As someone who has never known real discrimination I can only vaguely imagine the importance of Barack Obama becoming President today. In an ideal world, this will prove to any racists that if a black man can rule the free world, then surely we are all equal. That’s a romantic and idealised view, but one I’d love to see come to fruition.
What does this victory mean for the rest of the world? A world where the “Allies of the willing” aren’t bullied into going to war and losing lives that shouldn’t be lost, money that shouldn’t be spent.
There are things I wasn’t expecting to see in my lifetime, like the Berlin Wall coming down. Maybe it’s my ignorance and naivety, but a black man in the White House never seemed illogical to me. Let’s hope he leads the world into financial recovery, out of a war that isn’t going anywhere and into a much brighter future.
Congratulations President-elect Obama.
The announcement that the NSW state government is stepping up with funds to help keep the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras afloat has met with a backlash that suggests maybe Sydney isn’t the home of homo tolerance we’ve all been thinking it is.
This article contains quotes from NSW residents furious at the support of a cultural institution that brings MILLIONS to the economy every year. Not surprisingly the backlash has come from those older, conservative redneck folks that love a good talkback radio show to vent their bile.
Two of the best quotes for you…
“The next progression is to make homosexuality compulsory in NSW,” wrote Bill of Drummoyne. “I am livid and disgusted.” “What a nonsense,” complained Laurie. “Funding a freakshow yet cannot fund hospitals.” While one commenter has thoughtfully suggested a spot of hunting. “You have got to be dreaming if you think people in the country will put up with it. Forget poofter bashing, let’s go hunting!” said another.
I agree with the article when it suggests that this kind of homophobia only proves that events like Mardi Gras are still very relevant and necessary.
Well from the flood of World naked bike ride pics that are coming into my email from various yahoo groups, I’m guessing the northern hemisphere had their turn just recently. Sadly here in Australia we can’t actually get entirely naked from what I understand, which kinda defeats the purpose. Australia’s not quite naked bike ride doesn’t quite have the same impact. I’d love to hear that I’m wrong on this one. I’d also love to see less cars and more cyclists on Sydney’s roads.
KEVIN Rudd has been presented with his first major challenge on gay law reform from within his own party, with ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope challenging him to allow gay and lesbian civil unions in the territory.
Mr Stanhope said the Prime Minister - a self-described social conservative - should allow the move, arguing that if Mr Rudd could demand China respect the human rights of Tibetans he should defend the rights of his own citizens at home.
Read the full article here.