Jamey Rodemeyer's death has unleashed a torrent of raw emotion.The story has focused international attention on Williamsville, and the life of Jamey Rodemeyer. England. Canada. India. And meanwhile here in the US, it is acceptable for the 2012-Republican-Presidential-nominee-wannabees to sit back and listen while their fans boo gay troops, in public:
It comes from major figures in the world of entertainment, media and politics, who never heard of the 14-year-old Williamsville North freshman, and relatives, teachers and students who saw him every day. His suicide this week, following what he called more than a year of "constant" bullying related to the fact that he identified as bisexual, seems to touch a new nerve every day.
That continued at a Williamsville North homecoming event Thursday night. Amherst Police Chief John Askey said a high school parent called to report malicious words being hurled at Jamey's older sister, who is a student at the high school and attended the outdoor function.
In the original complaint, a parent told police she understood that some students made harassing statements "suggesting that they're glad that Jamey's dead."
None of the candidates said anything on stage during the debate, this week.
You can sign a petition here, calling for the candidates to explain themselves.
My heart goes out to all children who for whatever reasons see their life experiences marginalized by the most powerful forces in our society. On television, and splashed all over the headlines of newspapers. I can hardly imagine how a young, gay teenager must feel after being told by these Republican candidates that despite the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” they still shouldn’t be able to serve and defend their country. Oh, and by the way – was former Senator Rick Santorum suggesting everyone in the military pledge celibacy? I am confused.
Connections between what happened in Western New York this week and the Republican debate, anyone?
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