WVPE to air "Who we are and what we believe"

by Don Wheeler

The latest commentary from Progressives, South Bend will air on our local NPR station - 88.1 WVPE - on Monday at 7:35 am and 12:30 pm. The text appears in the blog post of the same title.

The progressive community needs to step up and create some chatter about this issue. So far, the noise and organization has been mostly on the side of the opponents. To an extent, more noise on their part is helpful, because their hatefulness and irrationality is exposed. Sunshine is the best disinfectant, it is said.

I am mindful that those people are very hurtful to some members of our community, but it's hard to see an alternative. If we allow them to do all the talking, our silence endorses the status quo. If we talk more, they will talk more. This won't be fun.

Progressives, South Bend intends to do what it can about this and welcomes all support. Members of the GLBT community who have dealt with discrimination should feel free to send their stories. Pseudonyms are fine.

And remember, letters to the South Bend Tribune and elected city officials are always a good approach. And talk about this with your friends. I don't believe our citizenry really endorses straight up discrimination.

Thanks in advance for your efforts.

PS. A sound file of the commentary is available by email for anyone who wants it.