In Fort Lauderdale, police reported the beating of a gay man outside of an all-night diner last Saturday. The victim, Melbourne Brunner, was having a quick bite with his partner when a man verbally accosted the two. They tried to leave, but he followed them to the car and there phsyically assaulted Brunner. This only raises fears in Lauderdale, where barely a week ago 17-yr. old Simmie Williams, Jr. was killed in what is believed to be another hate crime.
The local gay organizations and activists are calling for increased police involvement and compassion in these crimes and is calling out the local mayor due to previous statements about the gay community. But here's my rub...these comments that Mayor Jim Naugle made (a YEAR ago, mind you) simply stated (according to this article) that he thought gays were promiscuous and unhappy. Well, I kind of have to agree with Mr. Naugle on the promiscuity note. As for unhappy, he has the right to his opinion. If that's all he said, I fail to see how that created a so-called atmosphere of gay hate. Also, remember that these coments were a year ago. I guess the perpetrators of these crimes needed twelve months to let the message sink in. I'm not trying attack the activists and concerned gay population, here. I guess I'm just saying: don't let the fear create more antagonism. Now is a time for the community to come together and stop these actions from continuing. Cooperate with the mayor instead of blaming him offhand, I suppose is what I'm trying to say.
And, of course, remember the young man whose life was lost, and the other whose life was forever changed. Mourn, and let their lives touch yours.
Sincerely,
Your Spy
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