As we approach publication of the final edition of Ambush for 2017 we were all shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Marsha. There are very few times when I am left speechless, at a complete loss for words. I had known Rip and Marty for many years, I have watched the growth and development and success of Ambush over the years, during the negotiations to acquire the publication, we were happy to give Marsha an exit strategy that allowed her to stay as involved as she wanted to be, as well as provide her with the transition to a new future. We looked forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship. But, alas, that was not to be. She will be missed, but the legacy of service and dedication to the LGBT community, and to the City that was so much a part of the life she and Rip made for themselves will live on.
We are closely following the antics of the anti-gay Republican Attorney General of Louisiana, as he continues to harass the newly elected Mayor of New Orleans. From what we’ve seen there is nothing in the actions of Ms. Cantrell that rises to illegal or criminal activity. We support her, and she should be allowed to prepare for her administration without the menace of an out of control political hack in the Attorney General’s office. In following the only play book the Republican Party has used for the past few years, he is using his office to sow discord, discontent, distrust wherever he feels it will benefit his political fortunes. His politics are toxic, his methods are despicable, and his views are dangerous. He fits right in with the current administration in Washington. Our problem is his actions hit us a lot closer to home. Everything he has done since taking office has been to placate the base of religious intolerant voters, as if there were no other voting population who matters. The wisdom of our system has always rested on the idea, that while the vote of the majority will rule, there was never to be out oppression of the minorities who have equal protection under the law. The current makeup of the Republican Party has cast that aside, and in places all over the country, those elected are ignoring the rights of those who did not vote for them, undoing years of progress made in the fight to build “a more perfect union”.
Yet, we watched with great pleasure, the defeat of another “off the wall” Republican Party hack in Alabama last week. Congratulations and THANK YOU Alabama, you done good! You have spared the country the humiliation of having to deal with another angry white male, religious fanatic in public office. Hopefully, this is a sign of better things to come in 2018.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, and a Great New Year! Happy Holidays.
