Why So Much Hate?

A string of hate crimes the past few months, including eight kids being arrested in the Bronx for assaulting and kidnapping three gay men, has culminated in the Republican Governor candidate of New York State attempting to take his homophobic beliefs to public office.  The candidate, Carl Paladino, was quoted as saying he vowed to "oppose the Homosexual agenda" in his speech to a group of Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn.  This rhetoric, especially coming after the hate crimes, is really unfortunate and a step back in progress for humanity, in my opinion.  I am curious as to what actual agenda Paladino believes Homosexuals are pushing?  From what I see, and experienced from gay friends, they have no agenda except wanting the same rights as everyone else has enjoyed in America.  Is that even an agenda?  If it's considered an agenda it shouldn't be.

This brings me to the question of these hate crimes.  Should we be surprised?  Unfortunately, no.  I pity those who have committed hate crimes against homosexuals, for the reason that they are only followers mimicking their leaders.  When the Government of the Country considers Homosexuals to be second-class citizens (don't ask don't tell, no right to marriage in many states), you can't expect the citizens of this country to act any different. Surely if these rights were restricted to any racial, ethnic, or religious group it would be an atrocity. How are homosexuals any different?  The change I see as needed has to start from the top. These hate crimes are only a microcosm of a lot of Government leaders that are still very homophobic.  You can't expect the people to have tolerance and understanding when their leaders set such a horrible example. 

This leads me to Carl Paladino.  His remarks about gays should not be tolerated by anybody, especially somebody running for political office.  If he openly came out and spoke about any other group of people the way he did about Homosexuals(except maybe Muslims), he probably would have been forced to withdraw from his candidacy.  I personally think a push should be made for him to resign, having a person with this much hate representing the State of New York scares me.  All that is needed is more impressionable, bottom feeders to feel their hate towards another human being is justified.  I hope the citizens of this state take note and vote against him.  To vote for somebody that has feelings this harsh towards other human beings, is only a step backwards for humanity at a time when we desperately need to move forward.