Is it really about the guns? Are people really pissed about the possibility of new gun laws in our country – or are they pissed that it’s a black man standing up and saying we need to get real about gun laws and regulations, and background checks.

I only ask this question because of what I witnessed on Friday while shopping for a few groceries. I grocery shop at our local Marine Base Commissary, so all of the patrons are active duty, retired or National Guard service members.

Why are people so hateful? This isn’t a rhetorical question. I’m seriously asking. Why are people so filled with hate and anger?

In the United States of America, there are millions of people who hate millions of other people based on the color of their skin, or their religion, or their politics or their gender. We hate people because they like guns, because they eat meat, and here in San Diego we hate people because they like the Oakland Raiders.

How can we hate people we don’t even know?

2012 brought some historic changes within the gay community. Those of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) are feeling a little more like “Americans” as our God-given rights - which are guaranteed us by the U.S. Constitution – are slowly but surely given back to us.

Still – the media loves those who hate us and will print or air just about any hate-filled rhetoric that will boost their bottom line and keep the haters hating.

So this is Christmas
And what have you done

The words to this John Lennon song, "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)," have kept repeating over and over in my head the past few weeks. I just keep thinking: “And just what have I done?”

I’m not a big fan of the holiday season. I’m not a cynic. I just find it all overwhelming. I find buying presents for people because I have to and not because I want to, irritating. Spending time with family can be quite joyful, but it can also be stressful and wrought with emotions – good and bad.