Updates and Issues

Okay, so 5 months has been a long time for me to stay away and I apologize for that. While I have engaged in other online forums, I have neglected to maintain and update this blog. However, that will change.

As an update for my goals, my fifth book is nearly completed and I've survived 2 surgeries this year. In addition, I've learned to ride a motorcycle and have taken my bike out on a couple of spins. While I love the city, I'm itching for an open road to enjoy some rolling hills and curves.

But on to more important matters. Lots has happened in the news over the past many months. There are six states now who recognize and perform same-sex marriages and Washington, D.C. is about to join the ranks as another entity that will recognize same-sex marriages.

We have seen the battles for this civil right span across the country and both parties have called on their bases to engage in this debate. A couple of weeks ago, I was privileged to attend a rally held in D.C. (Dupont) in protest to the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Prop 8 but at the same time ensured that the same-sex marriages that were performed during that time remained legal. A decision that left all parties scratching their heads.

The debate has also headlined in New York with civil rights groups, religious organizations, and GLBT organizations taking to the streets and contacting their representatives on this issue. My prediction is that New York will soon follow New England's example and won't deny any of their citizens equal rights.

As I've said repeatedly in previous posts, I don't understand the fear associated with same-sex marriage. The slippery slope arguments and the religious zealots make arguements that have been used to protest other civil rights legislation in the past. At what point will we, as a nation, recognize that these arguments are nothing but fear tactics designed to distort the truth?

The past weekend, I attended my first Gay Pride in Washington D.C. My girl friend was unable to attend, but instead, I went with a group and had a blast. Admittedly, I was intimidated at first because I didn't know what to expect. Next year, I want to ride my motorcycle with Dykes on Bikes to help kick off the parade!