tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post2465952523297968667..comments2023-12-14T13:49:25.768-08:00Comments on This Gay Relationship: On the Tenth Anniversary of Aaron Webster's MurderRick Modienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02157314737543591048noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-67021466797097153502012-01-24T17:12:47.202-08:002012-01-24T17:12:47.202-08:00Many thanks, Will, not only for your comment, but ...Many thanks, Will, not only for your comment, but also for taking the trouble to send it again, giving me the opportunity to share it with my readers. I appreciate your interest in what I have to say, and I really appreciate your letter in "Xtra!", which was the inspiration for this post and another that follows it. <br /><br />Thanks also for having the courage to write what no doubt many of us in the community believe to be true. Aaron Webster's beating death was awful and a tragedy, but he is neither a role model nor a hero. We have other people we can look up to far more than him. <br /><br />Thanks again.Rick Modienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02157314737543591048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-24269121121807241442012-01-11T13:51:36.262-08:002012-01-11T13:51:36.262-08:00Namaste, on the contrary, you have not offended or...Namaste, on the contrary, you have not offended or upset me in the least with anything you wrote here. <br /><br />Like me, you recognize the tragedy that is the Aaron Webster murder, while, at the same time, acknowledging what Webster did, that led to his death, was dysfunctional. That's the only way I can describe it. All of us need to be accepted and loved, but the vast majority of us don't seek that by trolling public parks in the middle of the night. <br /><br />What I sought to do with this piece was ask three questions:<br />1). Why do some gay men put their lives at risk by engaging in the type of conduct Aaron Webster did? <br />2). What do some gay men get from that experience that they can't get in any other way? <br />3). How do we fix this so not one more gay man feels compelled to fulfill basic human needs from complete strangers through illicit acts? <br /><br />Your comment is heartfelt, honest, and appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read what I wrote and to respond to it.Rick Modienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02157314737543591048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-82304698786640094072012-01-11T06:45:09.208-08:002012-01-11T06:45:09.208-08:00I have just come across this sad testament to huma...I have just come across this sad testament to humanity in my introductory sociology course. I am continually appalled at what we, as sentient beings, are capable of. I thought to search out further information on the web and found your site. <br /><br />I'm glad I did because my very first reaction was disgust that people go seeking to harm others based on their own fear and lack of understanding. I am heterosexual but have a very close friend who is like a brother to me and whom all five of my children call Uncle, who is gay. I cannot imagine what I would feel if my friend was harmed in this way.<br /> <br />What I am glad to see is your post about the way in which some gay men seek out sex or search for 'companionship' in parks such as Stanley Park. You make a relevant point that is true for everyone, not just gays, about the way in which we seek, ultimately, love and acceptance. I know that being gay presents huge obstacles regarding every aspect of being able to just be who you are within a largely heterosexual world that I cannot begin to understand. <br /><br />I hope I haven't said anything to offend anyone. Just wanting to say that this is a refreshing article. Compassion with a good reality check. I like it! Namaste.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-43835469798998857012011-12-10T15:59:50.313-08:002011-12-10T15:59:50.313-08:00Thanks, JustAMike. I appreciate your interest in,...Thanks, JustAMike. I appreciate your interest in, and support of, what I have to say.Rick Modienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02157314737543591048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6834596026525717264.post-66595129278673016932011-12-10T15:35:30.486-08:002011-12-10T15:35:30.486-08:00I agree. Very well stated.I agree. Very well stated.JustAMikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02304812477710391158noreply@blogger.com