There was a lot of political activity around the gay arena this month.
When a cry went up to march on Washington (D.C.) and urge President Obama to take action on - I dunno, let's say - the ludicrous military policy (Don't ask. Don't tell) , a bill to prevent hate crimes against gays, the issue of a union between two gay souls - one "out" politician took a pessimistic stand.
"Marching is a waste of time," Barnie Franks lamented somewhat exasperated.
But, march they did, and to their surprise the President chose to speak!
Franks is obviously out-of-step with the times!
In addition, their plaintiff howl about Hate Crimes was heard all the way to the hallowed halls of Congress.
The bill passed 281 to 146.
Some argued that there was no need for such a bill because all citizens are already protected under the U.S. Constitution.
"Violent attacks on people are already illegal regardless of the motive behind them," said Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind).
The quirky politician also argued in so many words that, "the kind of legislatilon proposed would put us on the slippery slope of deeming particular groups as more important than others under our system of justice."
The hate-crime legislation would expand the law to cover acts of violence motivated by sexual orientation gender, disability, and/or gender identity.
The measure also would give Federal authorities more leeway to help state and local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes.
I say, the Bill has been passed, none too soon.
This past week, I popped in for a tasty low-calorie dessert at one of my favorite little trendy eateries in WeHo.
I have given the gals who own the upbeat hot spot a couple of promos in the recent past, my readers will recall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dZn4pYut40
On this occasion, the two lovely gals who run the popular take-out spot, sadly informed me they were recently harassed by owners of a milkshake outlet down the Santa Monica Boulevard strip a block or two.
Allegedly, the mischievous mean-spirited "neighbours", strolled in on a couple of occasions - and not only "trashed" the store-front a tad, but deliberately wasted their product which stung financially, too.
For instance, the uninvited intruders snatched up a handful of the small cups that the owners provide for customers to sample flavors with, then - without tasting a drop - tossed the uneaten dessert directly in the garbage bin with nasty smirks on their faces.
At that juncture, the brazen bullies strode over to the serving area where the toppings for the yogurt treat were on display for easy access, and spoiled all the product by running their grimey fingers through the dishes brimming with the delightful treats.
Things got a little more serious when the loonie-tunes foreigners fiddled with electrical circuits out back of the shop and managed to disrupt the utilities.
And, for a parting good-bye, the sickos proceeded to urinate all over the bathroom floor.
Frankly, I've never witnessed (or even heard whispers about) this kind of attack on a gay business in the past twenty years I have resided in West Hollywood.
Oh, yes, occasionally teenagers cruise through WeHo after a sun-drenched day at the beach, and call out "queer" as they roar by for a second - and in the next - are out-of-reach.
Cowards!
Non-physically-violent acts, but hateful and stinging to the inner being, nonetheless.
And, who could forget that horrid sign that Barnie's Beanery kept posted in their sloppy mess house for years on end?
"No faggots allowed"
Just last year, the sign was taken down, finally!
But, get this!
When the two ladies (lovers) approached the Sheriff's Department about the unpleasant disruption of their increasingly successful business (Los Angeles Magazine gave them a nod for having the best natural Yogurt in the lower mainland) the law enforcement officers in employ there were perplexed about what to do.
What crime had been committed?
Jealousy?
Nope.
A hate crime towards two gay women?
Quite possibly.
Harassment, if 'ya ask me!
If that's the case, then what legal procedures were in place in the judicial system before last week, to prosecute?
Little to none, let's face it, or the Sheriff's Department would have filed charges.
So, hats off to Congress, eh?
Louis D. Brandeis once opined:
"If we desire respect for the law, first we must make it respectable."
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