Theft or Ignorance?

Today is Austin's annual AIDS Walk, a fundraiser benefitting a number of AIDS service organizations in the Austin area. I think today is a good day to rant about something that has been bothering me for a while.

Back in 1991, the Red Ribbon Project was formed. The New York Visual AIDS Artist Caucus to provide a conscious raising symbol that was copyright and royalty free, thus it was not to be seen as a commercial product. The collaboration of artists behind the ribbon campaign wanted to provide a visual symbol demonstrating compassion for those living with AIDS, their caregivers and to remember those who had died. Red was chosen for it's connection to blood and passion (anger and love alike).

It was worn by Jeremy Irons at the 1991 Tony Awards. Tom Hanks wore it when he accepted the Academy Award for his role in the powerful 1993 AIDS film, "Philadelphia", as did many others at Oscars that year.

Yet lately, other organizations have stolen that symbol for their own purposes. I say stolen, because I'm angry. It may not quite be theft, but ignorance of the history of that ribbon. That saddens me more.

Both Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a more recent Anti-Drug campaign in public school systems (DARE) have taken the red ribbon as theirs.

So now, when I wear my red ribbon in memory of my friends and family member who have died of AIDS, of my friends who are (like me), living with HIV/AIDS, and the 25+ MILLION people around the globe that have died, the estimated 40+ MILLION world-wide living with it, what will others think I wear it for?

I sell AIDS Awareness designs on my Cafepress.com shops. I do not do it to make money for myself. I use the proceeds to purchase items to be donated to silent auctions for AIDS service organizations.

There are many others out there who sell out and keep the money for themselves. That angers me. Profiteering from any disease is unethical.

Today at AIDS Walk I will proudly wear my respect, love and compassion boldly on my shirt as I walk for those who no longer can. I will defend the meaning of the Red Ribbon against those who, whether out of spite or ignorance, have taken that which belongs to us.

I will not let such things silence our movement. We've been sentenced to silence long enough. I've had enough.

AIDS Awareness Designs

On Rick Perry

According to the Texas Constitution

Article 4 - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Section 13 - RESIDENCE OF GOVERNOR During the session of the Legislature the Governor shall reside where its sessions are held, and at all other times at the seat of Government, except when by act of the Legislature, he may be required or authorized to reside elsewhere.

I have read of no act of state Legislators authorizing Rick Perry to live outside of Austin city limits, therefore, Perry is breaking Constitutional law. Not surprising, since his former boss and current role model, George W. Bush also ignores Constitutional law when it's inconvenient. So, what can we, the people of Texas, do to get Rick Perry impeached. Or force him to be located in much less expensive housing (less than $9,900/month in taxpayer money) within city limits?

Obviously I find Rick Perry to be an incompetent Governor. Have since he declared his support for a very hateful marriage amendment (and his anti-abortion stance) in front of a church.

All this from a man who would probably have put Jesus on death row...