THE ROYALS OF ‘PORN’ PAUSE
Ralph is very busy, as you know, with a new job and new surroundings.
However, even if he were not, today - October 12TH - would not be ‘business as usual’. Today is the 10th ‘Anniversary’ of a crime so senseless, violent and disturbing, that to this day support groups exist because of it.
The videos in the first comment explain it all, but it is not just about Matthew Shepard. 10 years later, every day virtually every minute, a person’s sexual preference is the reason they are harrassed, excluded, beaten…and yes, killed.
The Blog is a way for the Community to ‘get away’ and socialize and have fun - but sometimes, and rightfully so, it puts us smack into Reality.
I thank all the people that are my friends and that I work and play with on the Internet that encourage and support this rememberence, Ralph being one of the more supportive - and all the Bloggies who we respect so much that we feel empowered to use the Internet for the good of the Community.
On this day we ask you all, wherever you live and however you may be otherwise involved, to join together and to join with us in reflection - and most importantly to reinforce our resolve, as much as our power will effect…that these Hate Crimes happen…..
NEVER AGAIN
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October 12th, 2008 at 8:44 am
October 12th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Hey Andy!
Thanks for this exquisit post and damn I cant watch the clips with this slow connection. I didnt know that this was the 10th anniversary of the Matthew Shepperd incident. Hate crimes just dont make sense to me. I may not like someone but I would never not like them to the point of killing them. They still have the right to be who they are. I know that some dont believe in capital punishment but I do but unfortunately it is not used in all states. My believe is that if the murder is proven without a shadow of a doubt that the person did it, then they should be put down as well. No appeals and sitting in prison forever. No taxpayers paying the bill for them to sit there and have good meals and even get a FREE education. I only say this because I had a friend murdered and the punk was only 19 and is now in prison for the rest of his life, without chance of parole, and I am having to pay for him to breath! Where is the justice in that. But anyway. Thanks for helpping us to remember Matthew and keeping this very serious issue at the front of our minds. Andy, you are very special and very much loved. Take care and SUPER HUGE HUG and LUV YA Pal!
Dave
Addison, MI
October 12th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I cry for Matthew Shepard and for all gay people who are the recipients of intolerance, abuse, prejudice, discrimination and hate – practices that are inflicted on the GLBT community every minute of every day around the globe.
The one thing that unites all of the GLBT community is that we have experienced, in some form, humanity’s lack of understanding and sometimes the manifestations of ignorance.
That our community still experiences the ultimate sacrifice for just being oneself is an indictment on the world and its lack of maturity, intelligence, understanding and compassion.
No one chooses to be gay, but millions of us around the world will not be silenced and our pride will stand the test of time. Respect must ultimately defeat bigotry.
October 12th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Thanks Andy. I watched and remembered. As I write this I have tears in my eyes. STOP THE HATE! Now I am reading what you wrote Robert and I am crying some more. I did a special lesson for my class this morning. I made a card with an angel on it with stars and hearts and rainbows. It said STOP THE HATE on top. below I wrote, Stop Prejudice. Stop Discrimination. Love God. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself. I wrote the words from part of the lesson inside. How important it is to love and respect each other. Prayers for Matthew.
Peace & Love - Mark
October 12th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I wanted to share with you part of a comment I made to a man who was filled with venom and hate. I had to write it 3 or 4 times before it finally made it past the moderator. “AIDS is not a gay disease. AIDS victims do not spit in our faces spreading their disease. That is a hateful prejudiced comment.” I will spare you what the man said. Another man went on about how hatred is not a sin. SIGH! I am glad to have friends here. My love to you all and especially to our beloved Ralph who brings us all togther and shares his beautiful smile (& other thing too) with us. God bless you Ralph and all the bloggies here.
All my love - Mark (Angel Boy)
October 13th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Hey Hot Andy,
I wasn’t aware of this incident,but having seen the videos I can see what hatred&bigotry there was.
I too,pause&reflect with everybody else.
Jamie
October 13th, 2008 at 9:26 am
THANK YOU ALL, IT’S MONDAY, A NEW DAWN, LET THE ROYAL FUN RECOVENE RENEWED….
October 13th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Happy Thanksgiving and Colombus Day Ralph.
Warmest hugs and muchos besos.
All my love - Mark