What we've accomplished … and what still needs to be done

I didn't write yesterday because I attended part of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Beethoven Festival. This week was symphonies 2 and 7. Last week I heard symphonies 3 and 8 (which is my favorite, Beethoven at his most witty). Next weekend is the mighty 9th. I'm wondering how the chorus and soloists are going to survive singing that monster four days in a row. Good to see they're responding to audience demand, but I'm glad I'll be listening to the second performance.

So, on to stuff that's been sitting in my browser's tabs for the last week.

Pam Spaulding of Pam's House Blend decries the prevalence of women who are fired from their jobs because they become pregnant. An example of the reason given is, "The guys don't want to look at a pregnant waitress." This is one reason why women don't have pay equity with men. Alas, the "family values" crowd is silent.



Obama recently handed out the Presidential Citizens Medal. It is the nation's second-highest civilian honor and is given for a commitment to public service, who have helped their community through extraordinary acts, who have made efforts to combat a persistent problem, or whose service has a sustained impact on the community and provided inspiration to others. I mention the awards because it included Jeanne Manford, the founder of PFLAG, who died last month.



With marriage equality in nine states and a mention of our progress and lives in Obama's Inaugural Address, NPR's All Things Considered asks the question, is the gay right's movement nearing its end? Yeah, depends on who you ask. Look at the progress we've made and full gay rights are in sight. Look at what still needs to be done and we have a long way to go.