(This is a Facebook status from September 5, 2012, that I posted in response to a friend’s comment on one of my post. Though he didn’t necessarily agree or disagree with my views, he made a valid statement that I seemed to be only commenting on the things I was against, without adequately commenting in a positive way about the values that I supported, and that mattered to me. It was a great point! Too often these days, people only bitch and complain about the status quo without offering a coherent explanation as to why they feel that way (let alone maybe even offering a solution). So I decided to make very clear the reasons why I so strongly denounce Romney and GOP efforts in this election. And the reasons are very simple from my POV as a gay, black, ex-dancer.)
I was reminded by an old friend that I should underscore what I stand for so that there is context for my continual GOP outrage. I’m posting Michelle’s image from her speech because she spoke to all of these issues so eloquently last night. The reason why I’m so offended by the GOP (and their talking points) on so many levels is that I’m a black man, a partnered gay man, an artist, and someone who believes in helping others to achieve in the same ways I was helped on my path to success. How can we, as a country, help everyone achieve success and not just our friends or people with money…but everyone.
People can do amazing things with their lives when given a modicum of help. I’ve achieved much in my life because of the opportunities I was afforded (from my parents and scholarships), and have always tried to give back and help others. That is what we MUST do as decent people. Obama isn’t a perfect president by any means, but there is no doubt that we always tries to do the most good for the most people. And that’s not socialism. It’s sharing in the American Dream for everyone, not just the privileged and monied few!
The GOP leaders have insulted blacks, persecuted gays, are trying to de-fund the puny amounts of “arts” money on the table, and have no interest in helping others achieve — only in helping themselves and their friends. THIS is the core of my outrage, and the reason why from now until the election I will be working my ass off to stop the entitled GOP elite, like Mitt and Paul, from reaching the Oval Office and pissing on the many people who desperately need their help.