Somewhere in American a child killed themselves after listening to that man

[BR_Parkway]

rant against homosexuality - not because ole' Ted believed it, but because it bought him fame and fortune and political access. After listening to the "preacher" talk about how wrong and sinful they were, a young human being went home and committed suicide because they didn't see any other way for themselves. I don't know the child's name, but it doesn't stop me from being certain that it happened - the number of queer and questioning youth that commits suicide in this country is astronomical already.

And for that I will hate Ted Haggard and those like him who wish to use me and those like me for political power and profit. I do feel sorry for his kids, don't get me wrong. But they, unlike some other kids, will wake up tomorrow or a year from now and put this bad episode behind them. A year from now, a lonely mother will put a flower on her child's grave and still not know "why".

Apologize all you want Ted to your flock, I hope you burn in hell

[stepnw1f]

1. Homophobia is a Terrible Sickness in Our Society

The pain it has brought upon people around the World has got to end!

[patrice]

2. You're not exaggerating. These things do happen as you say.

One of my students returned to visit me, after a year away at college, with huge rope-like scars across his wrists. I used to hear from him every year or so after that; he'd call from somewhere in the U.S. with wilder and wilder stories about his search for himself. Then after fewer and fewer calls, silence . . . . I believe he is dead now.

He was Editor on the highschool newspaper I ran. Bright! Funny!! Charming. Handsome. Very popular with the girls. But his parents, his dad especially, were un-happy with him and the school had no idea what to make of him, especially when he made a huge public play for the son of the football coach.

I didn't know what to do for him either, but I did laugh with him and listened to him. Brent was my friend.

.........................

I hate how one generation, because it is in a power position, imposes itself on the next generation, choking the life out of what is new or different, making the young proove to "us" that our sacrifices were not in vane by requiring that they be the same as us, until we have nothing left but zombies.

There is a difference between providing a nourishing structure and oppression.