Price of Patience

Gay "What If's" (4.00 / 3)

Good points, Dean.  I've answered over a hundred "what if's" in the media during the past few months on this issue, as people who don't know gays and lesbians in their everyday lives fear the unknown.  

No one's asked me yet about the sunspots or potential erratic comets that might hit Earth if we approve gay marriage, but I'm sure that's on someone's mind.  

The fear that we're looking to sue businesspeople who tell us they can't do a wedding because their schedule is full would be funny if those who make such observations weren't so cruel.

And about the florists, I don't want to stereotype but the best ones I know are gay.  Maybe because when I've needed a florist I go to the best one I know, who happens to be gay.  

I've spent the past several days calling, E-Mailing, and sending hard-copy letters (the paper type) with my own stamps (it's 44 cents now) to dozens of Legislators yet to make up their minds for sure.  We still have time for others to do that -- at least the E-Mails and telephone calls.

The vote WILL be on Wednesday, and it will be close.  We're counting just a few votes either way.  Everyone:  please check the roll call of May 20th on House Bill 73 http://www.gencourt.state.nh.u... call your Legislator if he or she voted opposed, or wasn't present.  That one vote may make the difference.  It did 2 weeks ago.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 08:26:51 AM CDT

It's still OK for many to treat us like 2nd class, every day. (4.00 / 1)

I always love your perspective, Dean.

I wish this bill could protect LGBT couples from legions of home improvement companies that take one look at our family and decide we are two stoopid women who don't know a thing about drywall/tiling/roofing/plumbing, and therefore act like condescending jerks, over-estimate the price, try to sell what we know we don't need or want, and/or tell us they're "booked"  

The best so far was the highly recommended "Christian" plumber who blew off our rather desperate & urgent call, who then showed up for the neighbor's not-so-urgent call a week later.  At least he waved to me from the neighbor's driveway and sheepishly asked  if I was all set.

I guess it's nice to know that you think we are made of "stronger stuff" than you are, though it's probably not true.

Fine with me if these so-called business persons don't want my money.  I don't want to give it to them, either!

Thanks for letting me rant.  I needed that today.

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

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by: pdinardo @ Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 08:43:47 AM CDT

I've heard a lot worse. (4.00 / 1)

I suppose it's a matter of desensitization.  It just rolls off my back at this point.

My partner on the other hand...  After hearing one of these stories the other day she suggested that we start handing out little stickers - maybe a pink triangle with a sad face - for these folks to put on their door.  That way we'd know which businesses would prefer we spend our money elsewhere.

Oh, but wait.  Out in California these same type of folks sued to prevent the release of the Prop 8 donor lists.  Seems their businesses are in trouble because of all of 'the gays' and their friends are boycotting the Prop 8 donors.

So, they don't want gay business.  Except when they do.  Got it.

http://cbs5.com/politics/prop....

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by: Karen @ Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 09:06:48 AM CDT

Let me suggest that it's really a matter of numbers. (0.00 / 0)

There are more straights than there are gays, just as there are more whites than blacks or browns (barely).  What straights and whites are concerned about is what people like themselves will do if they step over the exclusive bounds.  Will they incur the wrath of the "majority"?  The "moral majority" and the "silent majority" wield power without saying anything.  They watch and they punish those that don't toe the line.

You've heard of "nigger lovers"?  Those are the people who need to be shunned to send a message to people who count about what's right.  Whites who take advantage of blacks (or whatever minority is handy) and charge them more for everything they buy, are demonstrating their bonafides by being abusive.

You see, it's not enough to be white and straight and male.  It's necessary to demonstrate one's subservience to the group by sharing in its antagonisms.  Cheating minorities is a business prerequisite, if they want to keep their "regular" customers.

I once had a nice old white lady (daughter of the American Revolution) clue me in to the facts of life, since, having come south from up north, I obviously didn't know that promoting an historic district founded and populated mostly by black people was a no-no, as evidenced by the "fact" that now "those people" were emboldened to stand on the sidewalk in front of her house and TALK.  I was obviously a gross disappointment and didn't appreciate that she'd already gone out of her way to let me know what was worth preserving.

The core issue is social status--who's important and who's not.  Equality is not a desideratum among those who desire to be elite.  Strangely enough, I heard someone categorize "elite" and "effete" similarly the other day.  It's as if, "elite" needs to be denied.  Which may account for the reference to the "Democratic elite" during the political campaigns.  Those who want to be elite don't want to admit it.

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by: hannah @ Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 11:54:12 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

the good guys (and gals) (0.00 / 0)

Oh, YES there's a lot worse that can and has happened than being ripped off by a dry waller or snubbed by a plumber.  That's just where I am today.

What we need to remember to do is recommend and share the names of the "good ones" and give these folks all of our business, gay or straight!

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

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by: pdinardo @ Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 11:58:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Paula - (0.00 / 0)

Just to be clear - I wasn't responding to your post this morning. Mine was a totally unrelated rant in response to the original blog.  (I was distracted in the middle of composing my post, and didn't check for new replies before completing it half an hour later.)

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by: Karen @ Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 14:43:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

no prob (0.00 / 0)

I wasn't offended at all.  :)  I thought you were right on track.

Paula

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

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by: pdinardo @ Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 16:12:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Text of the Conference Report (0.00 / 0)

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.u...

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by: davidmac2003 @ Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 11:07:38 AM CDT