And your assignment is…

Today we’re going to do just one thing. We’re going to think about Mr. Hammerstein’s lyrics that I’ve posted above.

I’ve always thought that I was especially clever in my choice of parents: I never heard them use any of the pejorative terms used negatively describe other groups of people. The words nigger, spic, wop, faggot, hebe, hunky, or anything else that you can think of never crossed their lips. Was this intentional? I don’t have a clue. They’re gone now, so I can’t ask them; but I’m damned grateful. My parents were Republicans; I’m clearly not a Republican. What’s it all mean Bruce?

Hell, I’m not sure I know. I grew up tolerant of everything and everyone. En route to Europe in 1961, I spent six weeks in New York City while my parents intensively learned French. Whoa, did I get hit on by a lot of “queers” (the term at the time). After about the fourth time, I decided to be flattered rather than angry and just say “No thanks.” That worked very well - much better than anger in fact. I took me a while to reason that out: someone who finds men attractive finds me attractive. What's not to like?

I guess the bile the right is spewing concerns me: AM radio is filled with Limbaugh, Savage, Liddy, North, and their clones. All hate, all the time! The “Born Again” “Christians” are convinced that only they are saved and you and I are going to burn in the fiery pit for eternity. A cartoon rabbit can’t visit a lesbian couple on PBS. Sponge Bob is queer. Clint Eastwood is pro-assisted suicide. Their children are hearing this putrid filth.

They are breeding another generation of monsters like themselves - only there will be more of them. Hardly a cheery thought.