My problem with Kerry (maybe it is personal)

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When I was in high school, I had a friend named Greg. He was on the football team and I helped him with his work to keep him eligible. When he was around just me he was a great person. He treated me with kindness and respect. I know he also was the reason that most jocks went from beating the crap out of me to just calling me the occasional name. But he never publicly stood up for me. He never told the name callers that they were wrong and that I was a good person.

In college I had a friend named Mark. He grew up with somewhat intolerant parents. Shortly after I told him I was gay I went with him to his parent's house. His parents were discussing something to do with AIDS. I can't remember exactly what they said but it wasn't nice. He floored me by calling his parents out and saying they should be ashamed of themselves.

The first friend reminds me a lot of John Kerry, the second Howard Dean. Kerry says the right things and has many correct votes. He also comes from a state that is very pro gay. He simply hasn't touted that record in less friendly places. He treats us with kindness and respect and good votes but when he gets around the cool kids in Iowa and NH he doesn't stick up for us. Dean also treats us with kindness and respect but he stood up for us to the name callers of his state and several others.

The fact is I like the person who demands the treatment Mark gave me much better than the person who accepted the treatment Greg gave me. I didn't have much pride then I do now. People like Mark played a roll in that.

I will vote for Kerry if I end up having to, but I won't feel the pride I would voting for Dean. Maybe that is my problem.