Instead of reading my blog, here are two things I came across today that you should read over the weekend:
From the New York Times, A Gay Former N.B.A. Player Responds to Kobe Bryant, by John Amaechi, who in 2007 was the first NBA player to come out. We have all heard that Kobe called a referee in the heat of an argument the F-word. Many came to his support, claiming that it’s just the way the Sports World, the good ol’ boys club works. Mr. Amaechi begged to differ, in a rational, respectful and persuasive voice.
Here is a quote from the very powerful, and may I say, surprisingly well-written (yes, I have my bias against people in sports. SORRY!) article:
Many people balk when L.G.B.T. people, even black ones, suggest that the power and vitriol behind another awful slur — the N-word — is no different from the word used by Kobe. I make no attempt at an analogy between the historical civil rights struggle for blacks in the United States with the current human rights struggle for L.G.B.T. people, but I can say that I am frequently called both, and the indignation, anger and at times resignation that course through my body are no greater or less for either. I know with both words the intent is to let me know that no matter how big, how accomplished, philanthropic or wise I may become, to them I am not even human.
With a title 9 Things The Rich Don’t Want You To Know About Taxes, how can you not be intrigued? Unless of course you are this guy:
The "NEW" GE way indeed...
These are the 9 secrets:
1. Poor Americans do pay taxes.
2. The wealthiest Americans don’t carry the burden.
3. In fact, the wealthy are paying less taxes.
4. Many of the very richest pay no current income taxes at all.
5. And (surprise!) since Reagan, only the wealthy have gained significant income.
6. When it comes to corporations, the story is much the same—less taxes.
7. Some corporate tax breaks destroy jobs.
8. Republicans like taxes too.
9. Other countries do it better.
Charts and numbers galore!
It shocks the hell out of me that 1) gays and lesbians are still singled out and mistreated and 2) that more people are not shocked when they hear about situations like this one. This issue alone proves we are not a civilized society.
MacDougal Street Baby recently posted…Fresh Air Fund
As a gay woman, I thank you for the wonderful quote and fabulous recommendations for reading! Hope you’re enjoying your weekend, Lin!
Kathy
kathy recently posted…Gallery Saturday
I tried to comment twice with my phone… and something wonky happened…. so I will say that I feel like the fight for equality concerning LGBT is MUCH more volatile than the issues during the civil rights movement. I respect my great aunts and uncles and their struggle for equality, and I don’t want to take away from their suffering- but I feel like the LGBT situation is going to be much harder to overcome… the way the culture war is so entrenched in backward sexuality… ugh, it just breaks my heart.
I love my gays 🙂
Jasmine recently posted…FYE- Young Folks
Oh, I’m following you on Twitter now 😉
But I thought we knew all this already already about the rich not paying as many taxes as well as the corporations? This isn’t anything new. Obama and company have proposed to change all that. I’ll believe it when I see it.
That quote from Ameachi is brilliant. And heretofore when someone uses the phrase “the F word,” I’m going to assume they mean the bad one and not fuck. Because fuck is awesome. Obviously. Just like you.
Elly Lou recently posted…I Want Uke
Unlike MPAA, I think most of us have outgrown the word FUCK. I have a lot of opinions about them rating movies based on the count of the word FUCK. How about those stupid homophobic jokes?
That was indeed well said – hate words are hate words.
And I actually knew all those tax/wealth facts but the conservative machine has convinced too may people otherwise.
secret agent woman recently posted…Looks like the Woodsman has struck again
We need more people with a good brain inside their heads. But you know, I believe in bell curves… Sigh. It’s amazing how well the Reagan myth has been imbibed by people who deep down wanted to believe in that to begin with… “One cannot be fooled unless one wants to.” Applies very well here…
Oh goodness — the tax thing has had me stewing for days. Days. I can’t even blog because I’m in the middle of stewing. Corporations and the rich are getting tax breaks, and meanwhile, here in the economically devastated state of Michigan, legislators are busting unions, proposing teachers pay 20% of our health care costs, take a 5% pay cut next year, and freeze our salary step increases. A teacher I know did the math, and for her, that’s a $12,000 pay deduction next year if that all passes (and it looks very likely to pass). It’s unreal. Our middle class way of life is being attacked while corporations here in Michigan are looking forward to an 86% decrease in taxes. How is this happening?
And I would much like to hug Amaechi right now. And you too. xoxo
Andrea recently posted…Been Caught Stealing
More of us need to get more outraged. It’s amazing how the GOP machine works. I guess people tend to believe what they want to believe. Ugh.