Dear Editor:
My heart is heavy with sorrow about the recent epidemic of teen suicides over their sexual orientation. These victims add to the toll of a long, tragic record of loss. These people were bullied—and bullies are motivated by hate, ignorance and fear. The victims had inherent dignity and human worth and needed kindness, understanding and support. But, they lost hope. As Harvey Milk said, “You gotta give ‘em hope!” That’s why getting help when you need it is important. That’s why the “It Gets Better” campaign is important. That’s why wearing purple on October 20th, “Spirit Day,” was so important at AACC, and I am grateful to everyone who raised awareness to this purpose. And being an ally to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning (GLBTQ) people remains important every day of the year. This is one more reason why safe zones are important. I am proud of the leaders of the Lambda Pride Alliance who are constructively responding to this social injustice. Lambda Members encouraged everyone to wear purple on October 20th to show support for GLBTQ people and to oppose bigotry and bullying. Soon, Lambda Pride Alliance will start hosting “Drop In/Come Out” peer-based meetings for people seeking resources and support while wrestling with tough questions about their sexuality. Also, I am aware that counseling is available through Careers, Advising and Retention Services for all students who need help.
AACC is a special community, and we are lucky that there are many compassionate, supportive hands reaching out to GLBTQ people. If someone is considering suicide, or is depressed, or is coming out and feels isolated and alone, I would urge him or her to take hold of one of those hands and get help. There is hope. It does get better. Stick around. Respect yourself. Be proud. Be successful. If someone bullies you for being who you are as a GLBTQ person—or for any other reason—report it. And remember that living well is the best revenge.
Sincerely,
Tony Teano
Advisor, Lambda Pride Alliance
AACC is a special community, and we are lucky that there are many compassionate, supportive hands reaching out to GLBTQ people. If someone is considering suicide, or is depressed, or is coming out and feels isolated and alone, I would urge him or her to take hold of one of those hands and get help. There is hope. It does get better. Stick around. Respect yourself. Be proud. Be successful. If someone bullies you for being who you are as a GLBTQ person—or for any other reason—report it. And remember that living well is the best revenge.
Sincerely,
Tony Teano
Advisor, Lambda Pride Alliance
Editorial
Question A, for those who haven’t heard, is a ballot initiative to build a video slots facility – a casino – next to Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover. Controversial for many reasons, it’s become subject to heated debate, especially in recent months.
On Tuesday Nov. 2, Anne Arundel County residents will have the opportunity to vote for or against Question A.
According to Todd Lamb, campaign manager for Jobs and Revenue for Anne Arundel County, 67 percent of the money earned at the Arundel Mills casino would go to the state. Of that amount, an estimated $400 million would fund Anne Arundel County schools. The remaining money would be split between the horse racing industry and public servants, such as county police and firefighters.
Members of the opposing campaign coalition, No Slots at the Mall, take another view.
According to Rob Annicelli, one of the heads of the coalition, this money would be in the form of a local impact grant, so the 67 percent that will supposedly go to the state, could be used only in immediate proximity to the casino. Additionally, Arundel Mills Mall is located less than a mile from some residential areas, and only a few miles from others. No Slots supporters generally agree this will invite crime into the area and make streets less safe for children and families.
As someone who’s lost family members’ presence in her life to gambling addiction, I’m the last to encourage irresponsible gambling. And I’m not one to write off a casino as totally harmless, much less a family-friendly atmosphere. But after examining the facts, I started to see this less as a moral issue, and more as a practical one.
If the estimates are accurate, and Anne Arundel County could bring in $400 million for our schools, as well as an estimated $30 million for firefighters and police officers. Can the county afford to forgo this?
Even if that revenue can be used only in immediate proximity to the casino, is nothing at all really better? Some No Slots supporters will insist that Laurel Racetrack is a more appropriate location for a video slots facility; but, as Lamb pointed out to me, there are three times more people in the residential areas surrounding Laurel Racetrack than there are surrounding Arundel Mills Mall.
Another thing: Due to zoning constraints, the location near the mall is the only one that has been approved for a casino. In order for the casino to be built elsewhere, an entirely new zoning law must be passed.
The arguments against allowing slots near Arundel Mills Mall, (traffic, hazardous atmosphere), are arguments against any casino location. Anne Arundel County is being offered a business that will give two-thirds of its revenue to county schools and public servants.
No Slots supporters undoubtedly have the best of intentions, but turning up our noses at this in a time of economic recession is ill advised.
– Brianna Beach
On Tuesday Nov. 2, Anne Arundel County residents will have the opportunity to vote for or against Question A.
According to Todd Lamb, campaign manager for Jobs and Revenue for Anne Arundel County, 67 percent of the money earned at the Arundel Mills casino would go to the state. Of that amount, an estimated $400 million would fund Anne Arundel County schools. The remaining money would be split between the horse racing industry and public servants, such as county police and firefighters.
Members of the opposing campaign coalition, No Slots at the Mall, take another view.
According to Rob Annicelli, one of the heads of the coalition, this money would be in the form of a local impact grant, so the 67 percent that will supposedly go to the state, could be used only in immediate proximity to the casino. Additionally, Arundel Mills Mall is located less than a mile from some residential areas, and only a few miles from others. No Slots supporters generally agree this will invite crime into the area and make streets less safe for children and families.
As someone who’s lost family members’ presence in her life to gambling addiction, I’m the last to encourage irresponsible gambling. And I’m not one to write off a casino as totally harmless, much less a family-friendly atmosphere. But after examining the facts, I started to see this less as a moral issue, and more as a practical one.
If the estimates are accurate, and Anne Arundel County could bring in $400 million for our schools, as well as an estimated $30 million for firefighters and police officers. Can the county afford to forgo this?
Even if that revenue can be used only in immediate proximity to the casino, is nothing at all really better? Some No Slots supporters will insist that Laurel Racetrack is a more appropriate location for a video slots facility; but, as Lamb pointed out to me, there are three times more people in the residential areas surrounding Laurel Racetrack than there are surrounding Arundel Mills Mall.
Another thing: Due to zoning constraints, the location near the mall is the only one that has been approved for a casino. In order for the casino to be built elsewhere, an entirely new zoning law must be passed.
The arguments against allowing slots near Arundel Mills Mall, (traffic, hazardous atmosphere), are arguments against any casino location. Anne Arundel County is being offered a business that will give two-thirds of its revenue to county schools and public servants.
No Slots supporters undoubtedly have the best of intentions, but turning up our noses at this in a time of economic recession is ill advised.
– Brianna Beach
The Campus Current
Humanities 206
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012
Humanities 206
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012
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