Toon & text by John Auchter
It may seem a little odd, but this started out as a Memorial Day cartoon. Late last year, a former neighbor passed away. He was in his mid-90s and a well-decorated World War II vet. He never talked about the medals and rarely about the experience, except to explain the significant scar on his left bicep from a sniper’s bullet.
(He told me once that he felt obligated to explain his arm if somebody’s eyes got stuck on it — he didn’t want people to worry about him.)
On Memorial Day mornings, we would walk out to the city cemetery behind our houses to gather with the entire community to honor our soldiers, sing with the marching band, and listen to the presentations. It always made me feel connected (especially with him there) to our country. All sorts of people have come together to make America what it is. Some who fought, some who died, some who lived on and made it a better place. Out of many, one. E pluribus unum.
The cartoon made a pivot last week when the Michigan Civil Rights Commission approved a statement to legally interpret an existing law (the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act) that bans discrimination based on sex to also mean sexual orientation and gender identity. There was immediate pushback from state Sen. Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake. He says the commission is “outside their rails on what they’re authorized to do,” and he’s not wrong. But that’s kind of the point.
The statement will allow the Department of Civil Rights to accept discrimination complaints from the LGBT community and move the process along so laws can be amended and courts can make rulings. It’s an audacious move, but not out of line for a country based on audacious moves to fight injustices. Some will have to fight, some will fail, and some will move our country forward to make it a better place. E pluribus unum.
The whole “57 genders” BS and “I identify as” BS is beyond ridiculous. If you claim there are more than two genders, you are a science denier.
We should absolutely not have taxpayer dollars funding this ridiculous, Democrat agenda. Dump it all.
Grrrrrr, Grrrrrr, Working Dad.
I am skeptical of any American who claims not even to know lesbian or gay people, claims not to have anyone he or she cares about who falls into the category. That would be maybe a 1950s sort of attitude. And, I am pretty sure it never is true, now.
Pretty sure dad has a family member somewhere that is gay. Maybe one of his own children. Maybe even him. Some people just deny reality. Mentality of an idiot. It’s a shame people like him can’t accept people the way they are and love them as they are. I guess you would put him in a category of Ward Clever or Jim Anderson of Father Knows Best. Complete Fantasy!
Yeah. Working Dad’s own behavior is on par with someone trying to hide his true sexual orientation. The logic is that the more he rails against it, the more it appears that he could never be that. Unfortunately for him, most rational people see it for what it is….projection from someone who is insecure with his own sexuality.
He will probably counter by pointing out that he has been married for 50 years and has 10 kids. To that I will remind him, there are lots of closet homosexuals living a lie. Be true to yourself, Working Dad. You will find it liberating. You will receive lots of support and make new friends from good people who understand when you come out.
I predict Daddie will HATE your response, Fred.
What goes on between two consenting adults is none of my business.
However, if someone is being forced into any sexual relationship, or if a child is involved–Look out! I believe the abuser, or child molester, should be permanently removed from the gene pool.