a little hope against the hate
Posted in posts on January 28th, 2010 by Wade – 1 CommentI’ve been struggling a great deal with the levels of hatred directed at my sub-set of humanity (the gays.) The whole Proposition 8 trial has been rather eye opening in the disinformation and outright bigotry spewed at us. It saddens me that the majority of the bigots, and yes, I’m calling you bigots, hide behind their religion as if that makes it all ok. “I don’t hate you… I hate the sin that a 2000 year old work of fiction and parables tells me is a sin”.
Really?!?
That’s the best you can do?
At least when I have a discriminatory thought I acknowledge it out as my own weakness. I don’t hide behind some ancient text. I tend to speak ill of Asian drivers, should I blame my intolerance on the DMV driver’s laws? “I hate their driving, not them.”
How is that any different?
As such, all this religious based intolerance has made me angry and intolerant of religions and their people. I am disgusted that these people have so much control over the dialog in this country, so much control over politics and community. Religions have just as much right to exist as I do, they are entitled to their beliefs and ceremonies. However, they are NOT entitled to dictate my existence. They are not entitled to hateful rhetoric and fostering animosity towards others that do not believe as they do.
The founding fathers were very clear in their belief that religions are dangerous to freedom. They would not have dictated the separation of church and state otherwise. They would not have stipulated this in our very first foreign treaty. (Treaty of Tripoli)
Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,—as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen,—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
I would love to see a president, senator or congressperson eschew religion, come out as an atheist, and proudly denounce the religious based intolerance and control over this country.
In that vein I was given a bit of hope when I stumbled over this website this morning. An insider’s view of the damage done by religion. And a very heartfelt apology for the hatred and intolerance. I wish I could send her a big thank you. The apology is a great first step towards recovery. I think they call it making amends in AA.
As a target of religious based intolerance and violence, thank you for your apology!
Tonight, I fixed the BF some Salmon for dinner. I wasn’t sure how to prepare it since I haven’t had a chance to go shopping after my trip to NY and Chicago.
-I roasted a chicken all by myself. Granted, I cooked it breast side down, but regardless, the skin was crispy golden brown and the meat was tender and juicy with just the right amount of spice and saltiness to it.