Hope and Despair

So, one week of school is done, and so far I'm already overwhelmed. I have 2 classes where I'm going to have to give weekly presentations, and for someone who hates speaking in front of a class, you can see the hilarity that will ensue. But, I really don't have much choice, as these classes get me one step closer to graduating. After this term, I will have 7 classes left to take. Not too shabby.

I'd like to write a bit about something that has recently occurred. I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing about Hurricane Katrina. However, I don't care for people who make me feel bad for not supporting certain causes. I give every paycheck to local and national charities which aid those in need. These charities see the need and tend to it. I was recently approached by several people wanting me to give to charities that are working only on helping GLBT people affected by the hurricane. This bothers me. Although I am gay, I don't see how directing my donations only to GLBT people helps in any way. My donations should go for a greater purpose, not to only support those who sleep with the same sex. This may be somewhat odd of a stance, but it's mine, and I will not change.

Those folks who have "attacked" me in recent days for my views are the ones with problems, not I. I have a love for humanity as a whole, not certain groups or ideologies. In the first hours of the event, I stayed glued to the TV watching as so many people tried to get out. I watched the local CBS affiliate in New Orleans via the Internet, hoping that they would be able to convince enough people to get out. As we all know, many made it out, but many could not. That is in the past; we should now work on making a better and safer and more flood-resistant New Orleans. Humanity and the world demands it.

With love and compassion to those who are in pain,
J~