General: October 2003 Archives

I dug this little gem out of my archives. This picture received much press at the time it came out about a year ago.

The World Trade Center had been destroyed, we were going to war with Iraq, and for a bit we all felt like we had a common cause. Then, this hit the papers.

I remember thinking at the time, that it sent a good message to those who were so intolerant (Iraq) of their women and other minorities in their nation.

I remember thinking as I looked at "HIGH JACK THIS FAGS", that I was so happy that we are a tolerant nation who would never look down on people in a minority here.

I remember thinking what a great democracy this is. I was so thankful when I saw that picture that we live in a nation where we don't hate people who are different from us, unlike Iraq.

10/23/2003 - FOLLOW UP
I found a series of stories concerning the photo on the internet. I'm reposting them here.

High Jack This Fags

(10.01)
Gay Service Members Disgusted by US Military Homophobia
An image that hints at the US military's attitude towards homosexuality has sparked outrage among gay service members in the UK.

The photograph, featured in London's Metro newspaper, shows an officer aboard the USS Enterprise preparing a bomb in the campaign against terrorism in Afghanistan.

I subscribe to an email publication from The Daily Campus, the student newspaper at University of Connecticut. One thing that has come up lately is the gay marriage debate. It's interesting to see what young people are saying about this. Here are a few links to their letters:

USG senator fails to represent gay community
USG senator should show more tact
Homosexuals are still Americans
Gays deserve an equal voice for their rights
Religion, Bible unjustly influence leaders

Arnold: No To Gay Marriage.

(Los Angeles, California) Arnold Schwarzenegger today made his first public statement on gay issues in the campaign to unseat California governor Gay Davis. The bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician told a radio audience that he is opposed to gay marriage, but supports domestic partnership rights.

Answering a barrage of questions on a number of issues by Sean Hannity on his syndicated radio show, which also was broadcast live on Fox Television, Schwarzenegger said: "I do support domestic partnerships" but added that he was against gay marriage. He said marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Damn Arnold, if I'd known that, I might have had to re-think my movie-buying decisions of the past. At least he has an opinion about SOMETHING. He has all the answers to the problems of California, but has he ever come out on any issue on how he is going to make it work? He puts out cliches with no substance. Hummmm, kind of like his movies... moving on.

Study: majority of Scots find gay relationships "wrong"

A study of Scottish people has revealed the majority find same sex relationships always, mostly or sometimes wrong.

According to the Scottish Executive poll, 48% thought that gay and lesbian relationships were wrong, although 40% felt that such relationships were "not wrong at all".

Huh? I guess if you find something "always, mostly or sometimes wrong", you are probably pretty safe.

Gay Couple Wins Settlement In Housing Denial Suit.

(Boca Raton, Florida) A Boca Raton apartment complex is required to post a nondiscrimination sign in their office and include a statement of nondiscrimination in rental applications under an agreement reached in the case of a gay couple who were denied housing.

In addition, the Royal Colonial Apartments will pay Fred Sternbach and Stephen Miller $75,000 in damages and legal fees.

Father Files $100,000 Suit Against School for Son's Gay Harassment

The father of a 12-year-old California student filed a $100,000 claim against Pacifica School District on Sept. 15, alleging administrators failed to protect his son against classmates' anti-gay remarks and death threats.

In his suit, Mike Shaposhnikov documented over 120 separate incidents against his son. Among the allegations are reports of physical and verbal abuse, callous indifferent on the part of the schools principal and administration and in one isolated incident, a death threat.

This is a story I've been following for awhile now. It's somewhat hard to believe in a way, because Pacifica is a beautiful little town just south of San Francisco right on the Pacific Ocean. It's serene and peaceful. Apparently, not so serene if you are a gay student. I'm worried about the student and I hope the school now takes the matter seriously.

The site allows for readers to leave comments. This was the comment I left:

The Pacifica School District says that they have done everything that they can to stop the harassment. If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. If they wanted to stop the harassment, it would stop.

I would start by calling for a school assembly requiring all students and teachers to attend. I would address harassment and cruelty to others as UNACCEPTABLE. Those who did not abide by this standard would be EXPELLED and their behavior and actions would be recorded in their permanent school record. That's called ZERO TOLERANCE!

People have rights, but their rights stop at the point that they cause others anguish and heartache. I hope that this boys father cleans house on the school district. The school district needs to understand that they had the power to stop this when it started and THEY DID NOTHING. Making a half-hearted attempt just doesn't cut it. I hope they get what they deserve.