Monthly Archives: October 2009

Hulu might be infringing on my rights as an American!

By Tim Fredrick Posted in Thoughts and Musings Tagged Leave a reply

I was shocked – SHOCKED – the other day to learn that my favorite web site ever, Hulu, may try to start charging for it.  WHAT?  Well, thank goodness they are walking back on that.  But still …

I have a right as an American to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  I know it’s in one of those important old documents social studies teachers are always droning on and on about.  [eyeroll]  Hulu is a big part of my pursuit of happiness and to start charging for it is like charging people to vote.  How dare they?  How dare they, indeed.

How else am I going to resolve my Wednesday night dilemma when Glee is on at the same time as Modern Family.  And, what about Thursday nights?  How am I going to watch Flash Forward and Bones at the same time?  The conflict would totally ruin my watching of Fringe, which is on the same time as The Office and 30 Rock – a conflict I can’t even think about.  Wait … I need a moment.  [sniff]  Okay, I’m better.

This is important stuff, people.

So, dear Hulu.  You start charging you can be sure that I’m going to find some activist judge out there who is going to kick your ass with the Constitution or the Declaration of the Bill of Rights or whatever.  Be warned!

Hate crimes just a first step in a long fight

By Tim Fredrick Posted in Thoughts and Musings Tagged Leave a reply

Yesterday, President Obama signed the Defense Authorization bill, which included legislation to classify violent crimes against gays as hate crimes. The legislation is named – in part – for Matthew Shepard.  It’s hard to believe that it was 11 years ago that he was killed.  But, hate crimes against gays still exist – even in New York City.  There have been a couple in the past few months.

I agree with Chris Geidner, though, who argues that while this is an important first step towards equality for gays, it is just a first step. In the past, I would suspect that this is all we would get out of a president and Congress for a few years.  It is a momentous step, yes, but it is simply not enough.  Discriminatory laws against gays fuel hate crimes. I was dismayed that the headline of the Huffington Post announcing Obama’s signing said “Never Again”.  While it is nice to think that signing the bill will eliminate hate crimes completely, it’s just not going to happen.  Today, I don’t think the gay community is willing to applaud the Congress and president and sit back.  This really is the first step and the next steps can’t wait.

Some further good news: NY Gov. Patterson is calling a special session of the NY Senate and the marriage equality bill is on the docket. Fingers officially crossed!