I thought DU was pro gay rights??? (Genuinely hurt)

[Tigress DEM]

30. I'm FOR tolerance AND Gay Rights, but sometimes change begins in very odd ways....

IF Putin can help in the Syrian situation, let him. Maybe a success like that could open the dialog on other issues.

We have to live in this world, deal with the cards we are dealt and sometimes enjoy the irony of who comes to our aid when their other behaviors demonstrate complete and total disregard for just about everything.

We've won over former right wingers. We've probably converted a few trolls or at least made them think more than they did before. We heard cats. Our tolerance IS real, but we all have our sticking points.

I can't change Russia from here, but if being grateful for real help on an issue that is ALSO a huge human rights violation... could give Putin a face saving out that may be the beginning of other discussions. I'd say we are back to old fashioned, frustrating diplomacy which means no one gets exactly what they want, but some progress gets made on key issues through years of careful, just about artful planning for ultimate success.

Yes, he's in that terribly prejudiced group who can't treat gays with respect or even human dignity. BUT IF - IF his bottom line is not being able to be seen as standing by like a bag of trash while the whole world watches children killed in a horrific fashion... IF that little chink is there in the armor, maybe progress can be made in other areas.


Applauding someone for doing the right thing isn't turning our back on LGBT community. It's encouraging the best in someone who hasn't done much of that and might find out they like it. Don't think our complete mission changes because we adapt to what IS. This is survival to keep working for the tolerance and respect we see as the end goal. Lot of stuff can be cleaned up between here and there.

You don't teach tolerance by being judgmental of people you want to see change when they are doing something helpful. You teach tolerance by rewarding tolerant behavior and rejecting intolerant behavior.