tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677108722778516534.post7986301436876912923..comments2023-09-27T03:58:56.646-06:00Comments on Bessemer Opinions: Carrying OnJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842576168520693461noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677108722778516534.post-14103032343378605722008-11-16T08:48:00.000-06:002008-11-16T08:48:00.000-06:00Thanks Dianne,Will do.Thanks Dianne,<BR/><BR/>Will do.Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10842576168520693461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677108722778516534.post-5899782531874834842008-11-16T07:32:00.000-06:002008-11-16T07:32:00.000-06:00Joe, You have the mightiest weapon available, th...Joe,<BR/> You have the mightiest weapon available, the pen. You are an excellent writer and can inspire people to greatness. Keep it up.<BR/><BR/>DianneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677108722778516534.post-66113793231288150552008-11-15T14:53:00.000-06:002008-11-15T14:53:00.000-06:00Kathy and Jeff,I only included Rosa Parks because,...Kathy and Jeff,<BR/>I only included Rosa Parks because, as planned as her actions were, the comment in the email was a blanket statement about protests in general.<BR/><BR/>You know, there was at least one person who wanted to take place in this protest who was too young to drive, and I assume this was to be their first action. I only hope that the cancelation does not dampen their spirit. <BR/><BR/>There is not a shred of doubt in my mind that gay equality will be achieved. Especially as young people become active in making their voices heard and by voting. But us old guys will keep up the fight too.Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10842576168520693461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677108722778516534.post-26973619443287673162008-11-15T14:35:00.000-06:002008-11-15T14:35:00.000-06:00Kathy, you mention a couple of really important po...Kathy, you mention a couple of really important points with regard to the icon of protestors. Her impenetrable reputation and the absolute buy-in of the community are two key points I have heard mentioned again and again since then. The road to equality is a long one and supporters (straight and gay) have to be committed to be there for as long as it may take-beyond just next week.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677108722778516534.post-82257921379669606542008-11-15T14:26:00.000-06:002008-11-15T14:26:00.000-06:00Joe, I left a comment below as you were posting th...Joe, I left a comment below as you were posting this piece. I agree with you that protest can be an effective means of pursuing change. Rosa Parks was indeed the symbol and rallying point of one of the most effective. But her actions on the bus were not spontaneous; they were the beginning of a well planned and crafted boycott that already had the buy-in of the local African-American community. She was chosen to be the public face of that boycott because of her unimpeachable character and background. And it worked. It is an example for us.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again for everything you do!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677108722778516534.post-890639765813680762008-11-15T13:35:00.000-06:002008-11-15T13:35:00.000-06:00I do not have years of social advocacy experience....I do not have years of social advocacy experience. I do not have the experience of those who have led EA and CAP. I do not discredit it either. But, I cannot help but agree with you, Joe, in regard to the effectiveness of protest marches. I too immediately thought of all the protests and marches of the Civil Rights movement in the 60s. The challenge is in maintaining the structure and discipline so that the efforts of many remain on message and that we do not allow fodder for our detractors. It can be done. On this we agree.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com