jokes are supposed to be funny, not hateful.

i'm going to do this thing again where i break from my standard format to approach a topic that i think deserves proper attention.  further rambling about girlfriends, life and the weather will have to wait until the next time i'm motivated to craft a post.  last week, it was discovered that the new mayor of Troy, Michigan posted on her facebook on June 25, 2011


"I think I am going to throw away my 'I Love New York' carry bag now that queers can get married there."


i know present my open letter to mayor janice daniels.


Mayor Daniels,


As a lifelong Michigan resident, I am always excited to see my home state make national headlines.  Except lately in which headlines about Michigan range from cutting off unemployment benefits to emergency financial managers taking over cities to coverage of a horrible first attempt at anti-bullying legislation.  Most recently, the spotlight has been on Michigan due to a comment from your facebook this past summer.


I understand that you proudly ran for Mayor as a member of the Tea Party.  Accordingly, I didn't have high expectations for what you would bring to Troy as its Mayor.  I know that ideologically we could never match up.  However, as a person, I thought you might have more tolerance than to use a hateful slur in a public forum.  As I would hope you were aware, whether or not you were in the public eye at the time, posting on facebook is roughly the equivalent of making a statement in a crowded room.  You're words have gravity and significance and in a moment, you projected your bigotry for the world to see.


I read your statement after this status came to light.  While I soundly disagree with your belief that marriage is between one man and one woman, I can respect this is your personal opinion.  My issue is simple, rather than keeping your opinion to yourself or tactfully express your dissatisfaction with New York's new law, you opted to be hateful.  


Since that time, you have apologized for what you said.  I am curious to know if this apology came as a result of knowing that people from around the metro area were coming to protest outside of city hall because of your hateful comment.  Mayor, please take the time to meet with these people and understand why so many people are so upset.  It is the obligation of elected officials to hold themselves to a higher standard and to be tolerant of the many that make up our country, state and your city.  If this isn't something you are capable of, you should have considered that soundly before starting your campaign.  I hope that you will take the time to consider what you said, talk to the people who are protesting outside of city hall even as I post this and learn from your mistake going forward.  


Sincerely,


a concerned, conscientious, Michigan resident.  


until next time...