Letters

Friday, January 15, 1999

Letters

You came out,

so do something

Congratulations Mr. Michael Huffington. You spent $28 million in
an unsuccessful run for the Senate back in 1994 (when you were a
Republican member of the House from Los Angeles), and now you’ve
finally come out of the closet. But I am somewhat bewildered by
these stipulations you’ve adopted in identifying yourself. Clarify
for me how you – now a self-labeled homosexual – refute any
connection with the "gay lifestyle."

Could it be that the "gay lifestyle" conjures up too many
negative connotations? Or is it that a man of your moralistic,
Republican virtues are above any shade of inequity. You, Mr.
Huffington, are part of the problem.

The "gay lifestyle" is a perception, a stereotype. It is time
for the bulk of American society to realize their prejudice views
concerning gay individuals are without validity. The typical
homosexual in modern America is not morally inept or of one
variety.

You of all people should realize this.

Instead of stepping forward as an example that the gay community
cannot be stereotyped, you distanced yourself from it.

It is unfortunate that a man with your money and power doesn’t
use his position to advance progressive beliefs. I commend you on
your $140,000 donation to the University of Southern California
that is earmarked for gay issues. But compared to the millions and
millions you spent on a failed campaign and a seat in the house
favoring a conservative agenda, the amount is not as
impressive.

Where are your priorities? Empathize with the countless other
closeted Americans and direct your influence in favor of
progressive change.

Because, although the news-value of a closeted figure has become
passe, a closeted Democrat posing as a Republican is simply
shocking.

Charles Knudtson

Third-year

American literature and culture

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