Where’s The Tolerance?

The election is over and Barak Obama is now President Elect Barak Obama. Congratulations Mr. Obama. I pray he does well and our country prospers and remains safe under his leadership. Having said that, Barak Obama was not the only person on the ballot. In fact, there were several issues voted on in various states across the country. One vote of note was Prop. 8 in California.

Prop 8 won a majority of votes by the good people of California. What this means is that marriage in California is now defined (as it always was) the union of one man and one woman. My grandparents would never believe this was an issue that needed to be voted on. However, here we are, a progressive people having to vote on and codify what always was. Go figure.

Now that we know what marriage is in California, a strange thing is happening. A large number of people who believe we should be tolerant and inclusive seem to have no tolerance and are not willing to include those who do not agree with their point of view. A perfect example is the treatment Scott Eckern; the artistic director of the California Musical Theater; has received from the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transvestite) community. It seems Mr. Eckern made a contribution of $1,000 in support of Prop. 8. Since the law requires donors to identify their employer and occupation at the time of the donation, this information became public. That should not be a problem, unless you happen to be on the wrong side of an issue the LGBT holds dear. Eckern was pressured to resign after gay and lesbian artists threatened to boycott the California Musical Theater because of his support of Prop. 8. Is this “heterophobia”? Is this tolerance or inclusion? You decide.

Interesting statements were made by Gregg Coffin a local playwright; “He works in an environment that is so inclusive and diverse," Coffin said. "He works with gay actors, singers, dancers and choreographers." My question is what part of boycott is inclusive. It seems to me there is a double standard here. What would be said if the California Musical Theater was targeted for boycott because they support gay marriage? Would that be considered tolerant? Would the boycotters be considered inclusive? I doubt it.

It is time for intellectual honesty here. You may not agree with me but that’s OK you have that right. Don’t I have a right to disagree with you? The people of California have spoken; it is time for the gay community to practice what they preach. Tolerance, inclusion, and diversity.