DOMA and Prop 8. Both History.

[shoju]

I had this whole long crazy thing posted out where I systematically pointed out the flaws in your logic Eppie, but then But then while I was previewing it, I realized that Hammers beat me to the punch. I just have a few things I want to touch base with, and then I'm done with the detour.

and yes I am prejudiced against musicians

But I don't respect the players. Why would I? They have the best job in the world, playing a game and making loads of money

Don't forget that the level of self-centeredness among artists is much higher than that in the normal society.

Comments like these, insult, debase, and attempt to belittle the personal fibre of people like me, my friends, and my children. Athletes, Artists, anyone who has a passion that in the end could possibly lead to a life in the lap of luxury.

You seem to have this idea that we only have these passions because of the end result. I've never been featured in a noteworthy magazine. My art has never been showcased in a major gallery. My written works have never even seen the light of day to be published.

My son isn't a top notch D1 College Prospect for baseball. he isn't going to get drafted straight out of high school. He plays for the love of the game. He actually ships out to boot camp shortly after graduation. Pro ball is not his future.

Sure, we talk about "how awesome" or "how cool" it would be if we did make it to the pinnacle of our passions. That's dreaming. Led on by the old adage "If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life".

But I still love art. I still love to write music, and stories, and create visual art. My son still plays as hard as he can every time he touches a ball field. Because the passion is what drives you. Without it, you end up a shell of your former self, going through the motions without the passion.

I can respect someone like Bieber, because I recognize the talent that it takes to reach the pinnacle of popular music. I don't respect his behavior. I don't respect his attitude. I don't respect that he's a spokesman for PETA.

But I respect his talent. I respect the work and dedication that he put in to get where he is.

Looking down our noses at people, and being venemous towards them because our society created something out of their art, and raised them on a pedestal is ridiculous. Just like being predjucided against musicians, or making broad assumptions about the level of self centeredness found in a group of people, based on wildly asinine, and non-provable opinions.

Especially, considering that some musicians, are the most selfless, amazing people you will ever meet. Dave Matthews, Bono (U2), Art Alexakis (Everclear), Bruno Mars, Macklemore, Chester Pennington (Linkin Park)... These names come from all genres of music, and all of them go out of their way, to give back. To give voice to a cause, to put in the extra time, and the extra miles to speak up.

Even Atheletes. Chris Kluwe, Brendon Ayenbadejo, Joe Thomas, Omar Vizquel, Kevin Durant, Albert Pujols, Teddy Bruschi, and the lists just go on and on.

Don't be envious. But don't hate them because their passion put them in a position where they are wealthy and famous. That isn't their fault. It's the society within which they live.