The Quotable Queer

Indianapolis, April 27th, 2005
Wilson Allen

This rally had well over 100 people in attendance. You would think that many people on the steps of the State House would garner some media attention, but in this case it did not. Unsuccessful direct attempts were even made to bring media out of the State House.

It might stand to reason that this would mean that such a rally was a collosal failure. There were some amazing moments. When I arrived on the scene, I was shocked to see so many people I knew from across the spectrum. This added a sense of community I believe would have been missing. Some of these people I had not seen in quite some time.

Also, the networking opportunities to other like-minded citizens may prove critically important in future efforts. It seems these personal items are the only true effects of this rally against the “nuclear option”. The laying of groundwork for future demonstrations will prove to be the shining impact of my attendance of this rally. This impact will prove very useful.

And you can Quote me on that. The Quotable Queer

I am against all kinds, all shades of discrimination.

It is very true that we all have personal and spiritual beliefs that definitely differ with others. My personal and spiritual beliefs do not interfere with my interactions with members of the community that have a different set of their own individual beliefs.

I would never attempt to force my beliefs onto anyone else, and it is my hope that no one would force beliefs onto the community-at-large through public policy. Hope in this case is not reality; it is only an ideal.

Protecting minority groups from discrimination is not about forcing beliefs onto anyone. It is about protecting people that are unable to protect themselves.

That’s why decisions such as the defeat of Proposal 68 in the City-County Council are so disheartening to me. Not for my sake, but for the sake of all those who are unable to speak or protect themselves.

Currently, many people within this community have no outlet to defend themselves from discrimination. This is why complaints are not filed; there are no legal protections for the people that desperately need them.

Other cities in the State of Indiana have led the way in protecting citizens from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. That Indianapolis is unable to follow suit sends a clear message that this city does not welcome, acknowledge or support all of its citizens.

Youth, college graduates, businessmen, investors, conventions are among the many who will hear this message and decide to go elsewhere. If the City of Indianapolis is unwilling to open its arms and protect all minority members of its community, there are plenty of world-class cities that will.

The defeat of Proposal 68 definitely places limits on the present and future of the city. It will also increase the brain drain as well as continue a hostile climate for bringing businesses and companies to Indianapolis.

Instead of looking to the future, Indianapolis now lives in the past, a past of closed minds and closed hearts. I can only hope that the City-County Council will see the error in using spiritual beliefs to dictate public policy and open up this city to people of all minorities, of all beliefs.

Through inclusion comes growth. Through exclusion comes decay. Decay wins this round.

And you can Quote me on that. The Quotable Queer

Dear Senator Lugar,

As one of your constituents, I wanted to take the time to express my deep concern about the probable upcoming vote the Senate will take on what is called the “nuclear option” regarding the change of longstanding Senate rules that would take away the ability to filibuster from the minority party.

It is critical to think of the long-term repercussions of such a change in rules would have on not only present-day legislative issues and concerns but also the future and functionality of the Senate. Even though changing the rules may have the short-term impact of allowing votes on potentially controversial and troublesome judicial nominations to the federal courts as well as appointments to various offices, the long-term impact on the Senate and the Republican party will be quite negative.

Please consider the potential for a reversal of current election trends that have widened the Republican control over the Senate. If history is any indication, there is always a waxing and waning with regards to these trends. Therefore, it is highly likely and probable that the Republican party will not always enjoy the majority status in the Senate.

If the Senate rules are changed and do not allow the minority party the option of the filibuster, when the Republican party is once again in the minority that would severely limit your ability to have an impact on legislation, appointments and nominations in future administrations. As one of your constituents, your loss of this voice would be very detrimental to improving life in Indiana and not allowing true discussion on issues of concern when necessary.

By voting for the changing of Senate rules, it will send a message to me and many others that you do not wish to hold discussions with the oppposition currently and wish to limit your ability to have discussions in the future. This would seriously endanger your abilities to continue the work to which you have dedicated yourself for many years.

Despite any differences in opinions I may have had with some of your votes in the past, it has never undermined your credibility and level-headed approach to matters of utmost importance. Your seniority and leadership positions in the Senate are important to the country as well as to the State of Indiana.

By voting yes on the “nuclear option”, I would feel as if you no longer realize the gravity and the totality of the decisions you are making. I could, therefore, no longer support your continued presence as a true representative of all the people of Indiana and a leader for all the people of this great nation.

I urge you for the sake of our democracy to vote against the use of the “nuclear option” and stand on the side of reason and reflection. Protect the future of this country and the ability to have the necessary discussion on both sides of the aisle.

Thank you for your consideration of my views on this critically important matter.

And you can Quote me on that. The Quotable Queer