The difference between Trader Joe’s in Bridgewater and the clothing store next to it couldn’t be clearer. TJ’s has symbols of supporting LGBT+ rights, while the clothing store has American flags, posted it says, in support of the Fourth. There shouldn’t be a difference between the two flags that say what we stand for.
But the transphobes and anti-gay movement are spewing its hate-filled messages even in our commercial markets. It seems that corporate America is weakening its support for LGBT+ rights, reflecting its fear of losing money. We all know money is what drives the economy, not beliefs in human rights.
And hate filled garbage has had results. The Gallup poll shows a drop in support for same sex marriage from 71 percent in 2022 to 64 percent this year. The recent action of the Middletown Board of Education is just a harbinger of what we who support the rights of all people to live in dignity can expect. We cannot just bemoan this trend; we’ve got to be just as organized as the fear-mongers and take them on.
Prayer for the Day
Although we have good intentions, we have poor follow through.
Because we really do not like to enter into conflict with others;
We want to live in the light, but yet we are content in the shadows
Where less is demanded of us.
Move us beyond only a desire to stand with the marginalized,
So we have both a single-minded devotion and action.
In the name of the One who welcomes all to the table,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
“[Macy’s is] very careful about how we put out this product that we select and how we position it on website and in stores [but doesn’t plan to remove any of it.] We stand by our values and we’re a highly inclusive organization. And we think the bulk of America is as well."
- Jeff Gennette, CEO, Macy’s
I had a sponsor last night say their CEO is skittish about getting political. The fact that they’re even having that conversation is disheartening at best.
- Fernando Lopez, San Diego Gay Pride March director
Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
Things we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us.
Psalm 78: 1-2