As I've posted elsewhere, I only wish we had some strong leadership in the gay community -- yes, more visible gay celebrity -- who could counter some of this subversive strategy. It was unsettling to see clips of Elton John sitting in the box of the Kennedy Center, having received high honors from Bush. I'm not suggesting that Elton pull an Eartha Kitt (only you older posters remember that -- she was invited to the White House and challenged Lady Bird about Viet Nam). But there was one big mouth in the gay community who had to stuff his feelings toward Bush and Cheney because the President hung a ribbon with a medal on it around his neck.
And what about the 'tude of the man who awarded him? He was elected for not knowing if Sir Elton "chose" to be homosexual, and depriving him of the rights given other citizens. Yet there he was, beaming, happy to suck up to him, you should excuse the expression, because this particular homo is a cool rocker. It's EASY to love gay uber achievers. But what about the non Eltons, Mr. Bush? Gay teachers and law clerks, and busboys and dishwashers? They are human, they are real, and they deserve your respect, too. They deserve the same dignified response you so quickly afford a rock superstar.
I only wish Tennesse Williams and Leonard Bernstein were alive -- and kicking. Kicking Bush's ass. (I appreciate Tony Kushner, to be sure. And Larry Kramer. But Williams and Bernstein wrote beloved material -- GLASS MENAGERIE and WEST SIDE STORY are read and widely performed in red states.)
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
Updated On: 12/9/04 at 09:54 AM