As if the truth were not true

Several LGBT leaders met at the Dallas Ft. Worth airport and came up with The Dallas Principles: Now is the time for full civil rights for gays. No delay. No excuses.

Some of the principles (paraphrased):

* Full civil rights for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders now. Delay and excuses unacceptable.
* We will not leave part of our community behind.
* Separate is never equal.
* This is a non-partisan issue. Excuses based on religion are not acceptable.
* Success is measured by rights achieved, not by words written or spoken, not by money raised (a slap at many gay organizations).

The rights in question are:

* Live free of discrimination or harassment in job, housing, public facilities, credit, health care, or federally funded programs.
* A right to a family without barriers to immigration, marriage, and raising children.
* A right to an education without bullying.
* A right to serve in the military or foreign service.
* Live free of bias crimes.

Two quotes of the several that are included:

"If the society today allows wrong to go unchallenged, the impression is created that those wrongs have the approval of the majority." - Barbara Jordan

"To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true." - Bayard Rustin

This inertia in Washington is now prompting several to call for a gay march on Washington. The weekend of October 10-11 is suggested (Columbus Day weekend). A fall vacation to the nation's capital sounds like a fine idea. Want to join me? Alas, while I have that weekend available my concert schedule may conflict with a few others.