With today as a reference point on how the idea of coming out and owning one’s own identity is done absent the dread that it will cost you friendships, close relationships and livelihood, it took an enormous amount of courage for Barney Frank to come out in 1987 on the national level. That his peers and colleagues had his back when he did speaks clearly about the kind of man he was, that they respected him as an equal, one of their own. Remember that in 1987, the House of Representatives was not filled with the level of carnival barkers, social media wannabe influencers and spineless sycophants that characterize so much of that body today. To many of us, Barney Frank is beloved and respected for how he carried himself with dignity, courage and integrity. He represented us well, far beyond the boundaries of his congressional district, and we were fortunate to have him among us.
He was my congressional rep when I lived in Massachusetts. He used to respond to my letters with "I share your outrage." When I met the linguist and author of "Don't Think of an Elephant," George Lakoff, he told me Barney Frank's older sister was his babysitter. They both grew up in Bayonne NJ.
In my opinion, the New York Times has always been overrated. While having had lots of good and great articles, it always appeared to be holier than thou. I've never liked it much, but much preferred the Katherine Graham Washington Post. Alas, no more, which we know must be said about all the billiomaire and "legacy" media.
So sad about the death of WAPO. NYT is the last standing and it is wobbly at best but as far as I am concerned the only go to source. Boston globe is good, as well.
May his memory be a blessing and an inspiration.
With today as a reference point on how the idea of coming out and owning one’s own identity is done absent the dread that it will cost you friendships, close relationships and livelihood, it took an enormous amount of courage for Barney Frank to come out in 1987 on the national level. That his peers and colleagues had his back when he did speaks clearly about the kind of man he was, that they respected him as an equal, one of their own. Remember that in 1987, the House of Representatives was not filled with the level of carnival barkers, social media wannabe influencers and spineless sycophants that characterize so much of that body today. To many of us, Barney Frank is beloved and respected for how he carried himself with dignity, courage and integrity. He represented us well, far beyond the boundaries of his congressional district, and we were fortunate to have him among us.
A lovely story. Thank you.
Thank you for a very touching story and background on Barney Frank and perceptions at that time.
He was my congressional rep when I lived in Massachusetts. He used to respond to my letters with "I share your outrage." When I met the linguist and author of "Don't Think of an Elephant," George Lakoff, he told me Barney Frank's older sister was his babysitter. They both grew up in Bayonne NJ.
In my opinion, the New York Times has always been overrated. While having had lots of good and great articles, it always appeared to be holier than thou. I've never liked it much, but much preferred the Katherine Graham Washington Post. Alas, no more, which we know must be said about all the billiomaire and "legacy" media.
So sad about the death of WAPO. NYT is the last standing and it is wobbly at best but as far as I am concerned the only go to source. Boston globe is good, as well.
At least he’s not a child rapist.