Thanks for putting this out there, and I certainly do hope GLAAD steps up and that Newsweek gets lots of letters about their irresponsible and reprehensible article.

Like you, I was appalled by the article, but the comments both here and at Newsweek show that the vast majority of readers were only too delighted to be presented with an excuse not to really care about the murder of an effeminate boy who identified as gay or trans. The article allowed them to feel that it is not their fault, not society"s fault, not the fault of other heterosexual people, but perhaps Larry"s fault for "acting out" and "harassing" other boys. Phew! At least they don"t have to examine their own prejudices now! The tone on the Newsweek boards was positively gleeful in blaming everything on Larry"s behavior and sympathizing with his murderer. To many it seemed that murder was the perfect response to "harassment," since the two were morally equivalent. They could also scoff at the lesbian assistant principal who encouraged him and even the gay groups that now wanted to "exploit" the murder for their own agenda.

Whether or not the author is gay is irrelevant, since we have quite a few gays who are themselves eager to appeal to the heterosexual majority and provide them with excuses to pat themselves on the back. I did discover that he is very young (under 25, I think), and the article shows how inexperienced he is at understanding prejudice.

Well, the gloves just came off. It was announced today that the alleged 14 year old killer, Brandon McInerney, will be tried as adult. McInerney could get 51 years to life. His court appointed attorney, Willie Quest, hinted that he wants a speedy trial. This trial could start within 60 days. There doesn't appear to be any reason for a change of venue, nor has any been asked for.

Ventura County is between Sta Barbara and Los Angeles County. Largely agricultural, it is somewhat of a bedroom community to western Los Angeles County. One of its primary towns is Simi Valley where the famous first Rodney King trial was held. The Ronald Reagan Library is there. Ventura County went for Bush in 2004.

A lot of unanswered questions will undoubtedly be covered in this trial. I am particularly interested in hearing the testimony of Joy Epstein, a counselor who appears to have had quite a bit of influence with King. It promises to be a very interesting trial.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-oxnard26-2008jul26,0,6621379.story

Theoretically, the purpose of school is to _EDUCATE_, to inform, challenge, stimulate intellectual curiosity and develop critical thinking.

As part of this process, there are _ADULTS_ who are _supposed_ to provide guidance, set boundaries and limits, resulting in an environment conducive to learning.

As a 6'2" black woman (and I was this tall when I was 12 years old!) , I can tell you that this is NOT just about being gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered, freckled, fat, big-eared, skinny, unathletic, Asian, Native American, Italian, etc, etc, etc - children come into school from the milieu of their families and community, and hopefully, by being exposed to differences and to information, become citizens who plug-in to the Common Good, who have opinions and beliefs, but can let differing opinions and beliefs be expressed without feeling threatened.

This young man was a HUMAN BEING. Period.

And no HUMAN BEING should be bullied, persecuted or harassed - now, I am an imperfect follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, and according to that belief (and yes, I know there is baggage associated with it), ALL humankind is to be respected as unique persons, as 'imago Dei', as being created in the image of God, and of inestimable value.

I'm amazed at how threatened people are by homosexuality, even when it"s just some kid dressing differently. Those gays must have some power or all the hetros wouldn't be so afraid.