The Kindness of Total Strangers...

The New York Times...

Now, I do know that the guys came here. Actually, they contacted me. No, I was more anonymous than I am now, but, we brushed shoulders, so to say...!
The strength of some media. It has a huge circulation, or so I am given to understand. So, with the NYT in play, the story is really in the mainstream media.

And, the little people like me continue to get the story, and amaze me with their connection with me. Here is what one blogger says. It is at the Goodgoodend blog.

And because this is a sensitive subject, let me make myself clearer: I don't know how I feel about the politics of homosexuality - civil unions v. marriage, health benefits, end-of-life decisions and other rights. I know exactly how I feel about homosexuals: I love you. Period. I love you whether it's nature or nurture, whether you're still in the closet or out in the open, whether you are happy or wish every day it could be different.

And because I love you, and because you are human, I believe you deserve basic respect and rights and opportunities. I believe you are entitled to life and safety and the freedom to make your choices just like anybody else.

….

I think I've certainly gotten in over my head again in terms of subject matter. In short, I don't know if it's God's perfect will for anybody to be gay. I do know, however, that condemning people and threatening death is never going to be a way to show them God's love.

I think all we can do is pray, friends. For the legislators in Uganda and across Africa who see these laws as a way to regulate disease or morality or both. For the people in those countries who are affected by these laws. And for the Christ-followers who come into contact with them every day with the opportunity to show them love and respect and compassion.

Thanks dude. You dont have to be gay, or to be into gay politics to be human. The story of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 in the Uganda Parliament (text here) touches everyone. Even me it overwhelms me. The crass stupidity of my countrymates. And, the overwhelming kindness of strangers.

Here, another blogger, who is not gay, also offers a the concentrated kind of sober call to action that mobilizes human beings. Yes, Uganda is in an anti-gay panic, an anti-gay fervour. And, the world, instead of looking on with shocked disbelief and disdain for this backwater, is coming up with a tough look and censure.

Now, the rest of us can’t get away with just saying: “not that there’s anything wrong with that.” We’re past that mere tolerance crap, and we have to stand up and fight alongside those who are being attacked in this 21st century witch hunt. Having best friends and members of my family who are gay, I couldn’t bear the thought of having them treated that way, ever. Our generation is the product of years of fighting for equal rights for people threatened by those who were in power, by those who were in disagreement with them, or by simply the majority. Instead of focusing on a New Year’s resolution based on what’s in our pantry, let’s do something about this bill.

 The kindness of total strangers. Because, increadibly, they identify with what I am going through.

I kind of understand the Americans. Not Lively, and the other two Musketeers. But, the American public, human beings who find themselves responsible for something some over zealous countrymen exported. Dupes were they? Maybe not. But, fellow human beings in the US are incensed. Prosecute them, they say. For incitement to murder.

And, Honourable Bahati, Honourable Nsaba-Buturo also. And, Ssempa of course.

Many are not interested in the cries of 'I was duped'. Because, they were warned. Here at Box Turtle Bulletin, and here at Throckmorton's blog

When it comes to homosexuality, Uganda already has several riot inciters so the role of the Americans was to add a perception of credibility and urgency. What would really be helpful is for the three to say directly to the Ugandan people: we were wrong in what we told you. Gays didn’t cause the holocaust, they aren’t ill people who will respond to a forced cure and they aren’t the cause of all your problems. Disagree on the moral questions if that is your conviction but for the sake of Christ, do it agreeably.

Actually, it is very true that we had our riot inciters. Nsaba Buturo, Ssempa. I was always amused about what they used to say about us, and the extent of their ignorance of us. That vacuum of knowledge was filled by myths and lies, which gained the credence of truth. Yes, the three musketeers (Lively and Co.) are culpable.

Truth Wins Out is kind of tough. Savage in their denunciation. I know where they are coming from. I identify. I feel it.
So, Lively was happy that he had delivered a ‘a nuclear bomb against the gay agenda in Uganda.’ Its hard to feel sorry for him. Not me.

From the Petrelis Files, even school children in America are coming out to demonstrate their distaste to the bill. Photo from the Petrelis files.

Contrast this with the Photo from the New York Times article, which is here.

Notice the 'police protection' for the demonstrators? Oh no, they didnt need it. Not at all. But, nice having it in the picture.
Think we would get protection if we counter demonstrated? Of course not...!

To quote Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Nsaba Buturo, 'Homosexuals can forget about human rights'. What a bold statement, from the Minister of Ethics and Integrity. Why should they? The obvious answer is 'because they are not human beings.' I wonder what Buturo would say if asked that explicitly?

Yes, he is a born again Christian. Is Minister Nsaba-Buturo.

Uganda has a rich history of being mind-fucked by Evangelical Christians, so it should come as little surprise to learn that their fervor for Christian Orthodoxy has dribbled into their legislative system. Although many U.S. citizens fail to act on their homophobic feelings (with exception) apparently Uganda has missed the memo on that bit.

That is from here.

Bad press for Uganda? Ask me whether I care. I am Ugandan. I love the country. The people are my people. But, they have crossed the line when in stupidity they try to kill me. Sorry, I am also a human being. Just like they are.


gug

PS. Am I too angry?