Editorial

Kelly R Piercy, Editor

There seems to be a nature to the struggle against the registry.

The struggle seems to be factionalist and fractionate. Over the past year of my involvement as an activist in this struggle I have witnessed more 'friendly fire' incidents than effective opposition. More energy has been wasted on internal conflict than has been expended in efforts to educate and illuminate.

Over the past months I have watched in amazement as various individuals and organizations have maliciously attacked other individuals and organization in what can only be seen as self aggrandizement.

I do not understand the need to feed personal ego when the claimed goal is to end the registry for all and replace it with a scheme that is more effective in preventing the heinous crimes that have led to the registry and respect the rights of the individuals blanketed by the over-reaching registry schemes.

Unless and until this internal judgment and hatred ends, the supporters of the registry have a free hand to enact even more restrictive laws. Congress and state legislatures are gearing up for a new session and many states are looking at schemes to come in compliance with the AWA as Oprah and Walsh mount major letter writing campaigns to push Congress to fund the act.

What have we been doing? Certainly not writing or contacting Congress. Why, might it be because those who join us are put off by the flood of attacks that come directly and from innuendo among us? Might it be because from every corner comes an issue that has nothing to do with ending the registry and boils down in to meaningless discussion of what should be a crime and what should not be a crime? Could it be that the agenda is so un-prioritized that the original focus to end the registry is lost among the Romeo and Juliet and Age of Consent arguments? Could it be that there are too many who want to be chiefs and no one who is willing to be a warrior?

I really have no idea what the issue is. I know that as long as we continue to accuse each other and make public remarks meant to defame each other we will have no credibility.

A few weeks ago I circulated this to some friends as an inside joke. Now, I see the sad truth of it. This is how we are seen by those we are trying to bring to the table for open, honest discussion.

If your agenda is yourself or your loved one, I encourage you fight. If your fight is not for the whole, I encourage you to continue alone. If you have a difference with someone, I encourage you to have open and honest discussions with that individual, not public debates. If you disagree with an organization and wish to not struggle with them, dissociate quietly. If you have a position based in fact, state it, if your position is based in the myths, lies, and misrepresentation of the opposition, I encourage you to verify your facts before you defame supposed alliaes.

Most of all, if it is your desire to see the registry continue and become even worse, I encourage you to continue feeding your ego with hatred and let it consume you.