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April 9, 2007
Rank and File
by Nova Stubbs, insurgent49

A Big Disappointment

     Warning: Below is a rant, and an angry one at that. If you are looking for something upbeat and positive Ms. Stubbs’ recommends not reading the following. Thank you and have a lovely day.   

     Last week, the people of Anchorage cast their ballots on a variety of bonds and issues. And, as I stated in my last week’s column, there were only two issues that I really and truly cared about: the education bond to rebuild Clark Middle School and the state advisory vote on whether or not to amend the constitution against state employees’ eligibility to receive same-sex partner benefits.

     The residents of Mountain View, the students and faculty of Clark, and myself were happy about the outcome of this education bond. But, progressives went home to cry in their soup, as the 53% to 47% loss of the advisory vote left gay and lesbian Alaskans to fight yet another cause.

     Alaskans, I am disappointed in you.

     Was the wording on the ballot confusing?  Or is it true that our state, like many, simply do not understand that same-sex anything is a matter of civil rights? I’d like to believe the former, but a voice in my head tells me it’s the latter.

     And despite the fact that many of the anti-homosexual voters came from a religious angle, there are also those people who simply believe that homosexuality “just ain’t right.” Oh, we are such ignorant and backward state, as the results of this vote indicate.

     But, I suppose I knew this before I even moved up here almost thirteen years ago. And really the margin is not as bad as it could be. So, what needs to change? Many conservative Christian voters always tend to note that the Bible said that homosexuality is wrong. Well, of course the Bible also said that women should be subservient to men, that slavery is OK, and that it is a sin to wear clothing together that are made out of different materials.

     Should we just continue to point these facts out to Christians who are obviously ignorant about their own religion? That’s not an easy thing to do, especially with many pastors preaching differently. Most often the pastor’s words, no matter what they are, are more legitimate than the progressive voice of reason.

     The charming, smiling man, who makes you feel good on Sundays as he takes your money and gives you blessing. Yeah, that guy the one with all that power and manipulation. As he put himself through seminary he probably sold used cars… all and all it’s really the same thing. He can sell you faith to the lord Jesus Christ as well as a 1998 Ford Escort (for a limited time only). 

     Why is that so many of us Alaskans are unable to be critical thinkers? For crying out loud, that is what it comes down to in the end. But, it’s not just an Alaskan thing, it’s American thing. We are known throughout the world for our ignorance and self-centered ways for a reason. And that’s right … I am supposed to be “proud to be an American.”

     Well fuck, when the majority of my state is obviously opposed to civil rights pertaining to homosexuals I sure as hell am not proud to be an American nor an Alaskan.
 
     America, I am disappointed in you as well.

    So, here’s the deal … I give you exactly seven years to get your shit together or I am moving to Hanoi. Alaskans you can do it, in the past five years I have seen progressive change, and I hope this momentum continues. America… just show me what you’re capable of in 2008.

     Now, go to your room and think about what I just said.   

 

 
     

      Nova Stubbs is a freelance writer and activist, and is co-founder of Insurgent49. Nova resides in an undisclosed location in downtown Anchorage and may be contacted at nova@insurgent49.com.

     'Rank and File' appears on insurgent49.com every Monday.
- Columnists -

Editor's Desk
by Aaron Selbig

Rank and File
by Nova Stubbs

Red Alert
by Soren Wuerth

Alaskan In Exile
by Neil Zawicki

The
Bramble Bush
by Kevin Morford


The Tao
of Waitressing
by Lindsay Luckey








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in-sur-gent (in sur'jent), n. 1. a member of a group which revolts against the policies of its leadership.