Former City Manager of Largo, FL, Susan Stanton was interviewed by Larry King Friday evening. The promos had said she had a significant announcement.
She said exactly what I was hoping she would, that she would NOT file suit against the city of Largo, FL for unlawful termination, even though her case was strong. She said "this is about education, not litigation". I thought to myself, "she gets it!".
With that statement, she demonstrated this is not about self promotion, money or fame. Like so many in our world, she came to the realization that to go on pretending to be something you are not will eventually take an ultimate toll. She also realized she cannot continue pretending to not be something she is.
Due to the unasked for visibility of her situation, Susan Stanton is in a unique position to educate the public not only about what it means to be transgendered, but to also demonstrate the message of forgiveness.
She has come to that point in life at which it is necessary to let go of certain situations and even people. She will no doubt find an infinitely broad array of situations to latch onto that will bring her the happiness she deserves.
I hope the day will come when I have the opportunity to shake her hand.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Easter Sunday
The last week has been filled with sadness in Charlotte, NC. Last Saturday evening, two Charlotte police officers were slain in the line of duty. There was a funeral Thursday and Good Friday.
Church was lovely this morning, as I knew it would be. While listening to the sermon and then partaking in communion, I thought back to the professor's words two weeks ago, "from ignorance comes fear, and from fear comes hatred.
This will remain one of the realities in a fallen world. From where then, do we find love? The answer lies in the message of Christ's resurrection. As with the Christmas message, once we accept our redemption, our view of ourselves and our world is forever changed.
The title of our pastor's sermon this morning was, 'Life Begins From Death'. Alleluia!
Church was lovely this morning, as I knew it would be. While listening to the sermon and then partaking in communion, I thought back to the professor's words two weeks ago, "from ignorance comes fear, and from fear comes hatred.
This will remain one of the realities in a fallen world. From where then, do we find love? The answer lies in the message of Christ's resurrection. As with the Christmas message, once we accept our redemption, our view of ourselves and our world is forever changed.
The title of our pastor's sermon this morning was, 'Life Begins From Death'. Alleluia!
Sunday, April 01, 2007
March 31, 2007
This past Tuesday evening, Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel spoke in Charlotte, NC. His topic: 'Against Indifference'.
At that hour, our small group was giving our semester presentation at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In his opening remarks, the professor made reference to the fact that ignorance breeds fear, which breeds hate.
Largo city manager Steve/Susan Stanton was officially fired last week by the town council. Her years of exemplary service meant nothing once her true self became manifest.
Within the past two weeks, a transgender woman was murdered in San Francisco. Syndicated talk show host, Michael Savage called this woman a freak. He went on to say the students who commited the Columbine shootings, wearing black trench coats were influenced by Dr. Stanley Biber's medical practice in Trinidad, CO., which had become the 'sex change capitol of the United States'. As most know, Dr. Biber has passed away and Dr. Marci Bowers is now practicing in Trinidad, CO.
I read what Mr. Savage had said, but would not believe it until I heard it myself. I listened to the clip this evening. He said all that, and even worse. To link to his audio would give credence to a man who does not deserve credence.
It is being charitable to simply say this is a man whose ignorance has led to hate. It's unfortunate for him and for anyone who may take him seriously.
There is so much darkness in our world. What is to be done? Each of us can stand up for what we believe and perhaps most importantly, accept each other in the way we desire to be accepted.
At that hour, our small group was giving our semester presentation at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In his opening remarks, the professor made reference to the fact that ignorance breeds fear, which breeds hate.
Largo city manager Steve/Susan Stanton was officially fired last week by the town council. Her years of exemplary service meant nothing once her true self became manifest.
Within the past two weeks, a transgender woman was murdered in San Francisco. Syndicated talk show host, Michael Savage called this woman a freak. He went on to say the students who commited the Columbine shootings, wearing black trench coats were influenced by Dr. Stanley Biber's medical practice in Trinidad, CO., which had become the 'sex change capitol of the United States'. As most know, Dr. Biber has passed away and Dr. Marci Bowers is now practicing in Trinidad, CO.
I read what Mr. Savage had said, but would not believe it until I heard it myself. I listened to the clip this evening. He said all that, and even worse. To link to his audio would give credence to a man who does not deserve credence.
It is being charitable to simply say this is a man whose ignorance has led to hate. It's unfortunate for him and for anyone who may take him seriously.
There is so much darkness in our world. What is to be done? Each of us can stand up for what we believe and perhaps most importantly, accept each other in the way we desire to be accepted.
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