My Favourite Show! [one of them]

A week or two ago, I saw a "Simpsons" episode from 1997. Homer met and became friends with a gay man for the first time--without realizing it right away. When he understood the truth, of course various antics followed! At the end of the show, some large credits acknowledged steelworkers of America; and there was encouragement to the effect of following their rainbow!? *** Have been aware that a steel mill town in the province of Ontario was involved in the gay rights project. And it's possible and likely steel mill towns elsewhere are involved, also!? [Did I hear Michael Jackson's father used to be a steelworker in a factory? Someone can correct me if I'm mistaken.]

Looking Back

Would like to acknowledge that Michael Jackson died a year ago today. It was so sudden and was a shock to many people! Some have seen the movie or video which was made of his practice sessions for the new tour he was planning to do. Myself, I haven't been able to watch it yet--even though I've seen DVD copies for sale in the stores! [I haven't been prepared to see it.] *** Jackson's security guards who have been with him for the past 20 years or so have been writing a book and/or doing interviews. To them, it didn't seem Michael had the best life. But those men weren't with him during the 10-20 years before then either!? Anyway, I don't want to rehash the details now. *** Maybe it's fair to say that Jackson's life was unique; and he had an influence--mostly positive--on many people!? [Not to leave out his children; and they've appreciated him. And I hope they're doing well.]

Prejudice to Overcome

On the cover of the DVD, "Doctor Detroit" is swinging on a large chain. And at the bottom, there's a subtitle that says, "They're making the world safe...for insanity!" The film being made in about 1983, especially, I assume the chain referred to a certain Bible text? And homosexuality was referred to as insanity? [There weren't many direct references to homosexuality in the film--one or two, that I recall.] *** Sorry I don't have time to look up any exact texts, right now. But a verse in the New Testament of the Bible says something about "promising liberty, while they themselves are servants [of corruption]." When I was a teenager, there were slogans like "Be free," and, "Do your own thing!" Young people didn't want to follow rules; and some were addicted to illegal drugs. "Freedom" was the thing--and so was addiction! *** There's another verse in the Bible that says, "You shall know the truth; and the truth shall set you free." Is there anything wrong with truth that sets people free??? There's also a slogan that says, "Knowledge dispels fear." Maybe if people had a little knowledge--the right facts--about homosexuality, they wouldn't have to be so afraid of it!? That is, they wouldn't have to be afraid of dealing with homosexual people or of letting them deal with their necessary issues. Being in denial and covering up problems isn't usually the best thing. There's also a verse in the Bible that says, "[Jesus] came so that [people] might have life; and have it more abundantly!" Don't we all want "abundant life"? To live to the fullest? Should we deny it to some people? Well, the world has changed a little since 1983--but not everyone has! *** God gives everyone a choice of how they want to live.--He hasn't createad us like robots--although He could have! If some people don't have enough rights and freedom to make their choices, how can they live a healthy and functional life--let alone to appreciate and accept spirituality in their lives!? The Bible says a lot about tolerance and forgiveness--and it's not up to us to judge others' progress.

Another Song

Have seen that some African-Americans have a very strong, Christian faith; and some have supported the gay rights project. The majority of these people must have descended from the slaves who got freed. And discrimination against blacks in the USA has been an issue compared to gays who were trying to break free from discrimination. Haven't had a chance to travel there much; but have seen at least one, black, Christian pastor speaking on TV and telling about how the slaves composed and sang the negro spirituals! These songs must have really been heartfelt, at the time! [I can sympathize a certain amount!] And I believe the faith of the slaves helped them survive--and they eventually got free! Some were strong and brave to escape, themselves; and they helped others escape. And then there was a war which helped the rest get free. *** My computer time is limited this week. But wanted to say I believe it's possible to be free from discrimination against gays. Some Christians have been prejudiced, and others have been prejudiced; and some aggressive gays and their supporters have interfered in the efforts of others to become free....