The story of Maj. Alan Rogers, who was killed in Iraq in January, inspired passionate responses from readers. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army)
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Friday, April 04, 2008
Re: “Media, military kept soldier in closet after death” (news, March 28)
Alan was truly like a brother to me and he was supposed to be my best man. Instead, he was killed in action while serving his country on Jan. 27, 2008. Family, friends and I have been interviewed multiple times regarding this great man and his sexual orientation was never mentioned because it had no more relevance than the color of his skin. Until people respect each other as equals, there will always be division. With Alan there was no divide. He loved you for who you were. So, I find it interesting how important it is for Blade to out one of its own “family” members. Those who truly knew Alan realized this fact was a private issue, only disclosed on a need-to-know basis and only after you were allowed into his inner circle. Let’s honor and remember Alan for more than one aspect of his life. Alan is and will be loved as one of the most beautiful humans this world has had the opportunity to know and experience.
The Washington Post’s editors should be ashamed. They worked overtime to keep a brave man in the closet — someone who clearly didn’t mind the world knowing he was gay because he worked for a gay rights group.
Anonymous user deleted references to sexual orientation |
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Re: “The audacity of hate” (guest editorial by Christopher Barron, March 28)
The complete quote: “The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing ‘God Bless America.’ No, no, no, God damn America, that’s in the Bible for killing innocent people. God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme.” How many of our people died because the government was slow to attack the AIDS virus? How many died because Congress turns a blind eye to bullying and hate crimes? How many of our people have lost their jobs because America feels we are unequal in the workplace. How about an America that finds us unfit to marry or serve our country in the military? God bless America? Is it so hard for a gay man to understand the context of Rev. Wright’s emotion? Is the gay community so desperate to elect Hillary that they would pretend they don’t get it?
Using Christopher Barron’s reasoning: since Hillary stuck around all those years and tolerated Bill’s infidelity, she therefore by extension does not believe in monogamy, or have a high regard for the institution of marriage. I don’t believe she once came out and actually condemned his behavior.
Re: “Dean claims DNC fired gay man for poor performance” (news, March 28)
Howard Dean “allowed” civil unions in Vermont so as not to diminish “real” marriage. Now we learn that he believes that according gay rights the same status as black rights would be “offensive.” Is there anyone within the gay community who doesn’t now believe Paul Yandura was right and that Dean took his anger out on Donald Hitchcock? Time for the gay community to stop getting sand kicked on us.
How about we ask Hillary Clinton whether or not she thinks Howard Dean erred in not according gay Democrats the same affirmative action status as African Americans? Or are we afraid of her answer? Wonder what Barack Obama would say? Ironic that no one has inquired.
Re: “Mommie Queerest” (The Point, March 28)
Joan Crawford deserves a rebirth. I watched “Humoresque” and “Harriet Craig” the other day. She was ahead of her time in technique and was compelling to watch. Not until later did she become the ham that Bette Davis often was. She had a wider range than Kate — the eternal spinster — and certainly lasted longer than Garbo.
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