Legislated Hatred

See, we really don't have to look too very far to figure out two very important things as we redouble our efforts to combat the atmosphere hatred and intolerance in our country, that same atmosphere that fosters and supports the bullying which leads to suicides:  1.) there's no doubt where these young people get their intolerance and hatred from, as I've been saying; and, 2.) why so many young lgbt teens feel such a sense of despair and lack of self-worth.  When you have a PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE denouncing the validity of gay-ism period, and effectively telling a lesbian teen that she is defected, when you have an ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICIAL admitting to making anti-gay slurs on her facebook page, both the bullies and their victims are deeply affected.  The bullied gain vindication for their acts of ignorance and violence.  They gain the sense that it's ok because they see adults in power denouncing the very people they victimize.  Their victims hear, once again, that their lives are essentially invalid.  They learn a sense of being lesser-than-whole.  They get to see with their own eyes that, according to far-too-many adults (in many cases, adults from their own household), they will never be able to fall in love, marry, and live happily with their chosen spouse.

This is 100% unacceptable, especially in a day and age where we're seeing our young people end their lives because of the intolerance, hatred, and the violence that comes with it..

The Ugly.... R.I.P. Marjorie Raymond - Age 15

And, sadly, once again, bullying was at the root of Marjorie committing suicide.  According to her suicide note, she couldn't handle any more of the bullying, which she'd endured for over 3 years!  So, now, instead of her family planning Sweet 16 birthday celebration, instead of looking forward to all of the rites of passage that comes along with turning 16, her family now has to plan a funeral and say goodbye. THIS HAS TO CHANGE!!!  The change needs to be decisive.  And, the change needs to come NOW!  We need to work towards the day where there are no more headlines like this.

Prayers for Brittany and Roger

I want to thank every one of you who rose to the occasion last night in attempt to save a young life.(blog entry "AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION")  I don't know where this young man lives other than in the US.  I've sent him links for help, my own contact information, and prayers.  Many of you did, too.  Let's hope for the best.

And, as I'm sure you know, there's always more to do.  Fourteen year old Brittany needs your prayers.  The facebook posting that I saw said that she's in ICU after attempting suicide today.  We need to send lots of prayers her way.  And, yes, she was yet another victim of bullying, but we'll get to that later.  For now, let's send lots and lots of prayers and hope she pulls out of this first.

Lastly, and sadly, we lost a crusader in the war against bullying.  Roger Crouch, whose son, Dominic, committed suicide in May of 2010, passed away tonight.  In loving memory and honor of his son, Roger worked hard to bring about changes that would hopefully help prevent other teens from going through what Dom endured.  His efforts reached around the globe, and he will be missed.  I'm sure his family would love to hear your words of support.  R.I.P. Roger Crouch.