Houston's next mayor: either openly gay liberal or liberal from Cal Berkeley - is this the trend in all the U.S? (appointed, credit)
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Great for Houston, and boourns who are saying it isn't a big deal that Annise Parker is gay. OF COURSE IT'S A BIG DEAL and it speaks volumes to the character of Houstonians.
Those who think it's a bad thing to note that she is a lesbian or even not necessary should remember that it wasn't too long ago that being a cultural or ethnic minority meant that you were destined to be on the periphery of society. Sure, there were those who excelled at business, entertainment or in politics. But for "minorities", especially lesbians and gays, you had to "hide" or downplay your affiliation in most circumstances in order to get any where. Just look at the numerous examples of gay entertainers and politicians who lived in the closet for years before they were outed.
Though not the first in the nation, Houston ushered in a great accomplishment because it was the first city in the South to elect a GLBT mayor. Though those who will say that they will "weigh the candidates by their ideas, not who they are" have merit, but it is unrealistic to not stop and honor what just took place. Mayor-elect Parker's election is a clear sign of where this country is headed this century and it should be given its proper due.
P.S. To my "White" CD brothers: It may seem sometimes that celebrating a "minorities" election is at the detriment of you, but it isn't. You have to understand that for 360 or America's first 400 years that if you weren't white, male, or disabled (exception to FDR who had to hide btw), then you didn't have a chance in this country to lead or succeed. When people celebrate the election of any person of color, ethnic minority, or women of any color's election to high office it isn't at the expense of you or what you have to offer to this country. M'kay?
I disagree, I am gay and Hispanic, and think making a spectacle of her sexuality is wrong. Ok, she is gay get over and get to work. Not that it isn't significant but the more we see that minorities of any kind are just people then the better and more open our society will be. One thing that surprised me when in Europe is that their openness and diversity (save some religious issues) are due to the fact that personal lives and race are less important than the person at work/politics/community;thus, a lack of labels and categorization and an acceptance of humanity in all its forms. Seems that the only issue in much of Europe is between Muslims and everyone else.
Yeah, i guess she meant it as a joke, to poke fun at the fact that she really is the 1st openly gay mayor in a major city(no offense, Portland).
Houston is definitely a major city. Portland is really just a medium size. Of course many here in PDX would be highly insulted to hear it referred to, as anything less than God's gift to Earth.
I'm sure the new mayor meant her comment as a joke and I wish her all the best as mayor of Houston.
I read less than 17 percent of the voters turned out for the election? IOW, I wouldn't get too excited over this for any reason, whether you're for or against it...
Great for Houston, and boourns who are saying it isn't a big deal that Annise Parker is gay. OF COURSE IT'S A BIG DEAL and it speaks volumes to the character of Houstonians.
Those who think it's a bad thing to note that she is a lesbian or even not necessary should remember that it wasn't too long ago that being a cultural or ethnic minority meant that you were destined to be on the periphery of society. Sure, there were those who excelled at business, entertainment or in politics. But for "minorities", especially lesbians and gays, you had to "hide" or downplay your affiliation in most circumstances in order to get any where. Just look at the numerous examples of gay entertainers and politicians who lived in the closet for years before they were outed.
Though not the first in the nation, Houston ushered in a great accomplishment because it was the first city in the South to elect a GLBT mayor. Though those who will say that they will "weigh the candidates by their ideas, not who they are" have merit, but it is unrealistic to not stop and honor what just took place. Mayor-elect Parker's election is a clear sign of where this country is headed this century and it should be given its proper due.
P.S. To my "White" CD brothers: It may seem sometimes that celebrating a "minorities" election is at the detriment of you, but it isn't. You have to understand that for 360 or America's first 400 years that if you weren't white, male, or disabled (exception to FDR who had to hide btw), then you didn't have a chance in this country to lead or succeed. When people celebrate the election of any person of color, ethnic minority, or women of any color's election to high office it isn't at the expense of you or what you have to offer to this country. M'kay?
I think most Houstonians agree that voting a lesbian into our mayoral office is a significant step for the city (and I guess the country for that matter), but It shouldn't take away from the fact that she is a very qualified candidate. She did great in the debates and I thought she beat Locke in all the debates I saw.
Although most Houstonians seem to be somewhat down playing this whole thing on CD, I think most, including myself, are proud of our city for electing a very qualified mayor in spite of her sexual orientation and believe it deserves all the national and international attention the election is getting, but we're just too modest to admit it.
Location: The Greatest city on Earth: City of Atlanta Proper
8,485 posts, read 14,988,805 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WanderingImport
Amen to that What an idiot we have for a governor... Separation of church and state Sonny!
For real. At least King Roy is running again. Even though Atlanta has excelled beyond belief since 2002, the rest of the state has languished. I believe that the voters know this and will elect Roy Barnes to finish the job.
Location: The Greatest city on Earth: City of Atlanta Proper
8,485 posts, read 14,988,805 times
Reputation: 7333
Quote:
Originally Posted by fcorrales80
I disagree, I am gay and Hispanic, and think making a spectacle of her sexuality is wrong. Ok, she is gay get over and get to work. Not that it isn't significant but the more we see that minorities of any kind are just people then the better and more open our society will be. One thing that surprised me when in Europe is that their openness and diversity (save some religious issues) are due to the fact that personal lives and race are less important than the person at work/politics/community;thus, a lack of labels and categorization and an acceptance of humanity in all its forms. Seems that the only issue in much of Europe is between Muslims and everyone else.
I respect your opinion, but as a double minority (like yourself, but black and japanese) it is always a point of pride for me to see those who would have been lynched 50 years ago for even daring to excel in public service.
1: Although the validity of the term "race card" is debatable an opinion piece doesn't really prove anything. (Especially one as ill-informed as that one)
2: His post only had two sentences. I hope you have more than to dismiss him as "antiquated ideas in sotto voice."
I dont get it. What would a governor's sexual preference have to do with running a state effectively?
I worked for a lesbian for almost a year before I knew. She did her job just fine.
I agree totally. I couldn't care less if somebody is gay or not. All I care about is they do a good job. I voted for Annise Parker both times (the election and the runoff). She's the most qualified for the job so she deserves to win. It's that simple.
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