No One Admits It
Statistics are funny little numbers. I mean it is interesting to see how many quote stats to defend a position or to claim why something isn’t being done. Granted, in some instances it is more of a perception than reality but you know, it does make you wonder at times. Specially when it comes to hate crimes like Gay Bashing.
Given that the USA is on a holy war against Gays it seems interesting to note that even the Gay Mecca, San Francisco has resorted to street patrols in order to keep the streets save for residents. The one place in America where gays can walk holding hands, kiss and just be themselves now needs street patrols.
Ordinarily the pair might look as though they are members of a team on their way to a team function. But they are part of a new community street patrol aimed at stomping out homophobic attacks before they can get violent. (full story)
Naturally the police say crime isn’t on the rise, but then too the United States doesn’t think Gay Bashing is a hate crime. They don’t think that bullying and name calling warrants adding attacks on Gays as part of their hate crime measures. So I suppose it is no wonder that police don’t believe attacks on Gays is on the rise. Somehow though makes you wonder why they held a special meeting and why street patrols now exist, with police officers in attendance.
Part of the possible problem too is that Gays are reluctant to report the assaults. After all who wants to tell some blue suit that two guys or three took off after them. We all now the defence too, these red neck bullies will claim the lone gay guy came on to them. Seems that is what works in America. Given that, why would Gays report it?
Sad part is that in not reporting it, it also makes us feel more ashamed. I mean it is like we are being driven back to hiding who we are, not from just the political rhetoric, but from real fear. I mean it is like Gays are the group to hate above all others. It just seems that is the mission too, and what I guess has me most upset is that it is the religious orders who are leading that charge. This is not a message to send to young gays and yet we somehow seem powerless to stop this rushing tide of hatred and anger.
Look at the front runners for President in 2008. Other than Guillano, the rest all oppose equal rights for gays, including Clinton and Obama. So I mean, it is like the left and right are united together in insuring that we are kept in our closets. Sad state of affairs when same sex marriage is sanctioned in South Africa and Spain, yet good old America is rushing to pass amendments to deny it.
Interesting how two countries which share a common language and a huge border can be so different. I mean Dave and I routinely go shopping and hold hands. He and I even kiss at times in the local grocery store and no, we don’t live in a predominently gay district like San Francisco has the Castro. So it is strange to me to fathom how there can be such a difference.
And yet every single American politician calls the USA, the Greatest Democracy Ever. How sad.
