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I've been blogging here for about 9 months and so far I've defied my decision to consciously mixing my politics in with my work. I'm not quite sure why; perhaps to build up some credibility, perhaps because I've been so busy (Microsoft flex time: pick any 70 hours) Unlike nearly everyone I've ever met, I strongly believe that when there is clear injustice, it is imperative to discuss that at every opportunity, especially at work, especially where folks don't want to hear it. In November of 06, I was invited by an online magazine to write a column specifically on this topic ; but the reaction was so negative and so intense, I was cordially invited to stop talking about politics. I declined. The thread linked here does more or less capture many of the common points made on this issue. My solution was to move my politics to an oft-neglected blog and then aggregate all my blogs onto my personal portal site . Every once in a while it breaks through, as it did in the dedication of the latest edition of my book Programming C# 3.0 (5th ed) Dedications From Jesse Liberty This book is dedicated to those who come out, loud, and in your face and in the most inappropriate places. We will look back at this time and shake our heads in wonder. In 49 states, same-sex couples are denied the right to marry, though incarcerated felons are not. In 36 states, you can legally be denied housing just for being qu eer. In more than half the states, there is no law protecting LGBT children from harassment in school, and the suicide rate among qu eer teens is 400 percent higher than among straight kids. And, we are still kicking gay heroes out of the military despite the fact that the Israelis and our own NSA, CIA, and FBI are all successfully integrated. So, yes, this dedication is to those of us who are out, full-time. So, my expectation is to stay on topic here, but if the muse moves me, I'll tag the entry appropriately so you can skip it if you wish, or read it if you are interested. Thanks. -jesse PS: the Microsoft blog-editor (software, not a person) thinks qu eer is an offensive word and turns it into stars if I remove the space!. Interesting since I think it is a word of pride -- not that I don't see the problem, but it matter so much how you say it and why.
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