From: tcarlin@athena.mit.edu (Thomas B Carlin)
Newsgroups: soc.motss
Subject: Always an open mind..... (RE: Boycott)
Date: 4 Jan 93 17:36:23 GMT
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

=================

	...often an open mouth.

Steve Misek writes:

>>I find your response to Andrews posting was blatently offensive.

>>The volume of misinformation regarding Colorado's #2 going
>>out on the net is overwhelming.  Both Andrew and Kevin in
>>Denver have been trying to get truthful, up to date information
>>out onto the net.

>>Since #2 was passed, most state reps have been busy working with
>>the Gay community finding ways to thwart, repeal, and correct
>>this measure.  Most responsible Gay leaders in the state disagree
>>with the Boycott - we are currently working **WITH** our political
>>leaders in the state.  

	in response to my calling "Andy Gerber" an Aunti Tom:


	>>>Boycott CO, and Ignore the Auntie Toms!!!

And, in all fairness, a friend on campus (MIT) sent me the following this
 morn:

>>Did anyone see Good Morning America this morning (Monday) at about 
>>7:30am?  My girlfriend says that they had a piece on how the boycott was 
>>affecting Colorado.  The general point, according to my girlfriend, was 
>>that the boycott wasn't doing much damage at all.  Apparently, tourism 
>>is -up- about 12% or something and about 40% of a group polled said that 
>>if given the opportunity, they wouldn't repeal Amendment 2.  Good 
>>Morning America has had a lot of sponsorship from Colorado resorts, so 
>>i'm a bit dubious about their report.  
>>Does anyone have any other info about how the boycott is doing?

Response and Opinions:

(1)	Whether you agree or disagree with the Boycott, it has begun.  At
the risk of sounding like "Rally around the flag, boys", far too much
political clout now rests on either the success of the boycott to get CO
to change, or to at least punish it for such offense.

(2)	Calling for the end of the boycott before achieving either of
these goals or before it is declared a failure is, in my humble opinion,
plain and simple treason.  The war has begun, it's a little late to call
for a peaceful settlement.

(3)	I had EVERY intent on being "blatently offensive"; I for one have
absolutely no problem with being "blatently offensive".  ANYONE who calls
for an end to the boycott before its stated goals is - once again in my
opinion - an Aunti Tom.

Anyone.

And I don't give a fast flying fuck if "I hurt your wittle feelings".

I would rather die with a sword in my hand than live on my knees, and I
have no taste whatsoever for those who cower behind "using the system".

(4)	I commend those in CO - both lesbigay and straight - who are
working to end Amend #2, just as I commend those in the UN who are
working for peace in Yugoslavia.  I also believe they (CO people) will be
just as effective.  But - using the battle cry of the Far Right - let
there be "peace through strength".

(5)	The "straight leaders" of your community could do both at the
same time, by working to end the boycott by ending Amend #2.  In case you
haven't caught on, they're very related.   "**REALISTICALLY*"!

(6)	Where, in the name of G-d, did I spout "misinformation"?  Andrew
piped in a poll about the boycott, how it was not going to change the
minds of the people of CO, and how the people of CO do not consider
themselves to be homophobic.

In case you forget, the polls before and AFTER the election painted a
picture of CO as a liberal state.  Guess what, bean counter, the people
of CO LIE THROUGH THEIR TEETH!!!

	What I did say was that there was a similar poll taken when a
boycott against AZ was taken, with similar results, and - surprise
surprise - the boycott worked.  I repeat, "HUNGER IS A GREAT MOTIVATOR".

And, finally,

>>If you really want to help the situation, put your money where your
>>mouth is and contribute money to either CLIP or the Lambda Legal
>>defense fund.  If your contribution is as big as your mouth, I'm
>>sure we can expect a fairly large contribution.

I couldn't agree with you more. Unfortunately (cop-out time, boys and
girls), I am 100% research supported, and I just lost a major grant, and
thus 50% of my income; right now, I'm a bit preoccupied with putting FOOD
where my mouth is.  

But I am sure that not everyone is in such a sorry state, and I recommend
you post the addresses of these organizations.

Lovins.....

Tom Carlin
Newsgroups: soc.motss