Radical Actions

Some believe that the best way to effect change is through diplomacy, negotiation, and quiet behind-doors conferences with the powerful. And there is a place for that.

But as Ps. 146 notes, "Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of the earth, for there is no help in them." And that, so often, is what runs through my head when I listen to elected politicians make promise after promise to the LGBT community... only to tell us, "Wait until next year, next election, next fundraiser..."

Clearly, the native queers are getting a little restless. We've been told to "take a number" too many times. And now, the true brave ones are chaining themselves to the White House fence, and occupying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's offices! Because it is time to stop talking about doing the right thing, and get on with the business of granting us "others" full equality.


This is CNN coverage of Lt. Dan Choi's protest outside the White House today. Apparently, Lt. Choi, a West Point graduate and top soldier dismissed from the Army under the insidious "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, interrupted an event planned by the gay rights organization the Human Rights Campaign, and marched the people away from the "staid and civil" HRC event over to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for a little civil disobedience. You can see and read more at Towelroad.



Meanwhile, other protestors in California and Washington, DC, are turning up the heat on Speaker Pelosi to quit dragging her heels on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
In both protests, the activists have been arrested. There is currently a call for a vigil in DC. Lt. Dan Choi and others will be arraigned in the morning at a courthouse located at 500 Indiana Ave. NW.
Take up your cross, folks, and follow! This is a wild ride! For my part, I will light a candle and pray for my courageous brothers and sisters... and the leaders who keep wanting us to wait for our piece of dignity to fall from the table.