Trying this again:
Mark, allow me to offer some insight then as to why this is more serious than just being a nincompoop and such a big deal. A bigot is literally "a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices." Given that Lindner would deny the persecution of Gays and Lesbians under the Nazis despite historical facts to the contrary, this definition certainly seems to fit the bill. More to the point, when you're in a public position such as Lindner with as much influence as a public official has, you don't get the luxury of being ignorant. Your job is to know the facts, especially if you're going to sound off on them in public. In addition, you really need to define what you mean by commonly known. Up until a few years ago (and in some places still) it was "commonly known" that Columbus "discovered" America. Well, educated people know the difference, but not everyone, and it's not "commonly known" because it does not fit in with historical image of America, and it's an uncomfortable subject for many people, especially those White Americans who have bought into the fairy tale. It is not commonly known that the "settlers" "colonized" this country mostly through biological and chemical warfare and pestilence; it is not commonly known that 20 MILLION African American were murdered or died on the journey alone from Africa to America know as the Middle Passage during the Slave Trade, it is not commonly known that Hitler persecuted Gays and Lesbians. Commonly known seems to tranlate as they don't teach this in primary and secondary school because it's too controversial. Anyone with interest and a sixth grade reading level however, can find this "not commonly known" information. I'd also be happy to recommend a few books.... And I think your mistaken in the reason for Karen's tone, it isn't about political points it's about the facts being continually denied and distorted, it's about people in seats of power and influence continually imposing their narrowminded viewpoints on policy decisions not for the "benefit ot their constituents" but rather for the maintenance of their rather limited worldview. It is about GLBT people, people of color and other oppressed or marginalized groups continually being denied basic human rights because a "representative" isn't doing just that. Representing. And when you paraphrase like you did regarding his "African continent" statement, you reduce the impact of the statement. It's like paraphrasing Martin Luther King, Jr's "I Have A Dream" speech into, "I was thinking last night I wish people got along"; doesn't have quite the same intent or effect. Lindner statement not only issues a judgement on the continent of Africa and by extension people of African descent and the GLBT community, but also equates the epidemic there with the lifestyle of GLBT community members. It is not the same thing. And anyone in a position of power or influence should know this or not be in office. To do any different is not only irresponsible but disrespectful to the people one claims to represent and the greater community as a whole. It's not about bias, it's about doing the right thing and doing the responsible thing. Jonathan Palmer Victory LC9a GT֥,ȧVױ+v Zkhܨzhا,&xȧ橢X".zh +r~.B+ "s'7s#ٞƠzhɧ~JryI칻 &( ֧vj+zmurʊje
