July 20, 2001
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My sweetie Dr. Wes Browning turned 52 July 9th. I turned 52 July 17th. I wrote him this poem for his birthday:
On Wes's Birthday, July 9, 2001
You are sunlit pasture
where the hay is always sweet
and nettles never sting,
a creek in green woodshade
with water always clean
and gravel that never cuts my feet,
a hug that has never constricted me,
an anchor that has never held me back.
You laugh without mockery,
argue without wounding.
Within your world's heart
crystals hold a light
that never came from sun or star
yet the dark warm beating walls
don't cramp my breath.
You fly me into stars that never burn me.
I love you.
I treasure you.
Forever.
See the poem page on my meta-site for more. Recently printed elsewhere:
- an article in Real Change, local homeless newspaper, on my experiences with Seattle's mental health outreach program (not yet posted to the web)
- a review of Fragx Anthologica. (Go to http://www.fragx.com/ and click on "Anthologica".)
Thoughts for today on the controversy over whether freedom of religion includes the right to discriminate against gays (referring to news article on the faith-based initiative):
Does freedom of religion mean freedom to discriminate?
At one time, American churches made religious arguments supporting the practice of slavery. The government of America nevertheless outlawed slavery.
Christian churches, both Catholic and Protestant, have at various times condoned or even advocated anti-Semitism. These practices, however, are now forbidden by civil rights laws.
At one time, Mormon dogma held Blacks ineligible for the priesthood -- which meant, ineligible for membership. This discrimination was overturned on the ground of civil rights.
At one time, Mormon dogma authorized a man to have multiple wives. This religious practice was over-ridden by law.
All of our freedoms are limited at the point where they begin to encroach on the freedom of others. When discrimination on the basis of sexual identity or orientation is illegal, it is just as illegal for religious groups as it is for anyone else.
Freedom of religion means freedom from discrimination, not freedom for discrimination.
Write On!
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