This is my first diary. The Human Rights Campaign gets me so angry sometimes....
Here's the test of an email I sent to them earlier today concerning their decision to not invite Mike Gravel to the gay rights debate/forum.
It is shameful that the HRC will not invite Mike Gravel to the upcoming debate on gay issues, and all because he hasn't raised enough money.
I don't support him and wouldn't vote for him, but I believe he should be there. Why? Three reasons:
1. Money raised shouldn't be used as a qualification for a debate - it sends a sad sad message about this country if money is the criteria to be included in a presidential debate/forum.
2. He's the only one excluded, which doesn't seem right.
3. As he is probably the best on gay issues of all of the candidates (Kucinich might be tied with him for the honor), having him there could have a great effect on the other more mainstream candidates and what they say, their positions, etc....
This action convinces me more than ever that the HRC is not really interested in open dialogue and discussion, and that its only real interests are money and a slow progression towards more civil rights for gays.
What major accomplishment can the HRC point to for gay rights in the this country that was a direct result of HRC action? None...and as long as it continues to keep folks like Mike Gravel out of the discussion, I suspect it will stay that way.
And what is really sad is that there are so many gays and lesbians in this country who have been fooled into thinking the HRC is really for them, but it is only for them if they have money to give the HRC.
Another reason I'm glad I canceled my membership years ago.
Brian
Brian Johnson
Carlisle, PA