As a gay man, I’ve commented here many times because what interests me is the intersection of politics, sex, and religion. But there is a fourth vector at this intersection: reality. That has become increasingly obvious to me over the last couple of years, and with the ascent of the Know-Nothings, the religious crazies, thetheoocrats, the employed professionally incompetent, the ideologues, the science deniers, and the Trump emulators, it has become imperative for the survival of our country, our government, and perhaps the world, that people recognize this.
It has been over 35 years since the last time I voted for a republican, not because I’m a hyper partisan, but because I could see the direction the party was going. Barry Goldwater noted this when I was a young man. Whatever faults the Democrats may have, and they are Legion, compared to the Republican Party of the last 40 years, they are shining lights of compassion, integrity, and knowledge.
This is how I see this: to me there’s nothing about whatever it is they imagine my sex life to be that should have any concern for any Republican or religious person. I am an American citizen, a taxpayer, a law abiding, productive, and contributing member of society. I’ve never been arrested, and it’s been years since I’ve even had a parking ticket. I expect to be treated like that. And if someone cannot recognize that whatever they imagine my sex life to be – I don’t discuss it in public, so I don’t know what they’re thinking about except that it’s all coming from inside their diseased minds— if they cannot recognize this, then they’ve already lost my support.
It’s not very difficult. there is only one thing about me and just about everybody I know that any homophobe can say with certainty: I prefer members of my own sex when it comes to love, sex, family, marriage, and anything to do with those issues. If you think there’s something else you can say about me simply because I’m gay, that’s a lie at best, and abject stupidity at worst.
And if you’re that stupid or that dishonest, then you have no business in government. Unfortunately, that stupid and that dishonest is now a qualification for government.
I’ve loved Charles for many decades for many reasons. The world is a brighter, better place with Sir Charles’ irreverent, humorous and courageous challenges to those who oppress.
“Because the modern MAGA movement increasingly depends on convincing Americans that compassion itself is weakness. That empathy is fake. That cruelty is honesty. That bullying is strength.”
This is such a vulgar truism. It’s what makes it so hard to consider working out the differences…if you did you’d feel complicit in the hate
Now, inspired by such moral clarity, let’s all of us speak out against genocide, apartheid and ethnic cleansing of Palestine that our country continues to commit and enable.
When Charles Barkley speaks I listen. I am an aged athlete near death at 83 with Pulmonary Fibrosis. I have loved the humor and truthful candor of Sir Charles for many years. Barkley feared no man when he defended a basket and his fearless commentary about life is precious wisdom. Charles shares life's lessons through the eyes of a basketball player with the sincerity of Marcus Aurelius. If a man's greatness is measured in kindness towards others Sir Charles is a giant.
One time in Vegas, Barkley paid for the entire meal a group of hospitality students were having and when they went to tip, he said that’s on me too. It’s not the large (4 digit) tab that is impressive, it is the fact that he made time to be with and “see” students.
Thank you for this Mike. I am so tired of hate & cruelty for no reason. Kindness should not be so difficult . We all deserve grace.Kudos to Charles Barkley!
I have always liked Charles, but I have kicked that respect up a notch. More people in the spotlight need to be unafraid like him and like Bruce Springsteen.
I have noticed the same and just watched a clip a few days ago of him talking about immigrants and how horribly they are being treated. It's a balm to all of us to hear it spoken so loudly and clearly.
We need more Charles Barkley!
This is a great column, Mike. Thank you so much.
As a gay man, I’ve commented here many times because what interests me is the intersection of politics, sex, and religion. But there is a fourth vector at this intersection: reality. That has become increasingly obvious to me over the last couple of years, and with the ascent of the Know-Nothings, the religious crazies, thetheoocrats, the employed professionally incompetent, the ideologues, the science deniers, and the Trump emulators, it has become imperative for the survival of our country, our government, and perhaps the world, that people recognize this.
It has been over 35 years since the last time I voted for a republican, not because I’m a hyper partisan, but because I could see the direction the party was going. Barry Goldwater noted this when I was a young man. Whatever faults the Democrats may have, and they are Legion, compared to the Republican Party of the last 40 years, they are shining lights of compassion, integrity, and knowledge.
This is how I see this: to me there’s nothing about whatever it is they imagine my sex life to be that should have any concern for any Republican or religious person. I am an American citizen, a taxpayer, a law abiding, productive, and contributing member of society. I’ve never been arrested, and it’s been years since I’ve even had a parking ticket. I expect to be treated like that. And if someone cannot recognize that whatever they imagine my sex life to be – I don’t discuss it in public, so I don’t know what they’re thinking about except that it’s all coming from inside their diseased minds— if they cannot recognize this, then they’ve already lost my support.
It’s not very difficult. there is only one thing about me and just about everybody I know that any homophobe can say with certainty: I prefer members of my own sex when it comes to love, sex, family, marriage, and anything to do with those issues. If you think there’s something else you can say about me simply because I’m gay, that’s a lie at best, and abject stupidity at worst.
And if you’re that stupid or that dishonest, then you have no business in government. Unfortunately, that stupid and that dishonest is now a qualification for government.
Thank you again, Mike and Mr. Barkley.
Amen. You’re gdamn right. Everyone just needs to get a grip.
Thanks.
You’re welcome.
I have always liked Charles Berkley. This rant is one reason why.
If we have to have a King, let it be King Charles Barkley. Rich S. Octogenarian and Contrarian
Well said
I’ve loved Charles for many decades for many reasons. The world is a brighter, better place with Sir Charles’ irreverent, humorous and courageous challenges to those who oppress.
👏👏👏 Great leader of human humility and decency 👏👏👏💪
“Because the modern MAGA movement increasingly depends on convincing Americans that compassion itself is weakness. That empathy is fake. That cruelty is honesty. That bullying is strength.”
This is such a vulgar truism. It’s what makes it so hard to consider working out the differences…if you did you’d feel complicit in the hate
Now, inspired by such moral clarity, let’s all of us speak out against genocide, apartheid and ethnic cleansing of Palestine that our country continues to commit and enable.
When Charles Barkley speaks I listen. I am an aged athlete near death at 83 with Pulmonary Fibrosis. I have loved the humor and truthful candor of Sir Charles for many years. Barkley feared no man when he defended a basket and his fearless commentary about life is precious wisdom. Charles shares life's lessons through the eyes of a basketball player with the sincerity of Marcus Aurelius. If a man's greatness is measured in kindness towards others Sir Charles is a giant.
One time in Vegas, Barkley paid for the entire meal a group of hospitality students were having and when they went to tip, he said that’s on me too. It’s not the large (4 digit) tab that is impressive, it is the fact that he made time to be with and “see” students.
Thank you for this Mike. I am so tired of hate & cruelty for no reason. Kindness should not be so difficult . We all deserve grace.Kudos to Charles Barkley!
I have always liked Charles, but I have kicked that respect up a notch. More people in the spotlight need to be unafraid like him and like Bruce Springsteen.
I have noticed the same and just watched a clip a few days ago of him talking about immigrants and how horribly they are being treated. It's a balm to all of us to hear it spoken so loudly and clearly.
Such a great article about Charles Barkley. I’ve always loved him. Keep speaking out Charles. This country needs you.
amen!