These are my people – The Democrats. I have been living at the convention for four days now through the wonder of CNN, MSNBC, and C-Span. I love all the crazy hats, the dancing fat women, the multi-ethnic mix that is truly American. It seems that every facet of our great country is represented on that delegate floor.
The only two groups missing (well, except for an abundance of millionaires) are the gays and the Muslims. I have seen a few rainbow flags waving and a couple of women in head scarves… but hey, we know that these two groups of people are part of the fabric of the quilt that makes up not only the Dems, but our country.
I can understand that Obama is in a precarious position. He cannot be seen in a photo op with a group of Muslim women or dancing with a bunch of raving homosexuals. Not that he is above either; he is trying to maintain a presidential demeanor appropriate to the climate of this important election.
In our history each ethic group coming to our shores has had to undergo a vetting period before becoming fully accepted as a full fledged square on quilt. The Irish, the Jews, the Italians, the Chinese, the Japanese, and all other newcomers have had their turn in the barrel.
As a person who has grown up in show business and who has known and accepted the gay lifestyle my entire life, I can’t imagine what the problem is. Is everyone afraid of being schtupt in the back alley or being on the receiving end of an unwanted pass? I love the gays, their passion and their humor. I feel rich to have had many friends who call themselves gay. Although I am straight, I always joke around that I am at least two per cent gay – like the milk.
I have always been enamored with the desert cultures ever since I saw The Desert Song on stage and read 1001 Arabian Nights. I took belly dancing classes, read The Prophet and Rumi’s poetry, and enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine.. I kept an open mind when I encountered some militant and ill tempered Palestians while attending SFSU in the 70′s. I have studied many religions including Islam, but I have never been to a Mosque. I want to understand. I love the story of the well at Mecca and how including religious relics from all tribes in the region of Saudi Arabia in the Kaaba encouraged trade and peace . When Mohammed united the tribes under Islam he forbade this practice.
I believe fear is at the crux of the matter. Fear of being or becoming gay. Fear of someone different. Fear of the unknown. Fear of changing. Fear of even changing our minds. The only absolution is knowledge and education. “Getting to Know You” as the song goes. We are beginning to accept gays. Soon when we have Muslim characters on sit coms and in the main stream media, we will all learn to accept and understand. I am praying for this day. I will be glad to add a couple of new squares to my quilt.
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