Best of the Web This Week

Welcome to the weekend and this week's review of the Best of the Web This Week.  Before we get to the reiview, I have run across another example of the wing-nuttery and homophobia that seems to run rampant in the powers that be here in the state of Texas.  The following is a quotation from the Barbara Weicksel column posted on LGBTNation:

"Page Price and Carolyn Compton are a lesbian couple who have been together for almost three years.

Carolyn Compton was granted a divorce in 2011, but the case was reopened last month to dispute custody of their two children after Carolyn’s ex-husband hired a private investigator to gather information on his ex-wife because she is gay. He wanted to bring the case before a judge “in the interest and welfare of the children.”

Court records show that Carolyn’s ex-husband, Joshua Compton, was charged with third-degree felony stalking in 2011, but he pleaded to a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespassing.  It was after this that he hired the private investigator to legally stalk his ex-wife.
 

So, last week a Republican Judge — John Roach, Jr. — added the “morality clause” with no end date into the Compton’s divorce papers and under this clause, someone who has a “dating or intimate relationship” with the person or is not related “by blood or marriage” is not allowed after 9 p.m. when the children are present.

Since the great state of Texas doesn’t allow same-sex marriage, Page Price is being forced to move out of her own home — a home where the children are happy, safe and loved and are, by all accounts, well adjusted.

It’s been alleged that Judge Roach stated that he didn’t like Carolyn’s “lifestyle” and if he could throw her in jail for being gay, he would.

A senior staff attorney for Lambda Legal’s Dallas office said that gay couples are unfairly targeted and that “it’s a problem that continues with homophobia.”

This is an ex-husband who had his manhood questioned because his wife was gay. He stalked her, and when that didn’t work, he hired a private investigator to follow her and document all the proof he needed to reopen his divorce, and use the fact that she was gay against her.

This is a father who, in the words of Page Price, “lives just a few miles away yet has taken his children a total of 12 times in 3 years and not attended ONE school or athletic event.”

And yet, this request for enforcement was filed “in the interest and welfare of the children.”  If he is so worried about their welfare, where is he every 1st, 3rd and 5th weekend.

And what about Judge Roach? This is a Judge who cares nothing for the children in this family.  This is a Judge who is blatantly homophobic and does little to hide his feelings. This is a Judge who has no business being on the bench in family court — or any court — but this is a Judge in Texas who was just re-elected in March."

This is the kind of thing that frustrates me to no end about living here in Texas where LGBTQ persons are definitely demeaned, demoralized and discriminated against simply for being themselves.  It is also the reason I will continue to fight for our Civil Rights, even though the odds are against us.  Eventually, justice will prevail, I just hope I live long enough to see it.  

Now for this week's review, I sorted and sifted through over 2200 photographs to end up with the 80 examples of the fine art which can be found in the male form on display below.  To accompany your examination and appreciation of these works of art, today's Musical Moment features the music of Francesco Geminiani with his 12 Concerti Grossi for 2 Violins, Strings & Continuo [after Op. 5 Sonatas of Corelli].  Today's performance is by the Academy of Ancient Music under the baton of Andrew Manze.  The complete play list can be found here.  Thanks for spending part of your weekend here at Nichevo.  We will gather once again for Music, Men and More! on Monday.  Until next time as always, Enjoy!