MILK

My daughter and I took in MILK last night starring the inimitable Sean Penn.

I will let viewers make the call on another Oscar for Penn, but I include this concise movie review for a reason in my mental imagery journal.

The movie, based on the life and political times of Harvey Milk, culminated with the fight to win Proposition 6 on the California ballot in 1978.

It was a very early victory for those who screamed for GAY RIGHTS NOW in cities across America.

Then, as well as now, the critics were those who believed that gay rights were in direct opposition to the virtues of the American family.

Now fast forward to 2008 and the recent battle and defeat for Proposition 8.

You might be surprised to note that many of the same specious arguments made in 1978 came back to haunt those who fought for Proposition Eight last month.

Have we learned anything in 30 years?

Perhaps not.

The timing of the release of the movie also brings up a question.

Why was the movie released a month after the election and not before?

Were their factors that we don't know about which makes this movie more an after thought rather than a rallying point for the fight just lost?

MILK is a history lesson we all should see.

It gives Americans a snapshot of our recent past, an examination of the growth or lack of growth we have made in three decades and raises sound questions as to our future.

On January 20, we will inaugurate or 44th President of the United States.

It will be on the day after the birthday of Martin Luther King.

143 years after the end of the Civil War, our nation will look to an African American as the leader of our nation.

Gay rights have come a long way in 30 years.

Obviously, there is a long way to go.

Let's hope America doesn't take another 100 plus years to recognize the rights of all its citizens.

Take in some MILK this month.

See how it makes you feel inside.