O’Donnell put it all together in his piece. As for Texas and the NFL, I’ve got my fingers crossed but I’m not exactly holding my breath…
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I will definitely put this sportscaster on my list of “people in Texas who are decent”, which includes at least 3 other people…so there’s hope, right? Thanks..!
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Wow, 4 is definitely better than 1, right? And I’m willing to bet there’s a whole lot more who might now be encouraged to show their decency too!
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Great post. Dale Hansen told ’em, I reckon. He’ll probably get “retired” after that. Texas is unquestionably the most homophobic state in the union…. 🙂
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Thanks George. He certainly did tell em, didn’t he? We’ll see how the homophobics react with the spotlight shining on them!
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I do not always agree with Dale, but this time he stepped up. Being from the heart of Texas, I am proud of him this time. We will see what happens.
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We will definitely see Val. I’d like to think that most people are decent deep down. Who knows, maybe all it takes is one brave soul to give voice to what others fear to express…
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I hate the people who say “someone else” will object. I would have more respect for them if they said “I object, I would not want him in my locker-room”- cos then we could say, why? What is the problem? They were saying, “The locker-room will have problems”, “the board room will have problems”.
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I couldn’t agree with you more Clare. Thanks for commenting! 😀
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Oddly enough, I do think things are getting better. It is about time. The kids know it’s time and are much more realistic and accepting about homosexuality that their parents. My wife works in the athletic department of a large High School and she says the kids have no problem. If my wife said it then you can take it to the bank. Now if only the adults could let go.
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I think you and your wife are spot on Phillip. This is one area where the older generation needs to be more like the younger one.
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