LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
It hit me this morning that the summer is fast approaching its conclusion. In fact, this is the next to last summer issue of LETTERS from CAMP Rehoboth and already our summer interns are preparing to return to school. Francesca Cantarini, my editorial assistant for the summer, left last week, soon to be followed by my production assistant, Peter Butcavage. Of course, I say thanks to both of them for their hard work and send them off with my best wishes, but I can't get one thought out of my mind. What am I going to do now? Help! Speaking of help, it is impossible for me to think about this time of year without remembering all the volunteers who help us get ready for SUNDANCE 98. This huge Labor Day Weekend event requires the efforts of a great many people, and as always we are still in need of volunteers. Not only will it be greatly appreciated but it's also a lot of fun. (Isn't it, Murray?) No matter where your talents lieCselling tickets, assisting with decorations, painting props, distributing posters, food preparation, picking up auction items, whateverCwe have got something for you to do. Anyone interested in volunteering for SUNDANCE 98 should stop by the CAMP office and fill out a volunteer form. Washington Blade reporter Lou Chibaro called me last week to discuss an article he was writing concerning Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Creig Doyle and the new "public disclosure" policy created to discourage illegal and nuisance behavior in the town. The policy calls for notification of the hometown papers of persons arrested for urinating in public, driving while intoxicated, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, drug possession and distribution, or public sex. In the article, which ran in the August 7 issue, Lou stated that the policy does not seem to be aimed at the gays and lesbians, and I agree. My personal experience with Chief Doyle over the last seven years assures me that he is interested in making sure that the gay and lesbian community feels safe and welcome in Rehoboth Beach. When it comes to enforcing the local ordinances, however, all I can say is: don't do anything you wouldn't do in your own hometown...after all, there's no place like home! Around the country, attacks by the far right continue to cause outrage in the gay and lesbian communities (see GLADDlines on page 34). Last week, however, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced the results of a new poll showing that "dire consequences await the GOP if they continue down their current path of anti-gay rhetoric and discriminatory legislation against gay Americans." According to HRC's David Smith, "Politicians who once thought they benefited from attacking gays may be in for a rude awakening in November. America has drawn the line in the sand." He goes on to say, "job discrimination and singling out one group of Americans is morally and politically unacceptable." The poll showed 75% of Americans believe job discrimination against gay people should be illegal. It's plain to see that a majority of the people don't understand the political right wing's obsession with gays and lesbiansCor the President's personal life, for that matterCand are ready for Congress to move on to more important matters. O n a lighter note, the Blue Moon will celebrate its 18th anniversary with a party on Sunday, August 23, from 9:00 p.m. until closing. Also, watch for details about Cloud 9's pre-SUNDANCE party, Sunday, August 30. These last few weeks of the summer are the bestCthe water's warm, the weather beautiful, new friendships abound, and magic is in the airCenjoy every minute of it! |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 11, August 14, 1998. |