moral values

November 5, 2004


I woke up in Massachusetts this morning and I'm darn glad of it. Wouldn't want to wake up in Ohio or any of those states where people are more afraid of committed, monogamous, loving gay couples than of terrorists.

I honestly don't get why all the media analysts are attributing the election outcome to "moral values". So far as I can tell, what they mean by moral values is that gay people should not be allowed to marry each other and employers should not be allowed to offer domestic partner benefits. And oh by the way they mention stem cell research. They just keep harping on moral values even when they are talking about faith -- as in Bush is born again and Kerry isn't.

I don't lie, cheat, steal, kill sentient beings of any kind, cheat on my girlfriend, run red red lights, bribe government officials, beat up little old ladies (or anyone else), drink, smoke, or gamble. I love my family. I try to be there for my friends. I give to charity. I give change to panhandlers and always speak a kind word to the homeless people who sell Spare Change in Central Square. I don't hate anyone. I try to have compassion for those who hate me as both Christ and the Buddha taught. Aren't these moral values?

I believe in free speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state. Surely these are American values if not moral ones.

It's going to be a tough 4 years, but I ain't going anywhere. We're here, we're queer, get used to it.

**

Today's Reading
Letters to a Spiritual Seeker by Henry David Thoreau

This Year's Reading
2004 Booklist


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Copyright © 2004, Janet I. Egan