Stinking elephant carcass in the room. 50% of that jury was apparently comprised of homophobic,

[enlightenment]

32. I do understand.

I was confused because I failed to track back to the original and didn't realize what had happened.

There is an awful lot of thoughtlessness in the world - sometimes it is simply the product of willful ignorance and sometimes it is utterly malicious in its intent. Regardless of the root from which it springs, it is terrible to see it on a board that prides itself on being a progressive, liberal voice.

That said, DU is a microcosm of the larger world and proves the point that 'liberals' come in all varieties. I don't understand how someone can call themselves a liberal and not accept others; I don't understand Log Cabin Republicans, either. I do accept that we humans have the ability to compartmentalize our lives in ways that allow us to hold multiple, often completely disparate views.

For example: I have a good friend who is a wonderful lady; generous, loving, open-minded and accepting. She defends all groups and supports liberal, progressive policies. One of her very best friends - and they've been friends for almost 40 years - is gay. They are closer than siblings and devoted to one another.

At the same time, this lovely lady can say - without a hint of irony - that she is devastated that her friend is going to go to hell because he is gay. He just shakes his head (and smiles, because he is 70+ years old and doesn't let it bother him) . . . it makes my head explode . . . and makes me want to smack her upside hers.

How can she carry both ideas in her mind? She honestly and unreservedly love this man - but she believes (because her religion tells her) that he is going to go to hell when he dies.

I follow his lead on it. He was friends with her long before she joined this church and that friendship is what is important to him; he takes her as a whole, not just that part. Makes me crazy, though, and I wonder what sort of mental gymnastics she has to perform every day to keep things balanced in her head - and why.

I accept it is possible. I do not understand it.

You should never get used to hatred, Zorra - but you shouldn't let it get under you skin too much, either. DU is a very large community and for every nasty, close-minded, ignorant sod out there, there are two who are not that way at all. I know it doesn't seem that way - ugly things always seem larger and more evil - but I've been around this place for a long time and I really do think it's true.

I realize now that you just needed to rant - and this is the place to safely do it. I'm sorry I was confused about it. *hugs*